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
Serena's office door creaked open as Rick barged in, with Anita trailing behind, attempting to dissuade him from entering.Looking up from her desk, Serena fixed her gaze on Rick and then turned to Anita. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I tried to stop him," Anita said in a panicked voice before rushing out to call security."Serena, please, I just want to speak with you. Please, just hear me out," Rick pleaded. "I don't think we have anything to speak about," Serena replied coolly. Just then, two security guards strode in, flanking Anita, and immediately seized Rick."Throw him out and make sure he never sets foot here again," Serena ordered. The guards began dragging Rick out, but he resisted, desperately pleading for Serena to listen to him."Just give me 10 minutes of your time. That's all I ask for!" Rick yelled. "Hold on," Serena commanded. The guards halted in their tracks. "Let him go. All of you, leave," Serena ordered. The guards released Rick and bowed to Serena before exiting the offic
Rick returned to the mansion, his sweat-drenched clothes clinging to his body, evidence of the intense morning jog he had just finished. As he climbed the stairs to his room, the cool, refreshing air still invigorated him, lingering in his lungs. Although the run had temporarily eased the turmoil brewing inside him, Rick knew the calm was fleeting. Now, Rick yearned for a soothing, warm bath to unwind, followed by a nice nap. Rick grabbed the doorknob and pushed open the door, his gaze fell on Gina, sitting at his dressing table, her reflection staring back at him from the mirror like a haunting specter. Her carefree humming and the soft strokes of her hairbrush seemed to mock him. His eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, and his face reddened with rage as he slammed the door behind him. "Why are you here?!" Rick thundered, his voice like a crack of lightning, shaking the room with its intensity. His eyes blazing with fury. But Gina didn't flinch, not even a little bit. She cont
Stanford corporation.Serena reached for a file from Anita's outstretched hand, her eyes scanning the contents as she asked, " Have DS Enterprise sent the contract?" "Unfortunately, it hasn't been sent yet." Anita hesitated before continuing, "I can follow up with them immediately."Frowning Serena muttered" How much longer do I have to wait for the contract" Serena looked intently at Anita and added ."Inform them that if the contract isn't drafted and sent to me within the next 15 minutes, we will consider it null and void." She tapped her pen on the desk, emphasizing the deadline."Okay, ma'am" Anita nodded, her fingers flying across her notebook as she jotted the message down . " some companies have sent representatives to submit their proposals for the advertising contract" Anita added ." Please direct them to the management floor. Mr. Bill is handling the project." Serena instructed " And what's my schedule for today?".Anita looked up, her eyes locking onto Serena's as she g
Jude let out a nervous chuckle. "You can't be serious. It's too early to make such a joke," he said, shaking his head ."I'm serious," replied Gina ."Collaborating with Demsel Agency has been your dream. And now that you have the opportunity, you are refusing. What's wrong with you?" Jude asked, the frustration evident in his tone."Collaborating with Demsel Agency was my dream, but it's not anymore," Gina explained. "Jennifer would probably be interested in the collaboration. You can give her my spot.""Demsel Agency doesn't need Jennifer, they need you!" Jude insisted, turning to Melody. "Why are you so quiet? Talk some sense into her," he urged, hoping for support ."Gina," Melody began to speak, but Gina swiftly cut her off."My mind is already made up. Have a nice day," Gina tersely stated before leaving the office, leaving Jude and Melody staring after her in disbelief. Jude's face darkened, his expression twisted in ire. "Nice day," Jude repeated sarcastically. "My day has
Stanford mansion. "Do you have to leave?" Serena asked, a pout forming on her lips. Ella nodded, her eyes locking onto Serena's "Your dad is back, so you won't be alone. Plus, going to my office from here every day is so stressful. And don't forget, Michael is arriving from Australia tomorrow." "Ahh Michael!! . He still have a crush on me, doesn't he?" She wagged her eyebrows playfully.Michael is Ella's younger brother, who had a crush on Serena since he was four years old. Ella chuckled, her lips curling into a smile, "You need to ask him that yourself." As they finished packing, Serena zipped the luggage shut and placed it on the floor with a soft thud. "I'll miss you terribly," "I will miss you, too. When is Marcus returning?" Ella asked. "This week, I think. Dad said he has to take care of a few things before coming back." With a final glance around the room, Ella grabbed her handbag and turned to Serena "Okay, I'm ready to leave." Serena softly clapped her hand
"Stop it, Rick!" Gina's cry echoed through the stairs as Rick continued to drag her down.They reached the bottom step and without hesitation, Rick violently pushed Gina down. She fell to the ground, her left knee taking the brunt of the impact."Ouch!" Gina exclaimed as she looked up at Rick. "Why are you doing this to me?""Pack your things and leave my house, it's over between us," Rick said coldly."Over?" Gina repeated, wiping away her tears and trying to stand despite the pain in her knee. She limped closer to Rick, staring into his hazel eyes. "Is our relationship just a joke to you? Something you can end whenever you please?"She swallowed the lump in her throat and continued, "Just yesterday you were telling me how much you loved me, and now you're saying it's over. Please, Rick, come back to your senses.""I'm perfectly in my right mind, Gina," Rick retorted. "Since you came back into my life, it's been nothing but misfortune. I even divorced Serena because of you, but what
Serena's office door creaked open as Rick barged in, with Anita trailing behind, attempting to dissuade him from entering.Looking up from her desk, Serena fixed her gaze on Rick and then turned to Anita. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I tried to stop him," Anita said in a panicked voice before rushing out to call security."Serena, please, I just want to speak with you. Please, just hear me out," Rick pleaded. "I don't think we have anything to speak about," Serena replied coolly. Just then, two security guards strode in, flanking Anita, and immediately seized Rick."Throw him out and make sure he never sets foot here again," Serena ordered. The guards began dragging Rick out, but he resisted, desperately pleading for Serena to listen to him."Just give me 10 minutes of your time. That's all I ask for!" Rick yelled. "Hold on," Serena commanded. The guards halted in their tracks. "Let him go. All of you, leave," Serena ordered. The guards released Rick and bowed to Serena before exiting the offic
"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
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 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