Earlier That DayDaniel Lockwood pulled into the parking lot of Maverick Corporation in his sleek blue Chevrolet. As he stepped out, adjusting his tailored suit and straightening a bouquet of roses in his hand, he couldn’t help but replay his earlier conversation with Lady Lockwood. It had taken some careful maneuvering, but he had successfully managed to persuade her to keep him as the head of the Maverick project.Lady Lockwood, after watching Ethan Bishop’s confession, had initially texted Seraphina, asking her to come see her. The intent was to apologize for the misunderstanding and crown her as project head. But the moment Daniel heard of this, he rushed to Lady Lockwood and urged her to reconsider. He argued that the midnight confession seemed suspiciously convenient, likely falsified to cover Seraphina’s shame. Even if it were genuine, he argued, would the media and the elite of Pantheon Valley really buy into it? The scandal was still too fresh, too hot to be cooled down by a

Seraphina had passed out, the result of too much alcohol consumed with Happy. They both lay sprawled on her bed, and even in her sleep, Seraphina’s pain was visible. Tears trickled down her closed eyelids, leaving damp trails on her cheeks. Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open, and a voice yelled, “Seraphina!” It was Caroline, her mother. The noise was deafening, but only Happy stirred, squinting against the light. “Hey, Mrs. Caroline,” Happy greeted, her tone casual, as if Caroline hadn’t just stormed in. Caroline shot Happy a venomous glare. How dare she greet me like we’re friends, she thought, remembering the heartbreak Happy had caused her son, Shay. The only thing they shared was a mutual disdain for Alexander. “Happy, what the hell are you doing here?” Caroline asked, her voice dripping with scorn. “What the hell does it look like I’m doing here? I’m helping my best friend after her so-called family betrayed her and kicked her out,” Happy replied, her tone laced with sas

EarlierAt Maverick Corporation, Alexander finished his call to Seraphina, a smile of satisfaction tugging at his lips. He had set the wheels in motion—now all he had to do was watch as the Lockwood family found themselves on their knees, forced to acknowledge Seraphina's worth.“Thank you, Archie,” Alexander said, handing the phone back.“Anytime, sir,” Archie replied with a nod of respect.Alexander added his personal number into Archie's phone before returning it. “Let me know if you need anything.”Archie stared, surprised by Alexander’s humility. For a man who wielded power and influence so effortlessly, his humility was almost startling. Archie couldn’t help but contrast Alexander with Daniel Lockwood, who possessed much less power yet flaunted it shamelessly. It was a striking irony that lingered with him.Outside, in his car, Alexander composed a message to Seraphina:“Seraphina, Lady Charlotte will call soon and offer you the project head position for the Maverick contract. W