Elizabeth took a breath, glancing briefly at Brian before meeting Lee’s gaze. “Dedication, resilience and determination, I’m here because I’m committed to proving myself, both to you and to my family. This partnership is more than business for me. It’s a new beginning.” There was a long silence as Lee studied her facial expressions, his expression thoughtful. At last, he nodded slowly. “I appreciate your honesty, Ms. Davenport,” he said. “We’ll review the proposal in detail, but I’ll say this… you’ve made a strong impression.” Relief flooded Elizabeth, but she kept her composure, offering him a nod of thanks. “Thank you, Mr. Zhang. I look forward to us working together.” As they exited the building, Brian let out a whoop of excitement, clapping her on the back. “You were incredible in there! I think you really won him over.” Elizabeth laughed, the tension finally lifting. “I hope so,” she replied. “But either way, it feels good to have tried.” They spent the evening wandering t
Elizabeth felt her cheeks flush, but she held his gaze, waiting for him to continue. “Tell me, how did you feel about the meeting? Did it go the way you wanted?” Elizabeth took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “It did, but…in some ways, it was more than just a business trip for me,” she admitted, her voice steady. “I wanted to prove to you and to myself that I could handle this. That I could take on more responsibility, and do justice to the Kennedys name.” Her father was silent for a moment, he then uttered; “And you did, Elizabeth, I want you to know that I’m genuinely proud of what you’ve accomplished. Not just in Hong Kong, but in taking on this new direction with the business. It’s not easy, and I know that.” He paused, his gaze softening. “I’ve been thinking about the future of K Enterprises,” he continued. “About what it might look like under your leadership. You’ve shown me that you’re ready to take on more, and I think it’s time we start discussing a gradual t
She stayed silent, hoping to avoid another argument, but as he fumbled for her purse, a bit of rage built up in her heart. He had muttered something about needing cash for “just one more game,” his voice gentle, but Bethany could barely stand to look at him. It wasn’t even just about the money anymore. It was the uncompassionate look in his eyes, the recklessness that seemed to consume him more and more each day. To crown it up, her own exhaustion, working double shifts at the restaurant, stretching every dollar clawed at her. Last night, she’d finally snapped, she couldn't keep in in place anymore. But now seeing that he was about to go at it again wasn't helpful; “Don’t you dare take my money again, Troy. Do you think this is just a game to me? I’m the one holding everything together while you…” He’d interrupted, his words filled with a bitterness that stung as much as his betrayal. “I didn’t ask for you to play savior. I didn’t need anyone telling me what to do, and lo
***ONE YEAR LATER*** Logan Hudson Bentley was made the owner of Blue Net Group. The entire district and beyond were in attendance on that auspicious day. Everyone was surprised by such an announcement; they never for one minute thought that Logan Hudson, who was struggling to make ends meet back then, was actually the son of the most prominent man alive? It just didn't click well with some people. Troy Reece was devastated, he couldn't believe it, as this was someone he had done his hardest to bring down, only for him to find out that he was the son of such a powerful man. Lots of thoughts keeps on creeping up into his head; ‘Could he be the one that is responsible for my downfall? I'm sure he clearly said he would make me pay just look at me, see how low I have become, a lawyer now a cleaner and any other worthless job I can find, yet, I am still broke, feeding from hand to mouth. I can't seem to find a suitable job for myself. What do I do to become who I used to be? Should I
Naomi went back home with a devastated heart, she was just downhearted that day. Troy had told her not to expect anything but she didn't listen. “Aunt I told you not to bother, they are a heartless group of people and they would never forgive us because that's who they are.” Troy uttered, he was hurt that his aunt was turned away by the Kennedys. “I should have listened to you but I thought at least by now they should have forgiven us. I guess I was wrong. Did you not care about us one day? We were nothing more like a pawn to them. I will do my best to keep the business running. I just hope things get better for you Troy, this isn't the life I had envisioned for us.” Naomi uttered with sadness in his heart. “Aunt, I don't know what else to do but I am pretty sure that I will not let things get too complicated once I get back on my feet I'll bring you back to past glory I promise!” Troy Reece uttered with sadness in his heart. “I hope so.” Naomi uttered. **** ***Present day***
Earlier that evening, the bar was alive with energy as the lights dimmed and pulsed, the bass of the music was high and vibrating through the floor and into her chest as she moved with a practiced grace across the stage. She kept her movements smooth and controlled, her gaze fixed somewhere distant, beyond the lights, beyond the faces. For Bethany, dancing had become both routine and refuge. She didn't love the job, but it was a stepping stone, one that she held onto fiercely, this was the only hope she can get to rise back to the top. The money she earned here would cover her bills, and maybe even help her to pay for her daughter’s school fees and even make something more of herself. She repeated this to herself as she swayed her hips, letting the music flow through her, grounding her resolve. But tonight, something felt different. She noticed Pablo watching her from across the room, his sharp gaze was on her with interest. He was talking to two men seated at the bar, his smil
Troy’s landlord stood at his door one frosty morning with a hand outstretched, demanding for his pay as he was tired of waiting for him to show up with it. Troy had tried really, he had, he took odd jobs here and there, long hours under the scorching hot sun or in the freezing cold, anything to make ends meet. But the small, crumpled bills he brought home barely stretched to cover food, let alone cost of rent. In the dim light of his room, the night before, he stared at the wallpaper which was already crumbling, the mirror was hanging crooked by the wall, beside it was actually little Hilary his daughter who was laying on the bed with no care in the world. Hilary laid fast asleep, her small body curled up under a thin blanket. She was so still, her dark curls were scattered across her pillow and a hint of a smile plastered on her lips. Even though they lead a pathetic life, one different from what she knew, thankfully, she found dreams worth smiling about. Troy Reece
They then handed him an envelope and he turned to leave, his heart heavier than he could possibly comprehend. ‘This is what's best for all of us… I hope you grow up to be a beautiful woman and one day soon, we will meet. I hope you don't hate me then.’ He thought. As the door closed behind him, the sound of her laughter echoed in his ears, a haunting melody that would follow him wherever he went. He walked away, the weight of the money in his pocket feeling heavier than any burden he had ever carried. He didn’t look back. He couldn’t, how could he? A part of him still wanted to run back, to throw open the door, to scoop her up and take her home. But he didn’t have a home to offer her, not a real one, and he knew that. With each step, he reminded himself why he had done it. This was a chance for her safety, warmth, meals that wouldn’t leave her hungry, and a better future. All things he could never give her, no matter how much he wanted to. He walked aimlessly, in the streets