171When he returned home, Michael found Emily working in the living room. He decided to apologize to Emily, acknowledging her excitement about the family business."Em, I want you to know that I support you in this new adventure with Dad's store," he confessed.Emily looked surprised but grateful. "Really, Michael?""Yeah, really. I might not agree with everything, but family comes first," he admitted.Emily smiled and hugged him. "Thanks, Michael. I appreciate that."Curious, Emily noticed Michael's somber mood again. "But what's going on with you? And why does it seem like you're on bad terms with Olivia?"Michael sighed, deciding it was time to come clean."I messed up, Em. I got caught kissing another girl, and Olivia saw it."Emily's eyes widened. "What? Michael, how could you? Olivia really liked you.""I know, Em. It was a misunderstanding, and I regret it deeply," he confessed.Emily scolded him. "No wonder she took my departure of her store so badly. You need to fix this, Mic

173 "Michael, you don't need to fight this alone. You know, I've been running Luminory Inc, an electricity company, for years. We're not strangers to renewable energy projects. We don't have to be competitors, son." Edward said.Michael sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Dad, I appreciate the offer. I really do. But this is something I have to do on my own.""I understand, Michael," Edward replied, his voice softening. "But remember, there was a time when I had to face a mafia problem in the company. You stepped in, you ruled. It's already a part of you."Michael remained silent for a moment, before responding. "Thank you, Dad. But I'm not interested."Meanwhile, Emily had been trying to mend the relationship between Michael and Olivia. "Michael," she said one week later, "I've been talking to Olivia. I think she's willing to give it another shot."Michael raised an eyebrow. "Really?""Yes," Emily confirmed. "Just don't mess it up this time, alright?"The next weekend, Michael

175Lea noticed Emily's reaction and quickly reached up to adjust her wig, a flustered expression crossing her face. "Oh, excuse me, dear. It seems the wind got the better of me." She forced a chuckle, attempting to downplay the incident.Emily couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what she had just witnessed. Was Lea wearing a wig? And why did she look so different without it?Lea, sensing Emily's skepticism, decided to address the unspoken question. "Emily, I know you must be wondering about the wig. It's a part of my public image as Lea Boutin. Maintaining a certain appearance is crucial in the fashion industry. It's all about perception."Emily, still puzzled, nodded slowly. "I understand the importance of image, but it just took me by surprise. So, what's the plan for our collaboration?"Lea, smoothly redirecting the conversation, began outlining the strategic steps. "Firstly, we'll need a grand launch event. I have contacts in

177The store employees were in a state of panic, the air thick with confusion and fear following Emily's abrupt abduction. Lily, Emily's trusted assistant, was the first to recover her wits and dial the police, her hands trembling as she held the phone."911, what's your emergency?" the dispatcher's voice crackled over the line.Lily stammered, choking back tears, "It's... it's an abduction. My boss, Emily Ventura, she’s just been taken in broad daylight outside our store!"The dispatcher's tone sharpened with urgency. "Can you describe the vehicle or the abductors?""It was a black van, no license plates visible. The men... they wore masks. We have surveillance cameras! You might get something from them," Lily relayed, struggling to stay composed."Officers are on the way. Keep the line open and do not touch anything. We need all potential evidence intact," the dispatcher instructed.As the police sirens approached, Lily called Michael, her voice a mix of fear and urgency."Mr. Vent

179Ryan sauntered into the room, a wicked grin on his face. "Well, well, Michael Ventura, fancy meeting you here. What brings you to our little hideout?" A sardonic grin etching his features. Michael, his eyes narrowing at the sight of his adversary, spat out the words, "Ryan. Should've known you'd be slithering behind all this."He leaned against the cold, concrete wall, his arms folded in mock admiration. "Surprised, Mikey? I've been watching you play hero on the six o'clock news. Quite the spectacle you made, snagging those two-bit kidnappers," he said disdainfully, "It was almost as enjoyable as the time I sent those three goons to rough you up but you beat them up. Quite impressive of you ."Michael's jaw clenched, his anger barely contained. "Why am I not surprised? You always were a coward, hiding behind others to do your dirty work."Ryan chuckled darkly, circling Michael like a predator. "Oh, Michael, always so direct. Coward or not, Mikey, I always find a way to get what I