Back at the company, Nate saw how Felix struggled to find out who was the real culprit of the hacking incident. He knocked before getting inside and placed the coffee on his table. Felix looked up from his computer, exhaustion evident in his eyes. "Thanks, Nate. I could use a break." Nate took a seat across from Felix, observing the intricate web of code on the computer screen. "Any progress?" Felix sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's like chasing shadows. The hacker covered their tracks well. But I'm determined to get to the bottom of this. Our company's security is at stake." Nate nodded, sipping his coffee. "I trust you'll figure it out. You always do." Felix managed a faint smile, appreciating the vote of confidence. "I hope so. It's just frustrating not knowing who's behind this. They've targeted sensitive information, and it's affecting our clients' trust." Later that day, Nate was walking towards the parking lot when Charlotte saw him. She waved her hands with
Nate turned to leave, but he changed his mind. He pulls the trigger on his side and shoots the man. The gunshot echoed through the desolate building, and the hacker crumpled to the ground, clutching his side in pain. The air hung heavy with the acrid smell of gunpowder, and Nate stood there, his expression cold and determined. "You think you can threaten me with exposure?" Nate spat, his voice low and filled with rage. "I won't let anyone jeopardize what I've built." The hacker groaned, writhing in pain. "You... you can't... just eliminate me." Nate's eyes flashed with a dangerous intensity. "I can, and I will protect my interests at any cost." Nate's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as he navigated the darkened streets. The gunshot still echoed in his mind, a chilling reminder of the darkness he had willingly embraced. His thoughts wandered back to a past filled with pain and loss, a past that fueled the flames of revenge burning within him. Ten years ago... Nate Brown'
The celebration at the Anderson mansion was in full swing. Guests filled the elegant halls, clinking glasses and exchanging congratulatory words. Daisy, with a genuine smile on her face, looked around at the joyful atmosphere. "Finally, a moment of peace," she thought. She smiled, tapping her brother's shoulders, "Well done, brother. You did it." Felix nodded, acknowledging his sister's words. "Felix, my son," Ramon called him and tapped his shoulders, "You did great. Thank you," his father uttered as Charlotte and her family arrived at the place. Felix smiled, grateful for his family's support. However, his gaze shifted when he saw Charlotte entering the mansion. He smiled and then walked closer to her, "How are you?" "I'm good," she replied, and then Felix greeted Charlotte's parents politely. As the night unfolded, the mansion buzzed with laughter and music. Guests mingled, sharing stories and relishing the joyous occasion. Charlotte, however, couldn't shake off the lingerin
Later that night, Nate went to the bar where Ethel was working. Ethel, the bartender, noticed Nate's intense expression as he approached the bar. She greeted him with a professional smile, accustomed to reading the moods of the patrons. "What can I get you, Mister?" she asked, pouring herself into her work. Nate leaned against the bar, his eyes fixed on the array of bottles before him. "Give me another tequila. Keep them coming." Ethel raised an eyebrow, studying Nate with a discerning gaze. "Rough night?" Nate nodded, a bitter smile playing on his lips. "You could say that. Sometimes, the past has a way of catching up with you, no matter how hard you try to outrun it." Ethel poured another shot of tequila, sliding it towards Nate. "Well, you're in the right place for a drink. Sometimes, it helps to drown the sorrows, even if just for a moment." As Nate downed the tequila, the burning sensation seemed to echo the fire within him. "I appreciate the advice, Ethel. It's just... som
Ethel remained in bed the next day, thinking about that kiss. The recollection of Nate's intense look, the vulnerability in his eyes, and their unexpected bond on the dance floor lingered in her mind. She was filled with excitement and uncertainty as the previous night's events repeated themselves in her head like a vivid dream. A smile slowly formed on the corner of her lips as her mind reminded the past events. She never thought that Nate would confess to her, it was unexpected, but she was happy that he opened up to her. The following evening, Ethel found herself back behind the bar, the memories of the previous night still fresh in her mind. She went about her work, mixing drinks and engaging in casual banter with the patrons. However, her thoughts kept drifting back to Nate and the unspoken connection they had shared on the dance floor. As the night progressed, and the bar grew busier, Ethel couldn't shake the anticipation of seeing Nate again. She glanced at her phone, reali
Nate's apology hung in the air, devoid of the solace Ethel sought. As he turned to walk away, the distance between them seemed to widen with each step. The bar, once a place of shared moments and unspoken connection, now echoed with the hollow sound of footsteps against the cold floor. Ethel stood there, rooted to the spot, her eyes fixed on Nate's retreating figure. The pain of rejection pierced through her, and she felt a lump forming in her throat. The vibrant hues of the bar, once filled with the promise of something more, now seemed muted and desolate. Tears welled up in Ethel's eyes as she struggled to comprehend the abrupt unraveling of what she thought was a genuine connection. The silence in the bar was shattered by the muffled sound of her stifled sobs. "Nate, please," she called out, her voice choked with emotion. "You can't just walk away like this. We shared something real." Nate paused for a moment, his back still turned to her. There was a lingering hesitation, as i
A month later... Marianne received an invitation in the mail. It was an exhibition by Miguel Lopez, showcasing his latest works. Intrigued and grateful for the unexpected connection forged through his art, Marianne decided to attend the exhibit. The venue was filled with an array of paintings, each telling a unique story. As Marianne navigated through the gallery, she couldn't help but marvel at the depth and emotion captured in Miguel's artwork. It was as if each painting whispered a different tale, inviting the observer to explore the intricacies of the human experience. As she turned a corner, Marianne froze. There, amidst the vivid canvases, she spotted a painting that felt achingly familiar. It was her, once again, captured in a moment of vulnerability, standing on the beach. The turbulent sea, the hues of the sunset, and the resilience in her eyes were all vividly portrayed. Miguel noticed her presence and approached with a warm smile. "Marianne, I'm glad you could make it.
The restaurant atmosphere was strained, the clinking of cutlery and distant conversations creating an uncomfortable backdrop for the unexpected gathering. Marianne tried to focus on the menu, her eyes occasionally darting towards Felix, who maintained a composed facade.Miguel, seemingly oblivious to the tension, initiated a small talk about the paintings, attempting to steer the conversation toward neutral ground. Marianne and Felix exchanged polite nods and forced smiles, all the while acutely aware of the shared history that lingered beneath the surface.As the waiter brought the dishes to the table, Miguel, with genuine enthusiasm, suggested a particular seafood dish for Marianne. "You should try the crab, Marianne. It's one of their specialties, and I think you'll love it."Miguel, in his friendly and hospitable manner, was about to place a serving of crab on Marianne's plate. However, just as the crab was inches away from landing on her plate, Felix intervened with a polite but