FAZER LOGINLYNN "We cannot confirm that without further investigation. Some of it may have been moved already.”“Can we recover it?”One of the lawyers sitting across from me speaks.“We can initiate legal proceedings to recover the funds. However, we would first need to establish the movement of the money and obtain the necessary orders to secure any remaining assets.”I nod.“Then I want that process started immediately.”I turn towards Mr. Chungu.“Prepare a complete copy of every transaction made to that account. I want the dates, amounts, authorizations, and everyone involved. Nothing should be left out.”“Yes, Lynn.”“Also, I want an urgent application made to freeze the offshore account and any other accounts connected to these transactions, where legally possible. I don't want anyone moving another dollar while we investigate.”“I understand.”I look towards the legal team.“We are suing Miranda for theft, misappropriation of company funds, and every other offense supported by the evide
LYNNI arrive at my mother's company shortly before ten.Unlike my previous visit, I don't have to announce myself twice before someone acknowledges my presence.The receptionist immediately stands when she sees me.“Good morning, Miss Lynn.”I offer her a gentle smile.“Good morning.”“Welcome back, Miss Lynn. Is there anything you'd like us to arrange for you?”I blink.Well, that's different.During my previous visit, I practically had to beg people to acknowledge that I existed.Now, everyone seems particularly interested in making me comfortable.Perhaps the word has spread about what happened the last time I was here.Or perhaps they've finally remembered whose company this is.“Thank you. I'd appreciate a cup of tea. Nothing too sweet.”“Certainly, Miss Lynn.”She immediately picks up the telephone.I walk towards the elevators, holding my handbag with my uninjured hand.My other hand is still bandaged.The wound isn't particularly serious anymore, but I've decided to keep the
VALERIANI arrive at the university shortly before eight.My night was considerably shorter than usual, but that doesn't affect my routine.I have lectures to conduct, papers to review, and several matters requiring my attention.Last night's events are none of those things.At least, they shouldn't be.I place my briefcase on the desk and take out the lecture materials.My eyes briefly drift towards the empty seat near the third row.Lynn's usual seat.I look away.She's probably still recovering from yesterday's injuries.Not that it concerns me beyond the responsibility I have towards a student who was injured in my presence.I adjust my cufflinks and begin arranging the papers.A few minutes later, the students start filing into the classroom.Among them is the person I've just been thinking about.Lynn.She's wearing grey leggings and a loose white top. Her hair is tied into a ponytail, and there's a bandage around her hand.She walks towards her usual seat, greeting someone alon
LYNNThe first thing I notice when I wake up is warmth.The second is that something feels terribly wrong with my sleeping arrangement.I slowly open my eyes.A black shirt.An arm around my waist.A steady heartbeat beneath my ear.I blink.Once.Twice.Then I lift my head.Oh.Oh, dear.Professor Valerian Cage.I'm lying against Professor Valerian Cage.I immediately become aware of everything.His arm is around me.My cheek is practically resting against his chest.One of my hands is gripping his shirt.And judging by the position of his body, we've apparently spent the entire night like this.I slowly lift my head further.His eyes are open.Very open.He's staring at the ceiling with an expression that suggests he hasn't blinked in several business days.I look at his face.There are dark circles beneath his eyes.His hair is slightly dishevelled, and his shirt is creased.He looks exhausted.I stare at him.Then at myself.Then back at him.“Good morning?”His eyes finally move
LYNN“What did they do to you?”His voice reaches my ears, but I can't seem to understand the question.I'm still trying to catch my breath.My eyes move around the room, desperately searching for something familiar. The ceiling, the curtains, the bedside lamp…Then they settle on him.Valerian.Professor Valerian Cage.I recognize him.I know him.But my body doesn't seem to understand that.He takes a step towards me.I immediately move backwards, pressing myself against the headboard.He stops.“Lynn?”My eyes follow his every movement. Even the slightest shift of his shoulders makes my muscles tense.He raises one hand.I flinch.His brows draw together.“It's alright.”I shake my head.“No.”He lowers his hand.“I'm not going to hurt you.”I stare at him.My breathing is still uneven, and my heart feels as though it's about to burst out of my chest.He takes another cautious step.I shrink further into the bed.“Please don't.”He immediately stops.For a moment, neither of us spe
LYNN I stare at the mansion as Valerian's car comes to a stop. For a moment, I wonder whether I've mistaken the address. But no. I know this place. I've been here several times before. Kai used to bring me here for family gatherings, although he never stayed long enough for anyone to properly know me as his wife. Occasionally, he'd leave me to entertain myself while he went off with his relatives. Other times, he'd make excuses about having somewhere else to be. I remember sitting in this very compound, waiting for him to return. How ironic. In my previous life, I had visited this mansion several times without ever imagining that I'd one day arrive here with Professor Valerian Cage. I turn towards him. “Professor?” “Hmm?” “Didn't you say our relationship was strictly between a student and her lecturer?” He glances at me briefly. “Did I say otherwise?” “No, but bringing a female student to your mansion after she gets injured is certainly an interesting interpretation of







