Semua Bab Second Chance At Rebirth: Beneath The Ashes: Bab 71 - Bab 80

Lisa’s POVMaking my way into the hospital building, grandfather walked beside me. We were here to see Christine, the so-called hero of the hour, and the thought made my stomach twist in hatred.The news of the Chicago branch fire had spread all over social media, and with it, Christine’s dramatic rescue of Francis. The headlines talked about her bravery, painting her as some selfless saint who’d risked her life to drag her fiancée from a burning building. And now, as we approached her hospital room, I braced myself for the performance I knew was coming.Grandfather pushed open the door, and there she was, sitting upright in the hospital bed, her hair pulled back into a loose bun, a few strands artfully framing her face. She didn't look hurt as a faint smudge of soot was still visible on her cheek. A tray of untouched hospital food sat on the table beside her, and a vase of lilies, probably sent by some sycophantic board member perfumed the air with a cloying sweetness.“Christine,”

Christine’s POVMy discharge had been quick, barely a scratch on me, just a little ache in my chest from the smoke and the weight of everything else. I hadn’t gone to see Francis. Not after dragging him out of that inferno. As I reached the front door of the house, it swung open before I could touch the handle. Grandmother Eleanor stood there, her hair pulled back in a loose bun, her eyes filled with relief and fear as her arms opened wide, and before I could say a word, she pulled me into a fierce hug. “Christine, oh, my sweet girl,” she called worriedly, her voice filled with emotion. She pulled back just enough to cup my face, her thumbs brushing my cheeks. Her eyes, lined with worry, searched mine. “When I heard about the fire… I thought… I was so afraid you were hurt. I was ready to storm that hospital, but Fredrick wouldn’t let me. Said I’d only make a fuss.”I managed a small smile. “I’m fine, Grandma,” I said, my voice softer. “Really. Just a little smoky, that’s all. You do

Christine’s POVAs the grainy footage displayed on my phone screen, a damning tableau of Zane and Adriana naked, having s*x. Room 312 at the Grandview Hotel. Their encounter was exactly what I needed. My lips curled into a tight smile as I watched, but a nagging thought gnawed at me, how could I spread this video without it tracing back to me? I couldn’t afford to be caught, not after everything I’d already done to set this up. The camera feed looped, and I paused it, staring at Zane’s smug face. My mind churned, sifting through options, until a thought popped into my head. Yes! I could kill two birds with one stone. My mind drifted to Francis. He was the perfect scapegoat. If I could pin this on him, not only would Zane’s reputation take a nosedive, but Francis would be caught in the crossfire, his own credibility shredded. My pulse quickened in excitement at the thought. I saved the video into a flash drive as I slipped my phone into my pocket, grabbed a USB drive with the video f

Christine’s POVThe news was everywhere, tearing through every channel, every screen, every whispered conversation among people as I kept walking out towards my car. My phone buzzed incessantly in my purse, notifications piling up from news apps, social media, and texts from colleagues who’d caught wind of the scandal. Channel 5, CityPulse, even the national networks, Zane Whitelock’s name blazed in bold headlines, each one more damning than the last. CEO Caught in Scandal. Whitelock Industries in Freefall. I couldn’t help the smile that curled my lips as I slid into the driver’s seat of my car. Zane’s empire, built on his father’s legacy and his own slick charm, was crumbling. And I’d lit the match.By the time I pulled into the parking lot of Cristainternational’s sleek, glass-fronted office, my mood was practically buoyant. The building, nearly complete. Inside, Ashley, was waiting for me just beyond the reception desk, her tablet clutched against her chest. And her eyes locked on

Christine’s POVAs I pulled out of the Harrington Enterprises parking garage, I adjusted my grip on the steering wheel as I let a rare smile tug at my lips. For once, things were falling into place. My phone buzzed in the center console, and I glanced at the screen, it was Mr. Vandross. A quick tap on the Bluetooth speaker filled the car with his voice.“Christine, I’ve spoken with my associates,” he said. “They’re in. Three new investors, all ready to back Cristainternational. We’ll finalize the terms next week.”My heart leapt in joy, though I kept my voice even, professional. “That’s excellent news, Mr. Vandross. I’m thrilled to have them on board.”“You’ve got a solid vision,” he continued. “The vision is coming along nicely, too. It’s impressive.”“Thank you,” I said, my smile widening as I turned onto the highway. We exchanged a few more pleasantries before I ended the call, my fingers drumming lightly on the wheel at the thought of Cristainternational. My company. My legacy. F