Jasper POVAfter ending the call with Selena, I stood up from my chair, took my wine glass and walked over to the window, staring out at the city skyline. Selena’s scandal with Colin isn't something I should let drag for too long. I sip from my wine glass deep in thought as I consider my next move.After minutes of thinking, I pulled my phone from my pocket, dialed a number. “I need to speak with Martins,” I said to the person on the other end of the line. “Right away sir,”he replied.Within minutes, my call was redirected to Martins." Mr..Mr..Santos" Martins stammered. On hearing his voice, I sighed “I hope I’m not calling at a bad time.” I asked." No..no sir, you aren't!"“Mr. Martins,” I called, sounding businesslike. “What can I do for you sir?” he replied.“I’m sure you’ve heard about the recent scandal involving Colin Rogers and Selena Kings?,” I asked.“Yes.. sir, I have,” Martins replied, “ And…” “And, I heard it started from you!". I beat him to it!” “ Sir, it isn't tr
Selena POV Last night Lisa was so happy when Jasper informed us about his App launch party. As soon as the call ended, Lisa stood up from her seat and sat very close to me. “ What is it?” I asked suspiciously, looking at her with the side of my eyes."I need a favor from you," Lisa asked, closing up both of her hands, acting like a cute puppy." What?" I asked, scared of what she might ask as a simple favor." I want you to call Zack and invite him, I didn't have a plan for tomorrow night. Now that I do, I need to use it effectively, and besides if you're with Jasper tomorrow, I'll be lonely at the party" Lisa explained. Shaking my arms.I couldn’t refuse, “ okay okay!” I accept." I will"." Call him now!" Lisa urged, I sighed and dialed Zack's number, the phone rang but it wasn't answered. I called him severally but still no answer, Lisa was frustrated already she took her phone and called him but it was the same no answer.“It's okay already” I took Lisa’s phone from her. “Maybe h
“ What's happening?”“ What's wrong?”“ Why the light off” people gasps“ What's going on, is it safe here?” Lisa pressed.“ Do something!” Someone yelled, as everyone began murmuring.All of a sudden someone grabbed my arm, “ huh!” I Exclaimed in shock “ what the…” I was about to say but got pulled along. I struggled against my unseen assailant, trying to free myself from the grab, “Let go of me!” I yelled but the murmuring was too much no one could hear me. I stretched my hand and couldn't get hold of Zack nor Lisa.“ Everyone please calm down!” we all heard Jasper’s voice. “Boom!!” a loud crash as one of the hall’s windows shattered. “Ahhh” ladies screamed as some people ran out of the hall in chaos, the broken window gave way and the moonlight shined into the hall through it, giving it some brightness. Immediately I turned to see who held my arms and it was Colin.“ What's your problem!” I asked.Colin moved forward placing his lips on my ear “ Like I said earlier, this launc
I rolled my eyes, knowing what Lisa meant, smiling Lisa held Zack close and they left. “ Hi Miss Kings” a well dressed woman waved to me.“ Hi” I waved back smiling.She came closer, took a deep breath and went straight to the point. “ I wanted to approach you before, but I couldn't for some reason” she laughed.“ You don't need to,” I replied. “ Yeah, I understand,” she nodded. “ Well I should go straight to the point as a straightforward person. I want to collaborate with you, I mean we need two female models, we've got a good one and need another, and we’ve concluded you are a perfect match. What do you think?” She asked.I looked up at her not knowing what to say, it's my first time being approached like this, without the company's knowledge. “ Ma’am I understand what you mean, but right now I can't act on my own, I'm under an agency, it would be best if you inform my agency first” I looked around and saw Mr Inman talking and laughing. “ That's the CEO of My agency, you can talk
“Who is that?” I wonder.Nevertheless I walked on and stepped into the living room, my dad looked up at me " have a seat". He gestured, pointing at the seat close to the stranger. I nod took steps forward and took a seat close to him." Hmm" my dad cleared his throat. " Evan, this is my daughter Selena!" He said to the stranger who turned to face me now. " Hi, nice to meet you " He said,and he stretched his hand. " Me too" I smiled, and took his hand for a hand shake. " Selena this is Evan Jones, the guy asking for your hand in marriage!” Dad broke the news.Marriage? With a complete stranger? This isn't happening."I'm sorry, what?" I stammered as my hand fell from Evan’s, I slowly turned and stared at Dad.“ You both are getting married” he add. "Dad!” I almost yelled trying to control my anger, “Evan and I just met. We don't even know each other. How can we get married?" I asked."That's for you two to figure out. Evan's family is wealthy and influential.So is ours, so it's
“A chance? To do what?” I ask.“To get to know you of course,” my mom replied. “What if you and Evan spent some time together, without any pressure to make any decisions right away? You could get to know each other, see if there’s anything there between you.”I considered my mom's suggestion for a sec but then shaked my head.“I don’t know, Mom. It just seems so...forced. How can I be myself with someone when I know the whole thing is just an elaborate setup?” “I know it’s not ideal, but think of it this way, what’s the alternative? Running away and never seeing your family again? Losing your inheritance because of a man? At least this way, you’re making an effort to find some common ground, at least this way your dad will know you made an effort. although he can be annoying sometimes.” “I guess you’re right mom, But I don’t want to lead him on. I’m not going to pretend to like him if I don’t.”“Of course not!” Mom exclaimed. “And if, after spending some time with him, you still don’
