Part 1
Victoria Sorkovitch sat alone in her opulent office, sipping a glass of aged Bordeaux. The room, situated on the second floor of her palatial residence, overlooked a meticulously manicured garden that seemed to stretch on forever. Her estate was a testament to her wealth and taste for traditional luxury.
The walls of her office were adorned with rich tapestries and classical paintings, each carefully selected to convey an atmosphere of aristocratic grandeur. Expensive solid wood furniture with marble tops filled the room, reminiscent of an earlier time. A grand mahogany desk stood in the center, its surface cluttered with business papers and personal mementos. The marble fireplace, intricately carved with scenes from ancient mythology, provided a cozy warmth against the chill of the evening. The ceiling was a masterpiece in itself, adorned with a massive painting that depicted a celestial scene with angels and gods, similar to the grandeur found in renowned Renaissance frescoes. The intricate details and vivid colors gave the illusion of a divine world hovering above.
Victoria gazed out the large, arched windows, the twilight casting a soft glow over the marble statues and fountains that dotted the garden. Grand marble staircases, gilded accents, and crystal chandeliers that sparkled like stars in every room added to the estate's opulence. She was lost in thought, reminiscing about a time long past when life seemed simpler, and love was all-consuming.
In her youth, Victoria was known as the "Beauty of Tochago," her stunning looks and sculptural figure making her the dream girl of many young men of her generation. She was not only beautiful but also sweet, a bit out of touch with the realities of life, but undeniably enchanting.
She met Alexander Graciasta at a university prom, a glittering event that brought together the young gentlemen and ladies of their time. He was different from the other young men she had known—handsome and muscular, yet deeply intellectual. Though he was a bit of a nerd, his charm and popularity among the young ladies were undeniable. Their connection was instant, and their courtship became the talk of elite circles.
Alexander's family wealth, concentrated in healthcare, complemented Victoria's family's vast holdings in real estate development and construction materials. Their union was seen as a perfect match, a merging of two powerful dynasties. Their wedding, held in an ancient castle across the ocean, was a million-dollar affair, grand and opulent. The castle, a former imperial palace, provided a stunning backdrop for the lavish ceremony. It was the late 80s, and such an extravagant display was a rare and significant event.
Victoria had envisioned a life of comfort and joy, where Alexander would revolve around her, making her the happiest woman on earth. She imagined herself making him the happiest man alive. It was a fair expectation, as many young heirs and heiresses of the time spent their days enjoying the world while preparing to take over their family businesses. But Alexander was different. He and his childhood best friend, Dr. Max Sokraberg, a brilliant but eccentric scientist obsessed with robotics, were consumed by their research.
Max's family was old money, deeply entrenched in high society for generations. His motivations were driven by a desire to push the boundaries of science and make his tech fantasies a reality. Alexander, however, was driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the world. Despite his best efforts to explain his work to Victoria, she never truly understood. His dedication to his research often left her feeling neglected, both physically and emotionally.
As the years passed, Victoria found it increasingly difficult to accept Alexander's obsession with his work. She had given up the attention of countless admirers for him, yet he could not give her the attention she craved. At the pinnacle of her physical magnificence, she felt her youth and beauty slipping away, wasted on a man who seemed to love cold, abstract theories more than her.
Victoria's logic stemmed from her family background in real estate development. Her father used to tell her, "Premium land should never be wasted," and Victoria, at the pinnacle of her youthful days, saw her youth as premium land being wasted by Alexander. Her resentment led to a few casual flings here and there, which to her is fully justified. And when Alexander confronted her about them, it lead to their major fight and subsequent divorce. These were things she never mentioned to Philip and never wanted him to know. But she was concerned that Galatea, being an associate of Max, might reveal this part of her history to Philip.
Victoria felt something was off about Galatea. Someone so young, almost the same age or younger than Philip, as a trustee of such a large estate, was suspicious. She resolved to investigate Galatea's qualifications and background, suspecting that Galatea might be one of Max's mistresses or even Alexander's. The more Victoria thought about it, the angrier she became. The image of Galatea flirting with Max and then with Alexander fueled her rage.
