"We can't get back at the top without external support," Mr. Reynolds said, his eyes scanning the grim numbers on the quarterly report. ""We're working on rebuilding the trust," Mr. Patel replied sharply. "The last thing we need is some outsider telling us how to run our own company."Suddenly, the heavy wooden doors of the boardroom creaked open. The executives turned to see Ivan striding in, uninvited, with two of his associates trailing behind him. They had gotten in all with the help of the Insider!"Excuse me, gentlemen," Ivan said, his calm voice cutting through the room, ignoring the looks of shock and confusion from the executives. "I believe I have a proposition that could save your beloved company from sinking."Mr. Patel's face darkened with immediate displeasure. "Who are you and who invited you to this meeting?" he barked."This is a private session." Mr Lee said.Ivan smiled, wickedly. "Consider me a solution to your problems. I'm here on behalf of Bill Ford, and we’re
Daisy had spent a restless night turning over every part of her decision, but by morning, her mind felt steady. She was going to tell Franklin about the baby. She arrived at the Empire State Hotel just after sunrise, barely noticing the grand entrance as her heart drummed with anticipation. When she was ushered in, a pleasant attendant guided her to a lounge area, letting her know that Franklin wasn’t available yet but would join her soon.Daisy sat in the plush lounge, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, replaying her decision over and over. She was going to tell Franklin about the baby. It took a lot for her to gather the courage, but here she was, waiting to see him. Just then, a young woman entered the room, looking calm and friendly, with a welcoming smile. She had a polished look and seemed confident, like someone important. “Hello! I’m Vera,” she greeted warmly, extending her hand. “You must be here to see Franklin?”Daisy blinked, feeling a bit taken aback by Vera’s kindnes
In his suite, Franklin’s morning started with a routine buzz of his phone. Glancing at the screen, he noticed a message: someone was waiting to see him. He squinted, scanning the message twice, as though he could squeeze out a clue about who might be seeking him. Who would be showing up, especially at this early hour? No one had reached out or scheduled anything; this was unusual.He found himself feeling a bit of curiosity mix with the morning calm. Pushing aside the odd feeling, he figured whoever was out there could wait a few minutes. He wouldn’t rush today. This was his routine—a quiet morning, a clear mind. So, Franklin strolled into the bathroom, taking his time to freshen up, letting the cool water wash away any lingering weariness.He glanced up at his reflection, letting himself settle into a calm determination. Today, his goal was clear: he’d work toward reclaiming Miles Empire, the company that had been his family’s legacy. It was one of those missions that fueled his days
Franklin entered the meeting room accompanied by Mr Hughes to meet with the unexpected business men. His expression was calm and his steps were steady.When they walked in, Franklin was shocked to see Professor Arjun and his crew coming to his hotel! He remembered the moment he had escaped from Casey Ford, and that strange device he had caught a glimpse of—something called "Necrosync." He’d pieced together that it was Arjun’s work, but he kept his face smooth, hiding any form recognition."Mr. Franklin!" Professor Arjun greeted him, standing with a polite smile. His team stood around him, each face serious, their expressions showing they were here for business.Franklin’s gaze drifted across them, recognizing them all as familiar players in the network of Bill Ford’s schemes. “Good to see you, all.” Franklin responded, keeping his expression relaxed, almost friendly. “And welcome to you all,” he continued, extending a hand towards Viktor and the rest.Viktor stretched and shook Frank
Franklin who was sitting at the head of the table, his eyes darting back and forth, trying to process Daisy’s revelation.The room felt like it was frozen, every set of eyes glued on Daisy. The men exchanged tense glances, each one trying to read the others’ reactions, while Daisy’s face looked a mix of nerves and resolve.Franklin cleared his throat, his gaze steady on Daisy. “So, you’re saying… ummm I?” His tone held a quiet intensity, something simmering underneath his calm. He looked like he was trying to make sense of her words, almost like he didn’t believe it, or maybe hoped he’d misunderstood.Daisy gave a small shrug, looking down and then back up, meeting Franklin’s eyes with a kind of quiet strength. “Yeah… I mean, this isn't just about me alone or… you know. It’s about us,” she said slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’re part of it too. And…” She glanced around at the others briefly, unsure, and then added, “I want you to take responsibility.”Viktor, scratched
In Franklin's suite Daisy took a steadying breath, trying to find the right words. “It happened… that night. When the hotel was under attack. We hid together, remember? We… didn’t plan it, but it just happened,” she said softly, her gaze dropping.Franklin rubbed his temples, clearly stressed. “You’re saying… that night…?” He looked around, as if trying to make sense of it all.Daisy’s expression softened, understanding his worry. She reached into her bag, pulling out a small paper and handing it to him. “Take a look. I wanted you to have proof.”Franklin took the paper, eyes scanning it as his face shifted, trying to process the reality in front of him.Franklin’s face looked stunned as he read over the paper Daisy handed him. His brows shot up, and he looked at her, wide-eyed. “You’re… pregnant?”“Yes!” Daisy replied, her voice louder than she meant.He shook his head, a tense smile forming. “Well, good for you,” he said coolly, handing the paper back. “Now, if you don’t mind, I was
Midway through his drive Franklin reconsidered his decision. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as he stared at the glowing lights in the distance. He couldn’t go and drown his frustration in alcohol—it would only add fuel to the fire. The last thing he needed was for anyone to see him like that and spread stories that could damage his already crumbling reputation.Shaking his head, Franklin let out a long breath, silently urging himself to retreat. He turned the car around and drove back to the hotel, his thoughts racing. He needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn’t judge him or make things worse.When he pulled into the hotel parking lot, the place was already getting isolated and he was sure Daisy was gone. Relief washed over him. At least he wouldn’t have to face the night alone.Franklin hurried to his suite, but before he could reach the door, Vera was already there, opening it.“Welcome back! I made your—” Her words were cut off as Franklin involuntarily leaned
Vera arched her brow. “What else?”“It’s the lady that visited this morning,” he admitted reluctantly.Vera’s expression hardened. She was tempted to ask why she visited him so early in the morning. Unless he had something going on with her, what other reason could there possibly be to bother about her sudden reappearance?“Are you in a relationship with her?” Vera asked bluntly, deciding it was better to get it out in the open than to speculate.“Relationship? No. Even if I wanted to, she makes it impossible to feel anything but frustration.”“Then what’s the issue? Why are you thinking about her?”Franklin hesitated, struggling to find the words. He had barely wrapped his head around what Daisy had told him, let alone figured out how to explain it to Vera.Vera’s patience began to waver as his silence dragged on. She folded her arms, ready to press him further, but he finally broke the tension.“She’s pregnant,” he blurted out.Vera froze, her mind racing as the words sank in. “Preg