The air was thick with tension as Serena's silence hung in the air for a few seconds before she finally spoke, her voice tinged with confusion . "Do I know you?" Ethan's smile faltered for a moment, his heart sinking as he realized that Serena couldn't seem to remember him. He tried to hide his disappointment behind a fake smile, knowing that it had been quite some time since they had last seen each other. Ethan's mind raced as he tried to think of a way to jog Serena's memory. Finally, he spoke. "We were paired together for a physics practical, and after that, we became friends" He paused momentarily before adding, "study buddies, I suppose. We also made a deal that you would always help me with my physics practical, and in return, I would get you chocolate." Ethan's voice trailed off, hoping that his words would trigger some memory in Serena's mind. He waited with bated breath for her response, his heart beating fast with anticipation...Serena squinted her eyes, trying to recolle
Serena spotted Ella in a corner, engaged in a lively conversation with two ladies. She established her way over to them "Can I please borrow her for a minute?" Serena inquired, swiftly pulling Ella away from the group. As they distanced themselves from the women, Serena's accusatory tone sliced through the air. "Why didn't you tell me Rick was going to be here?" she demanded.Perplexed, Ella responded with a question of her own. "What do you mean Rick is here?" She placed her hands on her hips for emphasis, furrowing her brows, waiting for her friend to respond. "I saw him earlier. Didn't you say this reunion was solely for our classmates? So why the heck is he here?" Serena's eyes glinted with a hint of distrust, causing a pang of hurt to shoot through Ella's heart. "Wait, you don't think I invited him here, do you? Girl, you know I would never do such a thing," Ella's voice was heavy with disappointment as she looked at Serena. She couldn't believe her friend would think like this
" Ethan and I have close friends for many years. We have shared many experiences together and have grown to understand each other likes and dislikes . Our friendship is built on trust and honesty and we make it a point not to keep secret from each__""Can you just get to the point?" Serena interrupted Rick abruptly. Despite his annoyance, Rick simply exhaled sharply and carried on."Ethan is a notorious womanizer, and you are his next target. Once he's done with you, he will discard you like trash," Rick revealed."Just like how you discarded me?" Serena snapped back bitterly."Used?" Rick scoffed. "Please, spare me your foolishness. Do you even understand how absurd you sound? I took you in, provided for you, and bestowed upon you the mighty Archer name. I gave you everything you could want, treated you with the utmost care. You had a kind mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Let's not forget, I even paid you for the three years you spent with me, yet you have the audacity to accuse me o
A maid opened the sheer, lacy curtains, the warm morning sunlight poured into the room, casting a golden glow on Serena's face. With a soft groan, Serena shifted her position, turning away from the bright light and seeking a few more moments of peaceful slumber. Just then, the melodic sound of her phone disrupted the tranquility, prompting Serena to grumble as she lazily reached for her phone on the bedside table."Hello," Serena answered, not bothering to check the caller ID, her voice still heavy with drowsiness.Marcus' voice boomed through the phone, "There are maids waiting in your room to prepare you."The sleep vanished from Serena's eyes as she sat up, to see two maids bowing their heads in her room. Her phone still rested against her ear as she spoke, "Why are they here so early? Is there an event?" Serena gaze remained fixed on the maids."Your first day as CEO of Stanford Corporation begins today. Your personal assistant will arrive in five minutes," with those words, Marcus
" A chance is all I ask for Mr Anderson " Rick pleaded over the crackling line, his voice filled with urgency and desperation. In a gruff voice, Mr Anderson responded his tone firm and unyielding " I have said this already and I will say it again. I won't risk my money on a company that's going to go bankrupt soon" Mr Anderson's voice crackled before the line went dead.Rick slammed his hand on the mahogany desk in frustration, the sound echoing in the empty office. A sharp exhale escaped his lips as he shut down his computer and reached for his suit jacket. As he walked out of his office, his mind raced with the conversation he had just had."Emma," Rick called to his secretary as he approached her desk, "Do I have any appointments today?"Emma looked up from her computer and shook her head. "No, sir. Your schedule is clear. Also, reporters are still gathering at the main entrance."Rick nodded in acknowledgment and made his way to the back entrance, avoiding the crowd of reporters
Stanford Mansion. "Please double-check the venue and ensure that everything is arranged properly," Serena instructed Anita over the phone before ending the call. At that moment, Ella entered Serena's room, followed by a line of maids carrying various designer dresses. "You took care of everything to make sure it's perfect, but you forgot to shop for your dress," Ella remarked as she guided Serena, who was standing, to sit on the bed. "But don't worry, I've got you covered." Serena, with a slightly flustered expression, confessed, "I've been so swamped that it completely slipped my mind." Ella, with a reassuring touch, cradled Serena's chin in her hands saying "That's why I'm here" she smiled. " We need to make sure we explore all the options to find the perfect one for you." As Ella maintained her comforting touch, Serena's eyes wandered over the assortment of exquisite designer dresses before returning back to Ella, questioning, "Do we really have to try them all? Can't we j
Ella furrowed her brows as she and Serena observed Rick walking towards them. "Why is he coming over here?" she wondered out loud.Serena let out a chuckle. "To insult me. What else?" she replied with a wry smile. "I'm definitely going to give him a piece of my mind today," Ella declared, glaring in Rick's direction. Sensing her friend's determination, Serena handed her phone to Ella. "Call Marcus to find out where they are. I'll take care of Rick.""Are you sure?" Ella asked, concern evident on her face. Serena nodded confidently. "I have everything under control.""Okay, if you say so," Ella muttered, feeling a bit uneasy, and walked off to call Marcus.Serena's eyes flicked back to Rick as he made his way over to her. His outstretched hand reached for hers as he said, "Let's talk." However, as soon as his fingers brushed against hers, Serena recoiled as if a bee had stung her. "Don't touch me," she snapped, her voice firm."Alright, let's find a quiet spot to talk," Rick suggested.
"Stanford corporation has experienced remarkable growth, currently operating over 10 luxurious hotels across the globe, prestigious malls, and widely respected fashion industries. We are excited to announce our expansion into the dynamic fields of technology and cosmetics with the launch of Stanford Tech and Cosmetics.As we strive to push the limits and foster innovation, we understand the value of collaboration and supporting emerging talent. It gives me great pleasure to announce that we are extending opportunities to four upcoming advertising companies to demonstrate their creativity and expertise." The room erupted in applause.Serena beamed and added, "All you need to do is submit your proposal. We will carefully review each submission and select four companies whose proposal meet our criteria for excellence." Adrenaline surged through Rick's veins like a raging river as the sudden revelation struck him like a bolt of lightning. Waves of emotion crashed over him, and a deep se