The break time elapsed and all the contestants and audiences reconvened to their respective sitting positions.The coordinator walked towards the podium with the result sheet in his hands while every occupant of the room waited patiently.The room became so quiet that even the softest whisper could have shattered the silence.Everyone was eagerly awaiting the announcement of the outcome. The only sounds, aside from the occasional rustle of papers and the soft, nearly undetectable shifting of feet, were the thick expectation in the air.The coordinator stood at the front, his face displaying nervous expressions on every wrinkle. His chest ached from having to make the difficult choice between declaring Vanguard Corporation the winner and jeopardizing the competition's fairness while keeping his job, or upholding his integrity by announcing the correct outcome and running the chance of losing his job.The weight of the moment pressed down on him, and he could feel the eyes of the room b
The sun shone brightly, slicing through the thick, fanciful curtains in Alex's apartment—a clear signal of a new day brimming with opportunities.By 7a.m., Alex had completed his morning routine and was readying himself for the workday ahead.His thoughts lingered on the recent victory of his company in a challenging three-phase competition. The triumph filled him with a deep sense of accomplishment and pride.However, his thoughts soon shifted to the coordinator, who had recently confided in him about his adopted daughter.Though the coordinator had refrained from naming anyone as the possible culprit behind the troubling incident, Alex felt a strong sense of duty to honor his commitment to assist them.Determined to make things right, he resolved to uncover the truth and offer his support.The weight of responsibility settled heavily on Alex’s shoulders as he prepared to face the day.His earlier triumph was tempered by the urgency to resolve this new challenge, knowing that it was
As the sun dips below the horizon, the world began to quiet down. The sky transitions through a gradient of colors, from the vibrant hues of sunset to the calming blues and purples of twilight. The air was cool, bringing a refreshing contrast to the day's warmth.At 6p.m., Mr. Lawrence, who was the first to have arrived at the venue, made provision for a corner where they would sit and have the brief meeting.Shortly after, Agent Smith and Detective Benson arrived together. Few minutes later, Amelia walked in also.“Hello everyone,” Detective Benson beganWhile he contiued briefing the house, Amelia’s thoughts overshadowed her. Her mind was like a blank canvas waiting for someone to draw upon it. Her gaze was distant and unfocused.She took a deep breath and began turning her head, starting with a slow sweep to the left.Her neck craned gently as her eyes flicked from table to table, briefly making contact with strangers who looked back curiously. Thereafter, she muttered to herself,
Mr. Lawrence, together with Amelia arrived first at the location, and thereafter the officers followed closely behind them.They got out of the car heading straight to the apartment. As they approached closer to the door, they could hear conversations lingering over the living room."Alright, everyone, line up," she called. "Let's make sure you've got everything."Jared stepped forward, backpack in hand. "Jared, do you have your lunchbox and homework folder?" she asked.He nodded eagerly. "Yes, Mom!"Finally, little Emily toddled up, clutching her favorite stuffed bunny. "Emily, your backpack, and snack?"Emily beamed. "Got it all, Mommy!"She smiled, satisfied. "Great job, everyone. Let's head out and have a---“Her sentence got interrupted by a knock on the door. The woman instructed her children to move a little backward while she heads for the door.She swung the door open and to her amazement, she was met with Amelia and Mr. Lawrence, the familiar faces she had met with some time
Alex's heart skipped a beat as he processed the information. "What kind of situation?" he asked, his voice steady but tinged with concern.“Sir, it would be best if you see it for yourself,” Mr. Dan respondedAlex, realizing how pressing the situation may be, he responded, “Okay, I’m on my way,” with his voice tinged with curiosityAfter the call, he already met the others making their way out of the house, a clear indication that the meeting had ended.He hastened his footsteps so he can meet up with them. When he obtained a close proximity with them, he turned his gaze towards Mr. Lawrence and asked, “So, what is the next move from here?”Mr. Lawrence responded, “For now, we would have to wait until he places a call to any of the officers, when he has come in contact with Mr. Nick.”“Okay, thank you,” Alex responded.After bidding him goodbye, everyone headed straight to their respective vehicles, ready to commence the day’s activities. This time, Amelia joined Alex since they were
At 5 PM, the day breathes a sigh of relief, the sky painted in shades of amber and gold as the sun begins its descent. The office gradually changes as the clock approaches the conclusion of the workday.The continuous hum of discussion fades into low murmurs, keyboards become silent, and desks once packed with paperwork and coffee mugs are tidied up.The employees grinned and nodded to each other, acknowledging their collective efforts and promising a moment of relaxation. While some stay in small groups to finish off conversations or have a brief chuckle, others move purposefully, ready to enjoy the evening's independence.Amelia had been so engrossed with work that she hadn’t realized the closing hour had come. She quickly rushed through the remaining task for the day, trying not to carryover any leftover duties to the next day.Outside the building was Cora, who had carefully packed her car few miles away from the building so that Alex wouldn’t see her when he was leaving the offic
