Finally, Karla took a deep breath, gathering her courage as Julie prepared to press further. Nodding slowly, she bit down on her lip, a mixture of apprehension and vulnerability evident on her face. She knew she had to open up and share her concerns."This woman... she became his first female friend, and I feel insecure because... I think she likes Duncan too," Karla finally admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of worry. Julie's eyes widened in surprise, her initial excitement giving way to a more empathetic expression. She reached out to comfort her cousin and friend, her tone reassuring."Come on, Karla. You can't say that. No matter what, go for your love. Trust in your heart." Karla sighed, her gaze fixed on the ground as she continued to share her apprehensions."But he has a better relationship with her than me. It's hard to believe, but we actually started on a bad note," Karla confessed, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and disbelief. Julie gasped, unable to

Julie was taken aback by Karla's intense reaction. She hadn't expected such a strong emotional response from her cousin."Hey, Karla, relax," Julie tried to soothe her. "I understand you're upset, but getting this worked up won't help. Duncan is okay, he's still alive." However, instead of calming down, Karla's anger seemed to intensify. She continued her tirade, expressing her desire to physically confront Peterson for what he had done."No, I can't. That filthy bag, Peterson had no right to lay a finger at Duncan. If I was there, I would have kicked his cold brain with a roundhouse kick." Her words were filled with a mix of anger and a desire for justice."Woah, chill," Julie interjected, struggling to contain her laughter. "You don't need to be this worked up over it. I mean, Duncan is fine."Julie's laughter didn't sit well with Karla, who found the situation far from amusing. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, and then replied, "Do Duncan and Peterson have a

Taken aback by Abigail's changed mood and staring at her clenched fist, Duncan's concerned inquiry caught Abigail off guard, momentarily breaking through her façade. His leaning forward and the genuine worry in his voice made her realize that perhaps her attempt to hide her emotions had failed.As he asked, "Abigail, are you okay?" she slowly released her clenched fists, feeling the tension easing from her fingers. She took a deep breath and composed herself, realizing that she needed to readjust her approach. Her uneasiness was apparent as she shifted in her seat, trying to regain her composure. "Um, I think it's my weariness kicking in," she replied, her voice laced with feigned vulnerability. "It happens sometimes, and I can't help it." Duncan's concern deepened, and his voice softened. "So, hearing me mention Karla's name kicked in your weariness? I'm sorry, Abigail." Feeling a mixture of emotions—frustration, disappointment, and a wave of lingering anger—Abigail forced a

As Abigail sat up on the bed lost in her thoughts, the door suddenly opened, causing her to snap out of her reverie. Linda, her assistant, and Xia, her bodyguard, walked into the room, their concerned expressions immediately catching Abigail's attention."Ms. Abigail, are you okay?" Linda inquired, her voice filled with genuine concern. Abigail couldn't help but smile unconsciously, her happiness radiating from within."Hm? What...?" Abigail blinked in confusion, momentarily unaware of the change in her demeanor."You look very happy now compared to earlier," Xia remarked, her observant nature picking up on Abigail's transformed mood. Abigail blinked again, processing their words. She realized that her internal joy had manifested on her face without her even realizing it. Quickly, she straightened her dress and composed herself, putting on a serious expression."Let's leave," she simply said, her tone commanding. With that, she walked out of the room, her companions, Linda and Xia,

The next morning, Duncan's phone rang, and he saw it was a call from Lady Zelda, his mother. Curiosity piqued, he answered the call and listened as she spoke. Lady Zelda informed him that she was at the Walton Domicile and that someone important wanted to see him. Intrigued and slightly puzzled, Duncan agreed to make his way there. Upon arriving at the Walton Domicile, Duncan was greeted by Babette who reminded him of a promise he had apparently made. She brought up the idea of celebrating his victory in winning the contract, suggesting they have a little party to commemorate the achievement. Duncan, however, seemed preoccupied and declined the offer. "I'm sorry, but I'm occupied at the moment," he replied, his mind seemingly focused on other matters. "But let's finalize something in the company instead," he proposed, attempting to redirect the conversation to a more business-oriented topic. Babette nodded in understanding and left, respecting Duncan's wish to prioritize his c