The class fell into an unsettling silence, the weight of Thomas’s confession hanging heavily in the air. No one could quite comprehend the magnitude of what had just been revealed—Thomas, the boy from a wealthy family, the one who was always seen as above reproach, had been the thief all along.Richard, who had always been on the receiving end of mockery and suspicion, now stood there, vindicated. The realization hit hard for everyone. Thomas, the one who had been pointing fingers at Richard, had played everyone for fools.As the silence stretched, Richard spoke, his voice steady but laced with a quiet anger. “So, it’s clear to all of you now. I was falsely accused. Thomas, here, was the one who tried to implicate me while all of you stood by and believed it without question.” He let the words sink in. “You all supported him, and when he accused me of stealing, you didn’t hesitate to believe him. But now that the truth has come out, you are left with nothing but shame.”Richard’s words

“What is your name?” Richard asked, his curiosity piqued as Maya, the senior staff member, led him to the exclusive section of the restaurant.“I am Maya,” she replied, a slight smile curving her lips. “I’ve been working here for quite some time.” There was pride in her voice, the kind of quiet confidence that only comes with experience.Richard nodded, impressed. He could sense the professionalism radiating from her, and it was clear that Maya was not just another staff member but someone who knew her way around the fine dining world. As they walked, Richard observed the seamless elegance of the restaurant, with its polished floors and soft, golden lighting that created a warm, inviting atmosphere. This was a different world from what he was used to.Maya guided him to a secluded, single-person table that was tucked away in a corner, providing a peaceful and exclusive ambiance. “I think I like it here,” Richard said as he took a seat, his voice tinged with quiet satisfaction. “I’ll le

Richard’s steps were quick, almost measured, as he made his way down the quiet path toward the restaurant. The cold evening air did little to settle his nerves, and each footfall echoed his racing thoughts. The confrontation with the thugs was still fresh in his mind, the harsh words and the threat of violence hanging heavy over him. He had barely processed the weight of the situation when the thought of Amelia waiting for him hit him like a cold gust of wind. She was expecting him—his promises to her lingered like a debt he couldn’t afford to ignore. His mind should have been focused on the confrontation, on the danger, but it kept returning to her. He couldn’t afford to let her down—not after everything they had been through.The world had just shifted beneath his feet, and yet, there was something even bigger waiting for him. The mention of Lucas Harrington’s name still echoed in his ears, reverberating through his skull like an insistent drumbeat. He couldn’t escape it. What did it

Richard’s expression hardened. The man’s arrogance was almost suffocating, but he wasn’t about to let it slide. "Even if you refuse to apologize, you need to realize that reckless driving like that could have serious consequences. If you keep this up, you’ll end up injuring someone or worse. Then, you’ll have a real problem on your hands." The man’s eyes narrowed at the suggestion, but he just scoffed, dismissing Richard entirely. "Who are you to tell me how to drive?" he spat, his voice dripping with scorn. "You probably don’t even have a car yourself, let alone the ability to afford one. What business do you have giving me advice? Go ahead and keep walking; maybe your legs will get you somewhere important if they don’t give out first." Richard was momentarily stunned by the man’s cruel words. The audacity of someone so blinded by privilege was staggering. He watched as the man turned on his heel and made his way back to his car, revving the engine as he sped off without another wor

Richard’s understanding of Mr. Smith's situation had evolved. Initially, the liaison officer had appeared to be just another arrogant figure, cloaked in the confidence that came with working for a prestigious company like the Apex Group. But now, after the swift call Richard made, Mr. Smith saw that his position wasn’t just about his work—it was tied to something far greater: Richard's influence. He was no ordinary man, but someone who wielded power, enough to strip a man of his job and watch him beg for mercy.Desperation set in for Mr. Smith. He had not only lost his job but now faced the weight of public humiliation. He tried to appeal to Richard, his pride shattered, his words laced with desperation.“Please, sir, reconsider your decision,” Mr. Smith pleaded, his voice quivering with uncertainty. “I know I’ve wronged you. I spoke out of turn, mocked you, and made assumptions that were unfair. But, please, reconsider. How will I live now that I have no job? How will I provide for my