[Rodriguez Mansion]
•
"I just hate how Daddy treats Brother Max," Annabella snapped, pacing her bedroom like a trapped storm. "He always does this… always makes him feel less, just because he's adopted."
Her voice cracked on the last word.
She hated how easily that single truth could erase everything Maxwell had ever done for this family. How blood suddenly mattered more than years of loyalty, sacrifice, and quiet love.
Maxwell wasn't just a brother to her.
From the day he was brought into the Rodriguez mansion, awkward and unsure, he somehow became her anchor, her safe place.
He was the one who noticed when she was scared before she admitted it.
He listened when no one else did.
Protected her without asking.
Loved her without conditions.
He treated her like a princess — not because she was spoiled, but because he genuinely believed she deserved it.
With Maxwell, she never felt alone. Never felt replaceable. Never felt like that love could be taken back.
To Annabella, Maxwell is someone she could rely on forever.
And that scared her more than she liked to admit.
Vrrr.
Her phone vibrated on the bed, pulling her out of her thoughts.
She walked over, picked it up, and glanced at the caller ID before bringing it to her ear.
"How are you, Bella?" Evelyn's playful voice came through. "You were on top of the world last night."
Annabella exhaled and sat on the edge of the bed, shoulders slumping. "Bored at home."
"Then let's go to school," Evelyn said immediately. "The intern list has been posted."
"Go check it for us," Annabella replied lazily, flopping back slightly. "I'm not in the mood."
There was a brief pause on the line.
"Why? Did something happen?" Evelyn asked, concern slipping into her voice.
"Nothing much," Annabella scoffed, though the words tasted bitter. "Just Daddy being Daddy. He's angry about last night's mess."
"Mmm," Evelyn hummed. "That's natural. It's not exactly new. Why let it bother you?"
Annabella stared at the ceiling. "He's… more serious this time."
"How so?"
"He didn't just yell," she said quietly. "He drew a line."
"Cheer up, girl. Let's meet," Evelyn suggested. "That'll definitely lift your mood."
Annabella hesitated, then nodded even though Evelyn couldn't see her. "Okay, Eve. I'll come pick you up."
She ended the call and let the phone fall onto the bed beside her.
Her mind drifted back to the dining room. To her father's voice, firm and final.
*She is my only child.*
The memory stabbed.
She remembered Maxwell's expression—not anger, not protest—just that quiet acceptance that hurt far worse.
The way his jaw tightened, the way he looked away like he already knew his place.
Like he always knew.
Her chest tightened painfully.
He must be hurting right now.
And the worst part?
He would never say it.
Never complain.
Never make it anyone's problem—especially hers.
The thought made her throat burn.
Seeing Maxwell sad felt unbearable.
She lazily stood up and walked to her closet to pick a simple dress for the day. But don't be decieved by the word simple. I've told you before, nothing about Annabella Rodriguez is ever simple.
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[Amelia Villa]
•
Lius parked the car smoothly in front of the villa, the tires settling against the pavement with practiced precision.
Annabella didn't move.
Instead, she reached for her phone and dialed without hesitation.
"I'm outside. Hurry up," she said flatly — and ended the call before Evelyn could answer.
Barely two minutes passed before the door flew open.
Evelyn rushed out, half-running, one hand clutching her bag while the other tried to tame her hair. She yanked open the back door and dropped into the seat, breathing hard.
She sucked in a deep breath before speaking. "You came way too fast. I haven't even dressed properly," she complained.
"It's school, not a gala," Annabella replied coolly. "Relax."
Evelyn turned toward her — and froze.
"How am I supposed to relax when I'm sitting next to a queen?" she scoffed, eyes roaming openly over Annabella. "It's just school, yet you're wearing a dress worth more than my entire life."
A faint smile curved Annabella's lips. She liked compliments—especially honest ones.
She wore a yellow mini silk gown that clung effortlessly to her figure, a gold coat draped over her shoulders like an afterthought. Her hair flowed freely down her back, dark and glossy, sunglasses perched perfectly atop her head as if they belonged there.
"Drive to the university," she ordered.
"Yes, ma'am," Lius replied, pulling away from the curb.
