Betty snorted at those words.Consumed by a pre-conceived notion that Eva's credentials, like her entire existence in their world, were a carefully constructed facade, Betty couldn't be bothered to spare them a single glance.On second thought, she figured that she could humiliate Eva more."I see. Since you are so confident, I have to test you".Under the astonished gazes of her colleaugues, Betty threw a document to Eva."I hope you are not all mouth. This is a chance to prove yourself."Eva took the document confidently.A bead of sweat trickled down Betty's temple as she squinted at the stark headline on the weathered project proposal: "Coastal Resort Development Stalled by Rising Seas." Disappointment gnawed at her. This wasn't just any project; it was the culmination of years of meticulous planning, a vision of luxury nestled amidst swaying palm trees and turquoise waters. But the once idyllic island paradise they intended for the resort now faced a harsh reality – the relentles
All the interviewers sprang up to their feet as soon they saw their boss, Jayson Allen.Jayson was a tall and handsome young man. His wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses sat on his nose. Hig jawline was well-sculpted. He usually had a gentle aura. But now, he was frowning as he looked at Betty."When did you all start depending on hearsay? Since Miss Torres was allegedly expelled from school for cheating, don't you think evidence should be provided?"All the three interviewers exchange eye to eye contact and they short of words, especially Betty. She had lied, so she didn't know how to provide evidence.Jayson sneered at her. "It seems you can't provide evidence because there's none, right? You're spreading untrue rumors to taint Miss Torres image. How despicable!"Betty's face turned pale."You are fired!" Jayson declared expressionlessly."I'm fired? But, why?" Betty asked, her eyes widened in disbelief."Isn't it obvious? An interviewer is supposed to be unbiased and fait. Howeve
Eva's heart hammered against her ribs like a hummingbird trapped inside a cage. Her fingers trembled as she scrolled through the comments, a venomous storm brewing beneath the carefully crafted facade of her online life."Who is this guy? Did she cheat on Blake?""Gold digger alert! She probably left Blake for this younger model.""She needs to be exposed for the...", the comment trailed off into a string of obscenities, each word a searing blow.Eva felt a cold sweat slick her palms. Jayson, her childhood best friend, had simply been offering her a ride home after a particularly stressful day at the office. The dinner was a long-overdue catch-up, a shared space of laughter and reminiscing amidst the storm of her collapsing marriage. But in the distorted lens of the internet, their innocent interactions had morphed into a salacious narrative, painting her as a callous villainess.Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the hateful comments into a distorted mess. She slammed the laptop s
Eva recoiled at the mere mention of her ex-husband, a bitter taste coating her tongue. Today's events had painted Blake in starkest light, exposing his ruthless depths. How dare he twist their narrative, painting her the villain after their divorce?Shame flooded her, a searing reminder of her past blindness. "What was I thinking?" she whispered, the echo of the question stinging. How could she have fallen for someone who possessed such a hollow core, a man whose values were as warped as his morals?Taking a deep breath, she composed herself. "Uncle Owen," Eva said, her voice firm, "please believe me, this has nothing to do with lingering feelings. I simply don't want you embroiled in this mess. I can handle it myself. He wants to play dirty? Let him. I'll show him precisely what I'm capable of."As she hung up the phone, a new call came in. It was from Eva's other uncle, Axel Lowes, who resided abroad. Curiosity piqued, she answered, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes. Perhaps,
The scandal ignited like wildfire, consuming every social media platform. Blake, his face contorted in a mask of fury, lashed out at everything in his path, his frustration culminating in a heated exchange with his sister, Marian.Marian, stung by her brother's harsh words, sought solace in her confidante, Tally. Tears welled up in her eyes as she poured out her grievances. "All I wanted to do was protect us," she choked out, her voice trembling. "I just released a statement to distance ourselves from that... that woman's drama. And now, look at what's happened! The company's stock is plummeting, and Blake hates me!"Tally, ever the calming presence, gently placed a hand on Marian's shoulder. "It's easy to lose sight of things when emotions run high," she said softly. "But remember, you acted out of what you believed was best for the family. It wasn't malicious intent, Marian. And I'm sure Blake will realize that in time."Marian took a shaky breath, trying to find solace in Tally's w
"Tally's fingers drummed nervously on the table. Could Eva really have such a strong supporter?""Viva Entertainment, huh? Sounds like the bigwigs themselves pulled the strings on this one.""Tally recognized the name as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, known for its successful production of movies and music.""Despite not coming from an affluent background, Eva had managed to secure a connection with a prestigious company, which intrigued Tally."Tally wondered if her family had offended Viva Entertainment before.Her mind, a tangled mess of unanswered questions, yearned for clarity. With trembling fingers, taking a deep breath, she dialed the familiar number. It rang once, twice, before a familiar voice answered, laced with concern. "Blake," she began, her voice tight, "have you seen the rumors online?""They're calling me a mistress," she whispered, the sting of the lies burning her throat. A wave of nausea washed over her, threatening to drown out the last embers of def
Eva's hands fluttered in a silent plea as her uncles' voices buzzed around her, a symphony of well-meaning chaos. "Please, not now," she signed desperately, the frustration evident in her furrowed brow. "Uncle Owen, Uncle Axel, I appreciate your concern, but setting me up on a blind date is the last thing I need right now. Dating is nowhere near the top of my priority list."A flicker of disappointment crossed their faces, quickly replaced by understanding. Uncle Owen, the elder of the two, squeezed her shoulder gently. "We understand, Eva," he signed back, his voice warm. "Your career is blossoming, and your focus should be there. We just wanted to see you happy, and sometimes, a little companionship can do wonders."Uncle Axel, ever the optimist, winked at her. "But we won't push it further," he signed, a mischievous glint in his eye. "However, if you ever change your mind, remember, your cool uncles have the inside scoop on the best bachelors in town!"A small smile tugged at Eva's
Eva's spine straightened, a stark contrast to the usual slump in her posture. The derisive term "country bumpkin" hung heavy in the air, and for the first time in years, Eva refused to let it roll off her back. Her voice, usually laced with a hesitant lilt, firmed with unexpected resolve."What's wrong with country bumpkins, Marian?" she challenged, her gaze unwavering. "They work hard, find joy in simple things, and value genuine connections."A flicker of surprise flitted across Marian's perfectly manicured face. Clearly, Eva's meek demeanor was a carefully constructed facade. The barb about being "no better" hit its mark, drawing a sharp breath from Marian."Don't you dare lecture me, Eva!" Marian sputtered, her voice losing its usual imperious tone. "You wouldn't know a thing about refinement if it bit you in the…"But Eva cut her off, a newfound fire sparking in her eyes. "Refinement isn't about where you come from, Marian. It's about who you are as a person." Her voice, though q