Hardin stood at the head of the table, the tension in the room thick as he waited for everyone to settle in. Layla, Natalie, and Travis all sat around him, their expressions a mix of concern and focus. The events of the day weighed heavily on them, especially after the near-death experience with the chandelier and the sabotage that had already put the project launch at risk.Hardin begins. "I’ve gathered you all here because I believe we have a serious problem on our hands." His voice was steady, but there was a sharp edge to it. "This sabotage—it’s not random. I have reason to suspect that Dario and Karina are behind it.”Layla shifted in her seat, glancing around the room before speaking. "It makes sense. Dario’s been desperate to get ahead, and Karina has a grudge, especially after what happened to her brother. If anyone has a reason to sabotage the launch, it’s them."Natalie, who had been quietly listening, crossed her arms, her journalist instincts kicking in.Natalie nods.
The dimly lit bar was quiet except for the low hum of jazz music playing in the background. Jane sat at a small table near the back, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of her wine glass as she waited. The invitation card Hardin had sent her sat on the table in front of her, mocking her with its pristine white edges and elegant calligraphy. She had no intention of going, but it still irked her to receive it.A few minutes later, Dario strode in, his usual confident smirk in place. He spotted Jane instantly and made his way to her, sliding into the seat across from her with a grin. "I got your message. What’s so important that you couldn’t wait until tomorrow?"Jane, without saying a word, flicked the invitation card toward him. Dario raised an eyebrow as he picked it up, his eyes scanning the embossed text. He chuckled, tossing the card back onto the table."Ah, Hardin’s project launch. So, he sent you an invite. What’s the problem?"Jane let out an exasperated sigh and took a
The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the city as Hardin stood at the edge of the grand event hall, watching his crew make the final preparations for the launch. Everything was coming together—the grand stage had been set, the investors were already buzzing about the project, and Hardin was determined that tonight would be his night.Next to him stood Layla, her brow furrowed as she meticulously reviewed the checklist in her hands. She had been his right-hand throughout this entire process, ensuring every detail was in place. As his secretary, Layla had always kept her emotions in check, but today, even she seemed nervous.“Catering’s done, stage lights are set” Layla muttered as she scanned the list. “Security is doubled, and the guest list is confirmed. What’s left is just the final sound check. I think we’re ready.”Hardin nodded, but the tension in his gut hadn’t loosened. After the sabotage with the cables and discovering the mole in his team, h
Layla stood in the middle of Hardin’s luxurious living room, adjusting her sleek evening dress for what seemed like the hundredth time. She glanced at her watch, impatience growing with every second. The launch event was just around the corner, and Hardin still hadn’t come down from his room.“Where is he?” she muttered under her breath, pacing slightly.She walked to the bottom of the grand staircase and called out, “Hardin? Are you ready? We’re going to be late!”There was no response.Layla frowned, her heartbeat quickening with unease. Hardin was never the type to make people wait, especially not for something as important as his project launch. He should’ve been down by now, dressed to impress like always.After a few moments of silence, she called his name again, louder this time. “Hardin?”Still nothing.A sinking feeling settled in her stomach. Layla’s mind raced with possibilities, but she quickly brushed them aside. He was probably just preoccupied, working on last-minute pr
Dario was sitting in his sleek office, sipping a glass of whiskey when his phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, but something told him to pick up.“Hello?” His voice was smooth, but the sharpness in his tone hinted at impatience.On the other end, a soft, professional voice replied, “Mr. Dario, I’m calling from St. Mark’s Hospital. I thought you’d like to know—Hardin is in a coma. He was poisoned, and his condition is critical.”The nurse’s words hit Dario like a bolt of lightning, but he quickly composed himself, letting a slow grin spread across his face.“Is that so?” he replied calmly, but inside, excitement bubbled up like lava. “Thank you for informing me. I’ll make sure to… send my condolences.”He hung up the phone, staring out of the large office window with a look of satisfaction. Hardin in a coma? It was too perfect, almost like a gift falling into his lap. With Hardin out of the way, nothing would stop him from seizing control.Downing the rest of his whiskey, Dario stoo
~Flashback~Noah stared at Hardin’s body sprawled on the kitchen floor, his heart pounding in his chest. The only sound was the distant ticking of the clock, a stark reminder that time was slipping away. Hardin lay motionless, his face pale and breath shallow. Noah’s stomach twisted with a mixture of panic and exhilaration. The man who had always overshadowed him was now vulnerable, and it was all part of his plan.He felt a rush of adrenaline as he knelt beside Hardin, his mind racing. This was the moment he had been waiting for—an opportunity to escape the suffocating grip of his boss. Noah had been planning this for weeks, watching Hardin closely, studying his habits, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And now, with the project launch looming, he had finally taken action.Noah stood up, glancing toward the door, ensuring no one was coming. He needed to move quickly. The chaos would provide cover for his departure. It was time to execute the second part of his plan. He sprint
“Excuse me sir, we will be closing now”Hardin looks up from his empty glass of whisky which he had been staring at for the past few minutes lost in thought. His wife, Karina had suddenly asked for a divorce over he past few weeks but he had refused to sign the papers. It wasn't like he was treated well in the family but he couldn't believe the woman he had loved so hard would give up on him so easily. “Sir?”Hardin slams a rough dollar bill on the table and staggers out of the bar. It was their anniversary night and he had asked Karina to go out with him in an attempt to convince her not to divorce him but he had foolishly waited for hours and she hadn't bothered to show up. Why was he holding out on a hopeless marriage when he was constantly abused? Redemption? Maybe he could work hard and prove to his wife that he could be the rich man she had always wished she married. Tipsy, Hardin takes a cab back to his house ready to face his furious wife forcing him to sign divorce papers
“No!”Police officers come up to Hardin and drag him away. “No! I didn't do! I swear I didn't do it! Karina! Why did you do this to me?! You were the one who abused me! Tell them the truth! Confess it all! You set me up!”Karina rolls her eyes and gets up. Dario walks up to her and right in front of Hardin's eyes they both share a kiss. Hardin falls to his knees and the police officers try to pick him up. He couldn't believe the sight he had just witnessed. His mouth hung open and a tear dropped from his eyes “D-Dario? Dario! Did you two plan this?!”“Shut up already you bastard!”“Dario! I swear I will never forgive you for this! I won't forgive all of you!”The police officers push Hardin out of the door while Karina and Dario wave him goodbye with smug looks on their faces. It finally all made sense to Hardin. Karina and Dario had joined hands to put him behind bars to make sure he got a divorce so they could finally be together. Hardin hadn't known their affair had been going