When Lola got to the office to submit the contract file the next morning, she was unnerved as she was met with smiles and pleasant greetings from her coworkers. She quickly ignored them as she had long chosen to focus on her work while ignoring any form of insults that might be directed at her.Lola got to the company manager’s office and she submitted the contract file. “Sir, the contract deal was a success.”Fisher McCall smiled at her. “I know; the company we’re working with called to make a formal confirmation on their side.” He stretched his hand in the direction of one of the two seats on the other side of his desk. “Please, take a seat.”Lola was worried when she heard this. This was not her first time bagging a minor deal with a company. Normally, once she submits the file, she’s supposed to get back to work. But now, the company manager was suddenly asking her to sit.“Sir, is there a problem with the contract file? I personally went through it before presenting it to the cli
As a pseudo-sales director, one of Lola’s jobs is to attend meetings with the other upper-ranked employees at Styleon Group. Though she was still on probation under the guidance and mentorship of Edmund Porsche, she was required to be there to learn the ropes of how these meetings go, including the topics that are discussed.Lola had been excited to attend this meeting, and she had even stayed up the previous night to study all the important aspects of what will be discussed at the meeting. She had even gone through the company’s archive to get a deeper understanding of things. Right now she felt like she was ready to show her new coworkers that she was worthy of the promotion she got.Once the meeting started, Lola paid close attention to what was discussed, taking necessary notes for her to go over later. She never expected to be asked anything as she was still in training, and yet, Edmund had other plans. He intended to embarrass Lola by showing the other coworkers that she wasn’t
Edmund glared at Lola. “I expect you to succeed the same way you sealed the $700 million deal this week.” He saw the glare he was getting from the other coworkers. “Guys, C’mon! I’m merely teaching my underling the importance of consistent success. She had done the impossible while being a mere sales manager. Imagine the great things she could accomplish as a sales director! I’m merely equipping her with the best gift a mentor can offer: the chance to climb higher.”Even though some of the members in the meeting didn’t believe Edmund, they really couldn’t say anything against it as the excuse he gave was quite valid.At the end of the meeting, Lola had no choice but to accept the task. She had entered the meeting room feeling excited and optimistic. Unfortunately, she was now leaving the meeting room feeling apprehensive and worried.It was now Friday, the day Miles had ordered that the meeting would be held. All the notable members that were expected to be there were now rushing towa
Miles couldn’t help but chuckle as he recalled his interaction with Edmund. It was fun to silently watch as Edmund threatened to use the power of the company’s shareholders to trample him. Miles had not hesitated to encourage the sales director. In reality, he knew he was going to inevitably defeat Edmund Porsche in the most humiliating way possible.Currently, Miles had taken a secret route to his office, where he was now changing out of his casual outfit into an expensive suit. This formal wear was purchased at a price of $700,000; something his opponents would be hesitant to purchase willy-nilly.There was a knock on the office door, and with Miles’s permission, Fisher McCall entered the room with a submissive posture that no one else except Miles had seen.“Mr. Creek, the meeting is ready to receive you now.”Miles turned a glance at the manager. “Good. Is everyone there?”Fisher McCall nodded his head sharply while he kept his gaze down. “Everyone notable is currently waiting for
Everyone at the meeting was quite confused as to what exactly was going on. The new shareholder had walked into the meeting with sunglasses and a mask. Even his hair was styled in a way that the frame of his face couldn’t be seen clearly.After the greeting, everyone began feeling awkward but a look from Fisher kept everyone on their best behavior. They shouldn’t gawk at the new shareholder; he might get angry. As for Lola, she was seated further back thanks to Edmund who didn’t want this new shareholder to end up being impressed with her like his coworkers had at the past meeting with the upper ranks. Despite the distance, Lola couldn’t help but feel like the masked shareholder looked quite familiar. After a while, her eyes widened as it suddenly clicked.“Miles?! Could it really be you?!” Lola whispered this under her breath as she knew better than to disrupt the meeting. Her body shook and she squinted her eyes to get a better look. She couldn’t help but internally curse at Edmun
Edmund felt happy. He had been looking for a way to humiliate Lola in front of the new shareholder while also making himself look like a diligent mentor and sales director. He believed that he had struck two birds with one stone.Everyone turned their gaze in time to catch the masked shareholder calling Fisher over before he whispered something in his ear. Fisher stiffened as he nodded.Once the whispering between the two was over, everyone wondered what was going on, especially Lola who was certain that she might be thrown out of the meeting.Fisher spoke. “Mr. Edmund, you have disrupted this meeting without permission. You were trying to teach your underling the importance of etiquette at work, and yet, you have committed the same offense in the process. As of now, the shareholder desires that you leave this meeting right now.”Everyone, including Lola, was left in shock. Edmund was humiliated beyond words. With no choice left, he packed up his stuff and exited the meeting room. The
Lola was on her way back to her office when her phone rang with a birthday ringtone. She quickly retrieved the phone to lower the volume as other employees around that area had been disturbed by it.Lola smiled awkwardly at them. “Sorry, just ignore it.” She checked the notification on her phone and a bright smile lit up her face. “It’s Dad’s birthday already? Woah! Time has flown by.” She walked all the way to her office before dialing her husband’s phone number.As soon as the meeting was over, Miles had returned to his private office with Fisher right behind him. Once they were inside the office, Miles gave the manager a few more instructions which involved overseeing the performance of each department in the company. The step towards elevating the status of Styleon Group Corporation was a big vision, and for that dream to come true, every single employee needed to put in their best. This was why Miles had compensated them with a raise and special additions in the benefits section.