Victoria vowed to herself that she would thwart any plan to take away what rightfully belonged to her and Philip. She suspected that Galatea was a gold digger who had charmed Alexander into doing her bidding. Philip was too naive, she thought, and she was increasingly concerned that her son might be enthralled by Galatea too. Suddenly, a plan formed in her mind.
Victoria called her chief assistant, Sarah, a tall, beautiful lady with a perfect model figure, a heart-shaped face, raven black long hair, and enchanting brown eyes. She instructed Sarah to investigate Galatea and find any information she could on her. Victoria also asked Sarah to bring Audrey to her, as she had something important to discuss. "Don't fail me Audrey," Victoria murmured to herself.
Part 2
Philip returned from an evening of partying with his friends, the early morning light beginning to peek over the horizon as he drove back to the estate. He wanted to avoid the infamous rush hour traffic of Tochago, a city he knew all too well from his days as a banker in its bustling downtown core. The efficiency, professionalism, and sleekness of the financial district were stark contrasts to the traditional opulence he grew up with under his mother's roof. It was a world closer to his father's lifestyle, yet he always felt out of place navigating between these two vastly different realms.
Working as a banker had given him a sense of importance in a life where he often felt neglected. Victoria had always been controlling, setting high expectations without showing much affection. His childhood lacked the warmth of a nurturing family; only Lilianna and Audrey had shown him any semblance of love. But even Lilianna had changed. Her once genuine care had transformed into manipulative actions fueled by jealousy. Though she maintained a facade of the caring sister, Philip sensed her delight at his misfortunes. His instincts told him something was off about her.
Philip was grateful for his group of friends and Audrey, his best friend. She was the youngest daughter of the Silvarto family, who controls a food conglomerate. Audrey, like him, was a neglected child. Her parents were devoted to her two older brothers and their respective careers, leaving Audrey mostly raised by nannies. They met at their private high school, where Audrey, taller than him at the time, stood up for Philip against a group of bullies. She was already a karate black belt then. Their friendship blossomed from that moment, becoming a bond of shared experiences and mutual understanding.
However, their relationship had begun to change. At the previous night's party, during their "Game of Truth or Dare", Audrey's passionate kiss when dared to kiss Philip hinted at deeper feelings. Philip felt a mix of confusion and curiosity about where their relationship was heading.
As he arrived at the estate, the dawn had just given way to the full morning. The sprawling grounds, with their meticulously kept gardens and grand marble staircases, gleamed under the rising sun. The grand entrance loomed before him, an imposing testament to his father's wealth and taste for high-tech luxury.
Entering the house, Philip was greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked bread. The breakfast table was laden with an array of food: fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, freshly squeezed orange juice, and an assortment of pastries that looked too perfect to eat. Galatea, still wearing an apron over her usual professional attire, was bustling around the kitchen.
When she turned to greet him, Philip was momentarily taken aback. Galatea's beauty was striking; her long, golden hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and her blue eyes sparkled like sapphires in the morning light. Her skin was flawless, with a subtle glow that added to her ethereal presence. The apron cinched at her waist accentuated her perfect figure, and the professional blouse and skirt she wore underneath spoke of a meticulous, almost austere elegance.
"Good morning, Philip," Galatea said with a warm smile, her voice soft and melodic. "I've prepared breakfast for you."
Philip felt a flush creep up his neck, his face blushing slightly as he thanked her. "You didn't have to go to so much trouble, Galatea. This is... incredible."
Galatea's smile widened, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "It's my pleasure. I am here to help you in any way I can."
As he sat down at the table, a sense of suspicion crept into Philip's mind. He wondered if Galatea's kindness was a tactic to lower his guard. "So," he began cautiously, "you would help me with the same things you helped my dad?"
Galatea's reply was a definitive yes, delivered with such confidence that it left no room for doubt. Philip raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin forming on his lips. "Really? And what kind of... help did you provide?"