Amelia's reflection in the window conveyed her raw vulnerability as the city lights flickered by. She had worked so hard to keep her armor intact, but every tear was a witness to the pain and bewilderment Cora's words had caused.The ride seemed endless, a solitary passage amid the tempest of emotions Cora had whipped up inside of her.“We have arrived your destination ma’am,” the cab driver announcedWith no response, the driver turned his gaze towards the rearview mirror to observe Amelia. Her silent tears and distant stare caught his attention, a reflection of the emotional turmoil she was battling.He slightly turned his neck backward to obtain a close distance with her, hoping she will hear him this time.“Ma’am, I said we have arrived at your desired destination,” the driver started firmly“Oh!” Amelia, whose attention had been caught, exclaimed. Her sudden outburst was a raw, involuntary reaction, betraying the depth of her distress.“Are you okay, ma’am?” the cab driver asked
10AMTwo hours into the working hours of the day, Alex found himself engrossed with work. After winning the competition and being recognized as the number one company in the corporate world, this meant more responsibilities for him.Few minutes later, his mind lingered towards the conversations he had with Amelia yesterday evening, especially the part where Amelia suspected Flora had revealed her secret to Cora.Though he tried to convince her that Flora would never do such a thing, Amelia's words kept replaying in his mind: “I don’t even know who to trust at this point.”Suddenly, he heard a knock on his door, interrupting his thoughts. He responded, “Yes, come in.”The door swung open, and standing next to him was his security team lead. Mixed feeling rushed through his face.Regardless, he hoped that whatever brought him to his office at that moment should be a pleasant news.“Sir, may I have a seat?” he requestedAlex responded swiftly, “Yes please, you can.”The team lead took a
The vast, exquisite estate served as the perfect setting for the lavish wedding of Alex and Amelia. The event was held in a verdant yard with beautiful white and blush flower arrangements.Nathan and his spouse, who traveled from a distance, were among the loved ones, friends, and employees present.A string quartet's gentle strains accompanied Amelia as she walked down a rose-petal-filled aisle in a stunning couture gown with elaborate lace embellishments.Alex waited at the altar with love and anticipation in his eyes as he looked stunning in a fitted tuxedo.The reception was held in a large ballroom with tables adorned with exquisite china and glittering cutlery and lit by crystal chandeliers that created a pleasant glow.Following a five-course gourmet dinner, guests danced in a gorgeously lighted patio under the stars.The coordinator, whose job had been taken because he had refused to comply with Elsa's requests, contacted Alex at the ceremony's conclusion and gave him some sur
"Amelia is doing great. She's stable, and the doctors are making sure everything goes smoothly. We won't know much more for a while, but she's handling it well thus far,” the nurse said.With a sigh of relief, Flora's shoulders eased. "We really appreciate you informing us of this."The nurse nodded. “I’ll keep you updated on her progress. Feel free to wait here, and I’ll come to get you once there’s more news.”Alex and Flora resumed their seats, their minds slightly eased but still filled with anticipation. They chatted quietly, trying to distract themselves from the nervous energy that lingered.Hours seemed to pass quickly as they continued to wait. Finally, the nurse returned, her expression filled with positive news. “You can see Amelia now. She has asked for both of you to come in.”The nurse led Alex and Flora through the hospital hallways until they arrived at the delivery room.They were met with the sight of Amelia who appeared relieved yet exhausted, and they saw her holdi
Three days after, as the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a golden hue over the city, Alex sent a message to Amelia: he had a surprise for her. The excitement in his text was palpable, and Amelia’s curiosity piqued as she went about her work for the day.During the end of work, Alex waited for her to tidy up her things, and when she was done, she strode to where his car was parked.Alex smiled warmly to welcome her when he sighted her walking towards him. As she arrived at the car, he stepped outside and gave her a warm hug and thereafter, he asked, "Do you trust me?" his mischievous and genuine eyes sparkling."Of course I do," Amelia answered, her smile expressing her confidence in him. “Good,” Alex said, pulling out a soft blindfold. “I’m going to need you to wear this for a bit while I drive you to our destination.”Amelia chuckled and agreed, her excitement evident. “Sure, go ahead. I’m ready for this surprise!”With the blindfold gently placed over her eyes, Alex took her
