2025-04-26 22:27:53Faye arrived at Café Lumière fifteen minutes early, her stomach knotted with guilt and anticipation. The upscale establishment buzzed with afternoon patrons, soft jazz playing in the background.
She chose a corner table that offered some privacy for what would undoubtedly be a difficult conversation.
When Katherine walked in, Faye almost didn't recognize her. Gone was the polished businesswoman with perfect makeup and imperious posture. Instead, Katherine appeared tired, her eyes slightly puffy as though she'd been crying, her usual designer outfit replaced by a more casual ensemble.
Is she really that upset about the contract? Faye wondered, guilt gnawing at her conscience. I never meant to hurt her like this.
Katherine spotted Faye and approached, her expression a careful mixture of hurt and resignation.
"Thank you for meeting me," Katherine said, sliding into the chair opposite Faye. "I wasn't sure you would come."
"Of course I came," Faye replied, reaching across the table to touch Katherine's hand. "I've been worried about you."
Katherine withdrew her hand subtly, eyes downcast. "Have you? While you were stealing my contract and consorting with my ex-husband?"
Faye flinched at the accusation. "Katherine, it wasn't like that. I had no idea the contract would come to me instead of you, and with Morgan—"
"Yemin," Katherine corrected with a bitter laugh. "That's what he's calling himself these days. Did he tell you about his past? About how he operates?"
The waiter interrupted, taking their orders for coffee. When he left, Katherine leaned forward, her voice dropping to a confidential tone.
"Let me tell you about the real Morgan Yemin Ravollor," she said, her eyes suddenly intense. "He's a parasite. A man who attaches himself to successful women, living off their achievements while contributing nothing."
Faye frowned, struggling to reconcile this description with the man she'd come to know. "That doesn't sound like—"
"Like the charming, helpful man you've met?" Katherine interrupted.
"Trust me, I know his act better than anyone. I was married to him, remember? He seemed so supportive at first, always there with a smile and a helping hand. Then, when I became too successful, too independent, he couldn't handle it."
Katherine's voice hardened. "When I finally kicked him out, he swore he'd ruin me. And look what happened—I lost the biggest contract of my career right after he reappeared."
Could that really be true? Faye wondered, remembering how easily Yemin had navigated the meeting with Group A's CEO, how deferential the CEO had been to him. He does seem to have unusual influence.
"The CEO at Group A treated him with such respect," Faye said hesitantly.
Katherine scoffed. "Morgan cultivates these connections precisely for moments like this. He calls in favors to destroy people who cross him. He has no money, no real power of his own—just a network of people he's manipulated into owing him."
The waiter returned with their coffees. Katherine wrapped her hands around her cup, appearing vulnerable.
"I'm not telling you this to turn you against him," she said softly.
"I just don't want you to be his next victim. He'll use you for your connections, your contracts, and when he's done—" She made a dismissive gesture.
"That's awful," Faye murmured, her mind racing.
"But he helped me get the contract. Why would he do that if he's just using me?"
Katherine laughed bitterly. "To hurt me, obviously. He doesn't care about helping you. He saw an opportunity to take something from me and jumped at it."
Faye sat back, troubled. "I had no idea there was such history between you two."
"How could you?" Katherine sighed. "I never told anyone how bad it got. It was humiliating, being taken in by someone so... pathetic."
She seems genuinely hurt, Faye thought. But something doesn't quite add up.
"I'm sorry about the contract," Faye said sincerely. "If there's anything I can do—"
"It's not your fault," Katherine interrupted, reaching for Faye's hand. "I see that now. You were just an unwitting pawn in his vindictive little game."
Her grip tightened slightly. "What hurts most is that he's driven a wedge between us. We were friends for years, Faye."
Faye felt a surge of remorse. "We still are friends. This misunderstanding doesn't change that."
Katherine's eyes brightened slightly. "Do you mean that?"
"Of course I do," Faye insisted.
"Then maybe..." Katherine hesitated. "Maybe there is something you could do to prove it."
"Name it," Faye replied, eager to make amends.
Katherine smiled faintly. "My birthday celebration is tomorrow night. I'd love for you to come."
"Your birthday party?" Faye repeated, surprised. "Are you sure that's appropriate after everything that's happened?"
"It's precisely because of what's happened that I want you there," Katherine said earnestly. "I'm turning thirty-five. It's time to let go of petty rivalries and misunderstandings, don't you think?"
Faye smiled, relieved. "I'd be honored to come."
"And bring Morgan," Katherine added casually.
Faye blinked in surprise. "Yemin? Are you sure?"
"Absolutely," Katherine nodded. "It's time we made peace as well. I've been thinking a lot about forgiveness lately."
She's really trying to move forward, Faye thought admiringly. Despite everything she believes he's done to her.
"I don't know if he'll come," Faye said dubiously.
"Just ask him," Katherine urged. "Tell him it's a peace offering. For old times' sake."
As they finished their coffee, Katherine gave Faye the details of the party—a luxurious affair at the Grand Meridian Hotel.
"Wear something stunning," Katherine advised with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Everyone who matters in this city will be there."
They parted with a hug that Katherine initiated, leaving Faye feeling lighter than she had in days. As she walked away, she failed to notice Katherine's smile transform into something cold and calculating as she took out her phone.
