ВойтиLARAThe next day, the launch began, and I must say, Ria did help me boost it. Because of that, it created multiple streams of income and brought in many new customers.My attention shifted to Gerald, who stood before me reporting on the progress, and I couldn't help but think about Bryan.I wonder what type of dress I should wear to the Gov Ball, I thought, my eyes drifting toward the window. I shook my head to stay focused, and at the same time, Gerald finished talking."Okay then. We can go with that one," I said, then leaned forward and opened my laptop. "You may leave."He didn't move immediately, but I pretended not to notice. He sighed softly before turning and walking away. Right at that moment, my phone buzzed. I picked it up to see a message from Bryan.[I'm outside the company.]Hum?I lowered my phone, stood up, and walked out of the office. Gerald quickly stood up."Is there something—"I ignored him and hurried toward the elevator. I pressed the button and watched as the
LARAI stood in front of the reporters as they wrote down everything I said. I kept a warm smile on my face while answering every question they asked.“What's the main reason this emergency press conference was called, Mrs. Roberts?” one of the business journalists asked.“Thank you for the question. I know the recent accusations against me have affected not only my reputation but also the trust people have in my company. For that, I sincerely apologize.“Today, I'm proud to announce our Nationwide Customer Experience Transformation, a multi-million-dollar investment aimed at improving our services, expanding our digital platforms, and creating over five hundred new jobs.“This company has always been built on the trust and support of our customers. While my personal life has made headlines, I won't let it decide the future of this company. Our focus will remain on giving our customers the best service possible.“This project is still in progress, but I believe it will help rebuild pe
RIA“P-please,” I whimpered, clutching his trousers tightly as tears streamed from my eyes onto the floor.I locked my jaw, hatred burning inside me from the humiliation Lara had put me through. My fingers tightened around the fabric.Gerald didn't answer for several moments, and the silence only made me tremble even more.Suddenly, he tugged his leg free. My fingers slipped, and I looked up to see him staring down at me before slowly squatting in front of me.He cupped my jaw and lifted my face, examining me silently. His eyes searched my features for a long moment before he closed them with a weary sigh.“Have you come to your senses now?”“Y-Yes, I have. It will never happen again. I promise you.” I quickly knelt properly, placing both hands on my lap.Gerald nodded before standing up and dusting off his sleeve.“You can take her back for treatment. I'll return later.”“Okay, ma'am. Please stand up.” One of the nurses spoke, the shock on her face impossible to hide.She gently help
RIA'S POV“Currently, there has been no statement concerning what happened, which leaves many people believing that the article about Mrs. Roberts might be true,” the business reporter said on the hospital television.I watched everything from my hospital bed, my heart thumping with joy.“This is what you get for not knowing your place, Lara.”I clenched my jaw tightly before changing the channel. I rested my head against the hospital pillow, breathing softly to ease the tension building inside my heart.My eyes fell on my bandaged wrist, and I slowly lifted it.I didn't know how the world would receive this because of Lara's good image, but it looked like her reputation wasn't as strong as I had thought. There were many others waiting for an opportunity to destroy her, and I had just given them that opportunity.My mind went back to when I entered my room and stood before the mirror. I stared at my reflection, remembering every moment I had spent fighting to keep Gerald.I couldn't l
LARA“What am I seeing?” I stared at my laptop for the hundredth time, but it didn't erase what was staring back at me.Me? A homewrecker? How?I shot to my feet and rushed out of my room, but at that same moment, the front door opened, and Bryan walked in, his suit jacket folded over his arm.“What's wrong? Where are you going in such a hurry?” he asked with a frown.I stopped in front of him, breathing heavily.“I saw this article online, a-and earlier today Ria came to the company screaming. I'm sure she's the one behind this. Do you know what this is going to cost me? I'm going to lose everything that I've worked for—”“Hey, hey. It's alright. Stop panicking. You and I both know it's false. I'll handle everything. Just stay here and answer the investors and any other calls,” he said.I sniffled, wiping my tears before nodding. He patted my shoulder before slipping a hand into his pocket to take out his phone.“Wait... you just got back from somewhere,” I realized.He smiled at me
GERALDI returned to the company with sweaty palms, knowing I was very late for the meeting."God, I should have sent her home in a taxi," I muttered to myself, drawing the attention of my colleagues. Ignoring their stares, I took out my phone, but there were still no messages from Lara. As soon as the elevator doors opened, I stepped out in a hurry and headed for the boardroom.She had told me how important this meeting was. Hell, I was the one who arranged everything and knew just how important it was.I reached the door and held the knob, but my hand froze as my heart began to thump loudly in my ears. I gripped the cold handle tightly, closed my eyes, and finally opened the door, a cold breeze brushing against my face."—That was a wonderful deal, Mrs. Roberts, and we are glad to have formed a partnership with you."I heard the hearty laughter of a man and glanced around the room. About four men sat around the table while Lara stood beside a hologram displaying the new business mod
Lara's POV My vision blurred as tears welled up in my eyes, but I quickly wiped them off, picking up my phone again. The picture was still there, proving that I wasn't going insane.In Gerald's arms was the one lady I recognized too well without needing to look too much. She was my sister. My youn
Lara's POV “Is it really incurable?” I asked, my heart in my throat as I squeezed the hem of my gown gently and the doctor nodded.“In my whole experience as a doctor, Mrs. Stone, lung cancer has never been cured successfully. It has spread too far to be treated. Other hospitals may have developed
LARA“I didn't do anything, Gerald!” I pleaded, tears burning in my eyes. His eyes burned with hatred as he carried Ria up, her hands hanging limply. “She tried to hurt herself, and I stopped her.”“Stop lying!” he thundered, and I flinched. “Ria has no reason to hurt herself. You're so selfish and
Lara's POV “Your lies weren't enough and now you're trying to blame poor Ria? She doesn't even know what we're talking about. Must you be so shameless?” Gerald asked in annoyance and I gasped, shaking my head in disagreement.There was no way the results would just disappear into thin air. Somethi







