LOGINOne evening, Curtis sat comfortably beside Tessa on the couch while a television program played quietly before them. It had been days neither of them was discussing Ecofel's problems, Crown Aurora's sudden rise, or the growing tension surrounding Lauren's increasingly aggressive competition. The atmosphere inside the living room felt peaceful, something both of them desperately needed after weeks of stress.Tessa rested comfortably against him while scrolling through messages on her phone from several department heads who were still trying to recover from the recent project disaster. Though she was physically present, part of her mind remained occupied with business concerns. Ecofel was gradually stabilizing, but the wounds caused by the leaked information had not completely healed.Curtis, meanwhile, appeared distracted.He had barely paid attention to the television since they sat down.His thoughts had wandered several times throughout the evening.That alone was unusual.Norma
The problems started when one of Ecofel's most anticipated luxury projects collapsed unexpectedly.For months, the company had invested heavily in the project. Designers had worked tirelessly, marketing teams had prepared campaigns worth millions, and investors had confidently predicted another major success for the company. Instead, what should have been a triumphant launch turned into a disaster that sent shockwaves throughout the organization.The designs were no longer unique.The promotional strategy had somehow become familiar to competitors.Several important clients unexpectedly withdrew their support at the last moment.Worst of all, Crown Aurora had released an astonishingly similar project shortly before Ecofel's launch, effectively capturing the market attention Ecofel had spent months preparing to secure.The atmosphere inside Ecofel headquarters quickly became tense.Department heads were summoned into emergency meetings. Executives rushed from one office to another ca
"Did you see that?" Tessa said, pointing at the screen as she stared at Curtis.Curtis released a tired breath and shook his head as though he was already exhausted by the mere mention of Lauren's name. The interview had been replaying repeatedly across several television stations, and every time it appeared, Tessa's irritation seemed to increase."Baby, don't let this woman bother you." He said dismissively. "You're ten times better than her. She can never equate your talent. Never. The market and the investors know that after all. You've proven many times before her imprisonment."Tessa released a breath, her hands folding around her chest as she continued staring at the television screen where Lauren's confident smile was frozen.The situation annoyed her more than she cared to admit.It wasn't simply because Lauren had returned.It wasn't even because she had started another company.What bothered her was how quickly everything had happened.Within an unbelievably short period, L
The conference room on the top floor of Crown Aurora reflected everything the company had rapidly become—powerful, ambitious, and impossible to ignore. A long marble table stretched across the room beneath elegant lighting while floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city's financial district. Seated comfortably at the head of the table was Lauren.The transformation in her appearance was remarkable.Prison had not broken her.If anything, it had sharpened her.Her expensive cream-colored suit was perfectly tailored. Her makeup was subtle yet flawless. There was no trace of the emotional and unstable woman people once knew.Across from her sat three senior Ecofel employees.Each of them was among the most valuable talents within the company.One supervised product development. Another managed retail partnerships. The third oversaw several international projects that had contributed significantly to Ecofel's expansion.Lauren folded her hands together and smiled."I appreciate all
Two days later, Tessa and Curtis woke up to a startling news broadcast that immediately captured national attention. The television anchor reported that Lauren had vanished less than twenty-four hours after her release from prison. Journalists had reportedly attempted to locate her at every known address connected to her name. They visited her former residence, contacted distant relatives, and even traveled to the home of her biological father. Yet every effort produced the same result.No one knew where Lauren was.No one knew who she was with.No one knew what she intended to do next.The mystery quickly became a trending topic across multiple media platforms. Some analysts speculated that prison had finally broken her spirit and that she had chosen to disappear quietly from public life. Others believed the exact opposite. They argued that a woman like Lauren would never simply walk away after everything that had happened.The anchor's voice continued across the living room."W
While Victor was being rushed to the hospital, another operation was already unfolding elsewhere.Inspector Daniel Ross stood inside the police command center, staring at the latest intelligence report spread across the conference table. Harrison had spent countless hours helping investigators connect every missing piece of the conspiracy.The evidence was now complete.The final mastermind had been identified, with no stone left unturned. More importantly, authorities had learned that the man was preparing to flee the country before arrest warrants could be executed.Inspector Ross slammed his palm against the table."We move now." He said firmly. "Nobody leaves that airport."Within minutes, police vehicles stormed toward a private airport located on the outskirts of the city.The suspect had already arrived.Many luxury vehicles were parked beside a private jet that sat waiting on the runway.The mastermind stood near the aircraft stairs while speaking urgently with two lawyers.
“You’re just unbelievable!” Curtis muttered through gritted teeth as he leaned closer to Tessa.His voice was low but burning with irritation that he could no longer hide. The muscles along his jaw tightened visibly, and the faint vein at his temple throbbed. “You still want to frame Lauren?”“She
Tessa started clapping.The sound came out slow and measured, each clap deliberate, echoing lightly against the walls of the conference room. The applause wasn't born from admiration, nor was it polite acknowledgment. It was something else entirely; sharp, pointed, almost mocking in the way it cu
“So you’re saying that I was the one who ordered you to steal the designs from Lauren?” Tessa asked between gritted teeth, her voice low but trembling with restrained fury. “Is that it?”Before anyone could respond, she slammed her hand hard against the table. The sharp sound echoed through the co
"Ms. Dean," Mr. Luther continued, his tone no longer carrying the earlier admiration but instead laced with clear displeasure, "I think the company has no need for someone like that."The words fell heavily into the room, and for a brief moment, no one moved. The air itself seemed to hold still, w