"It's done," Katherine murmured into the device. "The little idiot bought every word. Make sure everything is ready for tomorrow night."
Walking back to her apartment, Faye's mind churned with everything Katherine had told her. The picture painted of Yemin as a manipulative parasite clashed violently with the man she had come to know—a man who seemed confident, capable, and genuinely interested in helping her.
Could I have misjudged him so completely? she wondered, remembering the warmth in his eyes when he looked at her, the gentle way he asked about her ring.
Something about Katherine's story didn't sit right with her. The CEO's deference to Yemin, the ease with which he moved in business circles—these didn't match the image of a desperate, vengeful ex-husband.
The birthday party will be a good opportunity to see them together, she decided. To observe their dynamic and maybe get closer to the truth.
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The tension in Chairman Hargrove's private suite was palpable. Medical equipment beeped steadily in the background, nurses exchanged worried glances, and the collection of prestigious doctors watched with barely concealed disdain as Marcus Chen positioned himself between Yemin and Alexander Hargrove."Alexander, please," Marcus implored, his voice low but urgent. "I know Mr. Ravollor doesn't look the part, but he saved your father's life three years ago when everyone else had given up."Alexander's jaw clenched, his expensive suit barely concealing the tension in his shoulders. "Are you out of your mind, Marcus? Look at him!" He gestured dismissively toward Yemin. "My father needs the country's top medical experts, not some street vagrant you've dragged in here."The son's resistance is unusual, Yemin thought, studying Alexander's body language. This goes beyond mere skepticism or concern.Marcus pressed on, desperation edging into his voice. "Your father specifically asked for him, A
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Yemin followed Marcus through the mansion's ornate corridors, noting how the staff stepped aside respectfully for the right-hand man of Chairman Hargrove. Marcus's strides were purposeful, his shoulders rigid with tension and lingering anger."I cannot apologize enough for the guards' behavior, Mr. Ravollor," Marcus said, breaking the silence. "Such disrespect is unacceptable."Yemin studied the man beside him. Marcus Chen had no idea who he truly was—that Yemin actually owned the company Marcus and Chairman Hargrove managed. All Marcus knew was that Yemin had saved his boss's life years ago using unorthodox methods, and that the Chairman trusted him implicitly."It's not important," Yemin replied calmly. "What matters is Chairman Hargrove's condition."They reached an elevator, and Marcus pressed his thumb against a biometric scanner. "The Chairman's private quarters are on the top floor."As they ascended, Yemin asked, "What exactly happened? When I treated him previously, the condi
Chapter 22
Faye arrived at Café Lumière fifteen minutes early, her stomach knotted with guilt and anticipation. The upscale establishment buzzed with afternoon patrons, soft jazz playing in the background.She chose a corner table that offered some privacy for what would undoubtedly be a difficult conversation.When Katherine walked in, Faye almost didn't recognize her. Gone was the polished businesswoman with perfect makeup and imperious posture. Instead, Katherine appeared tired, her eyes slightly puffy as though she'd been crying, her usual designer outfit replaced by a more casual ensemble.Is she really that upset about the contract? Faye wondered, guilt gnawing at her conscience. I never meant to hurt her like this.Katherine spotted Faye and approached, her expression a careful mixture of hurt and resignation."Thank you for meeting me," Katherine said, sliding into the chair opposite Faye. "I wasn't sure you would come.""Of course I came," Faye replied, reaching across the table to touc
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Yemin's phone vibrated in his pocket as he was about to enter his apartment. The screen displayed an unknown number. He hesitated briefly before answering."Hello?""Mr. Ravollor," a familiar voice spoke urgently. "This is Marcus Chen."Yemin's posture straightened immediately. Marcus was Chairman Hargrove's right-hand man and one of the few people who knew his true identity."Marcus? Is everything alright?" Yemin asked, his mind already calculating possibilities."Sir, I apologize for calling from an unknown number, but it's urgent. Are you still in the city?" Marcus's voice was strained with worry."I am. What's happened?""It's Chairman Hargrove, sir. The illness—it's returned. The doctors are baffled, just like before. He's asking for you."Yemin closed his eyes momentarily. Three years ago, he had helped save the Chairman's life using an experimental treatment his research team had developed. It seemed history was repeating itself."Text me the address. I'll be there as soon as p
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Faye's expression shifted from surprise to genuine concern as she listened to Katherine's tearful voice on the phone. The guilt she'd been carrying about winning the contract that had originally been Katherine's intensified with each sob that came through the line."Katherine, please don't cry. We can talk about this," Faye said softly, glancing apologetically at Yemin who sat across from her at the café table."You stole everything from me!" Katherine's voice cracked convincingly. "And now you're with my ex-husband? How could you, Faye? I thought we were friends!""It's not like that at all," Faye insisted. "Let me explain—""If you still have any shred of decency left," Katherine interrupted, "meet me at Café Lumière in thirty minutes. Just you. We need to talk."The call ended abruptly. Faye stared at her phone, conflicted emotions washing over her face.Yemin observed her carefully, noting the shift in her demeanor. "Is everything alright?""That was Katherine," Faye explained, tu