Galatea, misunderstanding his insinuation, nodded earnestly. "I assisted with numerous tasks: financial analyses, strategic planning, late-night research sessions. Anything necessary to achieve the goals we set."
Philip's smirk widened. "Interesting. And did those... late-night sessions ever get... personal?"
Galatea tilted her head, her expression puzzled but patient. "Of course. Many of our discussions touched on deeply personal visions for the future, ethical implications, the impact of our work. Your father was very passionate about those."
Philip almost choked on his coffee, the irony of the conversation dawning on him. "I see. Well, it sounds like you were very... dedicated."
"Absolutely," Galatea replied, her sincerity unwavering. "Your father's legacy is incredibly important, and I am fully committed to supporting you in the same way."
Philip nodded, trying to hide his amusement. "Right. Let's see what the day brings, then."
As Galatea turned back to the kitchen, Philip couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. The misunderstanding was almost too perfect. For now, he decided to keep his suspicions to himself and see how things unfolded.
Part 3
Meanwhile, in an upscale restaurant in the downtown core, Lilianna was having morning tea with a well-dressed middle-aged man who exuded an air of quiet confidence. The restaurant exuded elegance, with its crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and soft classical music playing in the background. Lilianna, dressed in a sweet, conservative outfit—a modest dress with delicate lace trim, contrasting sharply with her inner turmoil—sat gracefully, her posture impeccable. Her long, auburn hair cascaded down her back, and she wore a pair of stylish sunglasses that added a touch of mystery to her appearance.
The table before them was set with fine china and silverware, an array of pastries and finger sandwiches artfully arranged on a tiered stand. A pot of steaming Earl Grey tea sat in the center, its fragrant aroma mingling with the subtle scent of fresh flowers that adorned the table. Lilianna handed the detective a photograph of a beautiful girl. "I need you to investigate this girl and her relationship with Philip," she instructed, her voice calm but resolute. "And find out everything you can about Philip's former drug use, and if possible, his medical records."
The detective, Jack, was a seasoned professional with a keen eye for detail. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, and his tailored suit spoke of understated elegance. He took the photograph, glancing at it briefly before nodding. "Consider it done," he replied, his tone measured and reassuring.
Lilianna knew that Philip had been using antidepressants and a variety of pleasure drugs due to his long-term depression caused by the highly publicized rocky relationship of his parents. She had often played the role of the caring sister in front of Philip and Victoria, but it was all a facade. Deep down, she saw Philip as a threat. Victoria had always wanted to unite the vast Sorkovitch estate with the Graciasta estate, and Philip was her key to that. If Philip succeeded, Lilianna would be left with lots of wealth from the massive shareholdings in the Sorkovitch business entities but zero control over its destiny, which she found unacceptable.
Why should she, who was so much more capable than her useless brother, be relegated to the backseat just because of her birth? To her, preventing Philip from successfully taking over the Andromeda Industry Group, the flagship of the Graciasta estate left by Alexander, was crucial. She was actively seeking clues from Philip's past and intended to ensure they anonymously reached the hands of ambitious directors who also wanted to take over the chairmanship of the board.
Her dreams would come before her mother's dreams. Lilianna was sick and tired of playing the role of the sweet and perfect lady that her mother Victoria had envisioned for her. To her, it was better to have something than nothing, even if it meant preventing the union of the two large estates to the detriment of the Sorkovitch family. She reasoned that it was just as likely the Graciastas family would end up at the helm of the united entity rather than the Sorkovitch family. So, she was simply choosing a different future, not necessarily a worse one for the Sorkovitch family.
As she finished her tea, she looked at the detective with steely determination. "Make sure you find everything," she said. "I want to know all their secrets."
Jack nodded again; his expression unreadable. "I'll get to work immediately," he promised. Lilianna watched him leave, her mind already racing with the possibilities. The opulent surroundings of the restaurant seemed to fade into the background as she focused on her goal. This was her chance to ensure her future, and she would stop at nothing to achieve it.