Gritting his teeth, Simon pushed forward, determined not to give up. "However, in... the global m-marketplace, there are... also o-opportunities. Uh... g-greater market reach, access to... um... wider customer base, and... uh... increased p-pro-pro-profits.”He had to conquer his stutter and finish his presentation. But this was easier said than done. He couldn't remember the last time he had been this nervous. Taking a deep breath, he stared at the wall behind the sea of heads. Focusing on his breathing and the rhythm of his heart, he tried to forget where he was and drown out the noises."In conclusion, conducting business in a global marketplace is a complex process, riddled with challenges and rife with opportunities. It requires adaptability and cultural awareness. But with dedication and determination, success in the global marketplace is... is... achievable."Simon's voice trailed off, his speech coming to an abrupt end. He lowered his head, feeling defeated and humiliated. Th

Simon stopped just outside the imposing campus gates, his eyes fixed on a scene that sent a surge of conflicting emotions through him. Chad waved his hands around excitedly, his eyes shining with passion, as he chatted energetically with Emma.Ducking into the shadows of a nearby tree, Simon leaned against the rough bark, his fingers instinctively reaching into his pocket to retrieve the familiar Zippo lighter. The metallic surface felt cool against his touch, a comforting presence.As he absentmindedly flicked the lighter open and closed, he watched Emma's expressive gestures and Chad's smug smile. The words uttered were too far away for him to accurately decipher. However, Chad’s focused expressions conveyed more than enough."That smug look on Chad's face... Does he actually like Emma?" Simon whispered to himself.He observed Chad's confident posture and the way he leaned in slightly, as if sharing a secret with Emma. The heat from his Zippo lighter fanned his face as he leaned in

Chad nursed a glass of whiskey, the burn a welcome distraction. With each sip, his inhibitions faded, replaced by a reckless determination to strike back harder. His phone buzzed on the bar counter, notifications lighting up the screen. A sinister grin tugged at his lips as he unlocked his phone, his eyes narrowing at the images and messages circulating on social media.Simon's reputation had soared after that kiss, and Chad refused to let that slide. As the alcohol flowed through his veins, a wicked plan formed in his mind. He navigated to the school's chat app, his fingers tapping out venomous messages that dripped with mockery.[Yo, did y'all see Simon's kissing debut? Guess he's aiming for Hollywood now #KissAndTell]He chuckled darkly as the messages started piling up, with others eagerly jumping on the bandwagon. The thrill of revenge surged through him, sending his fingers flying across the screen. Every insult, every jab, was a strike back at the humiliation he'd felt.[Simon'

After two glasses of wine, John Parker stood up. He had seen what he wanted.“Another glass, Daddy?” Anne asked, looking up at him.“No, I have guests today, and I can't keep them waiting. You know your mother doesn't let the maids set the table until I come. She knows that a man's place is at the head of the table. If the woman has the right man, of course, and not a puppy.”He directed a glare at Simon, who was standing with his back to the wall. Neither Anne, nor her father had invited him to sit with them at the table. Anne smiled. “Personally, I would say that the man's head should rather be on the table, but I think I understand what you mean.”Simon winced, as that sounded like his wife would have preferred a decapitated husband. He could only stay and watch as they openly joked about him. He had to put up with them until he was in a position to exact his vengeance. Dismantling the Parker family was only the first step toward true success. Ultimately, his objective extended b

The taxi pulled up to the curb, and Simon hopped out, swiftly settling the fare. As he entered the cinema's lobby, his eyes landed on Anne, elegantly seated in the waiting area. She looked as poised as ever, a striking figure amidst the otherwise vacant space.Her presence, coupled with the lobby's luxurious decor, cast an air of exclusivity. The scent of fresh popcorn wafted in the air. Seeing Anne in this movie-themed paradise felt surreal.Her dress, an exquisite ensemble of rich fabric, draped around her form with effortless grace. The gentle cascade of her hair framed her face as the lobby's muted lighting seemed to conspire, casting just the right amount of glow on her skin.The daring neckline of her dress captivated Simon’s attention, with the bold cut exposing a fair amount of skin and the deep canyon between her breasts. "Anne," he greeted.Her lips curled into a sly smile, her gaze appraising. "Simon, my dear husband. How nice of you to join me! I never thought you’d dare