《Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law》


 Chapter 1: The Return

    Chapter 1: The Return"Is that for me?"


    Melanie Collins turned around at the sound of the baritone voice and frowned. With a look that clearly said, dream on, to the man leaning against the door, she returned to the counter to continue preparing the mango cake. She had no intention of answering the question verbally, hoping he would take the hint and leave her alone.


    She had barely started piping the icing onto the cake when she felt someone''s breath near her ear.


    "Come on, Melanie. You know I don''t like mango," the man murmured, his voice laced with amusement. "I''d rather have some melony..."


    She stiffened at his double-edged words and would have whipped around to glare at him, but he was already too close, invading her space. Turning around now would mean she''d end up brushing against him, which she refused to do.


    "Will you please step back?" she asked stiffly,


    "If you ask nicely," Adam replied, the grin was practically audible in his tone.


    "Adam," she said sharply trying to warn him off, but he only leaned in closer, clearly unfazed by her irritation.


    "Melanie," he countered, mimicking her tone. "You look so serious. Loosen up a little. You might even enjoy having me around."


    Her nostrils flared as she resisted the urge to turn around and shove him away. "I''d enjoy it more if you stayed out of my personal space."


    "That''s funny," he said, tilting his head slightly, "because your personal space seems to be the most interesting spot I''ve found since I returned."


    Melanie snorted, shifting her leg to kick back at him, but as usual, he stepped away just in time, laughing under his breath. She whirled around, glaring at him.


    "Don''t you have somewhere else to be? Somewhere that doesn''t involve stealing my mangoes?" she asked, noticing the bowl in his hand.


    He held up the stolen fruit, the grin on his face widening. "I figured I''d save you the trouble of decorating the cake with these. They''re wasted on something no one''s going to eat."


    Melanie crossed her arms, her glare sharpening. "Oh, someone will eat it. The man who loves me will eat every bite of it because I made it with love."


    Adam''s grin faltered for a fraction of a second, his sharp eyes narrowing briefly before the smirk returned, full of mocking amusement. "Love, huh? You''re quite the na?ve one. I didn''t expect that from you, Melanie. So, let me guess¡ªyou''re making this cake for the love of your life? Your dear husband? The one who married you, left you behind, and barely bothered to keep in touch over the last three years?"


    Melanie''s hands froze mid-motion, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the icing bag a little too tightly. Adam had a way of finding the cracks, the soft spots she worked so hard to hide, and aiming straight for them. The last three years had been hard¡ªlonely, even¡ªbut for some reason, whenever Adam decided to throw one of his verbal jabs, it hit differently.


    But she''d be damned if she let him see how much his words stung. She inhaled sharply , telling herself to remain calm, before turning to him with a glare that could cut steel. "My husband went abroad to study and work hard¡ªunlike someone who spent the last three years partying, drinking, and wasting time."


    Adam''s grin widened, slow and deliberate, and the glint of his lip ring caught the light as he leaned back against the counter. "Are you jealous, Melon? Is that it? How about I take you with me next time?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Melanie''s expression twisted into a grimace of pure disgust. "No, thank you. I''d rather spend that time with Spencer."


    His answer was a low mocking laugh as he walked backwards, "Your precious Spencer. Well, don''t let me stop you, Melanie. He''ll be here soon enough, won''t he? Better get on with that cake¡ªyou wouldn''t want to disappoint him."


    With one last smirk, Adam turned and strolled out of the kitchen, leaving behind the faint scent of him and a disturbed Melanie. Why did that man have to be so sarcastic?


    She closed her eyes, turning back to the cake, her movements slower but more focused now. She didn''t have time to waste on Adam and his needling. Her mind needed to stay on what mattered¡ªon Spencer, who would finally be returning home after all these years. Soon, all her troubles would come to an end, and Adam''s taunts would mean nothing.


    Three years. That was how long she''d waited for him. When Spencer had left home to pursue his dreams abroad, she''d made a promise¡ªto him and to herself¡ªthat she would take care of everything he left behind. His family, his responsibilities, even the failing business he''d been too tired to fix on his own. And now that he was coming back, she could not wait to surprise him with all that she had achieved.


    Melanie''s lips curved into a soft, bittersweet smile as the memories washed over her. The last time she''d seen him was on their wedding day. And then he''d leaned in, stealing the cream from the corner of her lips with a playful kiss. "I love the taste of mango and you."


    Soon, she reminded herself. Soon, he''d be home, and return to what he had left behind. Finally, the cake was finished. Now, all she had to do was cut another mango and add it into the heart...


    Before she could get to it, a maid came running inside, "Ma''am. Master Spencer is here."


    Without a second thought, she set the knife down and hurried out of the kitchen, her pulse quickening with every step. He was here. She drank in the sight of him. He was still just as handsome.


    But just as she was about to step forward¡ªjust as she would have leapt into his arms¡ªher steps faltered. Standing beside him, was a woman... her hand clasped in his.


    And behind them, were the mocking eyes of Adam Collins, her tormentor and her brother in law.

 Chapter 2: Broken

    Chapter 2: BrokenMelanie stood frozen, her gaze fixed on the darkening sky outside the window. The day had faded into night but she''d barely noticed. Her thoughts churned as she tried to make sense of what she had seen. She was hiding¡ªhiding from the truth Spencer had brought back with him. The truth she wasn''t ready to face. Her husband had brought back another woman with him. Someone whose hand he could not even bear to let go when he had been meeting the rest of his family. So engrossed was he in praising her, in introducing her to all the friends and family, that he had forgotten all about his wife.


    Just then, she felt it¡ªarms sliding around her waist from behind. She stiffened instantly, her body going rigid as her first instinct flared to life. Adam.


    Was he back to torment her? He even dared to walk into her room now? She tilted her head slightly, ready to lash out with words¡ªor worse¡ªbut before she could act, the grip around her tightened. "Hey," a familiar voice murmured softly against her ear. "Here you are- hiding from me?"


    Her breath hitched as she realized who it was. Spencer.


    "I thought the moment I returned, you''d come running into my arms. But instead, you chose to hide away, hmm?" He nuzzled her shoulder then, "Are you angry at me for ignoring you for so long? Is that it? But you know how busy I was and so were you. I missed you, Melanie. So much."


    For a moment, her heart wavered, the familiar comfort of his presence making her feel soft. He thought she''d been hiding. She''d sat there right opposite him all through the meal, just looking at him and he thought she was hiding? No one might have noticed that Spencer had not even asked for his wife, let alone looked at her, other than that one person.


    The image of those mocking eyes returned and she stiffened, " If you missed me so much, then why didn''t you come ask for me? The day has turned to night and only now you have the time to think of your wife? All you had to do was look away from your friend and you would have seen me."


    She felt him straighten then as he began, "Melanie..." but she didn''t let him finish.


    She turned her head just enough to glance at him, her eyes meeting his. The anger she had been holding back simmered to the surface then. Seeing him again had been overwhelming enough, but seeing him holding the hand of another woman had shaken her. And now, he had the gall to claim that she was the one who had been hiding?


    She clenched her hands as she looked into his eyes. Why did it feel nothing had changed something had? "Three years," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I waited for you. I believed in you. And you came back..." Her voice broke slightly as she swallowed down the lump in her throat. "You came back holding someone else''s hand. You cheated me."


    Melanie''s breath caught as Spencer closed the distance between them. His hands cradled her face, his lips pressing firmly against hers in a kiss that felt as sudden as it was strange. She let him kiss her for a moment, hoping that all the love she felt for him would come rushing back, but she felt frozen. She pushed him away. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Listen to me, Melanie. I can''t believe you would think I could cheat on you," he said, his voice tinged with hurt. "Mel, Mel..." The old nickname rolled off his tongue like a balm, but it only made her throat tighten. "That woman..." Spencer paused, taking a deep breath as if choosing his words carefully. "That woman is Hallie. She''s nothing more than a friend. She''s been going through a lot so I asked her to come here, and she was nervous about meeting my family. She held my hand because she needed support, not because there''s anything between us. Alright? Don''t be jealous and silly. That is just not like my Mel."


    "If I''d known you were hiding here because of that," Spencer continued, as he caressed her face, "I would have come looking for you the moment I arrived. I would have explained everything, Melanie. You have to know that."


    Melanie looked into his eyes then and suddenly felt at a loss. This was the same Spencer whom she''d dated and married. The one she''d trusted. Then why did he feel different? Here he was telling her that the other woman was only his friend but all she could do was be suspicious. Dam* it. She really wanted to believe that he was not cheating her.


    Adam was the culprit behind everything. He''d been whispering all those sarcastic comments about Spencer to her over the last few weeks and she''d thought she''d ignored them. Maybe she was not as strong as she believed then. She sighed and walked into his arms, her hands going around him as she placed her head on his shoulder, "Spencer. I missed you. Thank you for coming back to me."


    He hugged her back then and she smiled. Finally her husband was home and her wait was over. She''d been living like a widow for the last three years. She looked up at him then and leaned up to kiss him. But as their lips would have touched, Spencer turned his head away. "I am too tired, Mel Mel. Let''s sleep for now. Come on!"

 Chapter 3: Hurt

    Chapter 3: Hurt"Let''s sleep, Mel." He gave her a tired smile as he stepped back. Sleep? Sure. Her fingers grazed the side of his neck, lingering for a moment the way she used to do in the past. But instead of leaning in and kissing her palm like he did in the past, he moved away again. "I''ve had a long day, Mel. And I''m jet-lagged. Let''s just sleep tonight."


    Melanie drank deeply from her sipper as her feet pounded the jogging track. The memory from last night lingered in her head, distracting her. Her wedding night had been spent alone after sending her husband away. And the night he finally returned? Alone again. But why? Because he did not wish to talk or even do anything else.


    All those times when she''d dreamt of his return, she had thought of so many things they would do when he returned. But... nothing.


    So distracted was she by her disappointed thoughts that she didn''t notice the uneven stone in her path. Her foot caught on it, and she stumbled forward, her balance slipping entirely as she flailed¡ªuntil she collided with a solid chest.


    Strong arms caught her before she could hit the ground, holding her close. For a moment, she let herself lean into the steady grip, her hands instinctively clutching his forearms as she took a deep breath. The familiar scent washed over her, and her lips curved into a smile as his hand spread over her back to support her.


    So, he had only been pretending he didn''t want to come with her to exercise and sleep in? Typical Spencer. Always up to some mischief. She looked up, ready to tease him, but the words froze on her tongue. It wasn''t Spencer who was holding her close.


    It was Adam. Her smile vanished, replaced by a stiff, shocked expression. Why did she think that he had the familiar scent she liked? She pushed herself away from him in a panic. But as she stepped back, a sharp pain shot up her leg, and she wavered, nearly toppling over again and falling backwards this time. Once again, he caught her.


    "Stop moving if you''re hurt, okay?"


    "I''m fine," she muttered, wincing as she tried to put weight on her foot. She''d rather fracture her foot than stay close to him, though.


    Ignoring her assurance, Adam bent down, slipped an arm under her knee and the other around her back. Before she could process what was happening, he had lifted her effortlessly into his arms. Melanie''s eyes widened in shock, and a strangled protest escaped her lips.


    "Adam! Put me down!" she demanded outraged and panicky. Her hands gripped his shirt instinctively as the solid ground disappeared beneath her.


    "You''re not fine," he stated firmly, Without sparing her a glance, he started toward a nearby bench.


    Melanie squirmed in his hold, glancing around nervously. Her cheeks flushed at the thought of anyone seeing them like this. "Adam, I mean it¡ªput me down! If someone sees us..." Her voice dropped, tinged with anxiety. "They''ll misunderstand. Especially Spencer."


    "Stop moving," Adam snapped as he tightened his grip slightly to keep her still. "You''re going to make it worse. Also, do I look like I care about what your Spencer understands or doesn''t understand?


    He placed her carefully on the bench and knelt in front of her, his hands moving toward her injured foot. However, just as he reached for it, she quickly pulled it back, refusing to let him touch her.


    "Let me see how hurt you are," he said calmly, his tone challenging.


    Melanie shook her head immediately, folding her arms across her chest. "No. I''ll see for myself. You can go now. Thank you for your help."


    Once again, her words were ignored and Adam caught her ankle, his grip leaving no room for argument. He began to lift her foot toward his thigh, intent on examining the injury.


