MasukMy desk, my workspace, had been reduced to rubble. Splintered wood lay scattered across the floor, drawers ripped open, papers floating like fallen leaves. Jagged shards of glass glittered beneath the fluorescent lights, crunching beneath hurried footsteps.My gaze snapped toward Sophia’s desk. The fat woman was straddling Sophia, raining punch after punch onto her face while Sophia struggled helplessly beneath her.Employees and customers had formed a panicked circle around them, shouting over one another I lunged forward. “Stop!”grabbing her shoulder, trying to yank her off, but she whirled around so fast and slammed her fist straight into my cheek.Pain exploded across my face. That was it. Rage swallowed every ounce of reason I had left.Sophia was still trapped beneath her, covering her face while the woman continued swinging.Without thinking, I spun around and sprinted into the back room. My eyes landed on a bottle of wine. I grabbed it, then I rushed back out.Before anyone c
“Mr. Blackwood release my PA while I’m asking nicely.”He raised a brow, the corner of his lips curling with amusement. “Or what?.”A slow smile tugged at my lips. “Or I play this video live.”Without breaking eye contact, I lifted my wrist and turned my watch toward him. The tiny screen glowed to life. Then the audio echoed through the office. Every single word, from the exact moment I had pulled up Katherine’s zipper, to this very second.The room fell into a suffocating silence as our recorded conversation filled every corner.For a brief moment, I watched his expression carefully, expecting irritation… perhaps even panic. Instead… he laughed, deep, unapologetic laugh.“Mr. Vindell… you’ve answered my curiosity. If you were innocent you wouldn’t have began to record us but I come in peace today and still offer you my hand of friendship. Align with me.”As he spoke, he casually lifted a hand.The men restraining Katherine immediately let go. The instant she was free, she stumbled a
Vindell’s POVThe door swung open, and an older man in an impeccably tailored suit strode inside as though he owned the entire floor. The moment my eyes landed on him, recognition hit me instantly, Mr. Blackwood.He stopped just inside the doorway, his gaze drifting from me to Katherine, whose dress was still half-zipped, and then to my secretary, frozen in place.For a heartbeat, silence lingered. Then he threw his head back and laughed. A loud, theatrical laugh.“Am I interrupting something?” he asked with an amused grin.I slowly rose from my chair, every muscle in my body tightening. My gaze settled on him in a dangerous mannerBefore I could speak, my secretary rushed into the office. Her hair was disheveled, her breathing uneven. The instant she saw me, she collapsed onto her knees.“I’m sorry, Mr. Vindell!” she cried, bowing until her forehead nearly touched the floor. “He refused to follow the formalities, and when I tried to stop him… his men restrained me.”She remained trem
Ava’s POV “Then I will have to keep my distance a bit.” Peter replied, avoiding my eyes. The words landed between us like a bomb, sinking straight into my chest. My eyes widened as I stared at him across the table. “Peter! We’ve been friends for eight years and you want to do this now.” He let out a quiet sigh before saying softly, “Ava… you don’t expect me to act normal after you’ve rejected me. I need time away to recollect my thoughts… this time I’m sorry but I have to be selfish.” “But i haven’t rejected you, I just can’t date right now. I’m not in the mental capacity to jump into another relationship especially not with my best friend… this could ruin our friendship for good and I can’t loose you too. Please Peter, can we talk about this another time.” The desperation in my own voice was impossible to hide. “When Ava? When. I’m not even asking for a reply now but to consider my proposal at least.” I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. “I don’t know when I
Ava’s POV The evening breeze greeted me the moment I stepped out of the building. I leaned on the wall while still waiting for Sophia. Parked by the curb was Peter’s fairly polished Toyota. The driver’s window rolled down, revealing his familiar grin. “So…” he teased from behind the wheel. “Are you going my way?” That was when Sophia stepped outside with her bag. We both looked at Peter, smiling at him through the open car window. “Hi Peter, it was good to see you again.” Then she turned to me. “Bye Ava… see you tomorrow,” Sophia said brightly before turning and starting down the sidewalk. I immediately hurried after her. “Aren’t you going back with me?” I asked. Then my eyes narrowed suspiciously. “I hope this is not about the Peter stuff.” Sophia laughed and shook her head. “Girl, no! I’m actually meeting an old friend today, so we can’t go home together tonight.” I blinked. “But you didn’t tell me about any old friend.” “It’s not a biggie…” Sophia shrugged. “Just
Vindell’s POV We pulled into my mansion, which stood proudly against the evening sky. From the back seat, I stepped out, first, then Kate climbed out from the passenger seat carrying my briefcase. “I want to make a phone call. I’ll join you later.” Kate nodded. “Okay, sir.” Without another word, she headed inside the mansion. I remained outside. The cool evening breeze brushed against my face as I pulled out my phone and dialed Michael’s number. The call connected immediately. “Hey, Vin,” Michael’s voice came through the speaker. “I got some new information on the matter we talked about the other day.” “And what’s your report?” I asked. “Apparently there are many people who need financial assistance in the hospital. But remember, the girl has to look the part. Tomorrow I will…” “There won’t be any need for that.” Michael paused. “What?! Why?” My lips slowly curved upward. “I think I’ve found my catch.” “What do you mean?” “For some reason, I decided to persona