Miles had a confused expression on his face. “What’s wrong?”“Kelsey’s dress; where did you buy it from?!” Lola’s face held a shocked gaze as he looked at the dazzling dress that her daughter was wearing. She felt the fabric with her hands which left her in greater shock. This cloth had to be expensive.Lola was about to ask her husband how he had afforded the pay, but then she held her curiosity back as she remembered that Miles was a broke man. The only sensible conclusion that she could come up with is that Miles had purchased this at one of those illegal shops that make cheap versions of expensive clothes, except they make it hard to distinguish.Lola sneered as she believed she had figured out the actual situation. “Miles, please, never buy my daughter this knock-off dress again. It’s embarrassing. I know you’re trying to look like a cool father, but it would only end in humiliation when someone finds out that her clothes are fake. Then what will you do when everyone starts makin
Miles knelt down to her level, smiling softly. "We did, sweetheart. But winning was just the first step. Now we have to make sure it stays won."Sarah's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"Miles quickly looked at his family, then shifted his focus back to Sarah. "We still have a large amount of work in front of us." Nevertheless, I think we are prepared for the challenge. Do you want to assist us in improving the city? Sarah nodded with great enthusiasm. "May I work as your aide?" The room was filled with laughter, relieving the tension that was growing. Miles stood and playfully tousled Sarah's hair. "You have the ability to become anything you desire, young one. "That is the main objective." Maxwell cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Miles, there's something else we need to discuss. About your role in the family."Miles tensed, memories of their past conflicts flooding back. "Dad, I-"Maxwell held up a hand. "Let me finish. I was wrong, son. I tried t
Miles paused at the door, turning back to face his defeated enemy. "You're right about one thing, Ethan. It's not over. It's just beginning. But this time, we're building something better. Something just."With that, they left, racing towards the Lyon compound. While driving through the city streets, they observed evidence of the night's happenings all around - police barriers, lights flashing, and groups of spectators. "What do you think Joseph Lyon has?" Lola asked, her brow furrowed with concern.Miles shook his head. "I don't know, but we can't let him walk. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."They arrived at the Lyon compound to find it in chaos. Creek family members and newly arrived police officers were everywhere, securing the premises and rounding up Lyon family members and associates.Elena met them at the entrance, her face grim. "Joseph's in the basement. He's threatening to upload some kind of dossier to the internet if we don't let him go.""What's in the dossier?"
