The party music thumped lightly, creating a warm, glamorous atmosphere. Valerie clutched Max’s arm tightly, their steps in sync as they entered the hall. Everything seemed perfect until Alicia appeared in the middle of the room. Her bright red gown fit her perfectly, drawing every eye, including Max’s.Valerie felt Max’s hand loosen from hers, his gaze fixed on Alicia.“Max?” Valerie called softly, but the man didn’t react.Alicia approached with a thin smile, her eyes sparkling with confidence. “Max Miller. It’s like seeing a ghost from the past.”Max smiled faintly, the smile he hadn’t given Valerie in months. “Alicia. I didn’t expect you to be here.”Valerie quickly inserted herself between them, trying to sever the connection that was beginning to form. “Max, I hope you stay away from her,” she said with an angry tone.“Val, act like an adult,” Max replied briefly, while Valerie shot an annoyed look, dismissing Alicia’s presence.“Adult? She’s in love with Dylan now, Max,” Valerie

On the top floor of Harrison Construction's headquarters, the large conference room was filled with an almost tangible tension hanging in the air. Ethan sat at the head of the table, his back straight, while his fingers tapped softly on the mahogany wood surface. Beside him stood Andreas, handing over a thick folder with a deliberate gesture. "The decision is in your hands, Ethan," he said briefly, his tone carrying subtle pressure.Across the table, a few directors exchanged glances, their brows furrowed, whispering in hushed tones. One of them, an older man with graying hair, leaned back in his chair. "We need to ensure this choice brings substantial profits to the company," he said, his tone more confrontational than advisory. Ethan looked at him, his gaze sharp as a drawn blade, though his lips curved into a faint, controlled smile.Ethan’s piercing gaze swept over the directors seated around the table. Andreas stood by his side, gripping the edge of the table tightly, his frustra

Valerie stared at the large projector screen displaying the tender evaluation chart. Her company’s name, Haroldson Corporation, kept climbing with near-perfect scores. Everyone in the conference room was murmuring, some even smirking slightly."It seems Haroldson is unbeatable this time," one participant remarked, half envious.Valerie lifted her chin confidently. She felt the victory was already within her grasp. All the preparations, hard work, and strategies she had carefully planned seemed to have paid off. There was no way Ethan or Dylan could have enough influence to sabotage this tender.As the names of the other participants were announced one by one, Valerie's confidence grew stronger. "Haroldson must be the winner," she thought.However, when the host finally announced the name of the winning company, Valerie felt her world crumble around her."The winner of this tender is... Valtrex Dynamics."Applause echoed through the room, but Valerie remained frozen. It felt like she h

Max sat in his office, his shoulders slumped, his face disheveled, as if someone had just run him over with the harshest reality. The computer screen in front of him displayed plummeting stock charts, red numbers flashing like warning alarms signaling an impending disaster. His phone kept vibrating, notifications piling up like a mountain ready to collapse at any moment.Outside, the sound of reporters on the news was faint."Max Miller's affair scandal shakes the business world! Will Macora Company survive?"His fists clenched on the desk. He knew the business world was ruthless, but this time, he was the one sinking into the mud.On the screen, the headline blared:"Max Miller and Lisa Caldwell: Forbidden Love Behind a Billion-Dollar Project!"The footage had leaked. His face was clearly visible in the video, sitting closely with Lisa Caldwell—his personal secretary. His voice could be heard offering a huge project with an unnervingly intimate tone, full of promises that should neve

Chapter 20The crystal chandelier’s glow reflected off the polished marble floor, casting shimmering shadows that danced along the ballroom walls. Silk gowns rustled as guests murmured among the gentle clinks of champagne in crystal flutes. The scent of expensive wine mingled with luxurious perfumes, thickening the air with exclusivity.Yet beneath all the opulence, something unseen lingered—a tension, coiled and waiting to snap.On the stage, Andreas Harrison stood tall behind the podium. His aged fingers gripped the wooden edge tightly, as if anchoring himself amid a storm of emotions. His gaze swept across the ballroom, waiting for silence to take hold.When he spoke, his voice was deep, carrying a faint tremor—not from weakness, but from the weight of the moment. The man looked overwhelmed."Tonight, I have an important announcement to make for the Harrison family. After so many years … my lost grandson has finally been found."A quiet gasp rippled through the room. Andreas exhale