As the car moved, Annabella glanced sideways. "Where's Amelia?"
"She didn't come home after the party," Evelyn sighed.
Annabella narrowed her eyes. "Then where is she?"
"I called her this morning," Evelyn said. "She just said she's fine and told me not to worry. Wouldn't tell me where she was."
Annabella scoffed. "Probably extending her birthday celebration with her boyfriend."
Evelyn rolled her eyes. "The hell she wants. Forget her."
Then, suddenly—her face lit up.
"Girl," Evelyn giggled, leaning closer. "I met your brother last night."
Annabella raised a brow slowly. "And?"
"You never told me he's that handsome," Evelyn rushed out. "Like… damn. I've never seen someone so hot. He literally stole my breath the moment I saw him and…"
"Eve." Annabella's voice cut through her.
"Can you just calm down?" she said sharply.
Evelyn blinked. "Why?"
Annabella turned fully toward her now, eyes narrowed. "Are you crushing on my brother?"
"So what if I am?" Evelyn shrugged. "It's not a crime."
Annabella leaned back, fingers curling slightly into the leather seat. "Back off. He doesn't do relationships."
"I'm serious," Evelyn insisted. "I spent all night thinking about him. Bella, can you help me get close to him?"
She grabbed Annabella's hands, eyes pleading. "Please, Bella. I'm your best friend. Just this one favor."
Annabella stared at her—irritation flashing in her eyes.
"You're delusional," she said sharply, yanking her hands away. "My brother doesn't even talk to girls. He won't look at you twice."
Evelyn frowned. "Why do you sound like a jealous girlfriend?" Evelyn challenged. "I'm asking about your brother, not your boyfriend."
"Enough," Annabella snapped.
"Fine I'll help you. Just—don't talk anymore."
Evelyn lit up instantly. "Thank you!" She hugged her. "So when are you introducing us?"
"I said I'll think about it," Annabella muttered. "Be quiet."
She turned toward the window and closed her eyes.
But her chest was already tight.
It didn't make sense.
It shouldn't feel like this.
Evelyn was right—it was her brother, not her lover.
So why did the thought of another woman wanting him feel like betrayal?
Why did the idea of another woman standing beside Maxwell twist something deep in her chest?
She didn't like it.
Not the thought.
Not the possibility.
She couldn't imagine sharing him. Not his love. Not his attention. Not the quiet space he reserved only for her.
Yet, painfully, she knew the truth.
One day, Maxwell would have his own family.
One day, he would leave.
The thought alone made her chest tighten.
"Brother Max is mine", she thought fiercely. "Mine alone."
She slowly opened her eyes, staring out the window as the city blurred past.
"You'd better stop dreaming, Evelyn. I'll never let you have him."
Beside her, Evelyn assumed she'd fallen asleep. She quietly pulled out her iPad, slid on her headphones, and returned to her k-drama — unaware that something dark had just settled deep inside Annabella's heart and decided not to leave.
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[IE University — Business Department]
•
The drive to the university took forty minutes, the city blurring past the tinted windows before the grand campus gates finally came into view.
Lius stepped out first, moving with practiced precision as he opened the door for Annabella. She emerged gracefully, slipping her sunglasses into place as sunlight kissed her flawless skin.
As always, the atmosphere shifted.
Students slowed. Conversations stalled. Eyes followed her.
Annabella Rodriguez didn't walk into spaces. she commanded them.
The opposite door opened, and Evelyn hopped out, practically bouncing on her feet. Together, they headed toward the notice board where the internship placements had been posted.
What had once been a crowded queue thinned instantly. No one wanted to be in the way. No one wanted trouble.
Annabella Rodriguez was not a name you challenged.
"AHHHH!" Evelyn suddenly screamed.
Annabella spun toward her. "What happened?"
"Pinch me, Bella…pinch me right now!" Evelyn gasped, staring at the screen like it might disappear.
Annabella frowned but obliged, pinching her arm.
"Ouch! Oh my God..it's real!" Evelyn shrieked. "I've been posted to Rodriguez Diamond Enterprise!"
She jumped, throwing her arms around Annabella in pure excitement.
Annabella scoffed lightly. "So? There are far bigger Rodriguez companies than that."
