Joe was lounging in his father’s old armchair in the study, sipping tea, when Roland stepped in. “Sir!” Roland said with a bowed head. “You have a visitor.” Joe knew who the visitor was. He had spoken to Mr. Creed earlier who had told Joe he was dropping by. Without hesitation Joe told Roland to send the person in. Joe watched Roland leave , adjusting himself upright on the chair. He felt a strain in his waist; causing him to wince. It had been a few days since the accident, and Joe was still recuperating, though he had made considerable progress. Hearing footsteps in the hallway, he turned toward the door as Roland announced Mr. Creed’s arrival. “Creed,” Joe greeted, standing slowly and extending a hand. His grip wasn’t firm. It was a reflection of Joe’s still-healing body. “Joe,” Mr. Creed replied warmly, shaking his hand. “It’s good to see you up and about. I was worried when I heard about the accident.” Joe waved dismissively, though a flicker of tension crossed his

Joe tried Jeremy’s number once again but, he got no reply. It was during that moment he got a message from Timothy. He clicked on it and realized it was a link. As Joe’s hands tapped the link. He adjusted himself on the edge of the bed, his phone clutched tightly in his hand, staring at the headlines with disbelief. His jaw tightened as he read the damning accusations over and over again. "Whitmore Empire Under Fire: Alleged Ties to Arms Trafficking Exposed." "Hannah," he muttered, his voice breaking the early morning silence. She stirred beside him, her brow furrowing as she turned to face him. "Joe? What's the problem?" Joe looked at her, with a pale expression on his face. "The company's ruined. News is out that my father was involved in illegal activities—arms trafficking. And they're linking it to the new project I'm working on." His voice sounded strained as he spoke. Hannah sat up abruptly, her concern was visible in her voice. "What? How did this get out? What

“Please go away.” Hannah said curtly. She flashed him a glare, but that didn’t stop Joe from taking a step forward.He shifted uncomfortably as he forced out words from his lips. “Hannah, I know you don’t want to see me right now, and you have every right to be mad. I’ve been... distant, and I’m sorry. But I need your help.” He said peering into her eyes.Hannah raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been ignoring me, Joe. Do you know how much it hurt me not to hear from you or see you?”“I’m sorry, I didn’t know the gravity of my actions and how bad it would hurt you.” Joe plead. Hannah scoffed. “I have a feeling you kind of did.”“I’m sorry.” Joe pleaded again.“Your apology mean nothing. Why should I even listen?” Hannah spat.Joe didn’t know what else to say or do, but at this point he had nobody else. Hannah was his only choice.Joe took a deep breath. “Hannah I really need you right now, and I can understand that you’re upset. You have every reason to but please don’t shut me out. Not

Joe’s heart pounded as he gripped the steering wheel, staring at the figure standing before him. It was Hannah. Joe swallowed hard leaning forward as he tried to make out the scene that was unfolding before him. As Hannah told a step forward, Mr. Creed,approached her moving closer. Joe’s mind raced with questions: ‘Why is she here? Why with Creed?’ He saw Hannah turn back a little and Joe leaned backward praying she wouldn’t notice him. When Hannah looked backward, Joe leaned forward, staring straight ahead. During that moment, his breath caught his throat as he saw Mr. Creed lean closer to Hannah. She didn’t move away. Instead, she tilted her head, and the next moment, Creed’s hands slid around her waist. “No...” Joe whispered, his chest tightening. He watched, paralyzed, as Mr. Creed kissed Hannah—a deep, passionate kiss that sent a wave of betrayal crashing through Joe. ‘This can’t be real,’ he thought. But there it was, clear as day. Creed pulled her closer, and she d

Joe parked his car in the driveway, feeling drained from the visit with Mr. Adam and the whirlwind of emotions that followed. The betrayal by Hannah gnawed at him, but so did the plan to expose her and Mr. Creed. He had to stay sharp, stay one step ahead—but his heart wasn’t making it easy. Just as he stepped inside his house, his phone vibrated. The screen lit up with Hannah’s name. His stomach twisted in knots. The last thing he wanted was to talk to her, but ignoring her call would make her suspicious. He stared at the phone, the ringing echoing in the quiet room, before reluctantly swiping to answer. “Hello?” Joe’s voice was calm but , within his insides churned. “Hey, Joe!” Hannah’s voice was warm, cheerful even. “I was just thinking about you. How are you holding up?” Joe clenched his fist, but he forced his tone to remain calm. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired.” “That’s understandable,” she said. “I’m just glad you’re back to speaking to me.” There was a pause before she c