The "EX" Factor のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 81 - チャプター 90

"What's going through that head of yours?" Tyler's voice pierced through the dense silence, bringing me out of my thoughts. I looked over my shoulder, my eyes narrowing. "How you almost took my life," I responded harshly, my voice bearing the weight of years I'd tried to forget. "Or better still, how I almost lost my life because of you." I turned away and walked towards the big staircase. My fingers brushed against the smooth, polished wood of the railing, and the memories surged back like a tidal wave. The last time I came here, I stormed down those steps in despair, the world shattering beneath my feet. My chest clenched as I got closer, and the echoes of that night became louder. Even now, the arguments, pain, and accident were too vivid and raw. "Sam," Tyler's voice sounded from behind me, quieter and almost plaintive. I felt him get closer, his warmth just behind me, and before I could react, his arms slid around my waist. A flood of emotions that I couldn't control

"Sir, the Smiths Corporation finally mailed the approved file," Ben explained as he entered Tyler's office, clutching a sleek black folder. His tone was a mix of relief and enthusiasm, as if he had just emerged from weeks of uncertainty. "This is official. We are cleared to proceed. This could be the largest transaction of the year for us." Tyler looked up from his desk, his keen, focused stare fixed on the document in Ben's fingers."Finally," he said softly, reclining back in his chair. The prior two weeks had been exhausting, but hearing those words was like a breath of new air. "Good job, Ben. "How quickly can we get everything moving?" "Immediately. "The team has already been mobilized," Ben said with a grin. "I'll oversee the first stages personally." Tyler nodded. "Good. Also, ensure that this happens smoothly. There is no room for error on this one. "Not after all we've been through." Ben hesitated, his smile fading somewhat. "About that... We're starting the process

Tyler walked into his office, his movements quick and determined, the slight echo of his shined shoes bouncing off the marble floors. His jacket fell loosely over his shoulder, and his tie was slightly crooked, indicating the type of morning he'd had: rushed, tense, and full of unanswered questions. Ben was already sitting on the edge of one of the beautiful leather seats opposite Tyler's desk, clutching a stack of papers in his palm. His brow wrinkled, and his posture seemed particularly stiff. Tyler didn't bother with politeness. "What was that in the mail you sent me?" Tyler demanded, dropping his jacket on the back of his chair. Ben rose promptly, handing out the papers. "Sir, this is about the Smith Corporation. They approved the parameters of the joint venture, but there's... something else. Tyler narrowed his eyes as he took the documents and flipped over the pages. "Anything else?" Can you elaborate, Ben?" Ben paused, running his hand through his short hair. "It i

As I stepped inside, the office door creaked open, and the subtle aroma of leather and coffee enveloped me like a familiar embrace. Tyler looked up from behind his desk, his tie slightly loosened and his hair mussed just enough to suggest the turmoil of his morning. Despite the strain on his face, his expression relaxed as he spotted me. "Sam," he exclaimed, standing as if just seeing me had removed an invisible weight off his shoulders. I smiled, feeling warmth rush through me as he approached and pulled me into his arms. "Miss me already?" I teased, but the reality was, I missed him more than I wanted to admit. "Always," he said, his voice low as his chin touched my hair. I drew back slightly and studied his face. There were lines I hadn't noticed before, and his eyes appeared tireder than usual, but he concealed it well. "How are things at the company?" I asked, stepping back and perching myself on the edge of his desk. "You mentioned it's been intriguing. "What is going

My heart pounded against my ribs as I gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white. The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and silver as I sped through the streets, tears threatening to blind me. Pregnant. The word echoed in my mind, louder with every passing second. Julie. Tyler. The two of them, tangled in a history that refused to die. My chest tightened, my breath coming in shallow gasps as I tried to piece it all together. He’d been sleeping with her. While I was in New York, trying to rebuild myself, Tyler had found comfort in her. The thought sent a fresh wave of nausea rolling through me. The apartment building came into view, and I pulled into the parking lot, barely registering how I parked. My hands shook as I grabbed my bag, slamming the car door behind me. My reflection in the glass doors of Ann’s building stopped me in my tracks. My eyes were swollen, rimmed red. My face was blotchy and tear-streaked. I barely recognized myself.