    As he checked her ankle, he caressed her foot," You''ve hurt yourself."


    Melanie stilled as she watched his bent head rolling down her socks. And then his fingers cupped her ankle, making her jolt. It was a simple touch and yet, she could feel it all the way to her toes.


    "You''re so tense," he murmured, his thumb brushing over the delicate curve of her ankle in slow, deliberate strokes. "Relax, Melon."


    "Don''t call me that," she snapped, her voice uneven as she tried to pull her ankle out of his grasp.


    He looked up then while still keeping her ankle imprisoned," It seems you don''t like being taken care of, hmm? No wonder you married Spencer." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I just don''t like you touching me. Let me go, Adam."


    "And leave you here limping around like a fool?" He let out a low chuckle, his fingers tightening slightly around her ankle before he let go. His hand skimmed the side of her calf as he leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin. "What''s wrong, Melon? Scared you might like this?"


    She jerked back, heat creeping up her neck. "You''re insufferable."


    "And yet, here we are." His voice dropped an octave, the amusement giving way to something heavier. "Your husband should be the one here fussing over you, shouldn''t he?"


    Melanie''s breath caught. Adam tilted his head, studying her reaction. "Oh wait. He is too busy for you. After all, his dear girlfriend is busy cooking breakfast for him."


    After dropping that bomb, Adam rolled her socks back on, even placing her foot back into the shoes before he stood up and walked away, with a wink in her direction.

 Chapter 4: Breakfast

    Chapter 4: BreakfastAs Melanie slowly limped back from her jog, Adam''s words echoed in her mind. Your husband should be the one here fussing over you, shouldn''t he? Oh wait. He''s not, is he? And worse¡ªhis insinuation about Spencer being busy with his friend. It was ridiculous. Spencer had been insistent on wanting to sleep in, claiming he was too exhausted. There was no way he''d be up and about so soon, let alone with someone else.


    Yet, as she stepped into the house, her thoughts screeched to a halt.


    There he was. The husband who had wanted to sleep in, who had dismissed her the night before with nothing but exhaustion as an excuse and even refused to move away on the bed this morning was now sitting at the breakfast table. Not only was he awake, but he wasn''t eating his breakfast. He was being fed.


    Melanie''s breath caught as she watched Halley, his friend, reach across the table, cut a bite-sized piece of his egg, and lift it to his mouth with an ease that spoke of familiarity. Spencer, without hesitation, leaned forward and accepted it.


    She stiffened. Was this how just friends were supposed to behave?


    But it got worse.


    After swallowing, Spencer casually plucked a piece of apple from his plate and held it up to Halley''s lips. Melanie expected her to simply take a bite. Instead, Halley leaned in, her tongue flicking against his fingers as she took the fruit into her mouth.


    Melanie saw red.


    That was enough. More than enough.


    Jaw tight, she strode forward, ignoring the slight throb in her ankle. The sharp sound of her slow, deliberate claps filled the room, drawing immediate attention.


    "What a wonderful scene," she drawled, her voice laced with mock admiration.


    Spencer''s entire demeanor changed the moment he saw her. His shoulders tensed, his hand dropped away from Halley, and guilt flashed across his face before he quickly masked it. "Mel," he said, his tone forced and wary. "What are you doing here?"


    Melanie arched an eyebrow, her smile cool. "I''ve been living here for the past three years, Spencer. What do you think?"


    He grimaced, realizing his blunder. "I meant¡ªhow was your walk?" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Melanie took her time walking closer, making sure not to limp as she tilted her head. "Oh, it was good enough," she said lightly, her gaze flicking between him and Halley. "Though I couldn''t stop thinking about how exhausted you were this morning. Didn''t you say you wanted to sleep in?"


    Before Spencer could fumble for an answer, Halley spoke up with an easy, almost dismissive smile. "Oh, I made breakfast and then went to wake him up. I figured he''d be hungry." She turned to Spencer with a fond look. "Over there, he always had breakfast around this time, so I thought I''d get something ready for him and the others."


    Then, with an air of complete confidence, she nudged his plate toward him. "Come on, Spency. Let''s eat."


    Melanie went completely still.


    The casual way Halley spoke, the way she acted as if she knew Spencer''s every habit¡ªher every action was like a blade twisting in Melanie''s gut. But what truly sent a fresh wave of fury through her was Spencer himself.


    He said nothing.


    No denial. No correction. He simply picked up his fork, ready to eat like this was all perfectly normal.


    Melanie straightened, her fingers curling at her sides as she let out a slow breath. Her smile was sharp when she finally spoke.


    "Really?" she mused, her voice deceptively light. "And did you feed him breakfast every day over there, too?"


    This time Spencer paused, his fork in mid air as he looked at her," Melanie. Don''t be rude."


    "I am being rude? Your friend comes into my house, takes over my kitchen and apparently my husband, and I am the one being rude?"


    There was an awkward pause before Halley spoke up, "Well," Halley began after an awkward pause, her voice a little less confident, "I didn''t mean to cause any trouble. I just thought I''d help out."


    Melanie raised an eyebrow again, her lips curving into a tight smile. "Help out? That''s thoughtful of you," she said, her words laced with irony. "But next time, maybe ask first. You wouldn''t want anyone to think that you were the wife."


    Halley''s face flushed, and for a moment, it seemed like she was going to argue. But then she glanced at Spencer aggrievedly, and whatever words she had died in her throat.


    With a pointed look at her husband, Melanie turned and walked away.


    As expected, Spencer did not follow her. However, as she limped up the stairs, she saw someone standing there witnessing everything and her heart clenched. Was this man forever going to be witness to her humiliation?


    ***


    Sometimes actions spoke louder than words. Soon after, Spencer returned to their room, angry and pulled at her elbow.


    "How could you do this? Hallie is my guest and you humiliated her! She is down there crying, insisting that she wants to leave. I brought here here to help her and not to be humiliated by you!"


    Melanie yanked her elbow free from Spencer''s grip, her eyes blazing as she spun to face him. "I humiliated her?" she snapped. "You brought her into our home like she owns the place, cooking breakfast like she''s the woman of the house, calling you ''Spency,'' and I''m the one in the wrong?"


    "She''s a guest, Melanie," Spencer shot back, his tone sharp. "She was just trying to be helpful. You didn''t have to make her feel unwelcome As for your home, this is MY HOME! Not yours. And she has the right to be here because I invited her."


    Melanie let out a disbelieving laugh, bitter and cutting. She was the one who had spent the last three years keeping this home a home, taking all sorts of abuses and what now but suddenly it was His Home? She shook her head," Well, then you can make her feel welcome! I don''t need to! Don''t blame me for calling it out when you''re unwilling to set boundaries."


    Spencer''s jaw tightened, and he took a step closer, his voice dropping dangerously low. "Watch it, Melanie. You''re making this into something it''s not."


    "Oh, really?" Melanie said, her arms crossed tightly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Then what exactly is it, Spencer?"


    "Stop being so insecure, Melanie. Hallie is my best friend and she is going to be my assistant when I join the office. Of course, she is going to take care of my needs. And you were the one at fault first for not preparing my breakfast and going out to run. So do not try to cast blame on her and ruin everything with your petty jealousy."

 Chapter 5: Left Behind

    Chapter 5: Left BehindMelanie stared at her reflection in the mirror, her fingers absentmindedly twisting the wedding ring on her hand. The metal felt colder than usual, its once comforting weight now feeling like a burden. A bitter smile tugged at her lips as she continued to look at herself. She was a class one fool, that is what she was.


    She breathed deeply, and with a single motion, pulled open the drawer in front of her. Her hand hesitated briefly before closing around the envelope hidden inside. She was the one who hidden it away, thinking she could pretend it didn''t exist, that she would never need it. But the truth had a way of creeping back in, no matter how much she wanted to avoid it.


    She deserved an award for her ability to bury her head in the sand. Spencer had changed. Or maybe he had always been like this, and she had simply never seen it. Maybe she hadn''t wanted to see it. She''d been blinded by love.


    Letting out a slow breath, she carefully unfolded the note inside the envelope, her eyes scanning the familiar words.


    "Consider this a favour. If you want to know the truth about your husband, go through it."


    Her gaze drifted to the USB stick resting at the bottom of the drawer, untouched since the day she had received it. She had not even given it a single thought and simply buried it here, thinking that someone was probably only trying to sow discord between them. But now... She''d have to take a look for sure.


    Before she could reach for the USB again, a sharp knock on the door startled her. Heart pounding, she shoved the note back into the drawer and slipped the USB stick into her purse just as the door opened.


    Spencer stood there, his expression impatient and sulky. His tie was loose around his neck, and he ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair, clearly annoyed. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Come down faster," he muttered. "I need to get to the office. I''m getting late. I can''t let your tardiness ruin my first impression on everyone."


    Melanie met his gaze with a blank expression, unwilling to engage in another pointless exchange. "I''ll be down in a minute," she said neutrally. Her tardiness?


    Without waiting for a response, she turned back toward the mirror, gave her one last look and then grabbing her purse before heading for the door. But before she could step out, her mother-in-law''s voice rang through the hallway.


    "Melanie!"


    She closed her eyes briefly, swallowing back a sigh before pivoting toward the source of the voice. Could the woman ever not stop her from going out? With measured steps, she entered her mother-in-law''s lavishly furnished room.


    "You''re not going to the office today," the old woman announced, setting her cup down with a soft clink. "Spencer is back, and you are not needed there."


    Melanie clenched her jaw, "I have to go," she said evenly. "If only to hand over everything to Spencer." Though she had no intention to only handover the things. The company did not just belong to Spencer. It was the hard work of her and her own grandmother as well. Like hell, she was going to give that all up and sit at home to become a personal maid to her mother-in-law.


    Her mother-in-law gave her a sharp look but said nothing further. It was clear she thought Melanie''s place was in the house, waiting dutifully for her husband''s return rather than concerning herself with business matters. But Melanie was past caring what the woman thought. The only reason she had kept quiet until now was because of her love for Spencer. She''d wanted him to come back to a peaceful home.


    Turning on her heel, she walked out, quickening her pace toward the foyer where her husband had probably worn a hole in the carpet by now... But as she reached the entrance, the butler stopped her with an apologetic look.


    "Ma''am, Mr. Collins has already left with his friend," he informed her.


    Melanie nodded even as her heart flickered. She''d waited for the man for three years. And he could not wait three minutes. "Fine," she said briskly. "Get another car ready for me."


    The butler hesitated. "Madam... the car keys. Your mother-in-law took them a while ago."


    Melanie inhaled sharply, irritation curling inside her. "Of course, she did," she muttered under her breath. She should have known.


    The butler gave her a sympathetic glance before retreating, leaving her standing at the grand entrance with no means of transport. She could walk, but it since this was a gated community and no public transport was allowed inside... it would take her at least twenty minutes of walking in heels.


    Just as she was contemplating her next move, the low hum of an engine reached her ears, followed by the distinct screech of tires. A motorcycle pulled up in front of her, the rider dressed in black from head to toe, a helmet concealing his face.


    Melanie''s breath caught. Again. It was him. Why was he always here?


    "You need a ride?" His voice was familiar¡ªtoo familiar.


    Her fingers curled around the strap of her purse as she stared at him.

 Chapter 6: Ride

    Chapter 6: Ride"Need a ride?"


    Melanie looked at the man for a few seconds before shaking her head decisively. Like hell, she would get on top of that machine. Or behind that man.


    "We are going different ways," she told him coldly.


    His mouth kicked up at that," And how do you know which way I am going Melon?"


    She opened her mouth but found no answer. That was indeed correct. She had no idea what Adam did with his days and where he was going. He seemed to know that as well as his gaze lingered, dark and unreadable, before he spoke again, his voice smooth. He tapped his fingers idly against the handlebar. "You''re heading to the office. And I am going that way, so just get on."


    Melanie narrowed her eyes, flicking her gaze from him to the bike as if it were a wild animal waiting to pounce.


    "Can''t you take a car?" she asked, grasping at any excuse.


    Adam scoffed, shaking his head as if the very suggestion offended him. "I don''t know how to drive."


    Her eyes widened slightly. "You¡ªwhat?"


