Denise couldn’t find Craig anywhere. It was as if he had never existed in this world. Even the address on the business card he gave her led to nowhere. Even someone as naive as Denise realized she had been duped. From the very beginning, Craig had approached her with ulterior motives. He used his charm to gain her trust and sweetened the deal to reel her in. It was laughable how Denise had believed Craig and had countless sex with a con artist. She had risked everything she had for him. She even dreamed of a lifelong commitment with someone like him.How ridiculous she was!As the year drew to a close, the bank began to pressure Denise for repayment. She tried to negotiate, but her reputation meant little against the new bank president, who was incorruptible and abstained from all temptations. With no other options left, Denise reluctantly sought help from Keaton.Since Keaton's main company was not based in the country, he didn't have a fixed office in Brookesville, making it
Denise collapsed on the bathroom tiles, tears streaming down her face. She had thought about suicide, but she was afraid of the pain. She thought of Craig, wondering if maybe he didn’t mean it. However, she cursed under her breath after calling his phone a dozen times and still finding it turned off.“Craig, that bastard. All men are scum.”...Denise had drunk too much. She burned the copy of the guarantee agreement with tear-filled eyes. As she wept, she looked into the void and said, “I misjudged you, Craig. Rot in hell.”Denise covered her face and sobbed uncontrollably, tears spilling from between her fingers. Then, she thought about going to find Keaton.Denise put on her finest clothes and used what little money she had left to take a cab to Keaton’s house. However, the security guards and the servants stopped her, telling her that he didn’t welcome her and that the Bright family had no place for someone like her.Denise couldn't bear the blow. She gripped the black, car
Blood pooled around Denise, staining the dark and iron tracks. Denise’s body was still warm, but her gaze was slowly fading. A few scattered snowflakes landed on her long eyelashes, and she felt so icy, so cold. Denise could no longer see Keaton, even though he was just a breath away. She had chased after him her entire life, even marrying a man she didn’t love just to be a little closer to him. However, Keaton had left her no way out at all in the end.Craig and Keaton. How foolish she had been. She had actually gone to seek out Craig, and she had dared to fantasize about Keaton wanting her back. However, Keaton wouldn’t want her back. He would rather see her dead.Voices began to emerge in the distance, along with the sound of an ambulance. However, she would not wait any longer. In the final moments of her life, Denise experienced a vision. She saw Callan walking toward her in the white suit he wore on their wedding day. His face still bore that gentle and refined smi
Bright Villa was lively and bustling during the New Year. Keaton’s parents were also spending it in Brookesville, planning to return to their hometown after the wedding of Keaton and Yanni. They were also together with Ella to celebrate a warm New Year together. Gustavo and Susan had seen the news and were aware that Denise died. She even offered a silent prayer to her. However, Gustavo and her didn’t ask about it when Keaton returned. They simply assumed it was heaven's way of taking Denise away.They didn’t bring up Denise during the reunion dinner, fearing Ella might find out. As night fell, the little girl suddenly asked about Denise, wondering how she would celebrate the New Year. Susan looked at Ella and couldn't respond. Then, Yanni came over and hugged the little girl, telling her, "She went abroad! They don’t celebrate the New Year there. They celebrate their own holidays." Ella nodded and didn’t ask any more questions. Yanni thought to herself that Keaton might tell
In his hazy state, Gael seemed to hear Yanni calling him. “Wake up, Gael. I’ll go to the bathroom and get you a warm towel. It’ll feel better after you wipe your face.“Why are you so happy? You’ve never been this joyful even when the company is profitable. Are you this happy about marrying me, Gael?”…Gael frowned tightly. It turned out to be their wedding night when Yanni had been so gentle, affectionate, and attentive to him. Now, however, her tenderness and care were given to another man—Keaton. “Yanni… Yanni…” The night wind howled as Gael downed another glass of the strongest liquor. He leaned heavily against the car, needing all his strength to hold himself up and prevent collapsing helplessly onto the ground. Gael's phone in the coat pocket kept ringing. Emilia was calling him, but he had no intention of answering. Tonight was New Year’s Eve, and she was probably trying to mend their relationship. However, Gael didn’t want that. Once, he had regarded Emilia
Carter could only imagine how much Gael hated Emilia, and he felt the same resentment. A wisp of pale blue smoke was scattered by the night wind. Carter glanced at Gael, who looked distinguished, with deep-set eyes, and softly pleaded, “Emilia drove out an hour ago. Ansley is still at the villa. It’s New Year’s Eve, and now it’s the first day of the New Year."I just want to see my daughter, Mr. Gael. I won’t stay long, just a quick look.” As he spoke, Carter's eyes reddened.Carter cautiously pulled out a plush toy from his jacket, and Gael recognized the brand. Yanni had bought one before, and even an eight-inch one cost over 200 dollars. For someone like Carter, who was financially strapped, this toy represented all his paternal love. Gael didn't dwell on the fact that Emilia was fooling around with other men. In truth, he didn't care. All he wanted was to get Emilia behind bars, and that all depended on Carter. Gael finished his cigarette, and his expression remained
Gael stayed up all night on New Year's Eve. He kept watch over Ansley. When the little girl woke up on New Year's Day, the first thing she saw was a fluffy teddy bear beside her pillow. It was her favorite toy, which she had mentioned to her dad several times. Ansley picked it up and hugged it tightly. She was unwilling to let go. Her dad had been there. After a while, she noticed Gael sitting by the bed. His eyes were reddened as if he hadn't slept all night. On top of that, his hair was messy, making him look disheveled and exhausted. Ansley held her beloved toy and called out softly, "Uncle Gael." Ansley felt deeply sorry for him. After all, it was Gael who had covered her surgery expenses, and it was his place she was living in now. Even so, she still wanted to be with her dad.Gael's voice was slightly hoarse as he responded, "Yeah."Gael looked at Ansley's teary eyes. After thinking for a moment, he pulled out a bank card from his pocket and placed it in her small h
Maisy the servant responded eagerly from downstairs. Once Emilia had walked away, however, she muttered under her breath, “Scalded her tongue... My ass. She's out there fooling around all day long, and yet she doesn't know how to cover her tracks afterward. "Emilia acts like she's worried people won’t find out she’s sneaking around with men.” A nearby maid who was busy cleaning chuckled in response.Maisy leaned in and whispered to her, “Don’t be fooled by how smug she is now. Her days are numbered. Sooner or later, Mr. Gael will throw her aside. With that said, Mr. Gael truly loves Ansley.” The maid nodded repeatedly in agreement. Everyone understood it perfectly. Everyone, except Emilia.…In the master bedroom, Emilia sat at the vanity. She was wrapped in a snow-white bathrobe. Her body was soft and fragrant as she applied the most expensive skincare products. Nearby, a small gilded cart held a bowl of freshly made herbal soup. It was still emitting steam. After Emilia