"Please don't leave. I don't want to stay alone," Melissa whispered that night, and Jeremy found himself unable to walk away. The thought of leaving her all by herself tugged at him, compelling him to stay. Something deep within urged him to hold her in his arms, offering solace and support that she desperately needed. However, Jeremy, true to his nature, initially dismissed the idea. "I can't stay," he said softly, gently releasing his hand from her grasp. "Why not?" Melissa questioned, her eyes filled with genuine concern. Jeremy struggled to find the right words. "It's complicated." "You look really sad," Melissa observed, her expression filled with kindness. "My mother always used to say that warm hugs take away sadness." Jeremy was taken aback, unsure of how to respond. "So?" he managed to utter. "So come here, so I can give you a big hug," Melissa exclaimed, stretching her arms wide open with a bright smile on her face. Jeremy stood there, contemplating his next move.

Jeremy stormed into his study, his face etched with fury. The audacity! After subjecting him to such turmoil last night, she had the nerve to speak to him however she pleased. What had he expected, though? He pondered, massaging his temples. "Whoa, you look like a thunderstorm. Are we in danger?" Steve remarked as he and Tony entered the study. Jeremy turned towards them, his anger palpable. "What are you guys doing here?" he demanded. "We came to discuss business. We asked Thomas to inform you of our arrival, but he said you were preoccupied upstairs. Is everything alright?" Tony inquired, extending a glass of Scotch to Jeremy. Jeremy accepted the glass, swiftly downing its contents in a single gulp. "Slow down, buddy. I'm sure you can handle whatever is bothering you," Steve advised, concerned. "Quiet, Steve. Tony, go on," Jeremy commanded. "Well, we find ourselves in quite a predicament," Tony began. "What's wrong?" Jeremy interjected, his interest piqued. "One of our esteem

The car ride home seemed to stretch on forever, but it was far from dull. Thanks to Steve, Melissa found herself laughing uncontrollably at his witty jokes and humorous anecdotes. His charming personality and quick wit were truly captivating, and it seemed like he had already shared every detail of his life with her. Now, it was Melissa's turn to open up. "So, Melissa, are you originally from New York?" Steve inquired. "No, actually, I'm from Brooklyn," Melissa replied with a smile. "Ah, Brooklyn, that's fantastic!" "What's so fantastic about it?" Melissa asked curiously. "I believe Jeremy grew up in Brooklyn too," Steve revealed. "He did?" Melissa's interest was piqued. "Yes, he mentioned it once, though he rarely talks about his past. It seems like a topic he prefers to keep to himself," Steve explained. "Is there a reason for that? Does he have some unpleasant memories associated with Brooklyn?" Melissa wondered aloud. "I'm not entirely sure. Jeremy tends to be quite closed

After dropping Melissa off at her place, Steve headed straight to the Woods villa. He knew he had to deliver the message Jeremy had sent him. As he arrived outside the grand entrance, he was promptly stopped by a security guard. The guard approached his car to inquire about his visit. Steve rolled down the car window, revealing his face. "I'm here to see your boss. Will you let me in or...?" Steve's words trailed off as the security guard recognized him, immediately opening the gates to the villa without hesitation. Steve drove inside and stopped at the entrance, where a professional valet awaited him. He stepped out of the car, handing his keys to the valet with a cautious reminder, "Please take good care of my car. She's my baby, understand?" Receiving a nod of assurance from the valet, Steve made his way into the villa. Upon entering, he found himself in a lavishly decorated space adorned with a golden theme. Though impressive, he had seen grander interiors before. As he glanced

"Someone came to my office yesterday with some documents," Sasha exclaimed, her voice filled with distress. "Inside those documents were the ownership rights of my studio. And surprisingly, those rights weren't mine anymore. The man told me that the building would be demolished and used for whatever purpose the new owner had in mind. At first, I thought it was some kind of joke, until I realized that it wasn't. The only ultimatum he gave was for me to hire you back. And that's why I beg you, Melissa, to take your job back. Please. That studio is my life." Melissa was taken aback, unable to believe her ears. The situation seemed too surreal to comprehend. She stood there, unsure of what to do or say, her mind racing. Memories of the unfair treatment and constant threats of being fired flooded her thoughts, but amidst it all, she couldn't bring herself to hate Sasha entirely. After all, Sasha had given her a second chance, an opportunity she wouldn't have otherwise had. Taking a deep