Evelyn stared at her like she'd lost her mind. "Do you even know what that means?"
Annabella shrugged.
"It means I'll be working close to Maxwell," Evelyn whispered dramatically, practically glowing.
"Good for you," Annabella said, forcing a smile that never quite reached her eyes.
"Check yours!" Evelyn urged.
Annabella nodded, stepping closer.
Evelyn scrolled… slowed… then froze.
Her expression changed.
"Bella…" she said carefully, turning toward her. "I don't think you're going to like this."
Annabella leaned in and saw it.
Her name.
Her placement.
Her face darkened instantly.
"Let's go," she said flatly, already turning away. "I'm not going there."
….
[The Principal's Office]
•
"I told you, I'm NOT going to Morales Corporation," Annabella said firmly, legs crossed as she sat before the principal's desk.
The middle-aged man sighed, rubbing his palms together nervously. "Ms. Annabella, I understand your concerns, but this placement has already been finalized and signed. There's no way to reverse it."
Annabella tilted her head, her gaze sharp. "Do you enjoy your job, Principal?"
His face went pale. "I…I assure you, Ms. Annabella, if there were any alternative, I would have taken it immediately."
He cleared his throat. "Besides, Morales Corporation is one of the biggest firms in the country. I believe you'll find the experience valuable."
"I don't like someone there," Annabella muttered.
"Well…" he hesitated, "that shouldn't interfere with your professional growth."
Annabella stood abruptly. "Then I'll skip the internship entirely. I'll still graduate."
She turned and walked out.
"How did it go?" Evelyn asked, hurrying after her.
"No changes," Annabella said coolly.
"Maybe it's not so bad," Evelyn offered cautiously. "Working under Felix Morales… you might even get to know him better. You're still single, after all."
Annabella shot her a look so cold it stopped her mid-sentence.
Lius was already opening the car door.
Annabella slid inside without another word. Evelyn followed, still grinning to herself—her mind completely occupied with Maxwell and the opportunity now sitting right in her hands.
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[Morales Corporation]
•
"Es un placer hacer negocios con usted, Sr. Rivera,(It's great doing business with you Mr Rivera)" Felix said smoothly, shaking the elderly man's hand.
"El placer es mío, Sr. Felix, (It's my pleasure Mr Felix)" Rivera replied, smiling as his bodyguards fell into step behind him.
"I have a flight to catch," Rivera added. "I must take my leave."
Felix nodded politely, watching him depart before turning back toward the building.
"Any messages?" Felix asked as he walked briskly toward his office.
"A message from Ms. Amelia, and a call from Mr. Ortiz," Humberto replied, nearly jogging to keep up.
Felix hummed in response, pushing open his office door and loosening his tie as he sat.
"The phone," he said casually.
Humberto handed it over. "Shall I send in coffee?"
"Yes. You can go."
Humberto bowed slightly and exited.
Felix glanced at the screen.
*I prepared dinner. Can you come by the villa after work?* — Amelia
A faint smile curved his lips.
*Anything for you, baby,* he typed back.
Then he dialed another number.
The call connected instantly.
"I've done what you asked," the principal's voice said. "Ms. Annabella has been posted to your company."
Felix leaned back, satisfied. "Excellent. I'll transfer the payment."
"But…" the man hesitated. "She said she'd rather skip the internship than work under Morales Corporation."
Felix chuckled softly. "Don't worry about that."
He ended the call calmly.
"She'll come around," he murmured.
Now that Annabella was within his territory, within his control, it was only a matter of time before he would make her crawl under his feet, shouting his name as she sucks his dick. The thought sent a slow, dark thrill through him—one that curled deep in his chest as his smile sharpened.
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[8:30 p.m., Rodriguez Mansion]
•
The bathroom door slid open, releasing a wave of steam and the faint scent of soap.
Maxwell stepped out of the bathroom. A long, punishing day drained from his shoulders as he wrapped a towel around his waist, then changed into his pajamas. He fell back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling, thoughts drifting nowhere and everywhere at once.
Just as his breathing evened out…
A knock cut through the quiet.
He frowned, His gaze snapped to the intercom screen.
Annabella's face filled the screen.
