"I warned you that your questionable behaviour would lead to trouble, didn't I? And now, here you are, hiding in my house like a frightened dog.""Listen, I don't plan on staying here for an extended period. I just need some time to clear the air, and then I'll remove myself from your life," Lyra calmly explained to her sister, who seemed to constantly criticize her every move.Lyra's life had been tumultuous ever since she was a child. She was constantly shuffled between different foster care homes, never finding stability or luck with the people she encountered. It wouldn't be fair to solely blame these individuals, as Lyra couldn't exactly be labelled as one of the well-behaved children, unlike her older sister, Aria.Lyra and her sister were taken into state custody after their mother's descent into drug addiction following their father's passing. The perilous environment created by their mother's drug use became a threat to their well-being, prompting a concerned neighbour to rep

"What just happened? I heard she physically confronted you," Philip inquired, escorting his mother back to her office. Frustration welled up within him as he pleaded, "Come on, Mom, speak up. I can't simply overlook this."Betty proposed, "Let's allow the situation to settle down. Pretend as if nothing occurred." However, Philip disagreed, unwilling to support that idea."Are you to blame, Mother? That would be the only reason you wouldn't want to pursue legal action against them. And besides..." Philip's words were interrupted by Betty."Legal action, huh?" Betty interrupted, raising a questioning eyebrow. "You want to take legal action against the same individuals who spared you after you nearly sabotaged their wedding? You want to confront the people who will soon hold authority over this company, with the ability to evict us?" She paused momentarily, walked over to the small refrigerator in her office, retrieved a bottle of water, and slowly drank it down.Philip struggled to find

Santos sat in the opulent confines of his office, a testament to his position of power within the corporate world. Bathed in the soft glow of ambient lighting, the room exuded an air of luxury and sophistication. Polished mahogany furniture adorned the space, complemented by plush leather chairs that invited guests to sink into their sumptuousness. Expansive windows stretched from floor to ceiling, offering a panoramic view of the bustling city below. As Santos reclined in his comfortable leather chair, his mind wandered back to the recent encounter with Alonso. The memory of their exchange gnawed at him, especially the lingering doubt surrounding the fate of Orlando, a mutual acquaintance whose sudden appearance haunted Santos. The gang he led and belonged to was notorious for its volatile internal politics, with individuals constantly vying for power, especially since Orlando's disappearance. Seeking opportunities to undermine their rivals. Santos knew all too well that his leadersh

As Lyra entered the interview room, she found herself in a well-lit space with shiny tiled floors and cream-coloured walls adorned with abstract paintings. The room was spacious, with a large table positioned in the centre, surrounded by comfortable leather chairs. The table was cluttered with stacks of paper, pens, and a laptop. The air carried a sense of tension, almost palpable, as Lyra's nerves heightened at the sight of the seven interviewers sitting around the table. Each interviewer wore a professional attire, and their stern and serious expressions sent a wave of apprehension through Lyra. However, her sister's husband, Jacob, who was one of the interviewers, managed to break the tense atmosphere with a warm smile. His presence reassured her momentarily, providing a flicker of hope that she could make it through the interview successfully. Summoning all her courage, Lyra cautiously walked across the room, her footsteps echoing softly against the floor. She made her way to the

Aria sighed as she stepped out of the hospital, grateful for the early end to her shift. She had been looking forward to this evening, wanting to cheer up her sister Lyra after her disappointing day. Lyra had been turned down for a job she had been hoping to get, and Aria wanted to make her favorite dinner to lift her spirits.Glancing at her watch, Aria realized it was already past 9 pm. Lyra should have been home by now, and the thought bothered her. Lyra didn't know anyone in town and had no friends to speak of. Aria's concern for her sister's well-being grew, but then she reasoned that perhaps Lyra had decided to spend time with Jacob, Aria's partner.A few minutes later, Aria's anticipation turned to confusion as Jacob entered the house alone. His expression mirrored her concern, and Aria's heart sank. Something must have happened, she thought, as she approached him."Jacob, where is Lyra?" Aria asked, her voice trembling slightly.Jacob sighed, running a hand through his hair. "