    "Stop stalling," he murmured, his voice dipping lower, edged with amusement. It was almost as if he knew why she was hesitating, like he could feel the uncertainty crackling in the air between them.


    Annoyed at herself, she exhaled sharply and moved to sit side-saddle, only to be interrupted by another one of his scoffs.


    "You''ll be blown off before we even leave the gate if you sit like that," he said, shaking his head. "Come on, what era do you think we''re in? It''s not like I asked you to straddle me."


    Her mouth fell open at the blatant remark, heat creeping up her neck. "You¡ª"


    Before she could finish snapping at him, he reached for a spare helmet, flipping up the visor. Without a word, he slipped it onto her head, his fingers grazing the sensitive skin beneath her chin as he adjusted the strap. His touch was brief, impersonal even, but damn it¡ªher stomach still dipped.


    She gritted her teeth. Nope. Absolutely not. She was not going to react to him.


    Huffing out a breath, she swung one leg over the bike, forcing herself to sit properly behind him. The movement caused her skirt to ride up slightly, exposing just a little more of her bare thighs than she was comfortable with. The seat was warm beneath her, but it was nothing compared to the solid heat of the man in front of her.


    For a moment, she hesitated, hovering awkwardly, placing only the lightest touch on his jacket.


    It wasn''t enough for him.


    Without warning, his hands slid back, fingers brushing against the outer sides of her thighs.


    She stiffened. "What are you doing?"


    Instead of answering, he simply tightened his grip, pulling her forward in one firm motion. A startled gasp escaped her as she found herself pressed flush against his back, her knees now bracketing his hips. The scent of leather and something distinctly him flooded her senses.


    "This," he murmured, "Is better."


    Melanie barely had time to process how intimately close they were before the bike roared to life beneath them. The sudden vibration sent a jolt through her, and instinct took over. Her arms snapped around his waist, fingers clutching his leather jacket as they shot forward.


    Adam let out a short, knowing chuckle, the sound vibrating through his back. "Told you to hold on tight." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Melanie gritted her teeth and clung to him for dear life regretting getting onto this beast from the first minute onwards.


    The man was not just reckless! He was dangerous to the lives of the people on the road.


    She kept her eyes shut for most of the ride, unwilling to witness just how recklessly he was weaving through traffic. It was either that, or she''d scream, and she refused to give Adam the satisfaction.


    Finally, after what felt like hours but was probably only about thirty minutes, the bike slowed before coming to a smooth stop.


    Melanie exhaled sharply, her pulse still racing as she cautiously opened her eyes. They weren''t at the office entrance but a short distance away, tucked near a side street that offered just enough privacy.


    Before she could question him, his voice came, smooth and knowing.


    "I don''t mind dropping you off at the entrance," he said lazily, one hand resting on the throttle as he glanced back at her. "But I figured you wouldn''t like that."


    She stiffened. He was right. The last thing she needed was to show up at work on the back of Adam''s bike. With her arms wrapped around him. Especially when her husband had just returned.


    Hurriedly, she swung her leg over and all but jumped off the bike.


    "Thank you. This is perfect," she muttered quickly, already taking a step back. She just needed to get away.


    Melanie frowned and turned, only to find Adam watching her with a dark, unreadable expression. He tugged her a fraction closer, his voice dipping low.


    "Aren''t you forgetting something?"


    She blinked. "What¡ª"


    His gaze flicked pointedly toward her head.


    Her eyes widened. The helmet.


    Oh. Oops.


    She had been so flustered that she hadn''t even realized she was still wearing it. Hastily, she reached up to unbuckle the strap, but before she could fumble with it, his hands were there.


    She looked down at the leather gloves on his hand that did not cover his finger tips and had the absurd thought of why he did not wear full gloves. But that thought was soon pushed back to the recesses of her mind.


    Then, instead of simply taking the helmet, he lingered, slipping it off slowly, his fingers threading through her hair as if it were the most natural thing in the world as he muttered," Wouldn''t want you to go into the office with helmet head.


    Melanie froze.


    Her breath caught in her throat as his fingertips grazed her scalp, his touch unhurried and deliberate.


    That was it. Enough.


    She jerked her head back, snapping, "Adam. Please! Know your limits. I am your brother''s wife."


    The words came out sharp, meant to cut through whatever tension had settled between them.


    But instead of looking guilty or backing off, Adam merely smirked.


    And for a moment, she was distracted¡ªno, entranced¡ªby the glint of silver at the corner of his mouth. The small ring on the side of his lip caught the light as he sneered, his voice laced with something dangerous.


    "What brother?" he scoffed, tilting his head. "Your husband is not my brother."


    Melanie inhaled sharply.


    Her stomach twisted as she tried to keep her voice steady. "Even if you don''t consider him your brother, I am a married woman, Adam. Married."


    He didn''t look impressed. If anything, his smirk deepened, and his fingers¡ªthose same fingers that had just been tangled in her hair¡ªcame up to tap against her chin.


    "Hmm," he mused, his voice a murmur. "Are you married? Really?"


    The words sent a jolt through her, striking something deep in her chest.


    Melanie stilled. "What do you mean by that!"


    Adam shrugged as he straightened his motorcycle and roared away.

 Chapter 7: A Scene

    Chapter 7: A ScenePutting Adam and his words out of her mind, Melanie stepped out of her office and into the towering glass building, her expression carefully blank. Indifference was the best mask to wear when dealing with difficult men. She had no patience for being left behind, and husband or not, Spencer was going to hear what she had to say.


    However, as she walked into the lobby, she immediately noticed an unusual commotion. A large crowd had gathered near the entrance, murmuring in hushed voices. Curious, she moved closer, weaving through the onlookers, and soon discovered the cause of the spectacle¡ªher husband.


    Spencer was standing near the security desk, arguing heatedly with the personnel. His voice, thick with authority and impatience, carried across the lobby. By his side, Miss Halley, his dear ''friend'', was desperately attempting to de-escalate the situation, her hands raised in a placating gesture to try and pacify Spencer, who was agitated.


    Melanie didn''t make a move to interrupt. Instead, she glanced at her watch. There was still time before her next meeting. With that in mind, she decided to observe. Perversely, she was pleased with the situation. He was the one who left her behind, didn''t he. If he had waited for her, he wouldn''t have been in this position. She smiled at the security guards and made a note of their names. They were following the rules to a tee. The deserved a bonus.


    "What do you mean she cannot go up without a pass?" Spencer''s voice was sharp, edged with irritation. "I am going to be the chairman of this company, and you dare to stop my person?"


    His person. What an odd phrasing. Melanie''s eyes darkened. If someone had ever asked her who was ''her person'' she would have said Spencer. But it seemed, she was not Spencer''s person. And why the ambiguous tone? Hadn''t he said that Hallie would be his assistant? Why not simply introduce her as one?


    The security guard, though clearly uncomfortable, remained professional, shaking his head firmly. "Sir, she can definitely go up. But as per protocol, we need to register her and issue a visitor pass."


    "She does not need a visitor pass!" Spencer snapped. "She is with me!"


    "I understand that, Sir," the guard responded patiently. "But your access was personally approved by the Chairwoman. As per company policy, only the Chairwoman can make an exception for visitors. If you''d like, I can call her for confirmation."


    Spencer''s expression darkened further, his frustration nearly reaching a boiling point. "There is no need to call her! She is just a..." He was on the verge of raising his voice and probably saying something when Melanie decided to intervene.


    "Mister James." Silence fell over the lobby at her voice. "It''s alright," Melanie continued, stepping forward with quiet confidence. "There''s no need to call me. I''m already here."


    The gathered staff seemed to collectively realize, all at once, that their Chairwoman had been standing among them. There was an immediate reaction¡ªemployees hastily stepping aside, heads lowering slightly in deference.


    Melanie Collins was well known within the company. She was generous and fair but ran a tight ship. Those who worked under her respected her¡ªand feared the consequences of crossing her.


    Spencer turned sharply at the sound of her voice. For a brief moment, Melanie caught the flicker of something like guilt, perhaps in his expression. But the moment passed quickly. He lifted his chin.


    "Melanie!" he demanded, his tone almost accusatory. "What is the meaning of this? Are you trying to undermine my authority here?"


    She met his gaze coldly, almost tempted to say he had no authority but she kept quiet. "Mister James. Miss Halley does not need a visiting pass."


    For a moment, Spencer looked victorious, his posture straightened and he prepared to gloat. ready to throw a smug remark, but Melanie was already turning away from him.


    "Miss Halley," she said coolly, shifting her attention to the woman standing beside him. "You can go to HR, submit your documents, and collect your ID card as Mr. Spencer''s assistant. It is not done for an assistant like yourself to create a scene on your first day of work. He is your boss." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Halley blinked, surprised at the tone of voice and the silent reprimand. She glanced at Spencer as if seeking protection at the snub she had been dealt. In a single word, she had been shown her position. Spencer opened his mouth, but Melanie was faster as she turned to him and spoke in a low voice," The board members will be here soon. You need to make a good first impression."


    Spencer stiffened. His eyes flickered with irritation, but he said nothing. He knew she was right. With one last glance at Halley, he clenched his jaw and nodded at Halley letting her know that he would not be defending her. Halley gave her a look before quickly nodding," Of course, Chairwoman. I''ll do it right away."

 Chapter 8: Insult

    Chapter 8: InsultOnce inside her office, Spencer didn''t waste a second before turning on her. His voice was sharp with anger.


    "Why did you have to insult Halley like that? You could have simply waived her getting a pass and later instructed her to get her credentials. What was the point of humiliating her like that?"


    Melanie scoffed at his words, her arms crossing over her chest as she met his furious gaze without flinching.


    "Really? You think that was insulting?" she countered, her tone laced with disbelief. "What about the insult you dealt me? Did it even cross your mind how I would feel¡ªhow humiliated I would be¡ªwhen my husband walked into our workplace with another woman by his side? How he stood in the lobby and had the audacity to claim another woman as his person while trying to get her inside? If you were so concerned about her reputation, you could have simply let her wear the visitor pass and enter quietly. But you didn''t. Instead, you made a scene. And why? Because you wanted to make a grand entrance. Because you wanted to flaunt your power."


    Spencer froze at her words, his expression shifting as he processed her accusations. He studied her intently, as if searching for something he had missed before.


    "So, you think I did all this just to push you down?" His voice was quieter now, but no less intense. "And in return, you decided to humiliate me? When did you become so vindictive, Melanie? So calculating?"


    A bitter smile curled at Melanie''s lips. She turned her gaze fully on him, her eyes dark with emotions she refused to voice.


    "Really?" she said softly. "You don''t know the answer to that?"


    But she didn''t wait for a reply. Even as Spencer stood there, confusion flickering across his face, she was already moving. Without another glance in his direction, she strode toward her desk, pulling out her chair and lowering herself into it with an air of finality.


    "Your office is on the opposite end of the floor," she informed him. "I suggest you get acquainted with the rest of your personal staff. If you need to make any changes, tell your assistant to coordinate with HR." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her words were firm, dismissive. She didn''t want him lingering, didn''t want to hear whatever excuse or explanation he might come up with next. Or his pretence that everything was well. And for once, Spencer didn''t argue. With a hard glare, he spun on his heel and stormed out, the door slamming shut behind him.


    The moment he was gone, Melanie let out a shaky breath. Her fingers curled into fists, nails biting into her palms as she stared at the closed door. A deep bitterness settled in her heart.


    She must have been blind to have fallen for him.


    For three years, she had loved Spencer with everything she had. She had endured his absence, his coldness over the phone, his abrupt and often dismissive attitude. She had made excuses for him, telling herself he was busy, that he was under pressure, that things would be different once he returned.


    She had endured everything his family had thrown at her, too. His dear mother and sisters had treated her like a convenient maid, a money-making machine disguised as a wife. And she had put up with it all¡ªwaiting, hoping, believing that when Spencer finally came back, everything would go back to the way it was.


    Because she remembered how he used to be.


    She remembered how he had once doted on her, how he had pursued her so insistently, how he had made her feel like the center of his world.


    But now, as she sat alone in her office, she couldn''t help but wonder if any of it had ever been real.


    Had it all been an act? And if so... why?


    She wasn''t an outstanding beauty. She didn''t come from a powerful or wealthy family. Yes, her grandmother had run a modest business, but that was hardly enough to make her a prize worth chasing. So what had Spencer seen in her back then? What had made him so determined to win her over?


