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Being born a billionaire did not make Tristan Quartararo's life happy. The tragic deaths of both his parents filled him with a deep sense of vengeance. Raised by his uncle, Raphael Shadow, Tristan grew into a powerful and influential man in the business world. Using his wealth and handsome charm, Tristan seeks to attract Olivia Walters, the daughter of Rudolf Walters, who is believed to be responsible for his parents' deaths. To win Olivia's heart, Tristan acts like an angel. But once he successfully marries her, he transforms into a terrifying devil, ready to destroy the Walters family completely. Will Tristan be able to fulfill his dream of revenge? Especially after Rudolf Walters reveals another secret about Raphael Shadow, who is not as good as Tristan thought? And what will happen to his relationship with Olivia once he learns about all the sacrifices she has made?
In a luxurious cemetery, a teenage boy sat silently with teary eyes. His hand reached out, continually wiping the gray tombstone inscribed with the name Andreas John Quartararo.
"Enough, Tristan. Don't be sad. Mama is sure Papa is happy in heaven."
The beautiful woman named Gracia Quartararo looked strong. Although her cheeks were still wet from tears, she tried to appear strong in front of her son. It certainly wasn't easy. Especially since she had lost her beloved husband in a car accident some time ago. The man who smiled brightly that morning, asking for permission to go to work, had to come home lifeless.
"Mama will always take care of you. I promise to stay by your side until we grow old."
Gracia kept trying to strengthen her child's heart so he wouldn't be consumed by sadness. She knew her son was very close to her husband. More so because Andreas was the father Tristan admired so much.
However, a promise remained a promise. Exactly three months after Andreas passed away, it was Gracia's turn to leave Tristan forever. The beautiful woman reportedly suffered a heart attack during an important meeting at her office. One can imagine how shattered Tristan's heart was, not yet twenty years old, having to lose both parents in such a short time. At his young age, he was forced to survive in a harsh world.
"Tristan, don't cry. You're not alone in this world. There's still Uncle Raphael who will take care of you. I promise I will never leave you."
Tristan, who had been looking down, immediately looked up. With a sad expression, the young man shook his head slowly. When Andreas died, he managed to hold back his tears, but this time he couldn't anymore. The clear crystals flowed down his cheeks. He didn't care if people thought he was weak or whatever.
"Don't make any promises to me, Uncle. It's enough that Papa and Mama left me. I don't want everyone I love to leave me one by one."
"No." Raphael shook his head and then extended his right hand, patting Tristan's shoulder repeatedly, trying to strengthen his heart so he wouldn't be consumed by sadness. "I promise I won't die before making you successful. I've decided to help you conquer the world. To make Leighton Corporations, which Andreas worked so hard to build, successful and thriving again. Moreover, you must also get back at those who have wronged your family."
Tristan's hand clenched tightly. Raphael's words had successfully ignited his emotions. His uncle was right. He couldn't dwell in sadness any longer. He had to rise. Because after this, a heavy task awaited him.
In front of his parents' tombstones, Tristan promised himself that he would become a successful and unbeatable person. Once he achieved everything, he would settle the score with those who had destroyed his family like this.
"Sooner or later, I will make them pay for everything, Uncle. I will make the Walters family suffer as much as I do now."
Raphael smirked. The corner of his lips lifted high.
"Of course, Tristan. You deserve to do that. Even after the fatal accident that killed your father, Rudolf Walters hasn't shown his face to even apologize. Maybe his whole family has fled abroad." He then patted Tristan's shoulder gently and continued to encourage him.
"From now on, I promise to always be by your side. I'll turn you into a truly tough man in business and daily life."
Then, Raphael stood up first. Moments later, he extended his hand, asking Tristan to rise from his seat. They both decided to leave the cemetery complex, heading to Tristan's home to prepare for all the plans that had been meticulously arranged.
***
**Several Years Later**
Flashbulbs immediately went off as Tristan and Raphael entered the auditorium in the Leighton Corporation building. All the journalists seemed to be competing to cover the induction process of the new CEO who would lead the largest construction company in the United Kingdom.
Tristan, dressed in a navy suit, sat calmly next to Raphael. Not a hint of nervousness appeared on his handsome face.
After years of studying, interning, and directly participating in various tenders with Raphael, Tristan continually worked to convince all the shareholders and company executives. At the age of just 30, he was striving to prove to everyone that he truly deserved the position his father once held.
After two general shareholder meetings, it was finally agreed that Tristan was indeed fit for the position. Today, he would be officially inaugurated by the commissioners to start performing his duties as expected.
"Tristan Quartararo, congratulations on your inauguration today."
Everyone seemed to offer congratulations. This included Tristan's three friends, who had taken the time to come and meet him in his office.
"Thank you. I'm glad you are here to support me. I thought you were serious when you said you wouldn't come to congratulate me the other day."
Tristan then accepted hugs from each of his three friends before inviting them to sit on the sofa.
