14

14

Anna straightened her posture, her chin held high, and without a word, she turned on her heel and walked away. Each step was confident and deliberate, her head held high as she moved through the crowd, leaving Michael to stew in his own humiliation. The room remained silent as she exited, her presence commanding respect, the strength of her actions speaking louder than any words could have.

Michael burned with anger, he brought out his phone and dialed a number. “ hello, find out who's funding Anna's businesses. Now!” He said on the phone and hung up the call. He stormed off.

****

Anna re-entered the winery, her heart still racing from the confrontation with Michael. The adrenaline was slowly ebbing away, leaving her feeling slightly unsettled. She scanned the room for Xavier, but he was nowhere to be seen. A growing sense of unease settled over her as she searched the crowded venue, her earlier confidence wavering.

After a few minutes of fruitless searching, Anna decided to call h