جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 40

Maria's first day as SpitFire Technologies' Chief Human Resources Officer was anything but slow. By the time the sun climbed higher in the sky, she had already waded through an ocean of paperwork, emails, and urgent matters that demanded her attention.Her schedule was a battlefield. Before she even had a chance to settle into her new office, she was swarmed by executive reports, backlogged HR concerns, and a flood of messages from employees-some congratulating her, some testing her patience with skepticism disguised as professionalism.But she wasn't one to falter.Instead, Maria welcomed the challenge.Her morning started with back-to-back meetings, where she quickly realized how much work needed to be done. The HR department, despite being well-structured, lacked innovation. Processes were outdated, and several inefficiencies needed addressing.The HR managers and directors approached her with stiff postures, polite

The day was a masterpiece, one that seemed to have been painted in hues of gold. The sun shone down upon the sprawling estate, its warmth spilling over the pristine grounds. From the meticulously manicured lawns to the towering estate that gleamed like a fortress of wealth and ambition, everything was perfect.Today was the day that SpitFire Technologies would be unveiled to the world in all its glory.Inside, the preparations were in full swing.Maria stood in the heart of her dressing room, her hands hovering over an array of beautiful clothes displayed on golden racks. The room smelled of fresh flowers and the delicate scent of designer perfumes. Maria’s heart raced in anticipation, knowing that today would be a defining moment.She had already spent nearly two hours trying on dresses, each one more stunning than the last. The fashion designers, seamstresses, and makeup artists were busy around her, buzzi

The event had concluded with its usual grandeur, but an undercurrent of tension simmered in the air. Guests lingered, finishing their drinks and exchanging polite pleasantries, but Maria could feel it—the weight of the rumors, the cameras still buzzing around her, the quiet whispers behind her back. She fought to keep a composed expression, but the anxiety was impossible to mask.Luca, ever the protector, stood by her side, his presence a silent reassurance. But something was off. Maria couldn’t pinpoint it exactly, but a growing discomfort gnawed at her. When the final bell rang, signaling a one-hour break before the masquerade ball, Maria knew she had to brace herself. She couldn’t keep pretending everything was fine. This was the moment where things would escalate. As soon as they walked into that ballroom, Edwards would make his move. She’d seen it too many times before—his cruel games, his manipulations.Luca had his own way of dealing with things, but Maria knew how to fight

Maria stirred beneath the soft sheets, the weight of last night’s emotions still clinging to her. She turned her head to find Luca already awake, his dark eyes watching her, unreadable yet intense. He looked fresh, As if he already had his bath.She sighed, pulling the blanket up to her chest. "I’ve forgiven you," she said quietly. "But I need you to watch out for me—not just with words, Luca. With your actions, too."Luca’s expression softened, something flickering in his gaze. Then, as if on instinct, his lips quirked into that teasing smirk of his."Yes, your majesty," he said, the words dripping with amusement.Maria groaned, shoving the blanket off as she sat up. "Luca, I’m serious.""I know, little sis," he replied, but the playful glint in his eyes remained.She stood, slipping off her nightgown as she walked toward the bathroom. Before stepping inside, she turned to give him a warning look. "Don’t."

The morning air smelled like earth and promise. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting golden rays over the outdoor venue. The scent of fresh roses and peonies, carefully arranged along the wooden altar, mingled with the crisp autumn breeze.Maria stood inside the bridal tent, her fingers brushing the lace of her dress.It was simple yet elegant—delicate embroidery tracing the bodice, the fabric hugging her curves before flowing into soft layers. But for all its beauty, she found herself staring at her reflection, not at the dress, but at the woman wearing it.She barely recognized herself.Not because of the makeup or the soft curls Gina had so carefully styled, but because for the first time in years… she looked happy."You’re thinking too much."Maria turned to see Gina, arms crossed, smirking like she knew every thought running through Maria’s head. The woman, usually all business, had softened just a fraction today."Am I?" Maria asked, tilting her head.G