“CEO Alan is here sir. It's time for your meeting with him.” Hardy informs Kingsley. He is seated in his office sofa, in a reclining position trying to rest his aching head after the rigorous brainstorming he had put it through.“Let him in,” Kingsley replies, getting up and walking to sit in his executive chair behind the office table.“Mr Wills, how do you do? It's been a while.” CEO Alan greets, extending his hand for a handshake immediately he is ushered into the office by Hardy.“I am well, Mr. Alan; welcome,” Kingsley replies courteously, taking CEO Alan's hand.“This is my secretary, Cordelia.” Alan introduces Cordelia, who had been standing beside him and smiling politely all along.“You're both welcome, please sit.” “Thank you.” Alan and Cordelia chorus, taking the double seat in front of Kingsley's table.“Thank you for honoring my invitation the other night, and I am sorry the evening didn't go as planned,” Alan states slightly raising an eyebrow and starting the conversat
Evelyn slouches on her living room sofa, a bowl of popcorn and a glass of orange juice by her side while she sees her favorite weekend TV series.After a challenging week of running around with other team members, making sure the Mist project is on track, and then getting involved in a minor accident, a quiet evening alone seems like a good way to rejuvenate her energy before another crazy work week sets in.Her mind would occasionally wander, and she'd find herself imagining the tall, athletic body she'd seen the previous day.She wonders why he hasn't reached out to her. She had been tempted to call him like a thousand times but her ego wouldn't let her make the first move. “Oh boy,” she soliloquies, adjusting her position on the sofa and smiling to herself. “That guy knows how to put a good look together. Such a hottie!” She concludes, shaking her head vigorously as if that will make the image of John fall off her brain.At the end of the series, she heaves and decides to take a
“Hello Rachel, I need your help.” Cordelia speaks into her cell phone immediately her call is connected, her tone firm.“No pleasantries? This is unlike you Cordelia. Is all well? Rachel asks, curiosity etched in her tone.“I am in a tight spot, and I don't know what to do.” “What happened?” Cordelia stands, running her hand through her hair, roughly in frustration. “I told you about the new project we pitched to Wills Corporation for investment, didn't I?” “Yeah, you did. Did the investment fall through?” “Yeah, almost and it's my fault. Alan is out for me because of it. You know how he can get. I just need suggestions on how to go about the whole thing. I really can't think of anything to salvage the situation.” Cordelia explains to her friend and confidant.“Babe, you need to tell me what happened in order for me to help you, okay?” Rachel states, genuinely ready to help her friend.“I'll give you the whole gist when we meet. But the summary is Kingsley Wills decided to invest
Linda walks slowly to the hospital parking lot with an unsteady gait, her feet dragging. Her shoulders slump, and her eyes downcast in evident sadness at the sight she just witnessed.After giving the lunch basket to Fred, she left the rest area to return to her office.But on second thought, she decided to go back and see her crush eating the lunch she gifted him. She reckoned the sight would be fulfilling. She'd keep him company and poke silly jokes while he ate.And the best part is, it will draw them closer.With a mischievous smile, she turned back towards the rest area in time to see him leave the room, holding the lunch basket. He went in the opposite direction from her.Linda stopped, her eyebrows creased in curiosity, wondering where was headed. “That is not the way to his office.” She soliloquies and starts following him from a safe distance.Fred entered the children's ward of the hospital and Linda began to worry If the man planned to eat while working. “His shift is over
“We will. Thank you.” John replies, nodding at the waitress who takes her leave immediately.“Mmmmm,” Evelyn moans sweetly, savoring the taste of the rich spirit in her mouth.John smiles, amused by the look on her perfect oval face. “Tastes good, yeah?” “Of course, and the place looks great as well. Are you a regular here?” She asks, squinting her eyes in curiosity.“No, I am not, but I have been here once, and as you say, it's a great place,” John replies, looking around and nodding in satisfaction. “So, I figured it would suit a great young lady like yourself.” He concludes, looking at her squarely.“Oh, you do know how to sweet talk a lady, don't you?” Evelyn remarks, looking away shyly and patting her face with the back of her hand to hide her blush. Her eyes sparkle with laughter as she looks at him, her cheeks flushing. She continues, “You're making me blush,” in a voice that is almost inaudible above a whisper.John laughs, crinkling the corners of his eyes. He leans slightl
Louisa's expression darkens, her guard rising. Her eyes narrows and her brows crease with surprise. She refuses to speak for a few seconds. When she finds her voice, it sounds hoarse even to her ears. “ I do not entertain personal questions on a business visit, Mr Wills,” she replies.“How about we speak on the business at hand?” She asks, instinctively avoiding the question.It is just her luck that the very issue that she is most afraid of is exactly why Kingsley has called her in, this morning.She should have suspected this when she got his summon. There isn't any new development about Mist that would need discussion or deliberation on.“But the most professional Miss Emerson couldn't ignore the summon of her investor,” she mutters sarcastically in her mind, mentally rolling her eyes.She came running here like a dutiful servant only to be placed on a hot seat.So, he had his suspicions about Liam the other day. No wonder he looks ready to pounce.But try as he can, she is not r