    The questions swirled in her mind, but she refused to dwell on them.


    Melanie had spent enough time waiting and enduring, allowing others to mistake her patience for weakness. But she wasn''t weak. She had always been decisive when it truly mattered. And if Spencer was no longer the man she had believed him to be, then she would not waste another moment clinging to him.


    With that thought steeling her resolve, she reached into her purse and pulled out a small USB stick. Without hesitation, she inserted it into her laptop, her expression set with quiet determination. If someone had something to show her, she would look.


    However, before the files could even load, there was a knock on her door, startling her into hurriedly closing the laptop as the door opened. However, her relief was short lived when she looked at the man who stood there in her doorway. Why was Adam here?

 Chapter 9: Flirting

    Chapter 9: FlirtingMelanie took a deep breath as she watched the man walk inside. She didn''t stand up. She didn''t offer him a seat. She didn''t even acknowledge his presence with any words. If there was one thing she had learned about Adam Collins in the past few weeks, it was that he did what he wanted¡ªwhen he wanted. Nobody could make him do anything. If he had decided to come here, then he would, regardless of whether she welcomed him or not.


    Still, she couldn''t help but wonder what it was that made him so different. There were plenty of men like him¡ªconfident, powerful, unbothered by the rules of polite society. And yet, none of them had the same presence, the same energy that seemed to demand attention the moment he stepped into a room.


    Well, other than his looks, of course.


    Adam Collins was a beautiful man. There was no denying it. But not in an effeminate way, not in a way that made him seem delicate or polished. No, there was something raw about him, something almost dangerous. His beauty wasn''t just in his face but in the way he carried himself, the way he moved, like an animal on the prowl, wanting to hunt.


    And she, usually felt like a prey in his presence. Because he made her feel unsettled yet drawn to him all the same. Everytime she came into contact with him, her instincts would scream at her to run in the other direction, yet it was almost impossible to look anywhere else when he was around.


    Melanie knew she was staring as she watched him walk into her office. And she assured herself, that in a minute, she would snap at him about his reason for being here. For now, she would not return his kindness of bringing her here by snapping at him.


    Her eyes drifted to the small silver ring at the corner of his lower lip. It wasn''t flashy, not the kind that screamed for attention, but on him, it was impossible to ignore. It was distracting. And confusing. She wasn''t one to like piercings but why could she never look away. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She hated that she was staring.


    But before she could force herself to look away, he cleared his throat. Amusement flickered in his dark eyes, as if he knew exactly where her mind had wandered. And just to make it worse, he let his tongue dart out, tapping against the metal in a slow, deliberate motion.


    She scowled. Dam* it! She''d been caught! "What are you doing here?", she snapped finally.


    Adam clucked his tongue, shaking his head like she''d asked something ridiculous. "I''m here for the board meeting, of course." He tilted his head slightly, his smirk deepening. "I do own a substantial amount of shares in this company, you know."


    She shook her head. She knew that. This meeting was one of the biggest reasons that Spencer had returned and so had Adam. Otherwise, she had not seen a hair or hide of either her husband or this brother of his.


    "I meant why are you here in my office?" She answered.


    Did he answer her? No. He simply moved. Not toward the chair opposite her desk, where any normal person would sit, but around it. She stiffened as he closed the distance, rounding the large wooden desk.


    And then, he leaned against the edge of her desk, right next to her. Her jaw clenched, but before she ask him to move away, he lifted one foot and hooked it against the leg of her chair, pulling it forward until she was closer to him than she had any intention of being.


    She looked up at him, as he stared down at her. Her heart steeled. She was not one to be intimidated easily, just because he was invading her space.


    The scent of his cologne¡ªsomething dark, woody, and sharp¡ªfilled her senses as he leaned in, just enough to make her heart stutter against her will.


    His voice dropped to something low and teasing. "Did you miss me that much, Melon?"


    Her hands clenched at the ridiculous nickname, her nails digging into her palms as she leveled him with a glare sharp enough to cut through steel. But Adam? He only grinned, as if nothing in the world could amuse him more than riling her up.


    "What are you even talking about?" she snapped. "Why would I miss you? Did you just have some kind of daydream?"


    Adam''s smirk widened, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. "Hmm. Maybe it does feel like a dream," he mused. "After all, when I came in last week, I was told my office was at the far end of the hall. But now¡ª" he gestured vaguely toward the door, "it turns out I''ve been moved right next door to you."


    Melanie stiffened. Dam* it! She had been so agitated with Spencer just now that she''d wanted to push him away and so she told him that the opposite at the other end was his... which meant that Adam''s cabin was right next to hers... How could she have been so foolish?


    And while she was busy cursing herself, Adam leaned in, closing the remaining distance between them, his breath warm against her ear as he murmured, "I don''t mind, really. I can be even closer."

 Chapter 10: Hello Hotness

    Chapter 10: Hello HotnessAdam leaned back, a slow grin spreading across his face as he took in the flustered expression on the woman''s face. Her lips parted slightly, and a soft blush crept up her cheeks, making her even more irresistible. The first time he had laid eyes on her, his heart had faltered¡ªno, it had nearly stopped. She wasn''t just beautiful. She was breathtaking. A contradiction wrapped in perfection. Seductive yet innocent. Alluring yet untouchable.


    And then he''d discovered that she was married to Spencer. Never had he hated that man more than in that moment. He had the perfect wife at home. And what was he doing? Adam scoffed.


    Well, it didn''t matter. If Spencer was foolish enough not to cherish what he had, Adam had no qualms about stepping in and taking her for himself. Possession, after all, was just a matter of who held on tighter. He was about to tease her a little more, relishing the way she squirmed under his gaze, when a sudden knock on the door interrupted them.


    He didn''t miss the way her body tensed, how her eyes widened slightly before narrowing into a sharp glare aimed directly at him. The soft flush that had colored her cheeks only moments ago drained away, leaving her pale. Ah. Whoops.


    It seemed she wanted him to put some distance between them.. Sigh. No problem. He could give her that... for now.


    With an easy, almost lazy movement, Adam straightened and took a deliberate step back, giving her space. Then, as if he had all the time in the world, he strolled around the desk, heading toward the door. His gaze flickered briefly to the laptop sitting open on her desk, lingering for a second longer on the USB drive plugged into the side before he walked away, leaving with a cryptic comment, "See you soon. Don''t miss me too much, Melon."


    As he left, a younger woman entered the room, her eyes big and innocent. The moment she entered the room, she could still feel the residual of the testosterone and pheromones. She gave a hooded glance at the woman sitting at her desk and smiled, "Sister, was that your husband who has just returned?"


    Melanie blinked, thrown off for a moment, and was about to say no when Laela continued," He''s so handsome. Sister, you''re really lucky." Then, with a playful tilt of her head and a glimmer of mischief in her gaze, she added, "But if you''re not careful... I just might steal him from you."


    Melanie let out a tired chuckle, shaking her head. "Drop the act, Leala. He is not my husband. Feel free to steal him."


    Leala pouted, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "He''s not your husband?" She tapped a finger against her lips, pretending to think. "That''s such a shame... No, no, I can''t seduce him, then." She let out an exaggerated sigh before flashing Melanie a teasing smile. "Leala has to steal your husband. After all, if a younger sister doesn''t steal her sister''s husband or fianc¨¦, how will the plot of this story move forward? No no. I have to fulfill my duty as your younger sister." S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Melanie rolled her eyes. "Laela. Drop the act. Knowing you, you probably already have some man lined up, waiting for you to bat your eyelashes at him, so you don''t have to go to the trouble of trying to steal your brother-in-law. Also, you don''t like him."


    Laela chuckled and entered the room, casually pulling a chair and slouching down," I don''t. For a man who was not even actively present in your life for the past few years, he has made you enough sad. Now that he is back, I can''t even think how miserable you will be. I swear, if not for you, I want to bash that Spencer Collins on the head. Anyway. Don''t digress. Who was the hottie who just left?"


    Melanie sighed," That was Adam, Spencer''s brother."


    Laela''s eyes widened at that. "Holy hell. You have a smoking hot brother-in-law. This plot was not imagined..."


    Melanie shook her head and stared at her sister, wondering if she should tell her something. ''The plot has changed direction, actually.'' It wasn''t her husband she had to worry about, that ship had already sailed seemingly. But it was her brother-in-law who seemed intent on making things complicated.


    Ignoring Laela''s prattle, Melanie opened her laptop and bagan playing the contenrs of the USb drive... and felt her face pale. It took her a few moments, but Laela seemed to sense that something was wrong. She immediately stood up and rounded the desk, peering into what Melanie was seeing. And as she saw the contents, she could not help but curse aloud. That basta*d!

 Chapter 11: A Truth

    Chapter 11: A TruthMelanie felt cold inside. Even as the board members continued to talk and chat, throwing words of welcome toward the brothers, she barely heard them. Their voices were just a distant hum, meaningless noise against the storm raging in her mind. Her entire focus remained on what she had seen just before stepping inside.


    A hollow ache settled deep in her chest, and all she wanted to do was leave¡ªslip away unnoticed and find some dark, quiet corner where she could curl into a ball and let the weight of it all crush her. She wanted to cry, to grieve the shattering of her first love, the betrayal that had left a deep, gaping wound, and the loss of the innocent self she could never reclaim. But she wouldn''t. Not yet.


    There would be time for that later¡ªwhen she had the luxury of solitude. Right now, she had to keep herself together. She had to focus on what mattered: stopping Spencer from taking over as chairman.


    The irony wasn''t lost on her. She had set this in motion herself. She had prepared everything, made the necessary arrangements, even convinced the board members to support Spencer''s appointment. And now, she was trying to undo it.


    The problem was, the board was evenly divided. Some believed there was no need for change, that things were running smoothly under her leadership. Others, however, had never truly accepted her as the head of the company. They were simply waiting¡ªbiding their time¡ªuntil she finally stepped down and handed everything over to Spencer.


    If she cast her vote against him now, the results would be tied. And Spencer would know. He would realize that she was the one who had turned against him at the last moment.


    Melanie exhaled quietly, lowering her gaze to her fingers.


    There was only one man who could shift the balance.


    She could feel his eyes on her, watching her with an intensity that made her skin prickle. She hesitated before looking up, her gaze locking onto his for a brief, electric moment before she quickly looked away.


    Adam Collins.


    There was something about the way he looked at her that always made her uneasy, like he could see straight through her, peeling back every layer, exposing things she wasn''t ready to confront.


    Inevitably, her eyes met his again.


    Would he support her? Could she count on him?


    As if sensing her unspoken question, Adam raised an eyebrow, then lifted the small bottle of water in his hand. Without breaking eye contact, he tipped it slightly in her direction before taking a slow sip.


    Melanie shook her head at herself. She was being foolish. Adam Collins wasn''t a mind reader. Why would he, of all people, be able to guess what she wanted?


    A sudden nudge against her foot made her blink.


    She turned, finding Laela watching her with a meaningful expression. It took her a moment to register what was happening, but then she noticed the voting slips being passed around.


    It was time to cast a vote.


    The casting of the vote was a routine affair¡ªsimple, almost mechanical. Twenty-one board members, each handed a slip of paper, tasked with writing a single word: Yes or No. A word that would decide the future of the company. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Melanie tightened her grip on her pen, her pulse drumming in her ears. She had to brace herself for the inevitable, steel her heart against whatever came next. It was her mistake and she would pay for it.


    But then¡ªbefore the first vote could be cast¡ªAdam knocked on the table in front of him once. Just once.


    Yet, the sound carried through the room like a command, sharp and deliberate. Conversations halted mid-sentence, pens froze above paper, and every head turned in his direction. A strange, almost unnatural stillness settled over the boardroom, as if the very air had thickened with anticipation.


    Melanie frowned, her fingers tightening slightly around the pen in her hand. Once again, she found herself unable to understand why this man''s presence was so commanding.


    Adam Collins was an enigma. Even now, he stood out starkly against the sea of perfectly tailored suits and polished appearances, the only one in a worn leather jacket that should have made him seem out of place. Instead, he owned the space around him, his presence looming larger than anyone else in the room.


    He was the black sheep of the Collins family¡ªthe man who had walked away from it all long before Melanie had even met Spencer. And yet, despite his absence over the years, there was something about him that seemed deeply rooted in the company''s history.