"That was Edward's idea," pointed out Kenzi. "That damn playboy wanted to surprise you."
Edward immediately clicked his tongue and handed over the cake box he had been holding. "Oh, come on, Nick. Why are you so talkative? Wasn't this our idea together? Why are you making me the main culprit now?"
"But you were the one who suggested it, weren't you?" Nicholas retorted. "You came up with the idea. In fact, you insisted earlier that Kenzi and I pick you up and accompany you to buy the cake for Tristan."
"Really?" Tristan asked, wanting confirmation. He looked at each of his friends in disbelief. Often joking around, he never expected his friends to act so sweetly.
"Well... alright. I admit it. Nicholas is telling the truth."
While scratching his non-itchy neck, Edward finally admitted what Nicholas had said. Among the three friends, he was the closest to Tristan since the beginning of their friendship. They did everything together. Edward even considered Tristan like a brother. Kenzi and Nicholas often called them twins.
"I did drag them both to meet you. Besides, we should congratulate you on your achievement today. Honestly, I am personally very proud of you."
"Thank you once again for everything you have given me."
"So, how was your inauguration today? I saw in the news that your company's stock price rose significantly after you were officially appointed as the new CEO," Kenzi said, with a hint of admiration in his voice. As a fellow young CEO, he was naturally proud of what his friend had achieved.
Tristan nodded. While cutting the cake Edward had brought, he responded to Kenzi's question casually.
"I was also very surprised. This is an incredible achievement for me as a beginner. I didn't know the inauguration would even affect the company's stock price. The commissioners also discussed it."
"That means the public has been eagerly awaiting your presence," Nicholas added seriously. "It seems they are interested in all the breakthroughs and strides you've made recently. I must admit, all the brilliant ideas you've shown have brought fresh air to this business."
The three then chose to enjoy the cake Tristan had just cut and offered. While eating, they continued to discuss various topics casually.
"By the way, is there no small party?" Edward asked while taking a bite of his cake.
It had always been a tradition for them to celebrate something with a party, whether it was large or a private gathering with close friends.
"Oh my, you're right. I've been so busy these past few days that I didn't think about it. But how about we have the party tonight?"
Kenzi put his cake plate on the table, grabbed a cup of tea, and sipped the drink. After finishing, he nodded in agreement with the idea Tristan had just proposed.
"I agree. Let's celebrate at the American Bar."
"Yes, Kenzi is right. The American Bar is a suitable place for us to celebrate all this," Nicholas chimed in.
"But, can we bring partners tonight?" Edward asked cautiously. "I mean, will tonight's party be just us as usual, or can we bring female friends too?"
"Of course. I'm also curious to see which woman you'll bring this time," Tristan replied, seemingly familiar with Edward's habit of frequently changing partners.
As agreed, the four friends decided to gather at the American Bar at eight o'clock that night. This time, Tristan brought Kimberly, Raphael's daughter, to accompany him.
After making reservations and ordering appetizers, Tristan saw Kenzi arrive first at the event with his girlfriend, Tita. Shortly after, Nicholas followed, bringing his fiancée, Claire.
"We're not late, are we?" Kenzi asked as he pulled out a chair and invited his girlfriend to sit.
"Don't worry. Kimberly and I just arrived 10 minutes ago," Tristan replied. Then he sat down and began the conversation.
"Tristan, congratulations on your achievement today. I know this gift is modest, but at least Nicholas and I are sincere in giving it to you," Claire said as she handed him a black gift box.
"Oh my, there's no need to go to the trouble. I'm already very grateful that you came," Tristan said.
Amid their conversation, Edward, who had been awaited, finally arrived. With a smile, he immediately approached with the woman he had brought.
"Sorry, I'm a bit late. I had to pick up the gift first," Edward said as he handed over the item he was carrying-a box containing a watch that he specially gave to his friend. "Once again, happy birthday, Tristan. I hope this year all your unrealized dreams come true."
Tristan, who was standing at the time, hugged Edward with emotion. When he released the hug, his focus immediately turned to the beautiful woman Edward had brought.
"Ed, aren't you going to introduce the beautiful woman next to you?"
"Oh, right. I almost forgot," Edward replied. He then turned to the woman standing next to him. "Everyone, let me introduce you to the beautiful Olivia Walters."
Tristan gazed intently into the brown eyes before him. Moments later, he extended his hand with a meaningful smile. The name Edward had just mentioned seemed familiar to him.
"Tristan Quartararo. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Bella Stone has never imagine in her life intended or aspired to rent out her womb to anyone. Due to a necessity, she reluctantly agrees to carry the future baby, the seed of the famous model and entrepreneur couple, Julia Estelle and Edward Darkwood. Bella thinks everything will go smoothly. In her imagination, after carrying and giving birth, she will receive a lot of money and be able to leave. However, who would have thought that because of one night's mistake, Bella and Edward accidentally got involved. Worse still, Bella ends up carrying his seed without Julia's knowledge. So, can Bella keep this significant secret tightly sealed and continue pretending that the baby she is carrying is the result of Julia and Edward's seed? And when the baby she is carrying eventually comes into the world, will Bella be willing to simply give her baby to Julia?
