Chapter 1
In the heart of St. Alden's, a prestigious private hospital had reserved an entire floor for a special occasion. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Three years ago, the world had watched in awe as the prominent socialite, Isabella Fairweather, married Leonard Winstanley in what was dubbed a "business marriage of the century." Today, it was all coming to a head as their first child made its grand entrance into the world. As family and friends flocked to St. Alden’s to meet the newborn, a wave of visitors from Cedrington hadn’t delayed in coming to congratulate the Winstanleys. Among them was a quiet but notable guest, another father newly navigating his role, Cedric Blackwood. While the air filled with cheer, Cedric emanated a different kind of energy, a slight hint of formula lingering as he took pride in his recent role as a new dad himself. The nurses buzzed around, making their rounds, when a familiar face emerged from behind the private room's door – Leonard Winstanley. He had come to pay his respects to his wife and child after a long absence. The sight of him, with a mixture of elation and exhaustion written on his face, shifted the mood in the room. Cedric couldn’t help but shoot a knowing smile at Leonard. He recalled how Elena Winstanley had been vigorously seeking Leonard’s attention moments before, practically nestling into his embrace at the sound of his arrival. “What a whirlwind it’s been for you, huh?” Cedric remarked, throwing an arm around Leonard with camaraderie. Leonard chuckled softly, “Just when I thought I had everything figured out. Parenthood throws you for a loop.” The playful banter continued, but an undercurrent of concern ran through Leonard’s thoughts. Just days ago, Isabella had been at the center of a media storm after rumors emerged announcing she was married to the likes of Leonard. The unexpected hashtags trending across social media, “#IsabellaFairweatherMarried,” had sent shockwaves through their social circles. Around town, gossipers speculated who could possibly be the father of Isabella’s child, and the name Leonard Winstanley had gotten mixed into the fray. Even back at The Theatre District, the buzz was palpable among the fans and harsh critics, illustrating what a tangled web of public intrigue they were caught in. Isabella had seemed so composed during the storm, throwing herself into her career and public appearances. Yet, with all the noise, could she keep a hold on the quiet life they had crafted together? “Do you think you’re ready for this?” Cedric cut in, genuine concern lacing his words. Leonard sighed, the weight of the world resting on his shoulders. “I guess we’ll find out soon enough.” As Leonard stood at the doorway, he watched Elena leaning tenderly over their newborn, and for a brief moment, the chaos of the outside world vanished. Perhaps this was what he fought for all along—a family. Yet, twilight brought new challenges. In a world where every private moment was fodder for public speculation and harsh criticism, both Leonard and Isabella had to tread carefully to navigate the treacherous waters of fame, family, and desire. This time, they were not just husband and wife; they were symbols in the media battleground—a love story still unraveling in the eyes of the world. With the air thick with emotion and a flicker of hope, it was clear that their complications had just begun.
Chapter 2
Leonard Winstanley was the half-brother of Elena Winstanley and the source of her childhood fear. In the elite society of Porthaven, family bonds were notoriously weak. Three years ago, Leonard orchestrated the marriage of his half-sister to Cedric Blackwood, an unknown prince from St. Alden’s, solely for business and market interests. The announcement of this alliance sent shockwaves through both the St. Alden’s and Porthaven circles. Rumors spread, and a reporter even captured a moment of Elena in the backseat of a luxury car, tears in her eyes as she wiped them away, a stark contrast to the indifferent gaze of her brother Leonard, who seemingly dismissed her emotional turmoil. After all, it didn’t matter to him that his sister—a mere actress from the dusty theatre district—was crying. Despite the awkwardness and distance between the newlyweds, the wedding proceeded as planned. Today, however, the once tearful Elena had given birth to a son named Billy, and Leonard was making a long-awaited visit. The two greeted each other with a stiff handshake. "Congratulations," Leonard said to Cedric Blackwood. In the pastel-hued nursery, television news played softly in the background, while baby Billy was fast asleep in his crib, having just finished his bottle. Elena sat upright on her bed, eyes fixed on the TV, though her peripheral vision was on the crib. Leonard glanced into the crib at the slumbering baby. "Have you chosen a name yet?" Cedric's expression softened as he looked at his son, gently tracing the baby's cheek with his finger. "We haven't picked an uncle's name, but we decided to call him 'Latecomer.'" Upon hearing the nickname 'Latecomer,' Leonard redirected his gaze at the stiff new mother. It was obvious who had come up with that name. When Elena felt Leonard's stare, she shivered slightly. Even though she was now married and had Cedric supporting her, facing her half-brother still left her feeling insecure. "It’s, um, because the baby was overdue… Cedric came just in time, so we thought ‘Latecomer’ fits." Fortunately, Leonard didn't seem to mind the name, giving a slight nod. "Would you like to hold him?" Cedric asked. "No, I'm good," Leonard replied. He hadn't come empty-handed; he brought gifts—two recently born thoroughbred colts from the stables. These horses would grow alongside Latecomer, and once he was old enough, he could start learning how to ride. Elena was momentarily stunned at the gifts, then a smile broke across her face. "Thank you, brother." In the few days since Latecomer's arrival, he had already received countless extravagant gifts from both Cedric and Leonard—jewels, antique paintings, even a private jet, along with real estate from grandparents and great-grandparents. But it was these two young colts that truly delighted Elena, especially for little Billy. While jewels and planes were undoubtedly extravagant, they held no value for a newborn like Billy. Elena understood fully that if measured in monetary terms, the colts' worth was on par with the lavish gifts. Thoroughbreds were among the most prized horses in the world; she recalled that a few years back, a thoroughbred sold for an astounding $67 million, a record-setting purchase made by none other than Leonard Winstanley himself.
