When Roman’s car pulled up outside the company, he spotted several reporters and an executive waiting near the entrance. As he stepped out, he was greeted by the sight of a red carpet leading up to the door, a clear sign that his return had been highly anticipated.

The reporters rushed forward, shoving their microphones toward him, but the security guards stepped in, keeping them from getting too close. Roman stopped just in front of the entrance.

“Mr. Blackwood, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” the executive said, extending a hand for a handshake.

“Nice to meet you too,” Roman replied, shaking his hand. “My apologies for keeping you waiting.”

The man laughed cheerfully. “It wasn’t a hassle,” he replied, already trying to get on the upcoming CEO’s good side.

As they entered the company, staff greeted him respectfully. Everyone had already heard that the boss’s son was returning from abroad.

Shortly after, he heard the sound of heels clicking against the floor.

“You’re quite late, Mr. Blackwood.”

Roman turned to see a young woman with short, wavy black hair. She was dressed elegantly in a milk-coloured skirt and a contrast-trim top. Her black high-heeled sandals elevated her posture, making her look even more confident.

“What are you doing here?” Roman asked, wondering if it was a coincidence or if she already knew he was back in town.

“You’re looking at the president’s assistant,” she replied.

Roman raised an eyebrow. “Vanessa?”

Ignoring the surprise on his face, Vanessa extended her hand for a handshake. “Long time no see, Roman.”

“Since when did you get back?” he asked as they entered the elevator.

Vanessa smiled. “Three years ago. Your dad later offered me a job in the company as his personal assistant.”

They arrived at the top floor and stepped out of the elevator. Vanessa led the way to the conference room. It was large and quiet, except for the soft hum of the air conditioner. A long table stretched across the centre, surrounded by sleek black chairs. On the wall, a large whiteboard was filled with handwritten notes and diagrams.

The atmosphere felt calm and professional.

Vanessa introduced Roman as the new acting president, and everyone gave him a warm welcome. The meeting wrapped up smoothly.

Afterward, she guided him to the CEO’s office.

The office was spacious and well-organised. A large desk sat at the centre, behind which stood a comfortable leather chair. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, and the desk was neatly arranged with a few papers and a laptop.

Behind the desk, floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city skyline, flooding the space with natural light. Framed awards and modern artwork decorated the walls, giving the room an elegant yet professional feel.

“Welcome to the company,” Vanessa said, snapping him out of his thoughts. She glanced at her wristwatch. “It’s almost lunchtime. Do you mind grabbing lunch with me?”

“Maybe some other time,” Roman replied. “I have something urgent to attend to.”

Vanessa extended her hand again. “Nice meeting you again, Roman,” she said flirtatiously.

As soon as Roman left the office, Vanessa pulled her phone from her purse and dialled a number. It was answered almost immediately.

“He refused to have lunch with me. Are you sure he’d even be interested in me?” she asked nervously.

Mrs. Blackwood chuckled softly. “Take a chill pill. He’s definitely going to love you, just give him time. Right now, he’s just settling into his new environment.”

Vanessa pressed her lips together and nodded slowly. “I guess so.”

“Leave everything to me,” Mrs. Blackwood said before ending the call.

….

The hospital room was quiet. Only the steady beep from the monitor filled the air. Serena clenched her fists tightly as she stared at her frail brother lying unconscious on the bed.

If not for their scumbag of a father, none of this would have happened. She couldn’t help but be thankful that Roman had shown up just in time and beaten him to a pulp.

“You’re awake?” Serena said happily as Ryan’s eyes slowly fluttered open. He squinted against the brightness of the room before fully adjusting.

The blurry figure in front of him became clear; his sister’s bright smile instantly made him feel a little better. He tried to sit up but groaned in pain.

“Don’t move, Ryan. You don’t want to lose the stitches,” Serena gently reminded him, adjusting the pillow behind him to help him relax.

He had been shot in the side of his stomach, and the doctors had done their best to patch him up.

“Does it hurt badly?” she asked, worry clouding her voice.

Ryan shook his head, managing a faint smile. “I feel better now that I’ve seen you,” he said hoarsely.