“OMG!” I exclaimed. I know Lisa likes Zack a lot but I never thought she would hit it off so quick. Should I wake them up or leave? Well It's best if I leave. I was about turning over so I could tip toe out when I heard Lisa's voice.“ Selena!” I turned to face her.Zack opened his eyes and on seeing me he quickly dragged the duvet covering himself up.“ I didn't know you both would hit it off so fast!” I said looking at the both of them. Zack quickly sat up. "We're not..” Zack stammered embarrassed “We were just hanging out, talking, and then...I don't know, it just kind of happened."Zack flustered, "I'm sorry, Selena. I was drunk, it was a mistake". " A mistake?” Lisa yelled. “What we had last night was a mistake, are you kidding me?" Lisa asked immediately.Zack and I turned to face Lisa but she was damn serious already. " Zack I thought we had something, I thought we had a connection, last night you told me you like me, why the mistake talk now?”Zack, thrown off balance by Li
“ What?” I asked, Startled by the way Lisa exclaimed.She looked at me for a moment and then shook her head. “ Nothing” “ Nothing?, you almost yelled when I mentioned Evan Jones, why?” I asked.“ It would be best if you don't know!” Lisa replied.“ Say it! ” I pressed, shaking Lisa.“ Okay, Okay!, I’ll say it. He's...he's my boss!""Your boss?” My eyes widened “Are you serious? Why didn't you say so earlier?""Because I didn't want to ruin your fun," she replied "You have no idea what you're getting into. If it's fun?, yeah have fun but don’t get close"“ Why?” I asked.“I need you to be careful Selena. Evan Jones is not who he seems." "What do you mean? What's wrong with him?" I whispered."He's...he's manipulative, Very manipulative, people like that are scary!” Lisa replied, grabbing my hand. "He's very good at manipulating people, especially women. He's charming and convincing, but it's all an act. Although the news doesn't say bad of him, he makes sure he cleans up after himsel
Aviva POV “Please, Aviva,” Levi pleaded, “There has to be another way. You don’t have to do this.”I stared at him, “I’m sorry, Levi, But this is the path I’ve chosen. I won’t betray Elara.”, deep down I know fully well I can't place my mom's life in danger. I turned away from Levi, my heart in pain I couldn’t quite place it. I knew I’d hurt him, but I couldn’t back down. I owed Elara too much for that.Elara had promised me so much, a new life, a fresh start. But at what cost? Was it worth sacrificing my relationship with Levi? Was it worth the risk of losing everything I’ve worked for?For days I threw myself into my work at Global Reach, trying to bury my doubts and misgivings beneath paperwork and meetings. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape the nagging feeling that I’d made a terrible mistake. But at least, I got to give mom the better life she had given me. my phone rang and i glanced at it to see the caller Id Levi but i avoided the call. for days Levi had been
Levi POVI left the cafe, my mind was racing. I knew that Armstrong was right. I didn't have much time. Global Reach Enterprises was circling like vultures, waiting for ByteForge Technology to fall.But there had to be another way, a way to save my company without giving in to Thier demands.I pulled out my phone and dialed Dad's contact, i had promised myself i would never asked Dad for help but i guess i need to break my promise. “Hello Dad,” I said when he answered. “I need your help." “Levi?” Dad asked in surprise, “What is it, son? What’s going on?”I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. “Dad, I’m in trouble. ByteForge is in trouble. I’m about to lose everything.”There was a long pause, and then Dad spoke. “I see. And what can I do to help?”" I want to know the real owner behind Global reach Enterprise, they want ByteForge , like there are desperate and any silly move from me might ruin everything, i want to know who i'm fighting not shadows" “T
Levi POVI sat in my office, replaying all that Aviva had said to me a while ago. For the past months my company ByteForge Technology has been going through a severe rough patch, is the breach thing Aviva talked about the cause? I sat down wondering.I paced around my office. Aviva’s words echoed in my mind, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The security breach she mentioned could be the work of a disgruntled former employee? Or could it be something more sinister? As the CEO of ByteForge Technology I have to take this seriously. If someone was targeting our company, we needed to be prepared. But was Aviva telling the truth? Or was she part of something more nefarious?My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.“Come in,” I called, returning to my desk and trying to appear composed.My assistant, James, entered,“Sir, we’ve been contacted by Global Reach Enterprises. They want to speak with you about a…potential collaboration.”“Potential collaboration?
