Dressed in a golden-colored gown, Elice looked exceptionally elegant that evening. She was beautiful and clearly able to captivate all eyes that looked at her, especially when it was Garrett looking at her.
A step was taken when the engagement event between Elice and Garrett took place that night. It was held in one of the most prestigious hotels in Ashford City. In a luxurious and classy concept, The Arka certainly did not disappoint the trust of the Morales family.
Two rings were placed on different fingers, with the same purpose: as the first bond that would unite two people.
In the focus of the lens and the camera, happiness was captured again and again. As if to make sure that this joyful moment would be perfectly recorded and remembered as history. Something that should not be forgotten by anyone. Because when it came to the name of the Morales heir, it became something to be remembered for all time.
"Congratulations to you both. May everything go s
Wilda couldn't contain herself. The day after the engagement party, she decided to ask Elice directly. She had to make sure that what Farrah had said that night wasn't true. That the woman was just bragging again. Just looking for a way to embarrass her. Just..."I'm sorry, Ma."Wilda fell silent. One sentence from Elice made her hopes vanish. Disappeared without a trace."W-what did you say, Elice?" Wilda asked. "So, everything Farrah said is true?"It felt like an invisible pair of hands were strangling Wilda's throat at that moment. It almost made it hard for her to breathe. Especially when she saw how Elice lowered her face, making the air seem even more reluctant to enter her lungs."Garrett and Ariel... are cousins? They're family?"Elice didn't want to admit that reality, but what could she do? It was something no one could deny."Yes, Ma," Elice finally replied. "They are cousins. They are family."Suddenly, Wilda's eye
"What did you say? Ariel took over Lostic?"Daphne couldn't believe what she heard and directed her question at Carolus. With a cup of tea in front of her, she looked at her personal assistant. She found a nod as the beginning of his answer."Yes, madam. As of today, Lostic is under the direct control of Mr. Ariel."Daphne decided to take a sip of her tea first. She needed to savor the slightly bitter and sweet taste. Then she let out a small sigh and said, "He must not be interested in managing Lostic; I know. Ariel's real goal is to sabotage Garrett."Carolus had already thought of that, which was why he hadn't delayed meeting Daphne that morning."Is there anything I should do?"Daphne shook her head after a moment's thought. "For now, nothing. Let Ariel do what he wants. But stay alert. If anything suspicious happens, you know what to do.""Alright, madam."Putting the cup of tea and its saucer back on the table, Daphne the
Ariel walked with firm and measured steps, his gaze straight ahead and his back wide. He radiated an aura of confidence as he looked at each person in the meeting room. As he took his seat, those who had been standing sat down.It was the event of the power transition in Lostic. The day when Ariel was officially introduced as the new leader, ousting Mahardika, who had been in charge for three years, in a very short span of time.This, of course, caused a stir here and there, raising doubts about the reasons for the seemingly forced change. Even when there was a specific reason, citing the company's inability to capitalize on the turmoil at a rival company, it seemed insufficient. In the end, sales were down, but the change felt very sudden. Without warning, Kurt called a shareholders' meeting, and there was Ariel.Enjoying the sensation of the CEO chair for a few seconds, Ariel scanned the room, taking in every face. At each board member and other important figu
Elice did not answer right away. Instead, she quenched her thirst."My mom informed me that they're moving today," Elice replied and closed the bottle. She turned around with a surprised look on her face. "It happened so fast. I really didn't think it would be that fast.""Garrett chuckled once. "It wasn't me. It was Nana. And it's reasonable that it's all done in a few days. Nana doesn't like her wishes to go unfulfilled. Mr. Carolus knows that for sure."Listening to this, Elice could only nod once. Unwillingly, her mind wandered to the fact that Daphne had been visiting her often lately. It was clear evidence of Daphne's displeasure when her wishes were not granted."Oh yes. Since your family is moving today, it might be a good idea for you to tell them that you no longer live in your old apartment."Elice blinked when Garrett looked at her again."I guess you haven't told them yet, have you?"The guess was correct. Of course.
If she could refuse, Elice would certainly refuse the task Hollis had assigned her. Even though in the eyes of the public she and Ariel would be bound by a family relationship due to her impending marriage to Garrett, deep in her heart Elice did not feel that way. To her, Ariel was now nothing more than a stranger.But Elice could not refuse. For there was no reason she could give. And without a reason, the refusal would certainly not be accepted."Are you sure?" Garrett's voice on the evening phone call sounded worried, mirroring what Elice was feeling right now."I'm sure," Elice replied.She took a deep breath and tried to strengthen herself. And with Garrett's voice in her ear, it became easier."What time are you going to interview Ariel? At Lostic's office?"Garrett's question made Elice suspect the reason behind his furrowed brow. A little hesitant, but the possibility sounded reasonable."You're not planning on coming, are you
Freddy helped Elice tidy up her things. At that moment the clock showed half past nine in the evening."Are you coming home with me?"Elice's car was still at the garage, and she had come with Freddy earlier, but of course not for the return trip. Someone was waiting for her somewhere else.Elice shook her head. "Thanks, but no. I can take a cab from here.""Okay. If that's the case," Freddy said as he slung his backpack over his shoulder. "Going up front? Or are you still waiting for your cab?""I'm still waiting.""Good, then I'll go ahead. I don't want to get stuck in traffic."That was exactly what Elice was hoping for. Fortunately, Freddy was not the chatty type. Eventually he left, leaving Elice alone.Without wasting any more time, Elice grabbed her work bag and walked casually, intending to meet Garrett. But the face she met at the door made her eyes widen, along with a question."You haven't gone home yet?"
"I hear that you met Elice and Garrett a few nights ago? Is it true?"On a bright Sunday morning, Ariel had just finished his weekly practice when his parents arrived at his apartment. At first, he thought that Farrah and Kurt would be returning to Crestdale soon after their conversation, but it turned out that wasn't the case. Kurt wanted to observe Ariel's performance at Lostic for a while, so they decided to stay longer.Ariel took a deep breath. With the help of a small towel hanging around his neck, he wiped off the sweat. The moisture on his face disappeared instantly."Yes."Joining his parents, Ariel sat down and opened a bottle cap. He enjoyed its contents in a few gulps.Farrah glanced at Kurt briefly before returning her gaze to her son."What were you talking about?"Farrah was obviously curious. When she first heard the news, she had waited. She thought Ariel would tell her the details of the meeting. But as it turned out
"Don't be fooled like me."That one sentence echoed in Garrett's mind. Even after days had passed since that night, Daphne's voice saying it still rang clear in his ears. As if Daphne had repeated it many times.Of course, it made Garrett curious. But when he wanted to inquire further that night, Daphne gently refused. She decided to sleep instead. As a result, Garrett was plagued by curiosity for days.And today, as his wedding approached, Garrett decided not to dwell on it. He wanted to clear his head. To prepare himself for the important day that was soon to come.A ringing phone interrupted Garrett's brief reverie. He answered the call immediately. It was from Sherly."Hello, sir. Mr. Nelson would like to see you."Garrett's eyes widened. It was unexpected news. So, before Sherly could ask for his availability, he said, "Ask him to come in. And make us some coffee. Especially for him, latte.""Alright, sir."Garrett put the