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After a fleeting one-night affair with a stranger, the wealthy and beautiful Lani  Carlisle finds herself the target of public scorn. The situation worsens when her father drove her out of the house. Driven by the pressure, Lani becomes a workaholic and hires a personal assistant to care for her kids. But everything changes when her daughter becomes deeply attached to him, even wishing he were her father.

As Lani unexpectedly falls for him, she faces judgment from both her family and society. Will she accept her fate, or fight for the love she desires?

Find out in "Unbreakable Ties"

Unbreakable Ties

The tension between Lani and Elias had settled slightly, but an uneasy feeling still lingered in Lani's chest. She wanted to trust him, she really did, but Vanessa's presence in his life made her uneasy.

A few days passed, and Elias kept his promise—he was more open with her, texting her throughout the day, coming home at reasonable hours, and making sure to take better care of his health.

And Lani wasn't blind to the way she looked at Elias.

One evening, as Elias was finishing up work, Lani made a decision. She was going to see Vanessa herself—alone.

Lani walked into Sterling Enterprises, her heels clicking against the sleek marble floors. She ignored the receptionist and went straight to the elevator, pressing the button for Vanessa's floor.

By the time she reached Vanessa's office, she didn't bother knocking. She pushed the door open.

Vanessa looked up, startled. Then, her lips curled into a smirk.

"Well, well. If it isn't Leilani Carlisle," Vanessa said, leaning back in her chair. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Lani closed the door behind her. "Stay away from my husband."

Vanessa raised an amused brow. "I don't recall your husband needing a bodyguard."

Lani's eyes narrowed. "I know exactly what you're doing, Vanessa. You always wanted what I had, even when we were younger."

Vanessa let out a fake laugh. "Oh, Lani, you give yourself too much credit." She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "I didn't want what you had. I just wanted to prove I could take it if I wanted to."

Lani's fists clenched. "Elias is not a game for you to win."

Vanessa tilted her head. "And yet, he's here. With me. Every day."

Lani took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. "He loves me. He's only here because he's trying to build a better future for our family. Whatever fantasy you have in your head—let it go."

Vanessa's smirk faltered just slightly. "And what if he realizes he deserves better?"

Lani's lips curved into a dangerous smile. "He already has the best. Me."

Vanessa's eyes darkened, but before she could respond, a voice interrupted them.

Lani turned to see Elias standing at the door, confusion written all over his face.

Vanessa immediately put on an innocent expression. "Oh, Elias. Your wife was just expressing some… concerns."

Elias' eyes flicked between them before landing on Lani. "Lani, what are you doing here?"

Lani crossed her arms. "Making things clear."

Elias sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Can we talk outside?"

Lani shot Vanessa one last glare before following Elias out into the hallway.

Elias turned to her. "Lani, you don't need to do this."

"Yes, I do," she insisted. "I need her to understand that I see what she's doing."

Elias ran a hand through his hair. "Lani, I promise you, Vanessa means nothing to me."

Lani searched his face. "Then prove it. Find another job."

She shook her head. "I don't care how good the pay is. I don't care how much you think you need this. If you really want to do this for our family, then do it somewhere else. Somewhere she isn't."

Elias exhaled heavily. "You're asking me to just quit?"

"I'm asking you to choose us over your pride," she said softly.

Elias looked at her for a long moment before nodding.

Lani's shoulders sagged in relief.

Elias pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. "I'll put in my resignation tomorrow."

And just like that, Vanessa's game was over.

Chapter 61: Unfinished Business