Alex and Dianne's relationship continued to flourish, with each passing day bringing them closer together. One of the sweetest gestures Alex made was walking Dianne to her car every evening after work. It was a small act of kindness, but it spoke volumes about his caring nature.As they strolled through the parking lot, talking and laughing, Elisa couldn't help but notice the tender moments they shared. She would watch from afar, a pang of jealousy stabbing at her heart.Elisa's eyes would narrow as she observed Alex opening the car door for Dianne, or the way he'd gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear. It was as if he was showering her with attention, and Elisa couldn't help but feel anger and jealousy.She'd try to brush off the feeling, telling herself she didn't care what was going in between them, but the truth was, it stung. Elisa had always thought of herself as the center of attention, and now it seemed like Alex's focus had shifted to Dianne.As the days went by, Elisa

Alex walked into Williams' office, the door closing softly behind him. Williams looked up from his desk, his expression neutral."Alex, what brings you here?" Williams asked, leaning back in his chair."I need a favor," Alex said, his voice straightforward. "I need you to tell Mark that you have someone working within the Gladiator's group."Williams' expression didn't change, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "Why are you asking me to do this?"Alex's face remained impassive. "Just tell Mark, Williams. It's important."Williams leaned forward, his elbows on his desk. "Alex, I need to clarify something. You want me to lie to Mark?"Alex's gaze met Williams'. "Just deliver the message."Williams sighed. "Fine. But I have to tell you, Alex, I don't have anyone working within the Gladiator's group."Alex's expression remained unchanged. "Tell Mark you do."Williams shook his head. "Alex, He's going find out eventually, what would you do then ."Alex's eyes seemed to bore into Williams'. "Y

Mark stormed out of his house, still fuming from his encounter with Alex. He couldn't believe he'd apologized to that...that...slum kid.As he walked to William's house, his anger simmered.William answered the door, a look of concern etched on his face. "Mark, what's wrong?"Mark brushed past him. "You said you knew someone who could help me with the Gladiators Group. When are you going to give me their contact?"William ushered Mark into the living room. "Let me check on that."Mark paced around the room, his impatience growing.William excused himself, disappearing into his study.Behind the closed door, William dialed a number, a sly grin spreading across his face."Hey, Sam," he said, using a fake name. "I need a favor."The person on the other end, actually William's old friend, Tom, played along. "What's up, Will?"William explained the situation. "Theres someone who's been pestering me about getting in touch with the Gladiators Group. Can you pretend to be someone connected to

Mark's mind wandered back to the humiliating encounter with William, his stomach churning with resentment."Apologize to Alex?" Mark thought, replaying the conversation in his head. "For what? For him showing up where he wasn't wanted?"The memory of Alex's smug expression and condescending tone still grated on Mark's nerves."Why did I let him push me around like that?" Mark wondered, feeling a surge of anger.He recalled Alex's smirk, the kid's knowing glint that said, "I've got the upper hand." Mark's frustration boiled over."What did I do to deserve this?" Mark asked himself, feeling victimized.The apology still lingered in his mind, a bitter taste he couldn't shake."I shouldn't have done it," Mark thought, regret gnawing at him. "I should have stood my ground."Mark's thoughts swirled with "what ifs" and "maybes," but one thing was certain: he wouldn't let William or Alex walk all over him again.The pain of that apology still lingered, but Mark vowed to transform it into fuel

Diana and Alex walked back into the office, laughing and chatting, until they were confronted with chaos."What's going on?" Diana asked, eyes wide with surprise.A colleague rushed past them."Elisa's ring is missing. She's frantic."Alex's brow furrowed."Ring? What ring?"Before they could ask more questions, Elisa's wails pierced the air."My ring! My precious ring!"She rushed toward them, tears streaming down her face."Oh, Diana! Alex! It's gone! Mark's gift to me!"I have to call him. He'll be devastated!"Elisa's phone was already in her hand, dialing.Diana's concern softened."Elisa, I'm so sorry. We'll help find it."Elisa's gaze locked onto Alex."You! You were here around lunchtime!"Did you see anything?"Alex's eyes narrowed."Of course, I didn't take your ring."Elisa's voice rose."I'm not accusing you... yet."The tension was palpable.Diana intervened."Let's stay calm. We'll figure this out."Elisa's phone connected."Mark! My ring's gone!"Her voice cracked."I n