Louisa's eyes open in surprise and her palm becomes sweaty as she grips the phone tightly. “Who is this?” She queries.“You know exactly who this is, Louisa.” The low deep voice on the other end responds confidently, taking her by surprise.Louisa's heart races as she recognizes Kingsley's voice.“This guy never gives up, does he?” She asks herself inwardly and takes a deep breath to calm her racing heart.“I have nothing to hide, Mr Wills. If there's something else I can help you with, please……..” Louisa starts saying, but she suddenly hears a beep, which signals that Kingsley has dropped the call, cutting her off. She breathes out loudly, ruffles her hair in frustration, and storms out of her office angrily.“When is he going to run out of ways of getting on her nerves? Really? Why bother calling if he was going to cut her off like that?” Louisa keeps muttering to herself as she walks. She glances at the phone in her left hand and angrily shuts it down in case he decides to call h
Louisa quickly makes her way to CEO Ashby's office, after excusing herself from Evelyn. She wonders what prompted the sudden summons.With her heels clicking on the glossy floor, Louisa rushes down the hallway. After speaking with Evelyn, she was unable to get rid of her uneasiness. What would CEO Ashby want?With a tinge of relief on his face, Ashby looks up from the papers on his desk as she walks into his office."Thanks for coming, Louisa. I've spent the last hour attempting to get in touch with you.""I'm sorry, sir," Louisa replies. I just returned from a business meeting. What is this about?”Ashby reclines in his seat. "I need an update on the project you're working on. How far along is the marketing plan?”Understanding that it is merely a standard check in, Louisa relaxes. "Sir, we're on schedule. The campaign proposals are being finalized by the team. I will forward the report to you.”Ashby nods in satisfaction. "Well.The board has been putting pressure on me to reach th
Kingsley's lavish mansion is illuminated by the golden rays of the setting sun, creating a fascinating atmosphere for Liam's fifth birthday celebration. Music, laughter, and the vivid hues of balloons and streamers fills the garden. With endless energy, a few children run around, their laughter mingling with the gentle murmur of adult conversation. With his arm loosely around Louisa's waist in a romantic manner, Kingsley steps close to the imposing fountain. They share a look that says it all: years of hardships, miscommunications, and heartache has brought them to this point, stronger and more in love than ever. Their entire world revolves around their baby, Liam, and this day is a celebration of both his life and their family's tenacity. As she watches Liam blow out his candles in front of his young buddies, Louisa murmurs, "Look at him," in a proud tone. "He's very happy. So deserving, he has been a strong boy.” Kingsley answers with a gentle kiss on her temple. "Just
"Martha?" Louisa calls in a scarcely discernible whisper. Martha stands there with a serene face and inquisitive gaze. "Louisa," she says quietly. Louisa feels fear take hold of her chest. How did Martha even know her house? Yeah well, she probably asked Evelyn. But why did she have to visit now of all times? Kingsley is inside her house, even though she had assured Martha that she would let go of him only a few hours earlier. Martha may misinterpret things if she sees him with her. But before Louisa can come up with an excuse, to dismiss Martha or go out with her, Kingsley speaks. "Who is it?" The sound of Kingsley's footsteps approaching was followed by his voice coming from behind her. Louisa's face becomes pale as she turns slightly. "It is….” When Kingsley comes into view, he spots Martha standing at the door, and his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Martha?" Martha's expression is unreadable as her eyes darts between them. Now knowing the reason for Louisa's sh
Kingsley's heart races in his chest as he stands outside Louisa's apartment. He had been pacing his living room for hours, struggling with his feelings. Ultimately, though, he knows he has to speak with Louisa. They have to be together, no matter what happens. Louisa's face changes from surprise to a kind of reserved resignation as she opens the door. Silently, she moves out of the way to let him in. "Daddy!" Before Kingsley can speak, Liam's voice calls excitedly, his face lighting up with unbridled excitement as he rushes into Kingsley's legs. Kingsley kneels down and embraces Liam tightly. "Hey son. You were missed.” "I also missed you! Will you be here for dinner? Liam questions, hope glimmering in his eyes. With a gentle giggle, Kingsley runs a hand through Liam's hair. "No son, not tonight. But you need to go spend some time playing in your room, okay? I must speak with your mother.” Liam pauses, looking from one parent to the other. "All right, but promise y