Elena's voice came through, tense but steady. "She's inside. Ethan took the bait. He's got her in his office."Miles tightened his fists, suppressing the anxiety eating away at his stomach. "Okay then. I am entering. Always remain committed to the plan, regardless of any obstacles that may arise. With that, he walked confidently towards the front door, feeling his heart racing but remaining determined. The guards by the entrance became tense when he neared. Miles declared that he is here to visit Ethan with a commanding tone that left no room for disagreement. The guards nervously looked at each other before one of them communicated on his radio. After a brief pause, they moved out of the way, letting Miles go through. While strolling through the grand corridors, Miles couldn't shake the thought of the countless lives ruined to uphold this image of authority and extravagance. He prepared himself, aware that tonight marked the end of everything. He reached Ethan's office door, pau
Miles took a deep breath, his mind racing with possibilities. "We need to create a distraction. Something big enough to draw Ethan's attention away from his office."Lola stepped forward, her face set with determination. "I have an idea. But you're not going to like it."Miles turned to her, concern etched on his face. "Lola, what are you thinking?""Me," she said simply. "I'll turn myself in to Ethan. Tell him I'm abandoning you, that I want to make a deal.""Absolutely not," Miles said firmly. "It's too dangerous."Lola stood her ground. "It's the perfect distraction. Ethan won't be able to resist the opportunity to use me against you.""She's right," Rachel interjected. "Ethan's obsessed with destroying you, Miles. Having Lola in his grasp would be irresistible."Miles shook his head, his voice rising. "No, I won't risk you like that. There has to be another way.""There isn't," Lola insisted. "We're running out of time and options. This is our best shot."Maxwell placed a hand on
"Dad!" he called out. "This way!"In some way, amidst the chaos and lack of light, they succeeded in coming together again and leaving the cabin. In the woods, they ran without direction, with the sound of their pursuers not far behind. "There's a river approaching," Maxwell gasped while they ran. "If we manage to get across, we could risk losing them." They continued moving forward, with branches lashing their faces and the ground unpredictable beneath their feet. At last, the sound of water rushing reached their ears. "We arrived," Elena wheezed. But as they reached the riverbank, a shot rang out. Miles felt a searing pain in his arm and stumbled."Miles!" Lola cried out."I'm fine," he forced through clenched teeth. "We must continue to keep going forward." Stepping into the icy water, they could hear their pursuers approaching nearer. Miles glanced behind him and observed flashlights moving among the trees. With a sinking heart, he came to the realization that we will not be
While driving in uncomfortable silence, the city lights disappeared in the distance. After what felt like an endless amount of time, Dorian veered onto a dirt path that twisted through thick forests. "He declared that we are nearly there." Out of nowhere, headlights were visible in the rearview mirror. Dorian muttered curses quietly. "They've found us."Miles twisted in his seat, his heart pounding. "How? We were so careful!""Questions later," Dorian growled, pressing down on the accelerator. "Hold on, everyone!"The vehicle surged ahead, jolting harshly over the bumpy road. Sarah began to weep, and Lola tried her hardest to console her while hanging on tightly. "That way!" Elena yelled while indicating the direction in front. A tiny cabin appeared, tucked in between the trees. Maxwell came to a halt in front of the cabin. "Everybody, leave!" "Hurry up!" They scrambled out of the car, Miles helping Lola with Sarah while Elena and Maxwell grabbed what few bags they had managed t
It's a gamble," she remarked, "but there's a chance it could succeed." Count me in. One after another, the rest of the Autumns concurred. When they joined hands to confirm their sudden collaboration, Miles felt a spark of hope for the first time in weeks. Miles did not realize that another person was secretly listening to their conversation. In a room on the upper floor, Maximilian Autumn, the eldest child of Nigel and heir of the Autumn family, was having a conversation on the telephone. "Did you get all that, Ethan?" Maximilian whispered.On the other end of the line, Ethan Chariot's voice crackled. "Every word. Good work, Maximilian. Your family's betrayal won't be forgotten when this is all over."Maximilian's grip tightened on the phone. "Just remember our deal. When the dust settles, I want control of both the Autumn and Chariot families."Ethan chuckled darkly. "Of course. As long as you hold up your end, you'll get everything we agreed upon. Now, let's discuss how we're goi
While embracing each other, both fully conscious of the peril nearby, a faint voice was heard from the staircase. "Mom?" Father? "What's happening?" Miles and Lola looked in the direction Sarah was standing, her worried expression evident on her small face. They shared a glance, aware that their future decisions would impact not only their destiny, but also that of their daughter and the whole city. Miles kneeled and extended his arms towards Sarah. "Sweetheart, please come over here." Mom and Dad have something significant they need to inform you about. While Sarah embraced them, Miles and Lola promised quietly to defend their family and seek retribution against anyone who posed a threat. The larger view was starting to become clear, bringing with it the understanding that their lives were about to change forever. The sudden ringing of the doorbell surprised Miles and Lola, interrupting their quiet chat. Miles cautiously approached the door, looking through the peephole. Surpris
He was startled by the ringing of the doorbell. He opened the door and saw Rachael Autumn standing there, her face showing signs of worry. "Rachael? What are you doing here?" Miles asked, ushering her inside.Rachael wrung her hands nervously. "Miles, we need to talk. It's about your family... and mine."Miles' eyes narrowed. "You mean how your family has been lying to me all this time? Using me?"Rachael flinched. "It's not like that, Miles. We didn't have a choice.""There's always a choice, Rachael," Miles spat. "You could have told me the truth.""And you?" Rachael shot back. "You lied too. You said you were single, that you were just Miles Autumn. Was that all a ploy to get close to us, to get information?"Miles stepped back, stunned. "What? No, I... I never said I was single. I just... I didn't mention my family because I was trying to protect them."Rachael's eyes softened. "I believe you, Miles. But you have to understand, we're all caught up in something bigger than ourselv