Simon knew he had a choice to make, one that could have far-reaching consequences. Mustering all his resolve, he took a deep breath and let go of her breast. He reached out into his pocket and pulled out his phone. Under her amazed gaze, he tapped the screen, found the video, and deleted it. Emma's eyes grew wide as she watched him do it. [Reputation with Emma: +200. Total: 350]“Now I have nothing left to blackmail you with. I have to go,” Simon said, pushing away the old stool to open the door of the shed. The crisp air of the night hit his face, and he could hear the leaves rustling in the trees in the yard. He glanced over his shoulder one last time and saw Emma standing in the shed, still staring at him, confused. He left the premises, wild thoughts invading his mind. Perhaps he was never meant to find true love or establish a meaningful relationship. And maybe he should just stop trying.The Satisfaction System helped him get revenge and satisfaction over his enemies and eve

Emma and Bella exchanged puzzled glances. "Can you give us a minute?" Emma asked her friend.When she looked at Simon, he reached out to her, holding the remaining flowers — most of them more than a little wrinkled. “I wanted to say how sorry I am for everything, including for making that video in the first place. What can I do to make up for it?”“Simon, this is not the time or place. Tell me, why do you think I’m friends with that big mouth?” Her head slightly tilted toward Bella, who was still watching them from a distance. “She’s my dad’s spy at school. He’s always having me monitored. So do you really want to do something for me?” She shoved the flowers back into his hand. “Stay away from me!”Simon's voice cracked with a hint of desperation. "Emma, please, just hear me out."She crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. "Fine, but make it quick."Simon swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on the crumpled flowers in his hand. "I know I messed up, big time. I never should have done

Jack Stanford had not been expecting visitors. Only Elize and a select few others ever ventured down to his basement office.He was a short, simple man whose only background was in finance. Not people. People scared him. A lot.He had worked at the national bank before Elize brought him here. It was now his responsibility to anticipate the company's financial needs. Thus, Elize could always be one step ahead of bankruptcy.Seeing a tall young man with curly raven hair and a suit worth a fortune, he knew he had to get up. Straightening up with a grunt and a tug at his pants, he said, “Good afternoon. You must be…”They shook hands, and the stranger said, “Turner. Simon Turner.”“How may I be of help, Mr. Turner?”Simon maintained a confident demeanor, aware that the accountant might be uneasy about sharing financial details."Mr. Stanford," Simon began, "I've recently taken on the role of Crisis Manager here at Glam Garb Fashion. My responsibility is to ensure the company's financial s

Simon's car raced down the winding roads of the southern city outskirts, passing through landscapes of rolling hills and vast stretches of greenery. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the countryside. As he approached the villa, he couldn't help but marvel at the opulence that contrasted with the natural beauty surrounding it. The villa's large, arched windows glistened in the afternoon sun, and its creamy walls made an impressive statement. A large, beautifully landscaped front garden featured a marble angel statue with its wings spread out, as if guarding the front door.Simon parked his car and walked up the stone pathway that led to the massive wooden door. He hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts and bracing himself for what might come. Then, with a deep breath, he raised his hand and knocked.The seconds that followed felt like an eternity. Simon's heart pounded in his chest as he waited for a response. He had no idea how Elize would react to his un

Simon's old, cramped apartment had become his sanctum for contemplation. The only thing that the muted TV's flickering glow disturbed was its dimly lit interior. His mind raced as he paced the threadbare carpet, tracing the connections that seemed to weave an intricate web around Elize, Steven, and Anne. Had he stumbled upon a secret love triangle between them?A sudden, piercing ringing interrupted his train of thought just as he began to think he was onto something. His phone. He wanted to ignore the call, but the intrusion of the outside world took away his other thoughts. He found the phone on the battered coffee table and retrieved it, trying to mask the confusion in his voice as he answered.“Yes?”“Mister Turner?”It sounded like a woman between the ages of twenty and thirty. She seemed slightly asthmatic.“Yes. Who is this?”"From the Morning Post, sir. I’m sorry to call you this late. But I need to ask if you and Anne Parker are getting divorced.”Simon sat on the couch. He pa