A few days had passed since the incident, and Alice found herself hunched over her desk in the confines of her office. The room was dimly lit, with papers scattered haphazardly, creating an atmosphere of urgency and determination. She was engrossed in her work, diligently poring over files, as if trying to find a solution to her current predicament.With her brow furrowed in deep concentration, Alice's fingers danced across the keyboard as she composed an email. It was a crucial message to the Thompson's company, pleading with them to reconsider their decision regarding the profit share. The mere thought of a measly 25% profit share sent a surge of frustration through her veins, as she knew that kind of return meant potential losses for her.However, Alice recognized that she couldn't afford to let her emotions dictate her actions. The collaboration with the Thompson's company was crucial for her aspirations of reaching the top five, or perhaps even top three, in the entire country. S

Chapter 12"I am very sorry," she said, her voice full of remorse. "I shouldn't have jumped into conclusions so hastily." She paused, reflecting on the advice her mother had given her countless times. "Thank God my mum always told me not to jump into conclusions too quickly."She looked at him, seeking forgiveness and understanding, as her words continued to flow. "I truly apologize for my earlier assumptions," she said sincerely. He nodded affirmatively, accepting her apology and signaling that they could move forward.With the weight of her mistake lifted, he shifted the conversation to the matter at hand. "So, what's going on? Were you able to speak to the Thompson's CEO about your collaboration?" His tone was curious, but also concerned. "Did they provide a reasonable explanation for putting it on hold?" he asked, hoping for some positive news. However, her answer left him disappointed.She shook her head, her expression revealing her disappointment as well. "No," she replied, her

Chapter fifteenCharlie leaned in slightly, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "It has become apparent to me that you hold a deep resentment towards the Thompson family. I don't mean to pry into your personal matters, but I can't help but be curious. Are they genuinely bad people? Should I reconsider collaborating with them?"Victoria's response was swift as she shook her head, a quick and decisive gesture of denial."I understand that it is a personal matter for you," Charlie responded neutrally, his expression attentive as Victoria began to explain her feelings towards the Thompson family. He listened intently as she shared her frustrations, highlighting her lack of compatibility with the CEO and his interference in her relationship with his brother."It seems that the CEO had certain expectations for you as a potential partner for his brother," Charlie speculated, carefully choosing his words. "And when those expectations were not met, he made assumptions and took actions that led

Chapter seventeen"You are a grown-up man," Mr. Thompson spoke with a tinge of disappointment laced within his words, "and you couldn't keep your marriage. It's disappointing that neither of you took marital life seriously."His statement hung in the air, casting a momentary shadow over the room. Charlie's initial instinct was to reply harshly, to defend himself and his choices, but he steeled himself, choosing instead to maintain his composure. With an internal sigh, he greeted his uncle with a warm smile, acknowledging him before taking a seat.The atmosphere in the room shifted slightly, as the rest of the family followed suit, settling onto the comfortable sofas in a collective motion. Tension mingled with affection, a delicate balance between familial bonds and the weight of expectations."Dad, did you think I was happy being a divorcee? Was it my fault that I married someone who was only after my money?" Charlie's voice carried a mix of frustration and vulnerability as he let hi

Chapter NineteenFiona's voice held a tone of surprise as she questioned Charlie's departure. "Are you leaving? I thought you would be sleeping over," she asked, her words tinged with a hint of disappointment. In response, Charlie let out a dry chuckle, his amusement laced with a touch of bitterness. "Not with that man," he confessed, his tone unsparing. The thought of sharing the same roof as someone who had caused him discomfort was enough to deter him from staying. Determined to seek solace elsewhere, he firmly added, "I am not going to get a good sleep being under the same roof with him. I would rather go to my house."As Charlie made his intention to leave clear, Fiona stepped forward, obstructing his path. Concern etched across her face, she silently implored him to reconsider.Fiona's plea for Charlie to stay a little longer lingered in the air. She hoped to entice him with the promise of preparing his favorite meal, a gesture driven by her desire to make him feel valued and l