Novel & Cerita Power Book 5

God, how she thought this moron would benefit from a swift kick to the nuts. “If you still ain’t seen anything you want, we go to the third place,” the man continued. “After that, you decide which one you want. No second-looks, no returns. Once you make up your mind, we go get that one and we bring you all back here.” He paused. “You got the cash ready?” “Yes,” Sully said shortly. “Good. You give us the briefcase, we give you the papers for that particular brat. They’re all ready, so no need to wait beyond typing in your names. Still clear?”

I didn't know how to react. Zavier quickly stepped forward and held my hand. "Did you hear everything? In that case, we'll drop our act. It's been tough putting on a show for so long. Don't you feel sorry for us, Alex? We feel so sad…" The numbers above their heads decreased steadily. 98%... 96%... 95%... But still, they shouldn't abuse the power bank! After all, overcharging would damage the power bank. As my consciousness gradually waned yet again, I looked at the three 100% battery levels and shed soundless tears in my heart.

T*****r caught fire before the segment ended. #TheFifthVowIsForever trended again. Ava, listening from home, nearly spilled her tea. “Lord, this girl done declared a movement.” Ruth cackled. “You raised a PR army and didn’t even know it.” At MAX Holdings, Marcus’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the trending clip. Delphine’s fire lit up the screen. He smiled despite the chaos. “She’s got her mother’s backbone.” Natasha frowned. “That’s her daughter?”

A fulfilling feeling of victory. I poured myself another drink, letting the whiskey burn down my throat as I scrolled down my feed. My inbox was already full, overflowing with messages, articles and snippets of gossip from people who were so eager to discuss the scandal. Some of the posts condemned me, some found it funny, but the most important thing was that everyone was talking. That was exactly what I wanted, that was what power meant—to make the world revolve around something you created, even if it was built on someone else’s pain.

Every shot clearly captured our faces. "Did you really think I wouldn't have a backup plan? Imagine tomorrow's headline if I sent these to the press—Joplin Group CEO Caught in Late-Night Rendezvous with Married Secretary." A harsh laugh burst out of him. "Reuben Slade, you bastard!" He patted my cheek, his laughter dripping with smug satisfaction. "Lissy, that's still the best you've got after all this time?" Reuben shook his phone, his eyes glinting with something sinister as he leaned in. "Lissy, how about you have Mr. Joplin's kid? I'll delete these photos, and you get him to make me general manager. Deal?"

“You’re still worried about your ex? He’s long gone. You should be worrying about how to save your own skin! Idiot!” Losing me knocked the wind out of her. “I admit it. Everything he said is true…” The man let out a long sigh. “You… Forget it. As of today, you’re suspended from everything. Stay home and reflect on yourself!” With that, the door slammed shut right in her face. Utterly defeated, Xena sat by the coffee table, holding the letter I left behind. Suddenly, her gaze landed on the hidden compartment below the coffee table. It was now slightly exposed. Her pupils shrank.

“It was dark, from what I heard, ma’am. The person who drugged you… they turned off the power.” I frowned. “But how is that possible?” My voice was sharper now, edged with confusion. “They’d have to know this place inside out to even figure out where the breaker is.” Lucy paused at the door, hand gripping the frame, then looked over her shoulder. “Don’t stress yourself too much, ma’am. I’m sure Mr. Blackwood is sorting everything out with your father.”

"I would be back for my powers." THE END

If Connor McLeod is trouble, then yeah. I’m probably already screwed.

she said suddenly, watching him slice figs. He chuckled. “And how do billionaires act?” “Detached. Arrogant. Mean.” He looked at her thoughtfully. “Then I’m not doing my job right?” They both laughed, and for a moment, the world outside the villa, the betrayal, the scandal, the heartbreak ceased to exist. But peace is a fragile thing. As if she knew this will never stop, Sandra received a message from Vera later in the afternoon: *“He’s fighting dirty. You need to see this.”*