    She had seen it the moment he entered. The way the older board members had reacted¡ªflashes of recognition, surprise, even a hint of unease¡ªtold her that Adam Collins was not just a familiar name. He was someone they had not expected to return.


    But the most telling reaction had come from Spencer.


    Her husband¡ªNo, she corrected herself, he wouldn''t be her husband for much longer if she had anything to say about it¡ªhad stiffened at the sight of Adam in the company. Spencer had not been pleased to see him.


    At this she remembered that she had not observed these two at home as well when Spencer had returned.


    But one thing was clear. Just as Adam seemed to think little of Spencer, Spencer had no love lost for Adam either.


    Something was going on here and she had no idea what. But as she sat there, she realized... she didn''t even want to know.


    And then Adam started to speak," Before we sit here and cast this vote, I have one simple question to ask- Director Spencer Collins, what have been your achievements and contribution to this company that makes you qualified to stand here and take this position?"

 Chapter 12: Enough

    Chapter 12: Enough"Didn''t you say that you had already arranged everything? Then what happened today?" Spencer growled as they went back home in the car.


    Melanie stared out of the window, watching the city lights blur past, her expression impassive as she listened to him.


    "You had one job! One job!" he continued, his voice rising. "To make sure everything was ready for my return so I could take my rightful place seamlessly. And yet, you couldn''t even do that! You failed me, Melanie!"


    Failed him?


    She let out a slow, measured breath, forcing herself not to react. What a joke.


    She was ignoring him, her focus turned inward. Could it be possible that she had actuallly turned off all her feelings for Spencer in a day?At this time yesterday, she had been in the kitchen, carefully frosting his favourite cake, looking forward to welcoming him back home.


    But now?


    Now, she almost wished she could shove him right back onto whatever plane had brought him home.


    She had spent three years convincing herself that she mattered to him, that their marriage was built on the solid foundation of love and respect. That even though there had been misunderstandings along the way, once he was back, they would be able to communicate better. But looking at him now¡ªat the pure selfishness in his words, the way he saw her not as a partner but as a stepping stone to his own ambitions¡ªshe realized she had been hopelessly, painfully blind.


    A small, humorless smile tugged at her lips. The curtain had finally fallen. And the most ironic part? She had been the lead actress in this tragic play, and yet, she had never even known her own role. She''d thought he was her prince charming when he was the villain.


    Too bad for Spencer, she was not a poor helpless maiden. She was a patient person whose limits had just been reached. She would not let things go so easily.


    As she thought this, she could not help but wonder, though. She wondered how Adam had guessed her intention to try and stop the board from making Spencer the next chairman.


    She shook her head slightly. No. Adam Collins wasn''t the type to act on guesswork. He must have had his own reasons for stepping in, for forcing the board to delay their decision. Maybe it was personal, maybe it was strategic. Either way, it didn''t matter.


    Because the result was the same¡ªshe had been given a reprieve.


    Months. She had spent months painstakingly convincing the directors to give Spencer a chance, to trust in his leadership, to believe in his supposed vision. And in a single moment, with just a few words, Adam had swept it all away.


    And she was still satisfied. So what if it was all down the drain? Because now, with what she knew, she would never have wanted to support Spencer either.


    But even as she thought of all this, trying to convince herself that Adam was acting for his own sake and not hers, she could not help but think about what he had said, just before leaving the large conference room. "I hope you are satisfied with this outcome. You''ll continue to be the chairwoman for the next year."


    She was brought out of her reverie when Spencer shook her by the arm," Are you listening to me?"


    Melanie''s gaze snapped to Spencer, her expression devoid of emotion. His fingers dug into her arm, his grip unrelenting, his face contorted with frustration.


    "Are you listening to me?" he demanded sharply.


    She didn''t flinch or look away the way she would have at any other time. She did not like confrontations and would have avoided them at any cost but right now... all she watned was a fight.And yet, she slowly pried his fingers off her arm and turned to face him fully and spoke in a cold voice, "Let go."


    He hesitated, taken aback by the iciness in her tone. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I said¡ªlet go, Spencer."


    There was no anger in her voice, and she was glad for it. Because, if she let it out, she would definitely cry.


    His grip loosened as he stared at her in shock, and she pulled her arm free, brushing off the lingering sensation of his touch as if it were nothing more than dust on her sleeve.


    She shifted slightly in her seat and gestured toward the front of the car where his dear best friend and the driver were sitting, listening. "I have no intention of discussing personal matters in front of outsiders. We can talk later."


    Spencer glared at her, his pride wounded, his voice sharp with irritation. "Hallie is not an outsider¡ªshe is¡ª"


    Melanie had enough.


    Just moments ago, getting into her own car had been a hassle because she''d had to request Miss Hallie to move out of her space. And now this? Spencer had the audacity to claim Hallie as family while berating her in front of everyone?


    Her patience snapped.


    "Stop the car," she ordered the driver.


    The driver obeyed immediately, pulling to a smooth halt.


    Melanie turned to Spencer, meeting his glare with a calm, detached expression. "Since Hallie is such a dear family member to you, you can go home with her. I''ll come later."


    Before he could utter a single protest, Melanie pushed the door open and stepped out.

 Chapter 13: A Deal

    Chapter 13: A DealWhen Melanie asked the driver to stop and stepped out of the car, she had no particular destination in mind. She just needed to escape¡ªto put as much distance as possible between herself and Spencer. The suffocating emotions pressing down on her had become unbearable, and she acted on instinct, walking away without a second thought.


    For the past hour, she had wandered the streets, believing she was aimlessly drifting from one block to another. Yet now, as she stood frozen in front of a towering building, she realized the truth¡ªher steps hadn''t been as random as she had thought. Some part of her had known exactly where to go, even if she hadn''t known it herself.


    The realization sent a shiver down her spine. Had she truly been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn''t noticed where she was heading? Or had her subconscious guided her here all along?


    She stared at the entrance, her heart pounding. The question wasn''t whether she had found the right place. It was whether she had the courage to walk inside.


    Melanie shook her head, exhaling sharply. What was wrong with her? It wasn''t as if she couldn''t face him. And yet, her hesitation made it feel as though an invisible force was holding her back.


    But deep down, she knew the truth¡ªgoing inside was the only way to get the answers she needed. The only question was whether she was ready to hear them. She took a deep breath. She had already taken the step by checking the contents of the USB drive. Going inside was just the final step.


    She took a deep breath and walked in.


    Inside, she approached the reception desk and informed the attendant that she was here to see Mr. Adam Collins. The receptionist gave her a brief nod, asked her to wait, and disappeared through a side door.


    Once again she wondered if she was making the right decision. And then another thought struck her. Would he be here? He''d invited her to come and talk to him here whenever she wanted to look for him. But maybe he''d already gone home.


    Minutes later, the man returned and gestured for her to follow. She walked behind him down a quiet hallway until they stopped in front of a door. The man opened it and motioned for her to step inside.


    Adam was already seated inside. As she entered, he stood, his gaze steady on her. With a small gesture, he invited her to take a seat and then as she went to sit, pulled out the chair for her. It was so old fashioned that she was not able to hide her surprise.


    "What would you like to eat?" he asked casually.


    She blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected question. Of all the ways she had imagined this meeting going, this wasn''t one of them.


    Noticing her surprise, the corner of his mouth lifted in amusement. "What''s wrong? Did you think I''d be gloating?" And when she shook her head, even though her expression said that is exactly what she was thinking, he bent down, close to her, invading her space and questioned," Or maybe you thought I''d flirt with you? Hmm?"


    She shook her head again. She had no idea how he would react. Maybe she did expect him to behave like a hooligan. Or make her squirm.


    Adam smiled and straightened before walking back around the table and taking a seat as he said," I will flirt with you on our own time. Right now, I am sure you are here on business."


    Melanie nodded her head as she agreed. Yes. She was here on business but then she saw his mouth kick up in amusement and she realized she had agreed to both the things. She shook her head," No. Don''t flirt with me." He laughed then and shook his head," But this is the best part, Melon."


    Melanie grimaced. "And don''t call me Melon. My name is Melanie."


    "Hmm. I know. So, Melon, tell me what brings you here to me? Wasn''t it you who said that you would never have anything to discuss with me?"


    Even though the words were bitter, Adam Collins did not seem to be taunting her. In fact, he seemed perfectly pleased to see her.


    She sighed and without looking at the menu he had placed in front of her, asked him," You sent the USB drive to me, didn''t you?"


    Adam leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. "USB?"


    Melanie snorted. "Don''t play dumb. I''m not a fool, Adam."


    He tilted his head, considering her for a moment before shrugging lazily. "If someone had been keeping track of your actions over the last three years, they might not agree with that statement."


    Her spine stiffened, anger flashing in her eyes. Without hesitation, she pushed back her chair and stood. "I didn''t come here to discuss my life, Adam. I just want answers." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Adam sighed dramatically, but there was something sharp in his gaze, something calculating. Then, with a small nod, he admitted, "Fine. Yes, I made sure the USB got to you."


    Melanie folded her arms across her chest. "Why?"


    Instead of answering right away, Adam gestured for her to sit back down. She hesitated, weighing her options, but eventually did. He studied her for a moment, then, slowly, an almost wicked smile stretched across his face¡ªa smile of triumph, as if he had just won a game she didn''t even know she was playing.


    "I have a proposition for you."

 Chapter 14: Unforgiving

    Chapter 14: Unforgiving"Crack!"


    The sharp sound of the slap echoed through the grand entrance hall the moment Melanie stepped into the Collins residence. Her head snapped to the side, the sting of the blow shocking her in place. Before she could recover, her mother-in-law''s furious voice rang out, cutting through the heavy silence like a blade.


    "How dare you insult my son!" the older woman seethed, her eyes blazing with fury. "Can you do nothing right? First, you forced your way into this family, clinging onto the old woman''s dying wish as if it were your salvation! Then, you had the audacity to seduce my son¡ªmy son!¡ªweaving your manipulative little web until he believed you, until he trusted you enough to leave, thinking his place here would be safe upon his return."


    She stepped closer, her presence looming over Melanie like a storm about to break.


    "But today, today, he was humiliated in front of the entire board! They have the nerve to ask him to prove himself¡ªas if his very name isn''t enough! And all of this¡ªevery last shred of disgrace¡ªfalls on you!" Her voice cracked with rage, her chest heaving as she glared down at Melanie.


    "And yet, instead of standing by your husband, instead of offering him your support like any decent wife would¡ªinstead of even having the decency to apologize for the mess you''ve created¡ªyou insult him? You humiliate him furthein front of his best friend. A person he has invited over?"


    A sneer curled her lips as she spat out her next words. "How dare you, you worthless little bitch! I have had enough of you!"


    Melanie''s hands clenched into tight fists, her nails digging into her palms as she fought the overwhelming urge to strike the woman back. But before she could move¡ªbefore she could so much as take a step¡ªSpencer swiftly stepped between them, his broad frame shielding her from his mother''s wrath. His back was to her, a silent but firm barrier against the storm.


    "Mother! That is enough!" His voice was sharp, cutting through the charged air like a blade. "How could you raise your hand against my wife? Against your own daughter-in-law?"


    "Daughter-in-law?" she spat, her voice laced with venom. "What daughter-in-law? That woman is not even fit to be a maid in this house, let alone its mistress! And yet, your grandmother¡ªyour dear, foolish grandmother¡ªthought she was worthy? Thought she belonged among us?"


    She scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief before fixing Spencer with a glare filled with disappointment and frustration.


    "You are a fool, Spencer. A fool blinded by love! Open your eyes and look at what she truly is! Had it not been for Hallie, I wouldn''t have even known the full extent of your humiliation. Do you have any idea what happened in the car today? Do you not understand how she dismissed you¡ªhow she ignored you completely? If not for Hallie telling me the truth, you would have continued to suffer in silence, letting this disgraceful woman trample all over you!"


    Her voice rose with every word, her chest heaving as her fury reached its peak. She turned her gaze back to Melanie, eyes blazing with pure contempt.


    "And yet, even now, you defend her?" She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "You disgust me, Spencer."


    With a sharp shove, Spencer''s mother pushed him aside, sneering as she glared at Melanie.


