The "EX" Factor のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 71 - チャプター 80

Typically, the hum of the gallery provided comfort. Today, it was oppressive. I sat behind the counter, flicking through invoices without actually seeing the words. Margaret's voice repeated in my head, her shrill, scornful tone ripping into my self-esteem like a vulture tearing through carrion. * "Do away with her.. or I'll help you do it." * It wasn't the first time I had been told I wasn't good enough for the Wills family. But hearing it again, after everything, seemed like going back to the beginning. Tyler had stood up for me. I saw it in his eyes last night as he walked away from Margaret. But did that indicate he really thought I belonged in his world? I closed my eyes and sat back in my chair, the weight of the previous days weighing down on me. Margaret's comments were one thing, but Caleb's visage and voice had tormented me throughout the night. His eyes were filled with disbelief, as if he were looking at me for the first time. And he wasn't wrong, right? I did

As I placed a new item on the center display.. a vibrant abstract painting that seemed to pulsate with life beneath the afternoon sun.. the gallery was filled with the gentle buzz of conversation. A small group of people behind me were whispering their enthusiasm, and I felt a brief sense of satisfaction at their amazement. Here, at least, my work wasn't crumbling. "Pardon me, miss?" With joy in her voice, one of my employees called out. Someone has come in to inquire about that artwork in the corner. Shall I inform him that it is reserved? I brushed my hands off my skirt and turned. "Which one?" Before she could answer, the smooth, familiar tone of a voice pierced through the air. "I actually want to hear your personal opinion on it, Samantha." My heart stumbled over itself as I froze. Caleb. His hands were casually tucked into the pockets of his fitted coat as he stood by the far wall, his presence as imposing as ever. His lips formed a tiny smile that could disarm an

The tap-tap-tap of my fingers on the keyboard broke the silence of the gallery office. It was late, way past the time I should have locked up and gone home, but the questions churning in my head wouldn't let me sleep. Caleb. His statements and actions didn't add up. Bella's warnings lingered with me, even if I attempted to ignore them. The screen's illumination illuminated my face as I leaned in, browsing through articles, company reports, and obscure mentions of his name.At first, nothing looked alarming—just a few generic write-ups about his company's success and charitable contributions. But then, lurking between the lines, I discovered the break. A lawsuit in London. Terms like *breach of contract*, *embezzlement*, and *fraud* stood out to me. A scandal in which former employees claimed they were silenced. The pieces were vague, with few specifics, as if someone had labored hard to hide the truth. The Caleb I knew, or believed I knew, did not fit this picture. The gentl

Tyler slammed the door to his office behind him, rattling the glass walls as he stormed in. His tie was loosened, and his normally calm demeanor was shattered. He hurled the file in his hand across his desk, scattering papers in all directions. His assistant, Ben, followed warily, keeping his distance as Tyler dropped into his chair and put his palms against his temples. "Get Accounts in here," Tyler demanded, his voice quiet but furious. "Now." Ben nodded swiftly and backed out of the room to deliver the order. Tyler leaned back and stared at the ceiling, his thoughts whirling.The numbers did not deceive. Millions of dollars had been withdrawn from the company's accounts, and the loss had shaken its financial foundation. The client they had previously met with had noticed the flaws and walked away from the agreement, citing concerns about the company's solvency. Tyler exhaled hard, his chest constricting as the gravity of the situation weighed down on him. The client was i

Tyler's gaze was locked on the wall clock as he tapped his pen against the mahogany desk, his head confused by the weight of everything that had gone wrong lately. His office door creaked open, and his PA, Ben, entered with a stack of files held to his chest, a rare smile lighting up his normally serious face. "Sir," Ben began, his voice full of joy. "Great news. The security team's investigation has concluded, and the leak has been rectified. The monies have been completely retrieved." Tyler blinked, his pen pausing in the middle of a tap. "What did you just say?" Ben placed the files on the desk and straightened up, his smile widening. "The crew tracked down the diverted monies and secured everything. The money is back where it belongs. It's finished, sir." Tyler gazed at him for a time, trying to understand what he was hearing. Relief flooded his chest, releasing the strain that had gripped him for weeks. He sat back in his chair, inhaling slowly while a smirk tugged at