Aurora Harverwood thought her married life was already perfect. Especially with her husband, Alex Wildblood, known for being incredibly affectionate and attentive. However, everything turned out to be different from what Aurora had imagined. In a deliberate sign, she caught her husband in an intimate act with Amanda Nicole, who happened to be her cousin. Aurora was furious. She vowed to seek revenge that would not be forgotten.
Ashton Wolf is a renowned contractor who initially married Miranda Stone. At one point, his wife's condition weakened due to her long-standing battle with stage four brain gland cancer, with a prognosis that she wouldn't survive much longer. Realizing that her time was limited, Miranda insisted that Ashton marry again. The choice fell upon Alice Ashborne, Miranda's step-sister, who was currently a senior college student. Ashton vehemently rejected this request. Apart from the significant age difference, he had no intention of marrying a girl he clearly did not love. However, under Miranda's pressure, even to the point of threats and demands for an immediate divorce, Ashton found himself unable to refuse and eventually accepted the request to marry Alice as soon as possible. Throughout their marriage, Ashton made a conscious effort to maintain distance. He deliberately kept the news of his remarriage from people outside, trying to conceal the fact that he had married again. Despite Alice's evident effort to graciously embrace married life and be a devoted wife, Ashton remained displeased and continued to keep his heart closed. To add to the complexities of their marriage, someone from the past resurfaced, throwing Ashton and Alice's lives into further turmoil. This situation left them grappling with a dilemma—whether to continue fighting for their marriage or to bring it to an end.
Repeated disappointments and even being deceived by the woman he deeply loved turned Randy Anthony Walters into a playboy. Randy is determined not to engage in serious relationships anymore due to the trauma of always being played. His mother, Verona Walters, stressed by her son's behavior, took matters into her own hands and decided to find a suitable female prospective daughter-in-law according to her preferences. She presented Randy with several candidates to choose from. In the end, her son chose a young girl named Gea Rose Donovan. Among many candidates, Randy intentionally chose Gea, who is still a student and 12 years older than him. Randy thought that by marrying a much younger girl, he could control and handle his wife as he pleased, making her obedient. However, Randy's assumption turned out to be wrong. Once they got married, Gea revealed many surprises to him. Not to mention, there is a big secret that this woman has been tightly guarding, and Randy eventually discovers it. So, will their marriage go smoothly, or will it end in the middle of the road?
Being a billionaire and having good looks are not guarantees that Nicholas Alistair's love story will unfold smoothly. Feeling very disappointed because his previous fiancée had betrayed him, Nicholas closed himself off and acted aloof. He believed that women were creatures to be avoided. However, this caught the attention of an assistant named Kimberly. She, who had just taken up the position of Nicholas's private assistant, harbored a secret love. The cool and indifferent attitude displayed by Nicholas posed a significant challenge for the young woman in her quest to win her boss's heart. Can Kimberly, a young woman full of secrets, thaw Nicholas's heart as effectively as the ice in Antarctica?"
"I'll make this marriage a living hell." – Darwin Walters "Let's see who will endure and who will give up!" – Veronica Ashborne *** Veronica Ashborne thought her life would be smooth sailing when she agreed to her father's request to marry billionaire Darwin Walters for business reasons. She couldn't have been more wrong. Darwin openly cheated on her and treated their marriage like a warzone. At first, Veronica endured it all. But when she finally reached her limit, she decided to strike back. She vowed to make Darwin pay twice over for everything he had done to her. She would make him obsessed with her-so much so that he would never look at another woman again. Just when she started turning the tide and winning Darwin's heart, her ex-boyfriend, Sean Galael, suddenly reappeared in her life. His presence stirred old feelings, leaving Veronica torn between the man she wanted to conquer and the one who had once held her heart. Now, the question remains-who will Veronica choose?
"Leonard Bryant is a man of the hour in Sea City. He has won the Pritzker Prize at a young age, which is considered as Nobel Prize in the architecture field. An architectural drawing of his can be auctioned to hundreds of millions yuan. Everyone takes him as an architectural design talent. But everyone also thinks he is gay because of his frequent refusal of women. Ashley Powell has been taking Leonard as her idol and loving Leonard for several years. For him, Ashley chooses to learn architectural design during university. As the saying goes, "when there is a will, there is a way", she finally gets the chance to work in Bryant Group after her graduation. At the graduation ceremony, Ashley was coaxed by her classmates to test if Leonard is gay. A little drunk Ashley came to Leonard's room, then .... 'Who says this man is gay? He is not gay but a beast!' Ashley thinks."
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."