    "This trash! Instead of throwing her out, you treasure her?" she scoffed before turning and marching into the house, her fury unmistakable.


    Melanie remained frozen, the sting of the slap fading, replaced by something far heavier.


    Spencer turned to her, reaching out. "Melanie, are you alright? Don''t worry, I''m here."


    Here?


    A bitter laugh almost escaped her. What good was here? Hadn''t he been here when his mother slapped her? When she hurled insults without hesitation? Had he even tried to stop her before she did all that?


    Her gaze shifted to Hallie, standing in the corner, watching with quiet satisfaction.


    Melanie''s jaw tightened. Without a word, she turned and walked into the kitchen, leaving them behind.


    Once inside, Melanie moved with mechanical precision, her body numb as she reached for an ice pack from the freezer. Pressing it against her burning cheek, she let out a shaky breath, feeling the cold seep into her skin. The pain dulled, but the ache in her chest only deepened. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her tears fell silently, tracing warm paths down her face. She had truly been a fool. Today had been an awakening¡ªone she would never forget.


    She replayed his words in her mind, that he''d said about her being a fool.


    Hadn''t she been?


    The first time her mother-in-law had raised a hand against her, she had stood there, silent, accepting. If she had spoken up then, if she had taken a stand, would things have been different? Would that woman have dared to strike her every time she was angry, every time she wanted to remind Melanie of her place?


    Her grip on the ice pack tightened.


    She had allowed this to happen. All for the sake of peace that she had promised Spencer? Not anymore. She would not allow this.

 Chapter 15: Hurt

    Chapter 15: HurtShe closed her eyes, letting the cold seep into her skin, numbing the dull ache for a few precious moments. Just as she began to relax, the ice pack was lifted from her hand and held to her cheek by someone else. She didn''t need to open her eyes to know who it was. The air shifted, the familiar presence settling beside her, unwelcome yet unavoidable.


    She didn''t want to talk to this man right now.


    "Mel," Spencer''s voice was low and pleading. "Are you really so angry that you won''t even look at me?"


    She let out a quiet, bitter scoff but still refused to turn his way. Instead, she shifted slightly, turning her head away from the lingering chill of the ice. Suddenly, it wasn''t so soothing anymore. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Spencer sighed. "Mel, you know how Mom is. She''s old, she has a temper, and sometimes she speaks before she thinks. Look, I''ll talk to her, okay? I''ll make sure she understands. She just needs to be more careful with her words."


    Melanie finally opened her eyes then, her gaze steady as it met his. For a long moment, she simply studied him¡ªthis man she had waited for. And now? He would talk to her?


    Now, all she wanted was to be free of him.


    "Spencer," she spoke in a quiet voice. "Let''s get a divorce."


    Spencer''s entire body went rigid, his breath catching as if the words had physically struck him. He stared at her, as though trying to gauge if she was serious, searching for hesitation, for uncertainty. But she gave him none. She simply stared at him.


    Before he could formulate a response, he instinctively reached out, cupping her face between his palms. She winced at the contact, and he immediately softened his grip, shifting his hand to cup her uninjured cheek


    "Melanie," he whispered almost desperately. "How can you say something like that? I just got back. We''ve been apart for so long, waiting for this moment, for us to finally be together. And now that I''m here, you want to throw it all away?"


    His eyes searched hers, pleading, but Melanie remained unmoved.


    "I''ve already thought this through," she said steadily. "Come with me to the civil affairs bureau tomorrow. We can annul the marriage¡ªclean, simple. It''s not like we ever consummated it."


    Spencer flinched at that, as though the reminder stung. His jaw tightened, his grip on her easing as he exhaled sharply. "Melanie, you''re upset right now. This isn''t the time to make decisions like this. Let''s talk when you''ve calmed down, when you''re thinking clearly. You love me, how can you bear to leave me like this?"


    She shook her head, pretending not to hear him, pretending his words didn''t matter. But even now, they did. And they were much clear. It was not about loving each other. It was about her loving him. "If you don''t want an annulment, fine. We''ll get a divorce instead. We''ve already been separated for three years¡ªlong enough to claim irreconcilable differences. Or something like we grew apart."


    Her voice was even, devoid of any emotion.


    "Don''t be foolish, Mel!" Spencer snapped, his patient and repenetant tone disappearing. "You''re being too harsh on Mom and me! I know what she did was wrong, but her anger wasn''t unfounded. What you did was out of line¡ªyou humiliated me in front of Hallie and the driver!"


    Melanie''s eyes flashed with disbelief. "What I did was wrong?" she repeated, her voice sharp with incredulity. "Are you actually standing there justifying her actions? And what about you, Spencer? You didn''t humiliate me? I thought Hallie was like family?" She let out a bitter laugh. "So, it''s fine for you to throw a tantrum in front of her, to lash out at me in front of her, but the moment I do the same, suddenly, I''m the villain? Spencer Collins, I never took you for a hypocrite."


    She took a step back, her voice turning cold. "I''m filing for a divorce tomorrow."


    Spencer stilled. The anger in his eyes flickered and faded, replaced by something deeper¡ªfear, desperation. In one swift motion, he reached out and caught her arms, his grip firm but gentle.


    "Mel, baby," he murmured, his voice suddenly soft. "Why are we fighting like this? Hurting each other because of other people? Didn''t we promise that nothing would come between us?" His hands slid up to cradle her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "Just take a breath, okay? Come here. Let me hold you."


    Her body trembled as tears welled in her eyes, and before she could stop them, they fell. Spencer pulled her into his arms, holding her close, his warmth wrapping around her. For a moment, just a fleeting moment, she let herself sink into it.


    Believing he had calmed her, Spencer exhaled, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. "I know I''ve let you down these past three years, Mel," he whispered. "But give me this chance, okay? Don''t talk about divorce again. In fact, give me a week. Next week marks three years since our wedding. Let''s celebrate it¡ªproperly. I''ll introduce you officially as my wife, the way I should have from the start."


    He pulled back slightly, searching her face. "And in this one week, I''ll erase every complaint you have against me. I''ll prove to you that I can be the man you deserve.


    "After that, if you still have doubts, if you still think you can''t forgive me¡ªwe''ll talk about divorce. But until then, don''t even think about it." His voice dropped low and possessive. "No outsider is going to come between what me and what''s mine. No one will come between us."


    Melanie''s breath hitched. And then, as though a switch had flipped inside her, her eyes snapped open and met an amused gaze.


    Standing there, leaning casually against the doorframe, was Adam.

 Chapter 16: Him

    Chapter 16: HimAs their eyes met, Spencer''s words seemed to echo in the quiet kitchen. But Adam, leaning against the door frame with a casual ease that only heightened the tension, simply raised a smirking eyebrow at her, as if to silently ask, Isn''t there already someone between the two of you?


    Melanie stiffened, her fingers curling against Spencer''s chest as she attempted to push him away. "Let go of me," she said, her voice firm despite the sudden dryness in her throat.


    Spencer, however, didn''t seem to hear her¡ªor perhaps he chose not to. Instead, he tightened his hold, his warm breath ghosting over her skin as he turned his head and nuzzled into the hollow of her neck.


    Melanie''s breath hitched, but it wasn''t because of Spencer''s touch. It was because Adam was still watching.


    His gaze was unreadable, but something about it sent a sharp thrill down her spine. He wasn''t just looking at them¡ªhe was assessing them. Studying the way Spencer held her.


    And then Spencer whispered her name.


    Adam''s expression darkened.


    The change was subtle but undeniable. His smirk faded, and his stance shifted ever so slightly, the easy amusement in his eyes giving way to something else. Something sharper.


    Melanie should have said something¡ªwarned Spencer that they weren''t alone¡ªbut her voice was caught somewhere between her throat and her pounding heart. And before she could force the words out, Adam was already moving.


    With deliberate, measured silent steps, he crossed the room, his presence commanding enough to send a shiver down her spine. By the time Spencer seemed to realize that something had changed, it was too late.


    Adam was standing right next to them.


    "Don''t you people have a bedroom?"


    His deep voice was laced with amusement and it shattered whatever haze Spencer had been in.


    Spencer jolted as if he''d been burned. He practically jumped away from Melanie, his grip loosening so suddenly that she lost her balance.


    A startled gasp escaped her as she teetered backward.


    In a flash, Adam''s hand shot out, catching her with an ease that was almost infuriating. His palm rested against the small of her back, the warmth of his touch searing through the fabric of her dress.


    Melanie froze.


    The moment stretched.


    Then, just as she was about to pull away, she felt it¡ªa quick, subtle pinch at her waist.


    Her breath hitched, and she jerked away as if burned.


    Adam didn''t react. At least, not visibly. But there was a knowing glint in his eyes that told her he had definitely meant to do that.


    Melanie''s heart was pounding in her chest as she hurriedly reached for Spencer''s arm, gripping it tighter than necessary. "Let''s go back," she said, her voice coming out sharper than intended.


    She needed to get out of here. Away from the smirk tugging at Adam''s lips.


    But Spencer wasn''t done. His stance remained firm, his glare sharp as he locked eyes with Adam, wanting to confront him.


    "Do you really think delaying my appointment by a year changes anything?" he spat, his voice edged with irritation. "It means nothing to me. Melanie and I are one¡ªso whether it''s now or later, I will


    take that seat."


    Adam let out a quiet chuckle, rolling his shoulders in a lazy shrug as he strolled toward the refrigerator. He moved with an infuriating ease, as if Spencer''s anger didn''t so much as graze him.


    From inside, he pulled out a plate with a slice of cake, examining it with an amused smirk before holding it up. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If you and Melanie are truly one..." he mused, slicing into the cake with a small spoon. "Then why are you the one after that position?" He lifted a brow, his tone dripping with mock curiosity. "Why not let her keep it?"


    He took a slow bite, savoring the dessert before giving Spencer a knowing look.


    "You see, Spencer, not everything in life is a cake that can be handed to you on a silver platter by your wife." He licked the edge of the spoon before continuing, "You should be careful. If you''re not paying attention... someone might steal your cake."


    Spencer''s patience snapped.


    "I don''t give a damn about your cake metaphors or your pathetic mind games!" he barked, fists clenching at his sides. "You were thrown out of this house a long time ago, Adam. You shouldn''t have come back!" His chest rose and fell with fury as he took a step closer. "But since you have... don''t get too comfortable. Because I will throw you out again."


    With that, he spun around and stormed out of the kitchen, his footsteps echoing down the hall. Silence followed.


    Melanie exhaled slowly, realizing just how tense her body had become during their exchang and was about to move away. But before she could gather her thoughts, Adam turned his gaze to her.


    He started walking toward her, a slow, deliberate pace that sent a shiver down her spine.


    "Hmm..." He hummed thoughtfully, twirling the spoon between his fingers. "This mango cake is delicious. Absolutely divine." His lips curved into a smirk. "I personally finished the entire thing."


    Melanie swallowed as he came closer, stopping just inches from her.


    "The chef who made this..." He tilted his head, his gaze flicking to her hands before locking onto her eyes. "I''d love to kiss her hands in gratitude."


    Her breath hitched. It was the cake she had made yesterday for Spencer.


    Adam then glanced down at the last remaining bite on his spoon. He raised it between them, his voice dipping into something softer, silkier.


    "Would you like a taste of temptation?"


    As if under a spell, Melanie found herself leaning forward. Her lips parted as she took the last bite from his spoon, feeling a peculiar heat as she kept her eyes locked on his.


    His eyes darkened then, his smirk fading into something far more dangerous.

 Chapter 17: Liabilities

    Chapter 17: LiabilitiesAdam leaned in close, his gaze locked onto hers as he lifted the spoon to his mouth, licking off the remaining cream. Melanie turned her head away, blushing at the intimacy. It was not that big a deal but to her, it almost felt like an indirect kiss...


    But just then, Adam stiffened.


    Then his voice dropped, turning into a low, dangerous growl.


    "Who hit you?"


    Melanie blinked, momentarily caught off guard. It took her a second to realize what had happened¡ªAdam had only just noticed her swollen cheek. When he first walked in, the dim lighting and Spencer''s presence had kept it hidden. But now, when she turned her head away, there was no disguising the ugly bruise blooming across her skin.


    Heat crept up her neck as a wave of self-consciousness hit her. She knew exactly how bad it looked. After all, she''d had to work hard to cover it up in the past.


