Novel & Cerita X Imprint

(Clarice’s POV) I take a deep breath and settle into my chair in front of my laptop. The deadline for the app I've been working on is creeping closer, and this Zoom meeting with the clients is crucial. They've been requesting a few updates, and I know they’ll want a thorough explanation of the changes I’ve made. With my coffee on one side and a notepad on the other, I mentally gear up. This is my moment to shine.

I remained in that position for what seemed like forever before finally standing up. I picked up my laptop to work when a notification came in, and it read “Dear Ali Ltd, we hope this letter finds you well. We at REINE have been following your remarkable work in the industry and greatly admire your achievements. We believe that a partnership between two companies would be highly beneficial and create new opportunities for growth and success for both parties. We would love to cooperate with you. We look forward to building a lasting and successful partnership with you. From REINE. CEO: Zack Andrews.

We are doomed, aren't we? Xx____xX

I muse as I held the shirt closer to my head No not happening , I didn't even have to sniff his shirt as it smelled just like him , the sexy and clean scent of Acqua Di Gio’s was like a major siren alert that this shirt was in possession of Jacob Knight and if I were to walk out of this locker room smelling like him , I was certain that I would be claimed as branded by the four horsemen . Not that I would want to be claimed as branded , classy as it may sound , it was just a more flowery word replacing ' being fucked ' by one of the horsemen .

"You've got half a day to move. Call someone or I will. Out of pity for your sad single-mom act, I won't even charge you if I do it myself." She bolted to the balcony, shaking, voice cracking into the phone. "Come quick... I'm scared of her." Typical. Playing damsel and calling backup. Perfect. I was ready. I looked around—cozy little setup. Photos of the three of them smiling like some perfect family. I was the outsider here. By the door: men's slippers labeled "Dad," women's with "Mom," and a tiny pair that said "Princess." Even the bathroom had a guy's toothbrush and mug.

he chirped, lifting a drawing that was more blue than anything else. "It’s beautiful, Sebastian," I said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. I looked back down at the tablet in my lap, and the warmth vanished. The digital world was screaming. VANCE FASHION HOUSE IN FREEFALL: STOCKS HIT RECORD LOW. SILVER SILK CANCELLED? RETAILERS WITHDRAW PARTNERSHIPS. TRISTAN VANCE: FROM HEIR TO OUTCAST.

The sound of a nearby creek trickled through the forest, and the smell of wood smoke hung in the air. Emiliana wore a simple blue tank top, white shorts, and a pair of Jordan sneakers, ready for a summer of outdoor adventure. As she made her way toward the check-in desk, she felt a familiar presence. She turned her head and saw him. Him? Wait, him?! She looked at the figure approaching her with surprise all over her face. Jace stood tall and confident, with a charming smile on his face. He wore a black fitted t-shirt that showed off his toned biceps, a pair of red athletic shorts, and a rugged backpack slung over his shoulder.

The projector flickered to life, revealing the first page: "Key Contributions to Fontaine Group's Emerging Tech Division" And then: Lead designer of the Shadowline Gaming Interface, winner of the 2022 TechStart Award. Spearheaded UI/UX for the VR Accessibility Initiative adopted by ten global partners. Ghost designer for LumosGen, currently used by three Fortune 500 brands. Confidential development lead on Helix: Fontaine’s most profitable AI project, grossing over $48 million in year one alone. Each slide stunned the room into deeper silence.

XO ***

" Can you elaborate, Ben?" Ben paused, running his hand through his short hair. "It isn't directly from Smits, but it's connected. Hartwell Industries, one of our competitors, is aggressively entering the same industry that we are seeking. It appears that they have been undercutting us, and they have already taken two of our smaller clients."