Chapter OneDEREK The last tendrils of sleep clung to me like cobwebs as the insistent shriek of the alarm ripped through the sterile silence of my apartment. I swatted at it blindly, the plastic casing clattering to the floor.It was the umpteenth time I have had to knock out my alarm in just a week and there was guilt lurking at me just for the act.I rolled on my bed weakly wishing I could be bedridden even for a minute but nothing was working.Then the sound of my phone jolted me fully awake.My hands danced to the bedside, groping for the flat misery Jenna, my cousin got for me on her bat mitzvah ceremony. I couldn't care less. My hands stumbled upon a smooth surface. I picked it and brought it close to my face.Five missed calls.I tapped on the call log and realized I was going to be needed at work in barely an hour time and the Chief of Staff would not spare me a moment of bliss without her incessant reminders.Women. My life turns out to be hit by a ladies truck. I manage

CHAPTER THREEI couldn't shake the events of the previous day as I walked into the office. The fire alarm incident, Yen's anger, and Malika's stern reprimand all weighed heavily on my mind. But what truly surprised me was Malika's unexpected kindness when we were alone later that day.She had invited me to her office, her tone soft and inviting. I had expected another reprimand but instead found myself in an entirely different situation."You seem tense, Derek," Malika had said, her voice a soothing contrast to her usual sharpness. "Sit down."I had complied, bewildered by her sudden change in demeanor. She had leaned in, her perfume intoxicating, and before I knew it, we were entangled in a moment of passion I never saw coming.Now, as I stepped into the office, I couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and guilt. How could she switch from being so harsh to so tender? And why did it feel like there was more to her kindness than met the eye?My thoughts were interrupted by Mustafa.

CHAPTER FIVEThe investor meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m., and the atmosphere at the conglomerate was electric. The conference room was meticulously prepared, with a sleek glass table, plush chairs, and a large screen for presentations. Fresh flowers adorned the center of the table, and trays of gourmet pastries and coffee were set up along the side.As the clock ticked closer to ten, representatives from various prestigious firms began to arrive. There was Amanda Cheng from Lotus Lingerie, a sharp and stylish woman known for her business acumen. Next was Victor Hernandez, the CFO of Velvet Couture, a rival company with a reputation for aggressive expansion. Finally, Emma King from Seduction Silks, whose brand was synonymous with luxury and elegance, took her seat.Malika entered the room with her siren presence, wearing a tailored pant suit which was all revealing her chest line and exuded feminine power. She nodded curtly to the investors, her expression a perfect blend of confide

CHAPTER SEVENThe pressure in the office was relentless. The fallout from the security breach had put everyone on edge, and Malika's parents' presence only heightened the tension. Their demands for swift action and accountability were growing more desperate by the day.One morning, Malika's mother, a sharp-eyed woman with an air of icy authority, called her into a private meeting. I watched as Malika walked into the conference room, her posture stiff with tension."You need to find a scapegoat," her mother said coldly, not bothering with pleasantries. "This scandal is ruining us. We cannot afford for the public or our investors to know about our... other business ventures."Malika's hands trembled slightly as she tried to respond. "Mother, it's not that simple. We don't even know who leaked the information yet. I actually don't know what to do now “.Her mother leaned forward, her eyes boring into Malika's. "I don't care. Accuse someone—anyone. The blame must be shifted away from the