    Before she could find the words to respond, Adam cursed under his breath. His hands clenched at his sides as he placed the plate and spoon aside, slowly, his entire frame taut with barely restrained fury.


    "I''m going to teach him a lesson," he said, his voice dangerously quiet as he turned toward the door, already set on a path of vengeance.


    Adam halted instantly, his head snapping back to her. His eyes darkened with suspicion. "Are you seriously lying to protect him?" His voice was sharp, edged with frustration. "After everything he''s done to you? After he laid his hands on you¡ª"


    "No," she interrupted, shaking her head vehemently. "It wasn''t Spencer."


    His jaw tightened. "Then who?" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She swallowed hard, lowering her voice. "It was your mother."


    Silence crashed between them even as Melanie felt a slight warmth in her heart.


    Adam didn''t move. He just stood there, breathing heavily, his expression unreadable. But the shift in his energy was unmistakable¡ªtension coiled tight in his muscles, barely contained fury radiating off him in waves. She realized that she was still holding onto his wrist and she hurriedly let go.


    He looked down at his hand that she had let go of and then, without a word, he turned sharply on his heel and strode toward the cabinets.


    A few seconds later, he returned, and placed the small jar on the table.


    Melanie reached for the ointment, but before her fingers could close around it, Adam pulled out a barstool from near the island and sat down. In one swift motion, he grabbed her wrist and tugged her forward, guiding her until she stood between his spread thighs.


    She tensed at the sudden proximity, her heart thudding a little faster as she looked down at their position


    Wordlessly, Adam unscrewed the jar, dipping his fingers into the cool salve. The sharp, medicinal scent filled the space between them as he lifted his hand, his gaze locked onto hers for a brief moment before he gently spread the ointment against her swollen cheek.


    Melanie winced at the sudden chill, instinctively jerking her face away. "It''s cold!" she tried to protest.


    Adam scoffed, unimpressed. "Good," he said dryly. "Hopefully, it''ll wake you up from your stupidity."


    The soft tension between them shattered in an instant.


    Melanie''s eyes snapped up, her earlier self-consciousness replaced by a sharp glare. "Excuse me?" she hissed.


    Adam didn''t flinch. His fingers pressed a little more insistently against her cheek as he continued applying the ointment with measured precision. "You heard me. Already, you know everything, but still you are using your heart instead of your brain, instead of taking me up on the offer."


    Melanie jerked her head away, thinking back to what he had offered in the private room.


    "I told you I need some time to think this through! I cannot take your word for it only! Does that make me an stupid? I don''t think so..."


    Adam exhaled sharply through his nose, his fingers stilling for just a second before he caught her chin with his other hand to stop her from jerking away and then resumed his task. "It does make you stupid if you''re just going to stand there and take the slaps. What, were you planning on pretending nothing happened? And continue with the so called thinking? You are wasting your time and mine."


    With that Adam slid the stool away from her and stood up at these words while Melanie paled. " You said you were willing to give me time to think things through."


    Adam''s mouth lifted in a smirk then,"Hmm. You have a week to agree. The same amount of time Spencer needs to woo you..."


    He walked back to her then," Don''t take losses for liabilities, Melon. Hmm?"

 Chapter 18: Not Forgiving

    Chapter 18: Not Forgiving"I don''t care, Hallie! You had no right to go behind my back and talk to Mom about this! Now look at what you''ve done!"


    Spencer shot his best friend a glare before letting out a sharp sigh, his frustration evident in the way he paced near the door. "Melanie and I... We''ve finally found our way back to each other after waiting for three years. Do you have any idea how hard that is? There''s already so much distance between us because of the time we spent apart. And then you go and make things even worse by running to Mom with your complaints? This was something between Mel and me, Hallie. You should have stayed out of it."


    Hallie, unfazed by his anger, folded her arms tightly across her chest, her expression hardening. "You''re acting like I did this for my own benefit. Spencer, I did what I did for you! Did you even hear the way she was talking to you? Did you like it? Because I sure as hell didn''t. I just wanted your mom to step in, to have a conversation with her, maybe knock some sense into her. How was I supposed to know she would go as far as slapping her?"


    Spencer dragged a hand through his hair, exhaling heavily as he tried to keep his temper in check. "Hallie... The way Melanie and I talk to each other, the way we figure things out¡ªthat''s between me and her. No one else. Not you, not Mom, and definitely not anyone who thinks they have the right to interfere. I told you when I invited you here that I didn''t want any trouble. And yet, here we are."


    "So, what? I''m just supposed to turn a blind eye to everything? Pretend I don''t see what''s happening?" Hallie snapped, her voice rising with defiance. "I don''t agree with that, Spencer. And honestly? Your mom is right. That woman isn''t worthy of you."


    Spencer stilled at her words, his expression darkening as he exhaled slowly. Then, in a quiet, almost resigned tone, he muttered, "That''s where you''re wrong, Hallie. You think Melanie isn''t worthy of me? But the truth is... I''m the one who isn''t worthy of her. I''m the one who failed¡ªas a husband, as a partner."


    With a sigh, she finally moved toward him, slipping her hand around his arm and hugging it lightly. "Fine," she murmured. "I might not agree with you, but I''m not going to argue with you anymore." She hesitated before adding, "I''ll apologize to Melanie."


    Then, without another word, Hallie released his arm and turned away, walking toward the door, only to spot Melanie at the top of the stairs.


    Hallie stopped in her tracks, lifting her chin as she met Melanie''s gaze. "I''m sorry that you were slapped by your mother in law. But there was no need for you to be petty and send Spencer here to argue with me."


    With that, she turned back toward Spencer, who had yet to move, his expression frozen in shock as he saw that Melanie was here. Clearly, he hadn''t realized Melanie had been right behind them. How long had she been standing there?


    Melanie took in his expression and a cynical smile graced her face. What a farce. Of course Spencer knew she would be coming up now. After all, this was the only wat to get to their room. Should she have teleported there instead?


    Hallie arched a brow at him as she walked to him, taking his hand in her. "There, Spencer. I apologized to your wife, and she forgave me. So, do you have anything else to say?"


    Melanie smiled then¡ªslowly, knowingly. It was quite a performance. Her gaze shifted from Hallie back to Spencer, who still seemed to be processing what was happening. He deserved an oscar. He''d come here, to pretend and fight for her with Hallie. If she didn''t know the truth, she would have been touched.


    Well, let him hone his acting skills then. She walked into the guest bedroom then and spoke in a deceptively light voice," Miss Hallie you made a mistake."


    Hallie stiffened and turned sharply to face her. "Mistake?" she echoed, folding her arms across her chest. "I already apologized for my mistake, didn''t I? So why are you bringing it up again?" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Melanie let out a soft, amused laugh then. "Hmm. I''m not talking about that. I''m talking about the fact that you claimed to have apologized... and that I forgave you." She let the words linger for a moment before finishing with a quiet, almost dangerous edge, "Both your statements are incorrect. Those words you threw at me were not ''apology'', and I definitely didn''t forget you."


    The room seemed to hold its breath and her eyes met Spencer''s," Spencer. I am going back to my room. Are you going to come or would you like to spend the night here, with your best friend?"


    Spencer seemed to be shaken out of his stupor then. "Of course, I am coming with you."


    As Spencer hurried out of the room, Melanie turned to Hallie and smiled," Miss Hallie, we met just this morning. You are a guest in my home. But from the moment you arrived, you''ve been intent on humiliating me. And I should warn you¡ªI am not some forgiving saint. Consider this a warning to yourself."

 Chapter 19: Not Needed

    Chapter 19: Not Needed"I don''t want to meet this man," Melanie stated stubbornly, her voice firm as she leaned back in her office chair. Across from her, Spencer sighed in exasperation, his hands braced against the desk as he tried once more to convince her.


    "Melanie, Mr. Girf was one of our major clients. And yet, last year, he took his contract from us and handed it over to our competitors. You know how much that set us back. Come on, we need to win him back."


    Melanie''s gaze locked onto Spencer''s, "You want to woo him? Then go ahead. Why do I need to be there? I don''t want to go there, Spencer."


    Spencer shook his head, frustration clear in his expression. "Because you''re the chairwoman, Melanie. Your presence alone would reassure him of our sincerity. It would send the message that we''re serious about rebuilding this relationship. And let''s not forget¡ªyou were our top negotiator with his company last time. You know him better than anyone else here." He let out a breath. "Look, I get it. Things didn''t work out before, but that''s just business. You can''t hold grudges over something like this forever. You failed last time. This time, you just need to be present and I will handle everything."


    Melanie exhaled sharply, her grip tightening around the pen she had been holding. She didn''t miss the condescending insinuation that Spencer had made. That she was the reason for losing out the previous time and she was not going now because she did not want to face her failure. She carefully placed it down, leveling Spencer with a stare.


    "Do you know why things didn''t work out last time?" she asked, her voice eerily calm. "Because I refused to sleep with him. In fact, I would have been surprised if he did choose us. After all, I almost broke his nose."


    Spencer blinked, clearly caught off guard by the bluntness of her words. Silence filled the office, stretching between them as Melanie watched the realization settle over his features.


    It had been two years since she had taken over the company at the time. Mr. Girf''s contract was supposed to have been the final push¡ªan agreement that would have cemented both her position and the company''s standing among the top five in the industry.


    But then that man...


    Even now, a shudder crawled up Melanie''s spine as the memory surfaced, unwanted and vivid. The way his hand had slid over her thigh beneath the table, fingers pressing against the hem of her skirt as he''d leaned in close to her. The sickeningly confident smirk on his face when she''d pushed his hand away and then the moment he had tried to force her, grip tightening as though he had some unspoken right to her body.


    She had stormed out that night, fury burning through her veins as she swung her purse at him. But only she knew how scared she had been. How scared.


    Of course, the board had erupted into outrage afterward, demanding explanations and lamenting the loss of their most valuable client. They''d even tried to force her hand by threatening her that if she did not bring him back, she would be thrown out. And she''d seen in the eyes of those snakes, that they knew... knew why she had lost out and were not bothered about the morality of all.


    But Melanie had silenced their complaints soon enough though¡ªsecuring an even bigger contract with the international powerhouse, StormEdge. That deal had been her victory, her proof that she didn''t need to bend to men like Mr. Girf to succeed.


    And now, after all this time, Spencer wanted to drag that man back into their orbit? To prove himself, he was willing to grovel before a man who had once tried to violate her? Well, he could do it alone.


    She wasn''t going anywhere near Mr. Girf. Not now. Not ever.


    Spencer cursed under his breath while Melanie was lost in thought and walked around the desk hurriedly. "Jesus, Melanie," he muttered, his voice raw. Then, before she could react, he stepped forward, pulled her up from her chair and hugged her tightly.


    Melanie stiffened in shock. Of all the reactions she had expected¡ªdismissal, disbelief, maybe even a half-hearted apology¡ªthis wasn''t one of them.


    "You suffered so much. And I... I didn''t even know.I was told that you refused to go ahead with the negotiations. I just assumed that you were being proud..." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Melanie nodded and stepped away from him. It seemed he was really worried about their relationship after her demand for divorce from last night. He was even willing to show her compassion. Of course, the compasson was only momentary as Spencer soon stepped back and said," This time, you won''t be alone. I''ll be there with you. You don''t need to worry, okay?"


    Melanie almost snorted. DId he really think by standing next to her, he could protect her from people like him?


    "You know what?" she said coolly, straightening her blazer as she picked up her pen once more. "Go ahead. Schedule the meeting. Do what you need to do."

 Chapter 20: Run Away

    Chapter 20: Run Away"Miss Hallie, do you see any other assistants sitting here with us?" Melanie asked as she noticed Hallie taking her seat on Spencer''s other side. She stiffened and looked around. True. Mr Grif''s and Melanie''s own assistant had taken a seat in the corner of the room instead of the main table.


    Hallie hesitated and shot a glance at Spencer who seemed unaware of hwat was going on and then stiffly walked away. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Melanie. I know you''re upset with everything but do you really need to take it out on Hallie?" Spencer whispered in her ear.


    Melanie turned to look at him then, to see his gaze fixed on Hallie who was now taking a seat on the other end of the room and said," If you''re so concerned, why don''t I go and sit there and she can join you here."