Chapter 3
Leonard Winstanley had just visited his sister and nephew, delivering gifts before he stood up to leave. Cedric Blackwood didn’t linger, accompanying Leonard out the door. As they walked down the hallway, Cedric suddenly recalled what his assistant had mentioned earlier—that starting this year, Leonard would be based in the mainland—and asked, “So, will you be staying in St. Alden's?” Leonard paused before responding, “Tranquil City.” … After seeing Leonard off, Cedric returned to the hospital room. Young Billy had been taken upstairs by Nurse Emmeline for a nap, and Elena Winstanley was now engrossed in her idol drama after switching the TV back from the news. Isabella Fairweather's latest show had just premiered, and with its drama unfolding, Elena found herself caught up in the story. Her close friend, Grey, was a major fan of Isabella, and Elena had seen nearly every one of her shows. Cedric entered to find Elena completely absorbed in her series, a ready smile creeping across his face as he observed her. He shut the door behind him and chuckled, “Your brother wouldn’t dare watch a drama like this.” Elena reacted with a pout, her competitive spirit flaring up as she retorted, “What’s it to you?” Elena had always hidden her enthusiasm for these shows from Leonard. After all, he had once dragged her back from an idol concert and sternly forbade her from attending shows, saying that the Winstanley family simply didn’t need that level of exposure, and the Theatre District was hardly a respectable place. “I need grapes. Go wash some grapes,” Elena ordered, her demeanor shifting from the timid bird she had been around Leonard to a commanding sister full of sass. Cedric chuckled to himself, shaking his head as he went off to wash the grapes. Petty competitions aside, he settled by Elena’s bedside to watch TV with her. They chatted intermittently while Cedric deftly caught grape seeds as Elena popped them into her mouth. Then he casually mentioned, “Your brother will be stationed in the mainland more often now.” Elena was instantly rendered speechless. She looked at Cedric, a mix of worry and shock on her face, but he quickly clarified, “In Tranquil City.” “Oh,” she sighed, relief washing over her. Cedric had never quite understood how his wife interacted with her half-brother, Leonard. His only knowledge came from the tabloids in Porthaven and the few phone calls Elena made home. Today, seeing her retreat into herself around Leonard revealed a side of her he hadn’t anticipated. It made him feel a pang of sympathy. He cupped Elena's cheek. “Are you really that scared of him?” Staring into Cedric's grey eyes, filled with concern, Elena felt emotion prick at her throat. She averted her gaze to the floor. “Of course I am.” “You might think it’s so old-fashioned to feel this way, but it’s just how things are for us. Everyone knows Leonard is a big deal, and my mother… well… they see her as just a loud actress, someone from the Theatre District.” “When I was younger, living in the Homestead, my mother would tiptoe around my brother, always trying to keep the peace between them.” The truth was, Elena had been scared of her half-brother for as long as she could remember. Although she was the only daughter of the Winstanley family, every interaction with Leonard filled her with an overwhelming sense of inferiority. She understood the world into which she had been born, and even if her mother managed to marry their father, their life in the Winstanley household was strikingly modest. Leonard never appreciated the Theatre District and was particularly harsh towards Cedric—a successful actor from there.
