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"I never thought you would trap me, taking advantage of me to have a child." Henry humiliated Regina in public with insults that put her in a difficult situation. He also forced her into a contract marriage, dragging her into even more trouble. For the sake of that child, she is willing to endure it all. Little does Regina know, the child who has been her light all this time is hiding something unexpected.
""This decision is unacceptable!" yelled a lady's voice loudly in the meeting hall. Regina, a beautiful lady with dark eyes, didn't agree with the unfair decision against her.
She couldn't believe she lost to her rival company. She didn't want them to pick the company led by someone she hated to win the hotel project. Regina felt cheated. ""CEO Kim, didn't you consider that Grace Company's offer was better than Jian Company's? Why did you choose CEO Jian instead? Wasn't our agreement from the beginning?"
"Questioning a client's decision is highly unprofessional, Miss Tan." The man, Henry Miller Jian, responded sharply. He exuded authority with his immaculate appearance-neatly styled soft black hair, a handsome face with a firm jawline, fair skin, thick eyebrows, and sharp almond-shaped brown eyes. His demeanor exuded superiority, and a smirk played at the corners of his lips. " "However, understandable. You're new to the business world."
Regina glared at him, her eyes sharp and brimming with loathing. Her slender, graceful hand clenched into a tight fist. "Calm down! "Stay calm! I can't let this guy see me lose it. I won't give him the satisfaction of getting under my skin."
Regina's fists trembled with suppressed rage. She bit her lip, struggling to find the right words, but her anger choked her voice. Reluctantly, she conceded defeat to her rival. With a heavy heart, Regina turned on her heel and walked away, her steps echoing through the hall. As she passed by, she felt the weight of judgmental stares and heard the whispers of mockery, turning her into a target of scorn.
"Right from the start, it's been clear Mr. Jian's gonna win. And let's face it, no company would give this gig to a woman. It's easier to take the L from Mr. Jian than from a woman like the Grace-Tan Family's daughter."
Regina briefly glanced at the man who ridiculed her. She clenched her teeth tightly, suppressing her anger like a volcano on the verge of eruption. It wasn't the first time she'd been compared to Henry. Despite the influential status of both the Grace-Tan and Jian families in the investment industry, Henry's consistent dominance over her led to Regina being looked down upon. Regina's hatred for Henry intensified, fueled by his constant superiority. It simmered within her, a growing ember of resentment.
"CEO Tan, are you going without extending your congratulations?" Henry stepped in front of Regina, blocking her way. His smile, once again, irritated her to no end.
"Congratulations to you, CEO Jian, for your victory achieved through deceit," Regina said with a fake smile.
"Deceit? I understand you may harbor feelings of jealousy, but accusing me of deceit amounts to slander." Henry spoke sharply.
"If not deceit, then what? You weren't initially considered for this project, yet suddenly you emerge victorious in the tender process. Considering your existing portfolio of significant projects, why pursue this one?"
"Certainly, it's insufficient until I secure the significant project you covet and witness the expression of defeat upon your countenance." Henry flashed a smile.
"Is it truly gratifying to take it away from me?" Regina fought to contain her anger.
"Yes, immensely gratifying. Witnessing your defeat brings me joy. Aren't you accustomed to losing to me? Whether in the past or present, being subordinate to me is the rightful place for a woman." Henry's voice grew louder, prompting those around to laugh mockingly at Regina.
"Henry Miller Jian, you may take pride in this victory for now, but rest assured, there will come a time when you cannot hold your head high due to shame," Regina declared with sharpness in her voice.
Henry laughed instead. ""I'll wait for you to embarrass me,"
Regina clenched her hands tightly. She wanted to punch that arrogant face, but she had to maintain her image. She had no choice but to turn and leave, putting an end to it all.
Out of nowhere, Henry tossed something that struck Regina's back. She spun around and spotted an invitation lying on the floor. "You want this, right? I got it for you," he said.
"Why are you giving it to me? What are you planning?" Regina looked at him suspiciously.