Fred had been getting ready for the evening all day. He had selected one of the best bars in the city, renowned for its quiet jazz, cozy atmosphere, and wine selection that would please even the pickiest connoisseur. He had gone above and beyond by placing an advance order for Linda's favorite meal and a bottle of wine that she had mentioned in passing months prior during a conversation at work. Fred is early, straightening his tie and gazing around the table he had reserved at the window, which overlooks the lights of the city. It has to be flawless. Fred's breath sticks in his throat as Linda enters, looking stunning. She accessorized her figure-hugging black dress with subtle jewelry that gleams in the low light. Fred's pulse skips a beat as her hair falls over her shoulders and she walks with assurance. Her voice is pleasant, yet tinged with suspicion as she says, "Fred. It looks so good in here, " as she looks around, admiring the bar. Fred gets up and drags her
Standing before Martha's hotel suite door, Louisa pauses. She knocks softly after her knuckles briefly hover over the glossy wood. The door opens as the faint sound of footfall nears, and Martha appears, her face instantly changing from one of surprise to one of cautious mistrust. "Louisa?" Martha's hand tightens on the doorframe as she speaks sharply. "How are you aware of my lodging arrangements?" Louisa smiles slightly, disarmingly. "Martha, you're my friend. Even if you don't want me to, I would be aware of your location. Martha pauses, obviously surprised by the answer, but her skepticism remains unshaken. Reluctantly, she moves aside to let Louisa in. It is a tidy, impersonal room, the sort of transitory place that is less like a home and more like a waiting room. Louisa calmly and deliberately sits down in one of the window-facing chairs. Martha crosses her arms and stays upright. "Louisa, why are you here?" Martha speaks in a clipped tone. "You're wasting
Although Louisa is hardly aware of it, the R&D department at Palmer Tech is bustling as usual. The cursor on her computer screen is blinking impatiently as she sits at her desk and stares blankly. Her team is busy around her, talking about testing plans and prototypes, but their voices are muffled by the flurry of ideas racing through her head. "Miss Emerson?" A hesitant voice pierces her fog. One of her less experienced developers, Carter, is clutching a tablet. "I want to present the project's revised design specifications to you. I believe we've resolved the—” "Have you checked it again?" Louisa abruptly interrupts him with a snap. Carter blinks in surprise at her tone. "Yeah, but I figured you'd like to—" "Why bring it to me if you think it is good enough? Carter, do your job. I don't have time to obsess over every little thing.” There is silence in the room. Carter takes a step back, holding the iPad as her crew exchange suspicious looks. “I apologize. I'll che
With her mind full of unrelenting thoughts, Louisa frantically packs Liam's school bag as the morning light streams through the curtains. Simultaneously, her hands tucked in a folder of his drawings, a lunchbox, and a water bottle. With his unlimited enthusiasm, Liam, who is already wearing his school uniform, dances about the living room behind her. "Mom! I'm ready!” Liam yells. Louisa looks at the clock and says, "Just a minute, sweetheart." They are late. The doorbell rings as she zips the bag closed and sets it on the table. "I'll get it, Mom!" Liam shouts and runs to the door. "Hold on, Liam!" Louisa begins, but he has already flung it open. "Uncle Hardy!" Liam shouts, his voice full of happiness. "You're here!" Louisa's forehead furrows as she turns. Hardy's towering body fills the entryway as he stands there. There is a glimmer of something in his eyes that Louisa can't quite identify, but he is grinning as usual. "Hey, Liam!" Hardy ruffles his hair. "Ho
Evelyn rests her head on John's chest as she nestles up against him on his soft sofa. Soft music hums in the background and the room is filled with the warmth of the fireplace. John put an arm around her, his fingers idly making patterns on her shoulder while they laughed quietly at a ridiculous story from the day before. However, when the laughing subsides, John becomes aware of Evelyn's aloof expression. He tilts his head to gaze at her and remarks, "You're quiet tonight," gently. "Are you still concerned about us? Or is it about my family again?” With a slight smile on her lips, Evelyn shakes her head. "No, John, you are everything I desire, and regarding your family, I have already made up my mind. I will do whatever it takes to defend our love. That matter has been resolved.” John's hand moves to tuck a stray hair behind her ear as his lips form an excited smile. "That's my girl. As courageous and unyielding as ever.” His voice lowers to a playful whisper as he plants
The rumpled blankets are evidence of Kingsley's restless night as he sleeps, sprawled over his bed. Except for the dim golden light that filters through the borders, the room is dark and subdued, due to the closed drapes. The floor is littered with empty champagne bottles, a silent reminder of his fruitless attempts to block out his thoughts. His tie dangles loosely from the bedpost, and his suit jacket is crumpled in one area. He is startled out of his wits by a knock on the door. Unwilling to confront anyone, he moans, but the knock is louder this time. "Boss? It's Hardy. Are you inside?” Kingsley rubs his hand over his scruffy face and mumbles a curse. "Come in," he rasps at last. With a creak, the door opens, and Hardy enters, his worried features inscribed on his face. He looks around the room right away, soaking in the commotion. The bottles, the messy bed, and his boss's rumpled appearance present a picture that is very different from the calm and authoritat