ONLINE NOVEL XO Chapter My Billionaire Family 3
Morris Chivers, the powerful head of the Chivers family, looked out over the city from the top floor of his luxurious suite in Mondial Regalia's hotel.
His black clothes fit his strong body, with sleeves pushed up to show off his well-defined arms.
His face, marked by a sharp jawline and intense eyes, showed a strong will that drew respect. His well-proportioned nose and just-right lips added to his striking, awe-inspiring appearance. Morris had a notorious reputation for his no-holds-barred approach in business. Yet, his strikingly attractive looks had earned him a following among the city's elite.
With a nonchalant grace, he propped an elbow on the windowsill, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers, tendrils of smoke drifting skyward.
His assistant, Steven Sanchez, and Truman Simpson, the charming next in line for the Simpson family, walked into the room.
Steven gave Morris a folder, saying, "Mr. Chivers, the Bakers are close with Joseph. Helen Baker, the wife of the Baker Group's top boss, is Barbara's cousin."
Barbara Chivers wasn't Morris's biological mother. His birth mother passed away during his birth. Ever since, it was his grandmother, Phoebe Chivers, who took on the role of raising him.
When Morris was almost two, his father married again, bringing Joseph into their lives.
Joseph had made several attempts to undermine Morris, but every time, Morris managed to rise above the obstacles, surpassing all expectations.
Five years back, when the Chivers Group was on the brink of collapse under his father Harold Chivers's leadership, Morris stepped in. He not only saved the company within two years but also propelled it to new heights of success. If it weren't for his grandmother, Morris wouldn't have considered assuming leadership of the Chivers family.
Truman, taking a bite out of an apple, commented, "My mom always says, 'Accompanying a stepmother is the altered affection of a father.' Looks like it's true.
"The land deal with the Baker Group is a trap. It's full of old relics. The authorities won't approve any development there. It's a losing bet. The Chivers Group's elders will use this to try to get you out. It's a cunning move. "Hold on, you purposely didn't sign that contract earlier. Did you already suspect there was an issue with the land?"
Morris crushed his cigarette, his eyes as sharp as a blade. "Barbara and Joseph are getting sneakier, using intermediaries. Steven, keep the Hunters on their toes. They've been twiddling their thumbs for far too long." Truman, still chewing his apple, shook his head at the folly of those who tangled with Morris, a man of formidable power and influence.
*****
As the first light of day crept over the horizon, Cherise began her morning ritual, her soul soaring with the sun's ascent. Two hours later, she arrived back home, her cheeks flushed with vitality, her skin shimmering with the sheen of exertion.
Dennis and Bella couldn't hide their relief at seeing Cherise so vibrant, a mirror image of her departed grandmother.
At the breakfast table, Bella presented Cherise with a plate of spaghetti. "Happy 20th birthday, Cherise," she chimed, beaming with joy.
Holding a gift, Bella said, "As your grandmother did, we have a present for you. Dennis and I want to keep her memory alive. We wish you a life brimming with happiness and the hope that you'll find a love as deep as ours for you." Cherise took the gift and wrapped Bella in a tight, emotional embrace, her eyes pooling with thankfulness. "Thank you, Dennis and Bella. I'm doing really well, truly."
At the age of 20, she resolved to embrace the most splendid chapter of her life with all her heart.
"I'm glad to hear that," Bella urged, nodding towards the steaming plate. "Savor the spaghetti while it's at its best."
"Absolutely, I'll dig in right away!" Cherise chimed in, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
After breakfast, her phone buzzed with a relentless stream of messages.
The "United Hearts" chat, Saphira's local hub, was flooded with birthday greetings and heartfelt messages.
Trent Graham: [Cherise, let go of your sorrow; the departed are beyond our call. We're your family now, and we're all here for you in Betrico.]
Marlon Taylor: [Life goes on, and so must our love. Cherise, we cherish you always.]
A student of Amelia: [Cherise, Ms. Garcia would want you to find joy again. For her memory, find a smile within your heart.]
A flurry of "Happy Birthday" messages from Liam Wilson, Elwin Sinclair, Mike Shawn, and others blanketed Cherise's screen, a mosaic of warmth and affection.
Cherise's heart swelled with affection, and for the first time in days, a sweet smile graced her lips.
She quickly typed back a reply. [Thank you all so much. I'm feeling fantastic and hold your blessings dear to my heart.]
Her message sparked a flurry of responses in the chat.
She closed the app and stood by the study window, her gaze sweeping over the town. The languid smoke from the chimneys curled upward, a testament to the steady rhythm of life.