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
Hardin had been skeptical about getting into the car with a stranger. He didn't know if he was being driven to his doom or his fortune. Either way, he was willing to take the risk. If he was going to be taken to either Karina or Dario. He would make sure he ended their life on the spot as his revenge. After what they had done to him, they were better off dead. “Master, we are here”The old man, Sebastian steps out of the car and the chauffeur opens the door for Hardin. Hardin steps out and his mouth hangs open at the huge mansion standing in front of him. Astonished, he looks over at Sebastian. Who the hell owned such a mansion? The person must be very powerful and wealthy. But what did they want with someone like him? “This way sir”Hardin is escorted into the large mansion. He is in awe at all the luxurious items that surround him. Spiral stairs, Gold Walls. Expensive paintings. It looked like a castle. “Who is this person you want me to meet?”Sebastian gestures towards a door
“Cheers!” Karina giggles as she wraps her arms around Dario's neck. They were having a mini celebration for her suceeding her father's company. “How do you feel my love?”Karina gets up and places a hand on her chest with a huge smile on her face. She twirled around the office with a glass of champagne in her hand. “I feel so much joy, honey. I just can't believe it. I've waited for this moment for a very long time and now…”Karina ran her fingers over the nameplate with her name inscribed on it. She lets out a little laugh. “It's all mine. It feels like everything is in place. Like I have it all. Ever since that bastard was finally out of my life it was like a portal opened up! And my life was finally being put in the perfect place!”Dario claps and stands up putting an arm around his wife's waist. He was glad to see the delight on her face. Indeed everything was going so well for them, he had taken over the company Hardin had worked in and made so much money from it that he was