Chapter 4
In the once-vibrant town of Porthaven, gossip spread like wildfire among the tabloids, especially those under the banner of Young Media, who relished in discussing the Winstanley family and their disdain for Leonard Winstanley's roots as the younger brother of a struggling actress. Elena Winstanley had long been aware of the tensions within her family. While she had little interaction with their uncle, her older brother, Leonard, had always treated her with a chilly indifference. This coldness reached its peak three years ago when, with their father's blessing, he callously arranged her marriage to Cedric Blackwood, a man she had met only once. When she found out she was to marry a stranger, Elena sat silently in the car, tears streaming down her face, and her eyes puffy from crying. Back home, she stared at her brother with a pleading gaze, silently begging for compassion. Yet Leonard's response was stark. He coldly offered no words, making it unmistakably clear that there would be no room for argument. Fortunately, the forced union had turned out well in the end. However, if it meant that being in the same city as Leonard would lead to regular encounters, Elena would still shake her head in displeasure. Luckily, Leonard had taken up residence in Tranquil City. Cedric leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Elena's lips. "All right, from now on, everything will be okay." Elena's memories, tainted with loneliness, evaporated as soon as she focused back on Cedric’s face. Happiness surged within her, and she leaned closer into his embrace. "Now, of course, it is." "With your old man backing you, you have nothing to fear from your brother." Cedric chuckled, wrapping his arms tighter around her. "Absolutely, all the support you need." As Elena adjusted her position comfortably in Cedric's arms, a thought crossed her mind about Leonard and how he looked at her little nephew. Abruptly she sighed in contemplation, "Leonard is six years older than I am." “And I have a baby,” Cedric replied, not quite understanding the direction of her thoughts. Elena sighed again, “And Leonard is still single.” Cedric paused, taken aback by her sudden observation. "He was the most sought-after bachelor at the time in Porthaven, from socialites to aspiring models, everyone wanted a piece of him. You have no idea how many were ready to pounce and aim for his hand to join the Winstanley legacy." "You want to tell me how many?" Cedric asked, his interest piqued. Elena couldn’t help but lift her chin in pride at her brother’s reputation. "Leonard Winstanley is renowned, and those media outlets even coined the term 'Winstanley Hunters' for those ladies wishing to marry him." "And then?" Cedric pressed. Elena shrugged with a hint of laughter, “Then, after all that, nothing came of it.” "You see, years have passed, and not only was there no one publicly dating him, but he didn’t even have any whispered romances. You know, as his sister, I was constantly by his side from childhood to adulthood, yet I never saw him have a regular girlfriend, not even a casual date!” "It’s really that bad, isn't it? So those determined Winstanley Hunters not only gave up on their dreams of marrying Leonard, but they have married and settled down elsewhere," Elena concluded, shaking her head at the absurdity of it all.
Chapter 5
“Ugh.” Elena Winstanley sighed again. Cedric Blackwood chuckled, unsure of how to respond. … The Maybach glided smoothly over the bridge leading to the Castle Terminal. Leonard Winstanley passed by a shopping mall, its freshly adorned clothing posters capturing the attention of every passerby. After finishing a call, Leonard’s gaze lingered momentarily on an advertisement outside the car window. The poster featured a model in profile, dressed in a camel-colored outfit, paired with brown ankle boots, her hair slightly curled. She perfectly embodied the brand’s ethos: simplicity and elegance. At the bottom right corner, the text read: “Global Ambassador for Elysian Studios: Isabella Fairweather.” Leonard snapped his gaze back to the interior of the car. Charles Grey, his assistant behind the wheel, had also spotted the poster. He spoke up, “Lord Winstanley, the chairman wants you to…” Leonard closed his eyes, tilting his head back against the seat for a moment. “Postpone it.” “Understood,” Charles replied, jotting down a note on his clipboard. Richard Winstanley, chairman of the Winstanley Consortium, had two sons and a daughter. The two sons were from his prestigious first marriage, while the youngest daughter was from his past relationship with the legendary actress, Simon Bright. His older son had already established his career at the estate, and the younger daughter had recently given birth to a son, enjoying a sweet marriage. That left only Leonard Winstanley. Richard Winstanley didn’t inquire much about Leonard’s love life, especially since, after two heart attacks in the past two years, he had mostly stepped back from the family business. It was only after his daughter’s recent childbirth that he realized Leonard hadn’t had a partner for years. He had hinted twice to Leonard about finding someone, but each time, Leonard had politely declined. Charles Grey looked at the checked box on the clipboard, thinking that Richard would likely stop bringing it up soon. The once-celebrated Porthaven aristocracy suffered many failures in the next generation, with numerous heirs squandering their inheritance. Some, to prevent their children from ruining their wealth, entrusted their estates to management firms, allowing their kids a limited monthly allowance. But Richard Winstanley’s two sons were exceptions. The brothers quickly established themselves after joining the Winstanley Consortium, exhibiting shrewdness and decisiveness that sometimes even surpassed their father. While the elder brother stayed grounded in Porthaven, Leonard spent more time overseas. In recent years, the Winstanley Consortium successfully merged with the Cedric Estates, paving Leonard’s path to lead business in the capital city of Tranquil. Upon arriving at the airport, the flight from St. Alden's to Tranquil would take three and a half hours. The sky was still light when they boarded the plane, but by the time it landed, Tranquil was illuminated by a myriad of city lights. With no special plans for the night, the driver, as usual over the past few years, parked in the Hidden Vaults of Dewdrop Brook after a half-hour drive upon Leonard’s arrival. As Leonard stepped into the elevator, he glanced at his phone. “I already have a kid, and my brother is still single.” He read a post from an unknown account ranting on social media, the profile picture resembling a Winstanley. “Why doesn’t Dad pressure my brother? It’s so frustrating!” the user continued, attaching an angry emoji. Leonard reflected on what Charles had said earlier in the car about the “chairman’s wishes.”
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