The house where Isabelle and Harriet had been held captive was small and decrepit, tucked away in a nearly abandoned neighborhood. The cracked walls, peeling paint, and broken windows made it clear that this place had been neglected for years. The stench of damp wood and mold filled the air, making it an unbearable place for anyone to stay in for long. As Arthur approached the house, he could see figures moving inside. He crouched low, observing the kidnappers who were already preparing to leave. Harriet and Isabelle were already unbound, but their bodies sagged with exhaustion. Their wrists were bruised and their clothes were wrinkled and stained. They hadn’t eaten well for days, and their once-proud figures now looked fragile and weak. Two of the thugs held them firmly, standing side by side, ready to force them into a vehicle parked outside. The men were on edge. They weren’t afraid of the police because they had deep connections with powerful figures in society.

“That bastard is the reason we suffered!” Harriet seethed as she clutched the armrest of her chair. “That miserable excuse of a man had the audacity to come here, pretending to ask about our whereabouts!” Annie added bitterly. “And after all I did for him! After all I gave him! That ungrateful wretch wants revenge just because I divorced him. I’ll make him regret it. I swear to God, I will make him suffer for what he has done!” Isabelle spat. **** The following morning, Arthur was on his way to work when his phone rang. “Hello, is this Arthur Evans?” a formal voice asked. “Yes, this is he.” “I’m calling from Kembre Associates. We recently reviewed some previous applications and noticed you once applied for a position here. We have a special opening—a ‘Facility Maintenance and Sanitation Supervisor’—and we believe you are qualified.” Arthur’s heart leaped with hope. He had once applied for a cleaner position at Kembre Associates when he was desperate for a job. Now, th

The offer stunned Isabelle.Leading Lewis Associates?Becoming a major stakeholder in the family’s assets?This was no small opportunity.It meant power! Control! Influence!*****The evening breeze was cool and refreshing as Isabelle and Chris sat together at a luxurious relaxation spot, overlooking the shimmering city skyline. The atmosphere was serene, a perfect setting for two lovers planning their upcoming wedding, which was just a few weeks away.Chris reached for Isabelle’s hand, rubbing his thumb over her skin affectionately.“I can’t believe we’re finally here, planning our future,” he said, his voice filled with warmth.Isabelle smiled, but something weighed heavily on her chest.She knew she had to tell Chris about her family’s crisis—he was the only one powerful enough to turn things around.Taking a deep breath, she gazed at him with a serious expression.“Chris, there’s something I need to tell you,” she began.Chris’s brows furrowed slightly, sensing the shift in her t

“Sarah!” Chris barked, his voice laced with fury.The woman on the other end went silent.Chris’s patience had run out.“Have you heard what’s happening to Williams Empire?!” he demanded.Sarah hesitated.“I… I heard some rumors…” she stammered.Chris clenched his jaw.“Then let me confirm it for you, Sarah.” His voice was sharp. “Darwins Group is already taking legal action against my company. They have discovered the secrets we’ve kept hidden for years!”Sarah inhaled sharply.“Chris, I—”Chris cut her off.“Do something about this, Sarah!” he snapped.“Use your influence! That was the whole damn point of our arrangement, wasn’t it? You’ve enjoyed all the luxuries I’ve given you. I’ve spent millions on you, and now, when it’s time for you to pull your weight, you’re speechless?”Sarah’s voice wavered.“Chris, please, listen—”“No, you listen, Sarah!” he interrupted. “If you don’t fix this mess, be prepared to return every damn thing I’ve given you. Every cent, every car, every trip

The conference hall was bustling with activity as Karen, Arthur, and her other assistants arrived. The venue was filled with people from all over the world—business elites, industry experts, and representatives from powerful corporations. Karen, with her impeccable sense of style, stood out effortlessly in the crowd.She walked confidently with her assistants and Arthur trailing closely behind her. The air was thick with anticipation for the event, but just as they approached the entrance of the hall, Karen’s sharp ears caught a familiar voice calling her name."Karen! Is that really you?"Karen paused and her head turned toward the voice. Standing a few feet away was a woman dressed in a sophisticated yet graceful outfit. Her face was one Karen hadn't seen in years but instantly recognized. It was Lily, her childhood friend, now a prominent figure in Telara. They had lost contact over the years, but seeing her again felt like a gift from the past."Can it really be you?" Karen