"Alright. Marcus, go back to school now. I'll take care of things at the hospital."Xoan suddenly realized Marcus had skipped class to come here, and his temper flared up immediately."No. I'm staying here to look after him. You should head back to the office since it's busy there," Marcus retorted, refusing to back down."Enough, you two. I'm currently unemployed, so let me handle him. Go on, both of you," Henry cut in, his words carrying the most weight.Xoan nodded in agreement.Xoan drove Marcus back to the campus. As they pulled up, Marcus spotted a familiar figure."Isn't that Zyra?"Yaslyn gasped, recognition washing over her face.There she was, hand entwined with that of a young man, making their way toward the school entrance.Marcus knew him. He was a notorious bully in the school—good-looking but troubled."Is Zyra dating now?" Yaslyn blurted before snapping her mouth shut. How could Zyra possibly move on so quickly when it was common knowledge that she had feelin
"In terms of educational background, everyone here graduated from top-tier universities. The two supervisors seated before you are both exceptional talents from Imperial Capital University."As for accomplishments, you haven't produced anything particularly noteworthy. I checked out your Christmas limited edition jewelry, and its mediocre sales weren't exactly a fluke," Yaslyn pointedly addressed Yollanda. Yaslyn's words struck Yollanda, instantly shattering her long-held self-confidence.Yollanda suddenly felt like a clown attempting to show off her skills, only to shoot herself in the foot."Yaslyn, we're all colleagues. How could you say such things about me?"The innocent Yollanda looked even more fragile as she fought back tears. The male colleagues around them started to pity her.Seizing Yollanda's emotional vulnerability, Yaslyn continued, "Ms. Stewart, you resort to crying when you can't win an argument? Is that what you've learned here at the Warren Group?"Yollanda f
Many employees in the company were familiar with Yaslyn. They vaguely remembered that a man had appeared out of nowhere previously, claiming Yaslyn was his wife, only for it to be a joke.However, seeing the woman cry so genuinely, it seemed Yaslyn could actually be at fault for ruining someone's marriage.Most of the colleagues spectated and observed the unfolding drama. Yaslyn alone stood close by, appearing unbothered.Realizing she had become a spectacle, the woman restrained her tears and stood up."What's your deal? You clearly seduced my husband first, so why are you silent now? Feeling guilty?"Observing her pitiful tears, Yaslyn deduced that the woman did not come to cause trouble out of malice. Her husband had indeed likely strayed."Tell me, who is your husband?" Yaslyn asked, anticipating yet another domestic dispute she had to navigate."My husband is a key employee in your company. The leader of the Technical Department—Troy Collins!"The woman used the words her
"How could it possibly be mine? I've changed my account a long time ago."Yollanda looked at the people around her with an innocent face as if she had been unjustly accused."Let me see... Oh, Yollanda's WhatsApp profile really has changed. Could it be that she didn't do it?"Doubt crept into some coworkers' minds. Everything seemed settled, but suddenly, everything was up in the air.A colleague who had long considered Yollanda crafty saw through it all."Who knows? Yollanda is always busy mingling with various men. I wonder if she's ever spared a thought for Troy."Yollanda's face turned pale. "What nonsense are you spouting?""Whether it's nonsense or not, all our colleagues can clearly see through it. I'm not even in your department, so I'm not afraid of retaliation. You've been involved with more than one man, right?"The colleague, familiar to Yaslyn, was an assertive young woman named Ruth Quintero. She was a recent college graduate who worked in the operations departmen
The toll of time had erased her youthful beauty. When someone more appealing came along, past promises were forgotten. An aging wife simply could not compete with a more attractive woman.Yaslyn patted her on the shoulder. "You can't tolerate cheating. Consider divorce."The woman sighed deeply. "How can I divorce him? We have a young child at home. I have to stay married for the child's sake."As she spoke, she seemed to remember something and stood up. "I have to get back and feed the baby. Sorry for the intrusion."She offered a simple, sincere smile, and the women around her sighed, lamenting her unfortunate marriage.The woman's husband had not uttered a single word throughout the situation. He fled the office when he heard his wife had arrived and had yet to return.Yaslyn initially considered asking Xoan to fire the irresponsible man. However, she did not want to cause further suffering for the woman and her child, so she restrained herself.After the ordeal, Yaslyn went
Sheldon spoke up for Yaslyn during the executive meeting, even going so far as to give her his seat and help take care of Steven. He really had matured."Where should we go next? Back to the Warren family?"Xoan's gaze darkened instantly. "We're going to find Yerick and get some answers.""You've arranged to meet Yerick?" Yaslyn asked, visibly surprised."I just called him, and we agreed to meet at seven tonight."Yaslyn felt a knot tighten in her stomach, uncertain of Yerick's intentions. "I should go with you, then. It'll be safer.""Alright."Xoan drove Yaslyn to the agreed-upon location—a café near their company. As soon as they entered, they instantly recognized Yerick, who wore sunglasses and dressed modestly.They walked over and noticed two cups of steaming hot coffee had already been set on the table."What's going on, Xoan? What did you want to talk about?" Yerick asked.Yaslyn responded with a cold smile. "Isn't it a bit hypocritical to ask that now, Yerick?""Hyp