He was on his feet before he could think. He crossed the living area and opened the door.
"Did I wake you up?" she asked softly.
"No," he replied, his gaze betraying him as it traveled from her bare feet upward.
She wore a thin short nightgown—too thin.
It clung to every curve, whispering rather than covering. The light caught her silhouette, and his throat went dry when he realized she wore nothing beneath it.
She stepped past him without waiting for an invitation, heading straight for his bedroom like it had always belonged to her.
Maxwell shut his eyes and dragged in a slow breath before following.
When he entered, she was already seated on the bed, legs crossed, posture deceptively calm.
"What's wrong, Ana?" he asked, sitting beside her. He always knew when something weighed on her.
She hesitated—then leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him.
"Ana…"
Her breasts pressed into his chest, soft and warm, sending a dangerous spark straight through him. He stiffened, fighting instincts he had buried far too deep.
She pulled back only to rest her head on his lap.
"The internship list was posted," she murmured.
Relief flickered across his face. "That's good. You'll finally get real experience."
"Morales Corporation." she added.
His body stiffened. "What?"
"I don't want to be there," she said quickly, lifting her face to his. "You know how much I hate Felix. He'll make my life miserable."
Her fingers curled slightly into his shirt, pleading.
"Help me transfer back to Rodriguez Enterprise. I'll do better under your guidance."
He sighed, brushing his fingers through her hair. "I'll see what I can do. For now, focus on why you're there. Don't let him break you."
She nodded, eyes fluttering shut.
For a moment, she looked impossibly peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Maxwell watched her lips, soft and parted, and felt the familiar war ignite inside him. If things were different… if the lines between them weren't so dangerously blurred..
Then he would definitely fuck her to hell right now.
He leaned in, intending nothing more than a fleeting kiss. Just a goodnight kiss.
He stopped inches away, bite his lips, contempting.
Just then, Annabella opened her eyes.
Their gazes collided.
The air thickened—charged with different type of emotions, unexplained feelings, complicated desire.
Maxwell jerked back, shame flashing through him, turning his face away. She's his sister. He needs to know his limits.
This was wrong.
Annabella frowned.
Slowly, deliberately, she sat up and cupped his face, forcing him to look at her.
And then, As if under control, she plants her lips into his.
The world tipped.
Maxwell opened his eyes, Shock.
But it lasted only a heartbeat before desire swallowed it whole. He kissed her back, hard, sucking the air out of her lungs as if he'd been starving.
Heat surged.
He pressed her down onto the bed, mouth tracing from her lips to her neck, lingering at her collarbone. His hands slid over her thighs, igniting fire beneath his touch.
Annabella closed her eyes, her breath shaky. This isn't right and she knew it. This feelings, This desire, The shivers going down her spine. It shouldn't be happening, not with her brother. Yet she couldn't understand why she isn't stopping it.
Just as the line between restraint and surrender vanished…
Ding. Dong.
The sound detonated between them.
They froze.
Both turned toward the intercom.
Martin stood at the door, hands in his pockets.
Maxwell sprang back like he'd been burned, raking a hand through his hair.
"What is Daddy doing here at this hour?" Annabella whispered.
"I..I don't know," he replied, voice unsteady.
"I'll get it.." she said, absolutely nonchalant.
"No." He caught her wrist, panic sharp in his eyes.
"He mustn't see you in my room by this time if the night. Stay here. Don't make a sound."
He adjusted his shirt, forcing calm where none existed, and left the room.
Annabella lay back against the pillows, She touched her neck where his lips had burned moments ago… and smiled.
"You're mine," she whispered to the empty room.
"I'm not letting anyone take my place. Not even Evelyn."
Maxwell opened the door.
"Were you asleep?" Martin said, already stepping inside. "I've been ringing."
"No. Headphones," Maxwell answered too quickly.
Martin hummed, eyes scanning the room.
"Why does it smell like perfume?" he asked, gaze snapping back to Maxwell.
"Don't tell me you're bringing women into my house."
He started toward the bedroom.
Maxwell's blood turned to ice.
Annabella was inside—on his bed—wearing that good for nothing nightgown.
If Martin opened that door…
Everything would shatter.
He'll kill him for sure.