    Spencer whipped his head around to glare at Melanie but before he could say anyhing more, the door opened.


    As soon as Mr Grif walked in, Melanie felt herself stiffen even more. Somehow, she had forgotten just how repulsive the man was. He greeted Spencer as if they were old friends, disregarding Melanie who sat there quietly. Well, she was happy about that. Even the man''s gaze made her feel dirty.


    "Spencer," Mr. Grif greeted smoothly, "Apologies for my late arrival. Some things simply demand attention. You''re looking well. And welcome back. It will be good to have the main man at the helm again. I''m sure the board members are also all relieved."


    Melanie smiled at that. Mr Grif really did well to point out a man''s painful spot. It was impossible for Grif to not know that Spencer''s appointment had been delayed by the board.


    Spencer gave a tight, diplomatic smile, clearly choosing his words with care. "The board always has the company''s best interests at heart," he said smoothly, though Melanie didn''t miss the flicker of irritation in his eyes. "I''m just glad to be back and moving things forward."


    Mr. Grif smirked knowingly but let it slide. "Of course, of course. But before we dive into all that, we should have a drink¡ªas old friends." He raised a hand, signaling a waiter. "Bring drinks for our table¡ªand for the assistants as well," he added with a pointed glance toward the corner where Hallie and the others sat.


    Melanie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. The old man always made a show of magnanimity, but she knew better. It was so that all the ''witnesses'' to his depravity would be too muddled to remember anything too clearly the next day.


    The drinks arrived swiftly and Spencer took his glass with a slight hesitation before tipping it back for a quick sip. Mr. Grif chuckled and lifted his own in a small toast before taking a slow sip, his eyes flicking over to Melanie for the first time since arriving.


    The conversation finally drifted to business and projections, but Melanie simply shook her head. While Spencer was trying to sell things off, Grif was not willing to commit. And Spencer seemed to not understand that.


    But Melanie was not concerned about this and barely followed much. She focused instead on the way Spencer''s fingers tightened around his glass with each refill. And how he was already on his fifth glass while Grif had not even finished his first drink.


    Finally, as the waiter refilled Spencer''s glass once again, she placed a hand on his arm, "Spencer, that''s enough."


    His head turned toward her slowly, as if trying to understand what she was saying. Before he could speak though, Mr. Grif let out a mocking laugh.


    "Ah, you should listen to your boss," he said, amusement curling in his voice. "She seems to think she knows what''s best for you."


    Spencer exhaled sharply, and whatever it was that he was thinking earlier was forgotten as he shrugged Melanie''s hand off. "I can handle it."


    Mr. Grif leaned back, swirling the liquid in his glass before turning his attention to Melanie. His smile was too smug, too knowing. "And you, Miss Collins? Perhaps you should have a drink as well. Loosen up a little. You''re always so... stiff."


    Melanie barely spared the offered glass a glance, her expression cool as she reached for her water instead. She took a slow sip before setting the glass down with careful precision.


    "I prefer to keep my wits about me," she said evenly. "Especially in the presence of Jackals."


    Mr. Grif''s smile didn''t falter, but something sharper flashed in his eyes. "Pity," he murmured. "I imagine you''d be much more agreeable with a little help."


    "The thing is that I don''t need to be agreeable, Mr Grif."


    A beat of silence. Then a chuckle. As she said this, she sipped her water again, only to pause as she watched Grif''s eyes stuck on her glass.


    She turned her head to look at Spencer and the others. They were all totally wasted. Without waiting for a moment, she stood up," Spencer, let''s go."


    But Spencer could barely move and simply shrugged off her hand before pushing her away. "I don''t want to go. I''ll stay."


    Melanie stared then and turned around," Fine. I can leave by myself."


    With that, Melanie turned around to walk out of the room, but it was blocked by the two waiters. She stiffened and turned back to glare at the man.

 Chapter 21: Where Is She?

    Chapter 21: Where Is She?Adam Collins sat at the breakfast table in silence, his presence heavy and oppressive, pressing down on the room like a storm cloud. The atmosphere was tense, yet it did nothing to deter his dear mother from fussing over her elder son, determinedly piling fruit onto Spencer''s plate, as if the simple act of motherly concern could erase the discomfort in the air. He smirked. He was already used to it and not bothered at all.


    For a while, he let the three people pretend he wasn''t there, watching as they awkwardly attempted to carry on with their meal. But when he finally had enough of their wordless avoidance, he broke the silence. He might not have interest in these clowns but he did have an interest in someone.


    "Where is Melanie?", he asked in a cold voice.


    The reaction was immediate and strange. Adam''s sharp gaze swept over the three of them, noting the way they all stiffened at the mention of her name. A quick glance was exchanged between them, but it was Spencer''s reaction that stood out the most. The man went completely pale, his grip tightening around his fork before he forced himself to look away.


    It was their mother who eventually spoke, her tone clipped and dismissive. "She''s gone to stay with her friends for a few days. What concern is it to you?"


    A lie. And a blatant one at that.


    Adam frowned. She wasn''t even trying to make it convincing.


    His mind turned over the facts. The last time he''d seen Melanie, she was going out for dinner with Spencer to meet a client. That had been three days ago, and she hadn''t returned since. Three days was nothign to worry about but there was something off about the situation that made him uneasy. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His voice dropped slightly, his words measured and deliberate as he questioned them, "It''s been three days. I get that she might need space from the lot of you, but why isn''t she coming into the office?"


    Spencer cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. When he finally spoke, his words came out hesitant, almost rehearsed. "Uh... you know she hasn''t taken a single day off in three years. I just thought... maybe she deserved a real break."


    Adam studied him carefully, his expression unreadable. The explanation might have sounded reasonable on the surface, but Spencer''s nervous demeanor gave him away.


    He leaned back slightly, fingers tapping against the edge of the table in a steady, rhythm, like nails knocking on a coffin, "Tonight is your wedding anniversary celebration. And she''s still not here. Don''t tell me she''s taking a break from that too. i''m sure grandfather would love to see that. He is going to be here in a few hours."


    The moment the words left his mouth, he didn''t miss the way the three of them exchanged yet another uneasy glance, their tension palpable. It was subtle, but not subtle enough. They were hiding something. And at that moment, Adam knew with absolute certainty¡ªhis gut instinct had been right all along.


    Melanie wasn''t off visiting any friends. That much was obvious.


    But if she wasn''t with them... then where was she?


    His jaw tightened as he mulled over the possibilities. Today wasn''t just any day. It was the deadline he had given her¡ªthe final day she had to make a decision.


    And knowing what he did about Melanie, it was highly unlikely that she would simply vanish to avoid him. No, that wasn''t her style.


    While he was thinking, Spencer spoke up, this time with clarity," Tonight, I''ll handle everything and of course she will be here by then. Don''t spout anything. And I know Grandfather is arriving in a few hours. She''ll be here by then! She must have forgotten or maybe she is sleeping in."


    Adam scoffed at that and stood up," Very well. Then I will look forward to this arrival.


    Before he could turn around, Hallie spoke up. "Why does it even matter to you when she arrives or what she does, Adam?"


    Adam stilled. Then, with a slow movement, he turned back to face her. His gaze was cold, assessing¡ªlike a predator sizing up insignificant prey. And then disregarding her as even being worthy of his prey.


    "Do you know me?" His voice was quiet, but the weight behind it made the air feel heavier.


    Hallie frowned. "You''re Spencer''s younger brother..."


    Adam''s lips curled, but there was no amusement in it. "I didn''t ask who you think I''m related to. I asked if you know me." He let the words hang for a beat, watching as unease flickered across her face. Then, in a voice that carried nothing but disdain, he added, "Since you don''t, don''t say my name so casually. I don''t like it."


    With that, Adam walked out of the house, leaving behind the people who dared to call himself his ''family.''


    But the moment he was out, he pulled out his cell phone and made a call," Find out where Melanie Collins is. I want answers in the next hour."

 Chapter 22: Where Is She?(2)

    Chapter 22: Where Is She?(2)The moment Adam stepped out the door, Spencer let out a slow breath and almost banged his head against the table in sheer relief. He had been tense the entire time, waiting for his brother to leave. But of all the things Adam could have questioned, he hadn''t expected him to ask about Melanie. If it had been anyone else, he could have easily sidestepped the question with a half-truth or a casual excuse. But Adam? His questions had been direct, out of the blue, and impossible to dismiss without raising suspicion.


    His mother, sensing his distress, quickly patted his arm, her voice low but urgent. "Spencer, have you gotten in touch with that Mr. Grif yet? Did he tell you what happened that night? Where is Melanie?"


    Spencer lifted his head slowly, his expression troubled, his eyes unfocused. He swallowed before shaking his head. "He''s not answering my calls." His voice was quiet, almost hollow. "I''ve even sent a few people to look for him, but it''s useless." He hesitated before adding, "I fear that he..."


    But he couldn''t bring himself to finish the sentence.


    Ever since he had woken up the morning after that night, a sick feeling had lodged itself deep in his stomach. He had barely been able to think about anything other than Melanie and what could have happened to her. She had simply vanished after the meeting, leaving no trace. He had racked his brain, gone over the events again and again, trying to make sense of it.


    According to Hallie, it had been Mr. Grif who sent everyone back. But when Spencer had asked if she had seen Melanie, Hallie had hesitated before admitting that she couldn''t remember. No one could. Everyone had been too drunk, too plastered to recall much of anything.


    That alone made his unease sharpen into something close to panic.


    A heavy weight settled in his stomach, pressing down like a stone.


    Melanie had warned him. She had told him that Grif had bad intentions, and he¡ªlike a fool¡ªhad assured her that he would protect her. That as long as he was there, nothing would happen to her. He had been so confident, so certain that his presence alone would be enough to keep Grif in check. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Who would have thought the crafty old man would find another way? That he would get Spencer drunk, render him completely useless, and then¡ª


    Spencer shuddered. His hands clenched into fists on the table. The realization was almost suffocating. And now, Melanie was gone.


    He stood up. He would have to look for her and save her.


    Spencer had barely taken a step when Hallie spoke up in an indifferent voice, "Even if you do find her, she has been with that man for three nights now. What do you think you are going to do? Anyway, she is not going to be in a proper state of mind to understand things. By looking for her and rescuing her, you will make your own future difficult.


    Spencer froze. His breath stilled as a slow, simmering anger rose within him. Turning sharply, he fixed her with a glare so cold that Hallie instinctively straightened. "Even if you don''t like Melanie, there''s no need to wish harm upon her Hallie. She is not my enemy."


    Hallie blinked, caught off guard by the sudden reprimand. Her jaw tightened. Spencer had never taken this tone in the last three years with her. But now, he was looking at her like this because of Melanie. Could it be that now that he was back, he was attracted to Melanie again? But she decided to not say anything for now and simple defended herself, "I wasn''t wishing harm upon her. I was just..."


    Spencer glared at her and a flicker of guilt crossed her face before she quickly dropped her gaze. "I didn''t mean it like that," she muttered. "I was just saying... never mind." She exhaled, rubbing a hand over her arm before looking back up at him. "I''m sorry, alright? That was thoughtless of me."


    Spencer didn''t respond, his mind focused on the current problem of finding Melanie but Hallie pressed on. "Look, I''ll help you find her." She hesitated before adding, "But you need to make sure everything is in place for tonight."


    Spencer''s expression darkened, but she continued before he could protest. "We both know Melanie isn''t needed there, so it''ll be fine. You focus on that, and I''ll see what I can find out. But you need to keep your promise to me, Spency. Tonight has to be it."


    Spencer didn''t like the idea of waiting¡ªof doing anything except searching for Melanie himself¡ªbut Hallie had a point. Tonight was too important to be left in chaos.


    Grinding his teeth, he finally gave a short nod. "Fine." His voice was clipped, unwilling. "But if you find anything¡ªanything at all¡ªyou call me immediately."


    Hallie nodded quickly. "Of course."


    Spencer exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. The thought of leaving this in someone else''s hands didn''t sit well with him, but right now, he didn''t have a choice. He had to keep things in place for tonight.


    Also, as he walked out, he reminded himself, in a way, it would be a good thing that Melanie did not return tonight or ever for that matter. It would uncomplicate a lot of things... But of course, he would never tarnish his image by speaking out loud something like this.