LOGINSolene glanced at the time for what felt like the fiftieth time since she walked into the room. She tried to focus on something else—anything other than the low murmuring from the people around the table or the occasional way eyes landed on her before quickly shifting away again.No one needed to tell her that her name fell off their lips during their “conversations.” Probably because part of why the meeting was called was partly because of her.And frankly, that was why she’d accepted the invitation—to listen to the praises. The approval. Something to steady whatever had been off in her for the past few days.Otherwise, she wasn’t even sure why she was a part of the association.Either way, the meeting was scheduled to begin thirty minutes ago. But somehow, the chairman’s seat and the one opposite hers had been empty since Solene arrived.And she was this close to leaving.She shifted slightly, her eyes moving towards the entrance like she was quietly calculating how long she’d giv
The dining table was quiet. But not the kind that came with table manners or etiquette.It was the kind that sat heavy in the air, with everyone holding their breath, trying not to meet anyone’s eyes or chew too fast.Well, except Clarissa.She sat at the head of the table, the fork sitting lazily in between her fingers, her back straight against the chair. But she wasn’t eating.While every other person had their heads down and their mouths moving, she just sat there, her jaw tight, her eyes narrowed, focused on Lewis across from her.And the food just sat cold on her plate while she seethed.But even at that, Lewis didn’t look up for once. Not even to check what was going on around him, even as he could feel her eyes on him.He was very much sure whatever conversation was going to come out from it was not going to end well.And he didn’t want that.He just forked a piece of the salad and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing at a pace that could subtly get him out of the house faster.
Ronan stared at the video in his hands, his lips pulled upward in genuine amusement, knowing he couldn’t get Lewis’ words out of his head. Because no matter how composed Lewis looked on screen, it could pick out one or two parts that didn’t sit right. And that Ronan found interesting. He finally set down the tablet, his gaze lifting to Sarah. “It’s done. You have your pictures. Am I free now?” she asked. Ronan didn’t answer immediately. He just watched her for a second, then straightened. “What about the man?” “What man?” “The one who took the pictures.” Ronan said. “Does he work for you?” “No. I found him taking pictures of birds at a kids’ park.” She paused. “Why do you ask?” “I want him.” Sarah’s brows drew together. “Why? The business is over. Everyone settled.” “Not me.” His voice was serious now, his gaze on Sarah more intense than before. The woman scoffed. “That’s neither of our problems.” She said, “It’s not my fault you didn’t get exactly what you wanted.” “
Solene stared at the screen for a second like she was trying to piece together what she was looking at.Then without any more delay, she tapped on it, a silent breath escaping her.Lewis appeared on the screen.He sat behind a desk, not too formal, and not exactly relaxed either.The background looked more like a study than an office. And the look on his face was just hard to miss.He looked very put together.“Ready,” a voice—almost too faint to hear, said behind the camera, and Lewis lifted his gaze to the camera.Solene’s chest tightened.“Good morning.” He said calmly, his voice even, in a controlled way that immediately drew attention. “No need for introductions, as I believe most of you might already have an idea why this video is on your screen.” Solene’s fingers tightened slightly on the edge of the iPad.“I’m aware of everything that has been circulating online over the past few days, and I’ve decided to address it directly,” he continued. No hesitation, no searching for wo
Solene stepped out of the car, the early morning sun kissing her skin softly like it was trying to congratulate her.The door slammed shut behind her, and she moved towards the entrance, her shoulders finally straight without effort—for the first time in days.The door opened from within, and she stepped in, almost immediately noticing the shift in the air.But this time, it wasn’t sharp or suffocating.The lobby was calmer, quieter. No obvious stares digging into her back. Just the occasional whisper brushing past her ears.Her name still moved through the air, though. But it was softer, more controlled It seemed the interview had done a lot more than she expected. Her employees were all now minding their business, going on with their day like nothing had happened, and only spoke when they were spoken to.‘As they should,’ Solene thought as the elevator doors slid open.Mae stood inside, composed as usual. Clutching her iPad with a smile a little wider than usual as she stared at h
“...they’ve been given a story. And I’ve just given them the truth.”Lewis let out a slow breath, dragging a hand over his face. “Did you seriously make me come out here so you can keep watching that?” Chris looked up at first. Then he slid the phone across the table. “No. Just waiting for you to say what I want to hear.” Lewis turned away, his eyes settling on the ambulance parked across the road like it was something interesting.Chris just leaned back, studying him. “You’re acting like you’re being forced to do things you don’t want to.” Silence.“Or,” he added, leaning forward this time. “there’s something you’re not saying.”Lewis glanced at him. “What are you talking about?”“Solene calls you over, asks you to help clear both your names, and you hesitate?” he shook his head slightly. “That’s not normal.” Lewis’s jaw tightened.“Because who on earth would refuse to do something like that?” He asked. “Except there’s something bigger keeping you from doing it.”“You want me to
“Why didn’t you tell me all of this, and I had to hear it from Hannah?”Solene nearly rolled her eyes. “That’s because I wasn’t bothered about it. Why would I want to burden you with something that’s in my past, Mom?”“And when that past surfaces, is it still the past?” the woman asked on the other
Solene sipped her coffee with one hand, her bag clutched in the other as she stepped into the elevator.Her phone vibrated in her bag, and she passed her coffee to Mae, reaching into the bag for it.It was a notification from Hannah.A smile tugged at her lips as she clicked on the message.It had
“If you need anything—anything at all, don’t hesitate to call me.” Her mom said at the door.Solene nodded, her smile as bright as ever. “I will.”Then Vanessa shifted her gaze to Ronan, who stood a little behind, looking worn out. “Ronan dear, please take care of my daughter.”Ronan pulled Solene’
The car drove smoothly along the almost empty road, giving the night the quiet satisfaction it deserved.Ronan sat in the backseat, his eyes fixed to an iPad in his hands as he scrolled leisurely.“And the reservation for tonight?” He asked.“Yes, sir, the—”A scratching sound cut through the line.