Henry took it and placed it in Regina's palm. "Just accept it. No need to ask too much. Who knows, you might want to repay me." Henry quickly left the room. Regina stared at the invitation for quite some time.
***
Regina, dressed in a dark blue evening gown that showcased her beautiful shoulders, arrived at the party alone. Unconsciously, her gaze fell on Henry.
Regina immediately turned away. "Why do I gotta run into him again? Bet he's gonna make fun of me." Nothing good happened whenever they met. Regina wanted to avoid trouble. It's better to go as far away as possible.
Just as she was about to leave, a boy inadvertently caught her attention. He looked familiar. Regina's eyes kept following him. The kid stood in front of Henry, who was by himself. "Daddy!"
From a distance, Regina watched the man's face closely. It was clear that his typically steady gaze faltered, indicating surprise. Without thinking, she found herself walking towards the group of people surrounding Henry.
"Who are you calling daddy? I don't have a child!" Henry said firmly, his expression turning cold again.
"Daddy, I'm Kevin Chares Jian, don't you know me? I'm really your son. And I have your last name too!" The kid kept trying. He looked at Henry with hopeful eyes, full of innocence.
"Am I the only one who has the Jian family name? Look for another Jian!" Henry responded flatly.
Regina felt pity for the child. She quickly said something that made everyone look at her. "CEO Jian, is it so difficult to acknowledge your illegitimate child in front of everyone? Look, the child looks so much like you, yet you still want to deny it?"
Henry stared at the woman standing among the crowd of guests, with a sharp gaze. His face flushed with anger, "Regina Grace Tan! This is your doing, isn't it?" he said sharply. "Is this what you said back then to get back at me? Just because you lost."
Regina couldn't accept it, "What? I'm not that low. You're just using me to cover up your sins. You're the one who has a child, why vent it out on me?"
The boy suddenly said something shocking after staring at Regina for so long. "Mom, don't be mad at Dad!"
The word 'Mom' caught everyone's attention. They were more surprised by what the boy said next.
The boy who claimed to be Kevin ran and held Regina's hand. "Mom, let's go home together." His clear round eyes looked at her gently, a gaze unfamiliar to Regina.
It took only a second for a person's world to come crashing down. This was what happened in Hannah's case. For four years, she gave her husband her all, but one day, he said emotionlessly, "Let's get divorced." Hannah's heart broke into a million pieces as she signed the divorce papers, marking the end of her role as a devoted wife. Within Hannah, a strong woman awakened, vowing never to be beholden to any man again. Embracing her new life, she embarked on a journey to find herself and command her own destiny. By the time she returned, she had experienced so much growth and was now completely different from the docile wife everyone once knew. "Is this your latest trick to get my attention?" Hannah's ever-so-arrogant husband asked. Before she could retort, a handsome and domineering CEO pulled her into his embrace. He smiled down at her and said boldly to her ex, "Just a little heads-up, mister. This is my beloved wife. Keep off!"
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Maria took her sister’s place and was engaged to Anthony, a disabled man who had lost his status as the family heir. At first, they were just a nominal couple. However, things changed when things about Maria were gradually exposed. It turned out she was a professional hacker, a mysterious composer, and the sole successor to an international jade sculpting master… The more that was revealed about her, the less Anthony could rest easy. A famous singer, an award-winning actor, an heir of a rich family—so many excellent men were chasing after his fiancee, Maria. What should Anthony do?
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
What happens when a hook-up gets complicated by a baby? Can she hide the secret from him? Or will he show her how possessive he can be when he learns she's carrying his child? "Seven years ago, I had a one-night stand with my brother's best friend, who also happened to be my lifelong crush. The next day, he vanished leaving me pregnant. Now, I am a single mom raising our son in the same small town. Recently, he returned to attend my brother's wedding and the truth about our son was finally revealed. As he reclaims his place in our lives, the sparks between us reignite. However, danger from his past threatens to shatter our newfound connection. I am torn between my love for him and my fear of getting hurt again, especially now that I have two hearts to protect - our son's and my own."
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?