Serena poured him a glass of water and handed it over with a straw. After a few sips, he waved it away.

“I was so scared when I got the call that you’d been shot,” she said, her voice cracking again. “If anything had happened to you, I don’t know what I would’ve done.” She took his hand and kissed it gently.

Ryan sighed. “I’m okay, sis. But if you keep crying like this, I might just join you, and you know that’s not good for my health,” he teased.

Serena chuckled softly and wiped her tears quickly.

He glanced at the dark circles beneath her eyes and felt a pang of guilt. His 27-year-old sister had clearly been keeping vigil over him all night.

Just then, a knock came from the transparent glass door. Both siblings turned their heads at the same time. Roman was standing outside, waiting for permission to come in.

Serena’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected him to show up now. She stepped out, gently pulling Roman by the hand to a more secluded corner of the hallway, away from Ryan’s sight.

“How is he doing?” Roman asked, glancing down at her hand still gripping his.

Noticing his gaze, Serena quickly let go. “He’s awake and doing much better.”

“I’d like to check on him before I leave.”

Serena hesitated. “Thank you, Roman. For everything you’ve done. But… I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to see him or let him know about us. He knows about me and my fiancé and…”

Roman forced a smile. “I get it, Serena. You don’t have to explain.” Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving her speechless.

As soon as Serena returned to the room, Ryan spoke up. “Wasn’t that Roman you were just talking to?” he asked, needing confirmation.

Even after seven years, Roman hadn’t changed much. If anything, he’d only gotten more attractive.

Serena bit her lip and nodded.

“Why was he here? Don’t tell me you’re planning on getting back together with him. What about your fiancé? You can’t betray him like that.”

Serena’s fists clenched. Guilt twisted in her stomach. She wasn’t ready to tell Ryan the truth just yet.

“Nothing like that is happening. Roman and I ran into each other a few days ago, that’s all.”

Before Ryan could speak again, she cut him off. “Enough talking. You just woke up from a coma. Eat something.” She handed him a bowl of freshly cut fruit.

A knock sounded at the door, and Simon entered, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers.

“Hey, kiddo! How are you feeling?” he asked, placing the flowers on the bedside table.

“I’m doing better,” Ryan said, smiling.

“Good to hear. Get well soon so your sister can stop worrying over you; just look at those dark circles under her eyes,” he teased.

Ryan burst into laughter.

Serena shot Simon a death glare, placing her hands on her hips. “Very funny, huh?” she muttered, rolling her eyes and giving him a knowing look.

“Ash, can I see you privately for a minute?” he asked, and she nodded, following Simon as they strolled through the hospital garden.

Serena finally broke the silence. “The guy who shot Ryan… he was one of the mafia’s men.”

Simon nodded slowly, then asked, “How were you able to move Ryan to the VIP ward in this luxury hospital that doesn’t even look like one? I mean, it feels more like a chill centre.”

“Well… it was Lucas who did it,” she replied, avoiding eye contact with Simon, who could always tell when she was lying.

He let out a loud scoff. “Lucas? Even if there was a money tree growing in his backyard, he still wouldn’t have done that. We both know how tight-fisted he is.”

Serena groaned. “It was Roman. He paid for everything. The night Ryan got shot, he came to the company to see me, and he was there when I got the call.”

“Roman? As in your childhood sweetheart? The one who broke up with you and disappeared abroad? That Roman you couldn’t stop talking about?” Simon said in disbelief.

Serena sighed. “I guess he just got back after seven whole years.”

“And just like that, you two randomly run into each other, and he decides to help you for free?”

She forced out a small smile and nodded.

“It better be for free,” Simon muttered. “I just hope he didn’t ask you for anything ridiculous like in those melodramas, being his pet, maid, or even slave.”

Serena didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She was at least grateful Roman had treated her with more respect, asking her to be his girlfriend instead, a request she had helplessly agreed to.

Keeping Lucas’s betrayal a secret from everyone still felt like the safest choice for now.

But on her way back to the VIP ward after saying goodbye to Simon, her phone buzzed with a new message.

It was from Lucas.

A video clip.

It showed her walking into Roman’s room… wearing sexy lingerie.