172Meanwhile, Emily had been working tirelessly to refine the last details for the opening of her store, which was scheduled for the next day. She returned home very late that evening, her fatigue evident.Concerned, Michael approached her. "Emily, you're back so late. Are you okay?"Emily managed a tired smile. "I'm fine, Michael. I was just putting the finishing touches on the store. It's going to be amazing."Michael's worry faded, replaced by pride for his sister's accomplishments. "I'm proud of you, Em. I hope the opening goes well.""Thank you, Michael. I really appreciate your support," Emily replied warmly. "I hope you'll be there tomorrow.""Of course," Michael assured her. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."The next morning, Emily left home early to prepare for the grand opening of her store.Michael headed to TecnoVen. He sought out Robert."Robert, I need to talk to you," Michael said, finding him in his office.Robert looked up from his desk, concern etched on his face.
173 "Michael, you don't need to fight this alone. You know, I've been running Luminory Inc, an electricity company, for years. We're not strangers to renewable energy projects. We don't have to be competitors, son." Edward said.Michael sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Dad, I appreciate the offer. I really do. But this is something I have to do on my own.""I understand, Michael," Edward replied, his voice softening. "But remember, there was a time when I had to face a mafia problem in the company. You stepped in, you ruled. It's already a part of you."Michael remained silent for a moment, before responding. "Thank you, Dad. But I'm not interested."Meanwhile, Emily had been trying to mend the relationship between Michael and Olivia. "Michael," she said one week later, "I've been talking to Olivia. I think she's willing to give it another shot."Michael raised an eyebrow. "Really?""Yes," Emily confirmed. "Just don't mess it up this time, alright?"The next weekend, Michael
174The person on the other end of the phone asked, "Did you proceed exactly as we agreed Katherine?"Absolutely, every detail was executed flawlessly. I followed the plan to the letter, Emily is convinced that I'm Lea Boutin, and our collaboration is set in motion." She assured.The person chuckled darkly. "Excellent. Phase 1 is complete. We'll be in touch. Then he hung up.Back at home, Emily couldn't contain her excitement and rushed to tell Michael about her day."You'll never believe what happened to me today," she exclaimed.Michael nonchalantly asked,"What happened."Lea Boutin the celebrity who comes from a very wealthy fashion family shopped at my store! She loved my taste so much that she offered to help me start my own brand, It's incredible!" Emily excitedly shared.Michael was surprised and cautioned her, "Be careful Em, such kindness from someone important, discreet, and busy? Just be cautious," he advised."Stop thinking you're the only one capable of great things. I'll
175Lea noticed Emily's reaction and quickly reached up to adjust her wig, a flustered expression crossing her face. "Oh, excuse me, dear. It seems the wind got the better of me." She forced a chuckle, attempting to downplay the incident.Emily couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what she had just witnessed. Was Lea wearing a wig? And why did she look so different without it?Lea, sensing Emily's skepticism, decided to address the unspoken question. "Emily, I know you must be wondering about the wig. It's a part of my public image as Lea Boutin. Maintaining a certain appearance is crucial in the fashion industry. It's all about perception."Emily, still puzzled, nodded slowly. "I understand the importance of image, but it just took me by surprise. So, what's the plan for our collaboration?"Lea, smoothly redirecting the conversation, began outlining the strategic steps. "Firstly, we'll need a grand launch event. I have contacts in
176Emily eagerly called Olivia to share a stunning revelation."Olivia, you won't believe what just happened! Remember that person I mentioned?"Olivia, intrigued, responded, "Oh, yeah! Congratulations on whatever it is! What is the name ?""It's Lea Boutin! Can you believe it? Things are finally happening!" Emily exclaimed.Olivia's voice crackled with surprise, "Lea Boutin? Are you serious?""Yes, deadly serious," Emily exclaimed.But Olivia, with a hint of skepticism, mentioned, "Lea Boutin? I thought she was abroad for a fashion show."Dismissing Olivia's doubt, Emily insisted, "No way! I saw her, we even had a conversation today. It's definitely her, same voice and everything."A note of concern crept into Olivia's voice, "Are you sure? Lea's supposed to be out of the country."Frustration creeping into her voice, Emily insisted, "I saw her, Olivia. We talked. It was Lea, no doubt. Same voice, same presence."A note of doubt lingered in Olivia's response, "Em, I'm certain Lea is
177The store employees were in a state of panic, the air thick with confusion and fear following Emily's abrupt abduction. Lily, Emily's trusted assistant, was the first to recover her wits and dial the police, her hands trembling as she held the phone."911, what's your emergency?" the dispatcher's voice crackled over the line.Lily stammered, choking back tears, "It's... it's an abduction. My boss, Emily Ventura, she’s just been taken in broad daylight outside our store!"The dispatcher's tone sharpened with urgency. "Can you describe the vehicle or the abductors?""It was a black van, no license plates visible. The men... they wore masks. We have surveillance cameras! You might get something from them," Lily relayed, struggling to stay composed."Officers are on the way. Keep the line open and do not touch anything. We need all potential evidence intact," the dispatcher instructed.As the police sirens approached, Lily called Michael, her voice a mix of fear and urgency."Mr. Vent
178The disguised voice continued, "We're watching you, Mr. Ventura. You have five minutes to find a safe, isolated location. We'll call you back. Don't test our patience."Michael, feeling the weight of the situation, disconnected the call. He looked at Olivia, his face tense."What was that, Michael? Who was on the phone?" Olivia asked, concern etched on her face.Michael hesitated for a moment, then lied, "It's the police. They've got a new lead, and I need to go meet them. I can't take you with me right now."Olivia, puzzled, insisted, "But Michael, we're in this together. Let me come with you. We can face whatever it is as a team."Michael, wanting to protect her, shook his head. "No, Olivia. This is police business. I'll update you as soon as I can. Just trust me on this."Olivia, sensing something amiss, pressed further, "Michael, you're hiding something. I can feel it. Is there something you're not telling me?"Michael, his tone firm, replied, "Olivia, this is not the time. I
179Ryan sauntered into the room, a wicked grin on his face. "Well, well, Michael Ventura, fancy meeting you here. What brings you to our little hideout?" A sardonic grin etching his features. Michael, his eyes narrowing at the sight of his adversary, spat out the words, "Ryan. Should've known you'd be slithering behind all this."He leaned against the cold, concrete wall, his arms folded in mock admiration. "Surprised, Mikey? I've been watching you play hero on the six o'clock news. Quite the spectacle you made, snagging those two-bit kidnappers," he said disdainfully, "It was almost as enjoyable as the time I sent those three goons to rough you up but you beat them up. Quite impressive of you ."Michael's jaw clenched, his anger barely contained. "Why am I not surprised? You always were a coward, hiding behind others to do your dirty work."Ryan chuckled darkly, circling Michael like a predator. "Oh, Michael, always so direct. Coward or not, Mikey, I always find a way to get what I