Casper hid his smile hearing Liam become calm. If Liam stays by their side, he could control the more negative news from spreading about them.

"I will handle the case and Alvin. You take care of your wife and daughter. Go and rest." Casper instructed going back to his indifferent and overbearing self.

Liam, who was silent for a long time, opened his mouth sounding bitter and malicious, "I need to meet this bastard, Dad. How dare he frame mom with his wife?"

Casper wanted to get happy seeing resentful Liam but he wasn't going to take the chance of letting them meet privately.

"Liam," Casper snapped at Liam. "I said I will handle this. No need to see him."

Liam sniggered and placed the papers back on the desk. "Why?" He asked mockingly. He almost believed his father.

Casper: "..."

Liam pointed at Casper's desktop screen where there was an essay against Anya Owen. Upon posting it over the media or blog, it would become a sensational article.

He was disappointed by looking at the emancipation letter with Alvin's signature. He doubted Anya avenging the Matthews family for whatever they did to her.

He was thinking about speaking to them, apologizing to her on behalf of their family, and that's when his eyes fell on the desktop screen.

If what Casper said was the truth, why was he preparing an article against Anya Owen? She had just won a prestigious award, such an article would destroy her image.

Such an award wouldn't be given to controversial people. If the public starts protesting, Anya would lose her reputation, her hard work, and the award.

How could his father be so cruel?

And why would he do something like that?

So Liam guessed Casper was weaving a story. He answered his questions, "To hide your fictional story?" He laughed sarcastically as he added, "I almost bought your story, Dad."

Liam couldn't believe Casper tried to sow the seed of animosity between the two brothers. Ridiculous thing was that those two brothers were his (Casper's) sons.

"I pray that nobody gets a father like you." Disappointment wouldn't define what he felt for his father's behavior. He was disgusted by him.

Casper's face darkened and gritted his teeth hearing Liam. They were able to live a luxurious, respectful life so far because of him. And his son said he was unfit to be a father.

He had thought Liam was shocked by the summons and emancipation. He wasn't guilty of his actions. He was doing it for the Matthews family.

Now that Liam discerned everything that he said was a lie, he went and sat on his chair. He reviewed the article and shooed Liam away, "Get lost. Let your mother suffer in prison."

Liam was well aware Casper wasn't worried about Gianna, instead worried about his company and reputation. As a son who was pampered by his mother, Liam should be worried about his mother.

He was indeed worried but he wasn't sure how he could help his mother and what was the current real situation. For that, he has to meet Alvin, give the apology Anya deserved and discuss the solution.

He was leaving when he paused. Although he didn't have much idea about the awards, criteria, and rules, he was sensible enough to discern that the presidential award wouldn't be given to just any person. They would have assessed Anya before choosing her for the award.

historical

He turned around and warned Casper, "Dad, do you think the Presidential award would be given to a corrupted officer?"

By publishing articles against Anya, Casper would be provoking the administration and high-level officials who approved the award for Anya.

Liam walked out leaving Casper frozen. Casper hadn't thought too deeply into it. When his legal advisor gave him the idea, he just bought it assuming the legal advisor couldn't be wrong.

He couldn't believe he was about to destroy himself without thinking through every possibility.

He fished his mobile and dialed a string of numbers. He instructed as soon as it was answered, "Check on the PSR and Money laundering case if there is any mention of Anya Owen meeting Miles Johnson's secretary."

He learned his lesson. If there wasn't any mention of it, he planned to send the photographs to the president with the back story. Anya should lose her award but he shouldn't get implicated even if she gets the award.

Casper also added, "Find out if there is any recent development such as Miles Johnson visiting the country secretly or meeting Anya Owen." He hung up the call.

He ran his fingers through his hair feeling frustrated. A small slip from his side could have cost him everything.

He knew Anya was more than a cop. Yet he underestimated her as an easy target among Anya and Alvin.

Should he target Skylark and Alvin instead to stop them?

–––––––

At Oasis mansion,

Krystle was grinning ear to ear looking at the spaghetti hot red silk short dress on Anya. "Annie, you look like a delicious juicy cherry."

She liked the flowy hems of the dress that would grab the attention of Anya's slender but strong thighs. She smiled devilishly imagining Anya and Alvin being intimate.

Anya: "..."

Zane glanced at Krystle, finding her words strange for a compliment. He looked at his mother who looked pretty but her shoulders were covered and the dress was above her knees. "Momma, you will catch a cold." He sounded worried.

Krystle looked at the mother and son who were worried about the same thing. Seeing Zane about to run to the closet to get a jacket, she quickly caught him and explained, "Zane baby, we will increase the temperature in the hall. Your mommy won't get cold and your father will keep your mommy warm."

Before Anya could change her mind and wear sweatpants, Krystle rushed Anya out of the bedroom and gave her a gentle push toward the study room. "Get your husband." Then she took Zane away who worriedly looked behind again and again.

Anya could feel the cold air. She wanted to grab an overcoat, but before that, she thought to check if Anya was done with his work.

..

Rob was facing Alvin who was on a call with Liam. Alvin, who was listening to Liam, shifted his gaze when the tall double door opened without any knocks.

His eyes fell on nude shimmering stilettos. His eyes brushed over the slender but toned legs that moved towards him.

His attention drifted from the call when his eyes brushed over the tempting thighs as the hem of the red dress grazed them repeatedly.

He gritted his teeth. What was his Little Donut up to? Seducing him in broad daylight?

His eyes went over her slinky waist, the two peaks, and the wide neckline with just a strap on her shoulders. He cued Rob to leave and ended the call by saying, "I will see you."

Rob's eyes almost went over Anya but exited the room knowing she was his lady boss.. Correction, Madam president.

Alvin leaned on his chair and looked at Anya's pretty face having nothing but red lipstick.

"Lots of work?" Anya asked nonchalantly despite noticing Alvin's reaction the whole time.

Alvin lifted his hand and cued with his finger to call her near. He showed no hint of reaction on his face.

Anya was itching to run out of the room looking at Alvin. No reaction is dangerous.

Seeing her wary, Alvin stood up at his pace and went around the desk maintaining complete silence, feeling her nervousness.

Anya felt like a lamb in a predatory tiger's cage. She should be happy that Krystle's plan was working but she instinctively stepped away when he went closer to her.

Before she could take another step, she gasped and felt her body in flames when he did what she couldn't even guess.