Michael opened the door to find Robert and Hilary standing there. He was surprised, but he tried to hide it. "Robert, Hilary, come in," he said, stepping aside to let them enter."We came to check on you, heard what happened!" Robert said.Edward stood up from the couch, looking uneasy. "I'll be going now," he announced, "I just Emily, will come to see me soon."Michael didn't respond, he just stood there, staring blankly at the floor. Edward hesitated, then quietly left the room.Robert cleared his throat, trying to lighten the mood. "We just came by to check on you," he confessed, looking over at Michael.Michael's eyebrows raised in question. "And why would you do that?" he asked, turning to look at Hilary.Robert let out a small laugh. "Well, Hilary here wanted to see you again," he admitted, scratching the back of his neck
159Michael frowned thoughtfully, his mind filled with doubt. If the evidence was certain, Samantha could be the culprit. The inspector's words echoed in his mind as he tried to make sense of the situation."So, you're saying Miss Cooper claims someone gave her a suitcase to transport, and she had no knowledge that it contained drugs?" Michael asked, seeking clarification.The inspector nodded. "That's correct. She provided the usual formula that people in her situation give. She insists she doesn't know the identity of the person who gave her the suitcase."Michael sighed, feeling conflicted. Samantha's past behavior had left a bitter taste in his mouth, but he couldn't ignore her plea for help. "What will happen to her now? Can I see her?"The inspector leaned back in his chair and sighed. "She's been arrested on drug trafficking charges, a very serious offense. She'll be held in custody pending further investigation. As for seeing her, I can arrange a visitation, but under supervisi
160Hilary blinked in surprise, her mouth still full of cookie. "I-I was just hungry," she stammered, a guilty expression crossing her face.Emily, who had been observing the situation from the corner of the room, felt her anger rise. Olivia was her best friend, and she couldn't stand seeing her upset. She stepped forward, her eyes fixed on Hilary."That was incredibly rude of you," Emily snapped, her voice sharp with annoyance. "Those cookies were meant for Michael, and Olivia went out of her way to bring them for him."Hilary swallowed hard, realizing her mistake. "I-I'm sorry," she muttered, her voice filled with regret. "I didn't think."Olivia's frustration intensified, and she took a step back, trying to regain her composure. "It's not just about the cookies," she said, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. "It's about boundaries and respect. You've been acting inappropriately with Michael since you arrived."Hilary's face flushed with embarrassment and she looked do
161Back at the house, Michael was taken aback by the icy silence that greeted him. Emily was the only one present, her arms crossed tightly over her chest."Where is everyone?" Michael asked, glancing around the empty living room.Emily's lips formed a thin line. "Olivia left," she said icily, "followed by Robert and Hilary."Michael blinked in surprise. "Why? What happened?"Emily's eyes flashed with anger. "Hilary had the audacity to eat the cookies Olivia brought for you," she spat out. "Olivia was hurt, and in her anger, she stormed off."Michael's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "And Robert and Hilary?"Emily shrugged. "They didn't stick around for long either," she retorted. "Your day together turned into a complete fiasco.""It's not my fault they decided to drop by," Michael defended himself.But Emily wasn't finished. "And you," she pointed a finger at him, "hid from me that you found our father."Michael's eyes widened. "I was trying to protect you-"Emily cut him o
162Back at the house, Emily returned home in the evening, her mind still swirling with conflicted emotions from her encounter with their father. As she entered the living room, she found Michael sitting on the couch, staring at his phone."Michael," she began, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "our father says he regrets everything... but I don't know if I believe him."Michael looked up, his face etched with concern. "I understand why you feel that way, Emily," he replied, his voice sympathetic. "But he seemed sincere to me. He wants to make things right."Emily crossed her arms, her expression guarded. "He had the means to find me all these years, but he never tried. It's hard to trust someone who abandoned us."Michael nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "I get that," he said softly. "But people can change, Emily. Maybe he's realized his mistakes and genuinely wants to be in our lives now."Before Emily could respond, Michael's phone rang, startling both of them. He quick
163In the dimly lit alley, Michael faced the trio of masked men with a growing sense of irritation. His narrowed eyes betrayed a mixture of annoyance and frustration as he confronted the unwelcome situation."Seriously? Can't a guy catch a break today?" he muttered, his tone laced with exasperation.The first masked man, emboldened by anonymity, demanded, "Shut up and hand over your valuables!"A wry chuckle escaped Michael's lips as he flexed his muscles, subtly showcasing his confidence. "You guys picked the wrong day for this."The masked trio circled him menacingly, their obscured faces concealing their intentions."We're not messing around. Cooperate, or things will get ugly," warned the second masked man.Rolling his eyes, Michael's annoyance escalated. "You really don't want to do this.""Enough talk. Let's get him!" declared the third masked man impatiently.With unexpected speed, Michael dodged the first attacker's lunge effortlessly. "Come on, you can do better than that."
Once home, Emily rushed to inform Michael about the urgent matter. She entered the room, a hint of concern on her face, "Michael, Olivia and I need to reopen the store tomorrow. We're in a hurry, and Olivia asked me to tell you. We've even invited the media, saying you'll be there. You can't stand them up."Michael, still processing the events of the day, raised an eyebrow, "Media? Why did Olivia use my name?"Emily sighed, "Well, she thought it would attract more attention. You know how these things work."Michael nodded reluctantly, "Fine, I'll do my best to be there, but I have a meeting at TecnoVen first thing in the morning for an important contract."The next morning at TecnoVen, Michael's secretary Jen approached him with a concerned look, "Mr. Ventura, the managers from Goldrex Company are here to see you.""Let them in, Jen," Michael instructed, his mind already racing with thoughts about the morning meeting and the potential conflicts.As the door opened, Michael recognized
165Michael's voice dripped with bitterness as he continued, "Yes, you had no idea. You never bothered to see past your own arrogance and treat your employees with respect. I hope you've learned something since then."John, visibly uncomfortable, attempted to diffuse the tension. "I'm here to discuss the potential partnership between TecnoVen and Goldrex Company."Michael's eyes narrowed as he addressed him, his tone laced with disdain. "You must be thrilled, to have your the company you rule seeking a partnership with the 'poor loser' you once knew. How times have changed."His face flushed with embarrassment, and he cleared his throat nervously. "Michael ... Mr. Ventura, that was a long time ago. I've changed, and so has my son."Michael scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "Changed, huh? Well, you'll forgive me if I remain skeptical. I have no interest in entertaining a partnership with a company that has a history of mistreating its employees."John Smith, shifted uncomforta