Upon arrival, Alex’s access proved invaluable. He guided the team through security and into the estate. The officers, led by Agent Smith and Detective Benson, approached Elsa Reeves’ mansion with determination.As they made their way inside, the securities and bodyguards reacted with alarm as they saw Alex bringing in officers into the mansion.They moved to confront the intruders, but Alex quickly intervened, instructing them to back off. The commotion caused by the confrontation created a distraction, allowing Elsa to make her way to the living room.As Elsa arrived, her expression one of surprise, she asked, “What is going on here?”Detective Benson stepped forward, holding up the warrant. “Elsa Reeves, you are under arrest for your involvement in the false allegations and the fake business proposal deal with Walmart Industries. Please come with us for questioning.”The officers moved in, and Elsa Reeves, though initially resistant, had no choice but to comply. As she was led away,
Finally, the day of the meeting had arrived, and everyone on the team—including Amelia and Alex—knew how important it was. They carried on with their day, constantly reminding themselves of the meeting's time and place.Mr. Nick stayed back at the hotel to get ready for the 6 PM meeting because he didn't have any work obligations that day.The anticipation increased as the morning became into midday. In the midst of this tension, Mr. Nick was called by Detective Benson, who already had his number."Hello, Mr. Nick," Detective Benson greeted, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "I hope I'm not disturbing you. I need to know if you still have the evidence from the investigation on Elsa Reeves. It's critical for our case."Mr. Nick paused, his mind flashing back to the painstaking hours he had spent gathering that evidence.He knew how vital it was, not just for the case but for justice to prevail. "Yes, I still have everything," he replied, his voice steady. "I've kept it all safe, kn
Mr. Nick took a deep breath, the weight of the revelation heavy in the air. He looked at Amelia, his expression serious, ready to finally unveil the truth.“It was Elsa Reeves,” Mr. Nick revealedAlex's face twisted in frustration, his brows furrowing deeply as his grip tightened on the steering wheel. His neck veins widened as he gave a shout, "Damn it!" His voice echoed in the confined space of the car.His fury was so intense that he smacked his finger into the steering wheel, despite the searing pain.His nostrils flared and his breathing quickened as he attempted to regain control, but the anger that was already blazing fiercely inside of him seemed to get stronger, his thoughts a whirlwind of hatred and helplessness.Following his reaction, Detective Benson, who was seated close to Alex, gave him a calming tap on the shoulder to help him regain his composure.Mr. Nick continued, "One fateful day at the office, while I was having a casual chat with Mr. Walmart, his phone rang," h
“Amelia!”Mr. Nick screamed Amelia’s name, his expression a pure blank of disbelief. His eyes widened with shock, his usually composed demeanor shattered by the unexpected sight before him.With a tone that blended nostalgia and shock, Mr. Nick said, "I didn't think I'd ever see you again."His gaze remained on Amelia as though attempting to make sense of the situation, his eyes suddenly softer and slightly emotional."Why do I have a feeling that this was a set up?" he questioned, turning to face Alex with a raised eyebrow.With a knowing gleam in his eyes, Alex grinned. "It's true that I really wanted to show you the document, but primarily, I wanted you to meet with Amelia alongside."Mr. Nick's face softened, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He muttered no words, but the relief and curiosity in his eyes spoke volumes. His gaze shifted to Detective Benson, who was seated beside Amelia."Hello sir," Mr. Nick pleaded, his voice gentle yet urgent, "could you come over to th
Following their conversation, Alex turned and walked out of the bar, leaving Flora with a renewed sense of purpose and a heart full of gratitude.He got into his car and rode straight to the office, his mind racing on whether or not to expect any situation awaiting him. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by his employees which he responded to and he headed straight to his office.When Alex arrived at the floor of his office, he walked towards Maxwell's office. "Maxwell," he called out as he entered, "can you remind me of the time of my appointments today and how many people I'll be meeting with?"Maxwell looked up from his desk, consulting his schedule. "You have just two appointments today, sir. One at 2PM and the other at 4PM."Alex nodded thoughtfully. "I'll need you to move the 4PM appointment forward because I need to leave the office by 4PM to prepare for an event tonight.""Okay, sir, I'll do just that," Maxwell responded promptly.A few hours later, the 2PM appointment arrived a
As Alex arrived, Cora, who was sitting still, muttered, "I don't want to speak with you, Alex."Alex felt sad; he never wanted it to come this far, but her continuous threats to Amelia had made him do so.He asked a few questions about her well-being, but Cora ignored him and channeled her energy into emotional blackmail.Alex ignored her tactics and asked how she had managed to get that image of himself and Amelia.Cora laughed maliciously, and thereafter she answered, "The day our engagement was called off, because I still loved you, I felt the need to keep an eye on you."She paused, and then continued, "So, the next day, I used my spare keys to get into your apartment and installed a hidden camera in your bedroom. From time to time, I would check the footage to see if you were with someone else. That night, after witnessing you both together, I watched the video on my PC, where the camera was wirelessly connected, and took a picture of it."Alex was taken aback. He couldn't believ