Chapter 9

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• Second Chance At Rebirth: Beneath The Ashes   Chapter 69

  Christine’s POVI stormed into my office, the glass door swinging shut behind me. Last night’s humiliation at the Grand Meridian Hotel still felt fresh. Zane’s smug grin as he’d publicly made me feel less of myself in front of Mr. Vandross.I flung my purse onto the leather couch in the corner as my lipstick, keys, and crumpled tissue fell out of my purse. I gripped the edge of my desk, trying to steady myself. Heartbreak and rage twisted together, a toxic knot that made it hard to breathe happily. How could I have been so naive? Zane hadn’t just embarrassed me, he’d stolen my chance to secure Vandross’s investment, maybe my only shot at keeping my company afloat.I sank into my chair. The weight of failure pressed down on me. If I couldn’t build this company, everything I’d worked for, every sacrifice would crumble. I couldn’t let Zane win and see me as the failure he always imagined I am.I pressed the intercom button on my desk. “Hello, Ashley, please get in here.”A moment later,

• Second Chance At Rebirth: Beneath The Ashes   Chapter 68

  Lisa’s POVI am pacing in my bedroom. My gut churned with suspicion, a gnawing certainty that Christine was up to something that could unravel the decent girl about everything Francis believed about her. She always act too perfect. But I knew better. I needed to let him see she was playing him, playing all of us. I just didn’t have the proof. Not yet.The room was dimly lit, the late afternoon sun filtering through the curtains. My reflection flickered in the full-length mirror as I passed it in my pace and then I stopped, standing in front of the mirror. I needed something concrete, something to hold up to Francis and the family and say, See? I told you she’s not who she pretends to be. But all I had were hunches.Suddenly, my phone buzzed, jolting me from my thoughts. I lunged for it. Adriana’s name flashed on the screen, and I swiped to answer, pressing the phone to my ear.“Lisa, you’re not gonna believe this,” Adriana’s voice came through. “I just found out Zane’s going out tonig

• Second Chance At Rebirth: Beneath The Ashes   Chapter 67

  Christine’s POVIt was finally today, the day of the party Zane had invited me to, where I’d be his date. I stood in front of the full-length mirror in Evelyn’s apartment, smoothing the silky fabric of the deep dress he’d sent over. The gown hugged my curves perfectly, with a slit that revealed just enough leg to feel sexy. Evelyn, lounging on her velvet chaise, whistled low.“Girl, you’re going to stop hearts tonight and I’m sure your presence will make him fall harder,” she said, her eyes filled with mischief. “Zane’s got taste, I’ll give him that.”I forced a smile. “It’s just a date, nothing serious.” I replied as she winked. “I don’t think so.” She replied.I wasn’t sure what game he was playing, but I couldn’t afford to say no. Not when my company, my dream, was teetering on the edge of collapse, and every connection counted.The doorbell chimed, and Evelyn hopped up to answer it. “That’s your ride, Cinderella. Don’t lose your shoe.” She said. I slipped into the strappy heels

• Second Chance At Rebirth: Beneath The Ashes   Chapter 66

  Francis’s POVThe door to my office swung open without a knock, and Lisa strode in. Her lips curled into a faint, knowing smile as she shut the door behind her.“Francis,” she said, her voice smooth and mischievous. “You look tense. Bad day?”My jaw tightened. I leaned back in my chair, my eyes narrowing as I responded. “Don’t play games, Lisa. I know what you’re doing.”She raised an eyebrow, pausing by the edge of my desk to trail a manicured finger along its surface. “Oh? And what’s that, exactly?”I stood abruptly. “Don’t act innocent. You’ve been trying to paint me as the villain yesterday. You’re trying to turn me into the bad guy so you can swoop in and take what’s not yours.”Lisa’s laugh was sharp, like glass shattering. She crossed her arms, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Oh, Francis, you’re already shaking in your boots, and I haven’t even started with you yet.” She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a low, taunting murmur. “You should know by now I don’t play small.

• Second Chance At Rebirth: Beneath The Ashes   Chapter 65

  Christine’s POVI took a deep breath. “Asking such a question is not necessary,” I said. “You all don’t need to keep defending him. What matters now is that I don’t want to be with Francis. He tried to cheat the company, our company and he would’ve succeeded if that other firm hadn’t been a scam. I can’t trust him anymore with my heart.” I feel I’ve been dragging this issue out for so long and I’m fed up.Francis replied. “Christine, I swear, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen,” he said. “I am trying to protect what we built together. I made a mistake, but I’m not that person anymore.”“Enough, Christine,” Grandpa Fredrick cut in. He stepped forward. “You’re not thinking clearly. This isn’t just about you and Francis. This is about family, our family and his. You know the agreement we made between both families. It’s not just a business partnership; it’s a bond to strengthen both families. You and Francis are to be married. That’s been the plan since you were children.”My stomac

• Second Chance At Rebirth: Beneath The Ashes   Chapter 64

  Christine’s POVI took a few step and stood, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, my heart pounding as I glared at Francis. “Christine, please,” Francis said, his voice low, almost pleading. “You can’t just throw this away. We’ve been through too much.”“Get out, Francis!” I snapped, my voice rising, filling the room. “I told you, I’m done. I don’t want anything to do with you anymore! And not even my parents can decide that.”I just wanted him gone. Out of my sight, out of my life. The room seemed to shrink as my anger filled it, as I could feel the eyes of Lisa turning toward us as she approached. And behind her were my parents.Lisa was the first to appear, leaning casually against the archway that led to the dining room, her arms crossed. Then came my parents, Lilith and Gregory, their faces etched with concern and disapproval of my actions. Even the housekeeper hovered near the staircase. Everyone was watching, drawn to the argument.“Christine, what is going on here?” my mot