Semua Bab In the name of vows: Bab 41 - Bab 50

Chapter forty oneChristine’s povChristine sat at the long wooden conference table in the Dreamspace executive boardroom which was now empty except for the ghost of tension still hanging in the air. Her hands were laid flat on the table, fingers out, as if trying to bring herself back to this reality. Through the floor to ceiling glass that framed the city’s skyline, clouds hovered around like silent witnesses.The board had just called a break of fifteen minutes. Not for coffee or pleasantries, but to give everyone time to ‘review implications.’ That was code. Code for, “Let’s regroup before the vote that could ruin her.” They didn't say that out loud but thoughts have been louder since and a lot of options has been coming to her head.She stood slowly, back aching from hours of tension, and left the boardroom. Her heels clicked down the hallway toward her office with a steady rhythm that sounded far more confident than she felt.Angela was waiting inside, seated at Christine’s d

Chapter forty threeChristine’s povThe conference room felt colder than usual.Christine stood at the head of the long wooden table, her palms pressed against the smooth surface as she looked out at the familiar faces seated before her board members, most of whom had known her since she was a teenager trailing behind her father’s coattails during year end reviews.But today, they looked at her like she was a stranger. Or worse, like she was a liability.“I’ve taken the liberty of circulating the revised roadmap for Dreamspace’s growth strategy,” she began, her voice steady but quiet. “You’ll find a long term model that doesn’t depend on the Dreamspace- Adove merger. It’s leaner, more ethical, and more in line with the company’s founding values.”Some heads turned toward their printed packets. Others didn’t bother.“We’ve spent the last decade building a brand that people trust,” she continued, her gaze sweeping over the room. “Yes, Adrian Kellerham brings in the capital, connections,

Chapter forty five Christine’s POVThe next morning arrived with a weak, reluctant sun that did little to warm the streets. Christine wasn’t sure she’d slept more than a couple of hours. Her mind had churned in restless loops replaying the articles, the smears, the targeted campaigns, the way the headlines had framed her as the reckless weak link in Dreamspace.Katy, however, had other plans for her.“No work. No calls. No board meetings. And no pacing the apartment until you dig a groove in the floor,” Katy declared, standing in Christine’s doorway with a determined set to her jaw. “We’re going out. You need fresh air.”Christine had been tempted to argue, to sink deeper into the comfort of her bed. But Katy’s force of will had a way of sweeping past protest. Now they were here two blocks from her apartment close to the waterfalls , the sound of distant birds and the steady hum of traffic merging into a background hum.The air was chilly, tinged with the faint scent of roasting c

CHAPTER FORTY SEVENADRIANS POVAdrian could not sleep.He stood on the balcony of his penthouse with a glass of whiskey in his hand. The night stretched wide and cold around him. The city below shone with thousands of lights, but none of it felt close. The sounds of cars and late night voices floated up faintly, muffled by the height.The whiskey in his hand was more for habit than for comfort.The truth was, his mind would not let him rest.Every time he closed his eyes, he saw his father.It was like a memory that wouldn’t fade. He was seventeen again, standing in the warm light of the family study. The air smelled of old books and sandalwood polish. His father sat behind the desk, a gentle smile on his face as he leaned forward.“Power isn’t meant to crush, Adrian,” his father had said in that calm, steady voice. “It’s meant to protect. You must remember that. People may forget, but you can’t.”Adrian had nodded, believing every word. His father was a man he thought could never be

CHAPTER FORTY NINECHRISTINES POVShe didn’t have an idea that her day will be ruined badly by that one message. Shattered illusions Christine didn’t expect the message.It came just after lunch, while she was at her desk reviewing market reports. Her phone buzzed with a notification from an unknown number. The message was short three words and a file attached.You should know.The file was a set of photos.Christine stared at them for a long time, as if looking harder would make them make sense.Brian. At a restaurant. Leaning across the table toward a woman Christine didn’t recognize. Their hands touching, fingers curling in a way that wasn’t casual. The next photo showed them outside, the woman laughing as Brian brushed hair from her face.A date. Not business. Not friendship.Something intimate.Christine’s breath caught.She checked the date of when the photos were taken it was long before their breakup. Her first thought wasn’t anger. It was something worse a hollow, cold ache