Aviva POVElara’s laughter faded away as she walked out, I could practically feel the tension in the room. We all knew what was at stake, what would happen if we failed.“Okay,” Parker said, breaking the silence. “So we get in, find the backup server, and get the info. Sounds simple enough.”I knew it wouldn’t be that simple, not with the high stakes and the security precautions in place. But I also knew that Parker was trying to lighten the mood, trying to keep us focused.The three of us left the conference room, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I could feel my legs getting heavy, making every step feel heavy and slow.“Don’t worry, Aviva,” Armstrong said, putting a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve got this. We’re going to get the information and get out, no problem.” I nodded, trying to smile. But I couldn’t help but feel creeped out. Something about this mission felt…off.Soon it got dark and we made our way towards Byteford Technology headquarters, disguising ourselves as janitors
Aviva POV“A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Rutherford,” I replied, trying to keep my voice from shaking. “I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position with you.”“Indeed,” Elara said, her gaze assessing me “I’m sure you’re wondering why we’ve reconsidered your application after all this time.”I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. “I am curious, Ms. Rutherford.”“Have a seat,” she gestured for me to sit. I sat down in the chair across from her, feeling as if I were being measured and weighed, Elara leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on me. “I’m not going to lie to you, Miss Rogers. We’re desperate. Our recent ventures haven’t been as successful as we’d hoped, and we’re in need of new blood.”A chill ran down my spine at her words. “And you believe I’m the right person for the job?”Elara smiled, a cold, calculating smile. “I believe you have potential, Miss Rogers. You impressed us during the initial interview, and your determination to find employment even after we
Aviva POVThe disciplinary committee was a panel of three stern faced executives, each with a folder of documents in front of them. Bianca took her seat at the head of the table.“Aviva Rogers,” she said, her voice clear and authoritative. “You stand accused of falsifying company records and conspiring with other employees to undermine the authority of your superiors. How do you plead?”I opened my mouth to protest, but the words died on my lips. I knew it was useless. Bianca had made up her mind.“We have compiled a significant amount of evidence,” one of the disciplinary committee interjected, “But we’re willing to offer you a deal. If you confess, we’ll let you leave with a slightly more favorable recommendation.”I glared at him, my hands balled into fists under the table. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” I replied instead of pleading, “I refuse to confess to crimes I didn’t commit. I was set up!”The committee members exchanged glances, “Very well,” Bianca smirked,“We will proceed
Aviva POV" She would not if we all work together, we can cover for you. Divide up the work so it looks like you’re doing it all yourself, but we’re helping behind the scenes. i promise we would do it just like you and no one will notice" Jeff advised.I hesitated. It was a risky plan, and part of me worried about the consequences if we got caught. But the alternative of failing to meet Bianca’s impossible deadline was even worse. I nod at least I'll be able to get a good night's rest. Feeling renewed with hope, I returned to my desk and began sorting through the files, dividing them up among Jeff, Clara, Dana and Sarah who suggested she would help. We’d have to work quickly and discreetly, and we can do it.The hours passed, we passed the files around, each of us working on different sections. We didn’t talk, didn’t even look at each other. Finally, the clock, near midnight, the last file was finished.“Are you sure no one will notice?” I whispered to Jeff as I placed the files ba
Aviva POVSwallowing hard, I got up from my desk and made my way to Bianca’s office, each step feeling heavier than the last.I entered her office, and Bianca was standing by the window, her back to me. She didn’t turn as I approached.“Close the door,” she barked. I obeyed. What have I done wrong now?“You will never humiliate me like that again,” Bianca hissed, finally turning to face me.“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I stammered, Bianca’s eyes flashed with rage. “You spoke to James,” she spat. “You thought you could go over my head and complain about your little cleaning assignment, didn’t you?”I blinked, my mind reeling. How did she know? “I…I didn’t…”“Liar!” she shouted.It's obvious she knew about it yesterday. Why bring it up now? Is she trying to drive to something? I wondered, staring at her. I stood there, paralyzed, as Bianca paced back and forth in front of me, her heels hitting the floor hard.“You think you can outsmart me? You think you’re special just
Aviva POVI felt so relieved and I felt like I could breathe again. “Thank you, James, I appreciate your help.”“It’s no problem, Miss, Bianca can be a handful, and I know Levi wouldn’t want you to be treated like that. But if she continues to give you trouble, you need to tell me. Don’t keep it to yourself. Now, why don’t you head back in there and start proving your worth?”. I nodded smiling, I turned and head into the department office when i suddenly heard my name from Bianca's office, "Aviva come over" she said loud and i sighed before heading there, i got into her office and she leaned back into her chair." I saw the strings you pulled, but take this, " she threw a file to work, " work on it and submit it tomorrow." I caught the file mid air, feeling the contents,“What is it?” I asked, curious piqued despite my wariness.“It’s a project for one of our biggest clients,” Bianca said, leaning forward. “I expect you to review the numbers, make sure everything is in order, and hav