Karina sat at the café, her polished nails tapping nervously on the marble table. She was waiting for someone she had thought of as not only a close friend but also a potential savior for her company: Angela Matthews. They had known each other for years, and Karina had counted on this meeting to secure Angela as a shareholder for her struggling business after Luke’s arrest had caused a loss of investors.Angela arrived, all smiles and pleasantries at first, and they exchanged the usual small talk. But as soon as the conversation turned to business, the atmosphere shifted.Karina smiles widely. "I think you'd be a great fit as a shareholder, Angela. We've always worked so well together, and I know you trust me."Angela glanced down at her coffee, stirring it quietly before speaking. She clears her throat awkwardly. "Karina... I really wish I could help. I mean, I want to... but, given everything going on with Luke—"Karina interrupts. "That has nothing to do with the business. Luke

Hardin paced the vast hall of the event venue where his project launch was to be held the next day. The place buzzed with workers running back and forth, setting up lights, arranging tables, and ensuring everything was in perfect order. The event was crucial for him—it marked the launch of his new business venture that could shift the entire market. Investors, business moguls, and media outlets were all expected to attend.Hardin had spent weeks planning every detail. The project was too important to fail. He had thought of everything—except, perhaps, for sabotage.Just as he was double-checking the final arrangements with his assistant, a crew member rushed over, his face pale with panic.The crew member was out of breath "Mr. Richard, we’ve got a problem."Hardin frowned, sensing trouble. His heart raced a bit faster as he asked. "What is it?"Crew member swallowed nervously. "The main cables... someone cut them. The entire power system for the launch presentation is down. It’ll

The dimly lit bar was quiet except for the low hum of jazz music playing in the background. Jane sat at a small table near the back, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of her wine glass as she waited. The invitation card Hardin had sent her sat on the table in front of her, mocking her with its pristine white edges and elegant calligraphy. She had no intention of going, but it still irked her to receive it.A few minutes later, Dario strode in, his usual confident smirk in place. He spotted Jane instantly and made his way to her, sliding into the seat across from her with a grin. "I got your message. What’s so important that you couldn’t wait until tomorrow?"Jane, without saying a word, flicked the invitation card toward him. Dario raised an eyebrow as he picked it up, his eyes scanning the embossed text. He chuckled, tossing the card back onto the table."Ah, Hardin’s project launch. So, he sent you an invite. What’s the problem?"Jane let out an exasperated sigh and took a

Layla stood in the middle of Hardin’s luxurious living room, adjusting her sleek evening dress for what seemed like the hundredth time. She glanced at her watch, impatience growing with every second. The launch event was just around the corner, and Hardin still hadn’t come down from his room.“Where is he?” she muttered under her breath, pacing slightly.She walked to the bottom of the grand staircase and called out, “Hardin? Are you ready? We’re going to be late!”There was no response.Layla frowned, her heartbeat quickening with unease. Hardin was never the type to make people wait, especially not for something as important as his project launch. He should’ve been down by now, dressed to impress like always.After a few moments of silence, she called his name again, louder this time. “Hardin?”Still nothing.A sinking feeling settled in her stomach. Layla’s mind raced with possibilities, but she quickly brushed them aside. He was probably just preoccupied, working on last-minute pr

~Flashback~Noah stared at Hardin’s body sprawled on the kitchen floor, his heart pounding in his chest. The only sound was the distant ticking of the clock, a stark reminder that time was slipping away. Hardin lay motionless, his face pale and breath shallow. Noah’s stomach twisted with a mixture of panic and exhilaration. The man who had always overshadowed him was now vulnerable, and it was all part of his plan.He felt a rush of adrenaline as he knelt beside Hardin, his mind racing. This was the moment he had been waiting for—an opportunity to escape the suffocating grip of his boss. Noah had been planning this for weeks, watching Hardin closely, studying his habits, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And now, with the project launch looming, he had finally taken action.Noah stood up, glancing toward the door, ensuring no one was coming. He needed to move quickly. The chaos would provide cover for his departure. It was time to execute the second part of his plan. He sprint