Yaslyn frowned as she looked Henry in the eye. "How could I be? Have you ever seen a company president with as much free time as me?"Though crudely put, her words made sense, and Henry abandoned the thought, returning to his downcast mood."You may encounter Spencer when we get to the company. Try to be in good spirits. He's a bit odd, and I worry that you might…"Yaslyn hesitated, but Henry understood her meaning completely. He suddenly grew anxious.Upon arriving, Yaslyn observed how everyone resisted the urge to greet her formally, making her want to chuckle. She had called Wade earlier and forbade anyone at Mango Tree Entertainment from addressing her as 'president'—a directive that appeared to be effective.First, Yaslyn led Henry to the office, where Mango Tree Entertainment's interim CEO—Harrison Zoer—was waiting. When Harrison saw Yaslyn, he seemed lost for words."Is there something you need?" Harrison seemed thrown off, unsure how to address Yaslyn since he could not r
Yaslyn burst into a light chuckle as she finally understood why Xoan looked so unhappy. He was jealous!"Xoan, you're acting like a child," Yaslyn commented.Xoan had always displayed a demeanor of maturity and composure, with perhaps an occasional hint of ruthlessness. It was surprising to see him bicker like a child.Continuing from where he left off, he replied, "Come home with me."Xoan, noticing the mischievous smile on Yaslyn's face, felt even more irritated. Without exchanging pleasantries, he grabbed her arm and led her away.Behind them, Harrison was more intrigued by the words 'girlfriend' than anything else. Realizing that the notoriously icy Yaslyn had a boyfriend who was also the president of the Warren Group, he considered it valuable information.Harrison gleefully roamed the office, spreading the news like wildfire throughout the company.Yaslyn, who was dragged into the car by Xoan, sensed a chilling shift in the atmosphere."What's your relationship with that
Whitey glanced back and forth between them, shaking her head. "You two are a mystery."Suddenly, Doniel stood and waved Whitey over. "Hey, Whitey. Come here for a second."Confused but compliant, Whitey walked over.In a swift move, Doniel took her hand. With a smug look at Matheo, he announced, "I'm taking Whitey off your hands for a bit."Matheo's expression turned steely. "What's your game?""Don't sweat it, she'll be back soon."With that, Doniel led Whitey out.They reached a more secluded spot before Doniel finally released her hand. "Whitey, you're not hurt, right?"Whitey shook her head, twirling in front of him to prove her point. "See? I'm totally fine."Doniel reached out and gently tapped her forehead. "Someone hit you, didn't they? Your face is still swollen, and here you are, telling me it's nothing."Whitey playfully stuck out her tongue. "I just didn't want you to worry. Besides, I'm not the one who got seriously hurt. It was Matheo.""I know. Matheo really d
"Don't make that call!" Whitey screamed in a panic.A harsh slap struck her face as the ringleader yelled, "Shut it, woman! Who said you could talk?"The man, not satisfied after hitting her, gave in to his fury and kicked her. However, before he knew it, Matheo, who was standing nearby, had silently moved behind him. Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed as Matheo snapped the man's fingers with raw force.Matheo wrapped his arms around Whitey and quickly retreated."I can't take it! I'm done. I don't want anything else. Just do it!"The ringleader was seething with rage, the throbbing in his fingers ruining his will to fight Matheo.A few thugs had been itching for a reason to go after Matheo, and they wasted no time grabbing their weapons and launching an assault.Matheo fought back while dragging Whitey out of harm's way, but as the fight dragged on, he started losing ground.A vicious knife cut to Matheo's leg sent him tumbling down with a grunt."Matheo!"Whitey crouched beside
Whitey shook her head. She did not have a clue, and even if she could guess, she did not know what to do about it."I was actually about to..."Before Matheo could finish, a deafening crash rang out.Startled, Whitey clapped her hands over her ears. Matheo wrapped her in his arms and glanced at the rear window.A random stone had shattered the car's back glass, leaving a gaping hole.The chaos erupted out of nowhere, catching both of them off guard. They had been deep in conversation when suddenly, a line of cars barricaded the road, trapping them.Matheo gently patted her head, a silent plea for calm.Whitey, frantic, nodded and fumbled for her phone, only to find it had mysteriously powered down."Stay put in the car and don't worry," Matheo said, handing her his phone."If things go south, call the cops, call anyone."He was ready to step out and face the unknown threat head-on.Whitey protested. "Matheo, we don't know what we're dealing with. Don't just rush out there."
Whitey was back to her usual routine—classes by day, radio station by night. However, she had a luxury she did not have previously. A private car service, ensuring her safety was never in question.Doniel's lips were sealed, not breathing a word of her injury to anyone. Except for Matheo, who had somehow stumbled upon the secret.That night, after her radio gig, Whitey stepped out expecting to see the familiar pink sports car tucked away in its usual spot. However, it was nowhere in sight.Moreover, he had not even bothered to call her. A knot of worry formed in her stomach. Did something happen to him?Whitey had called his number three, maybe four times, but got nothing.As she was wrestling with her thoughts, a familiar yet unsettling figure approached her.Matheo.Why was he there?Nobody knew about Whitey's job at the radio station except Doniel."Doniel's tied up today, so I'm your ride," Matheo said.Alarm bells rang in Whitey's head. How did Matheo know about Doniel
The nurse nodded, gesturing for Doniel to give them some space.Once the bandaging was complete, Doniel returned with a treat—Whitey's beloved chocolate cupcakes."For you. Why didn't you say it hurt? He was so rough, and yet you asked me not to hold it against him."Whitey, her mouth full of frosting, mumbled a reply. "It's not that bad. Besides, you two are usually on good terms. Why fight over pointless things because of me?"Doniel tapped her head gently. "You're such a goof. What are you even talking about? Meaningless things?""I just thought that you two grew up together, so it'd be a shame to fall out over something so small, right?"Doniel huffed, "I never really cared for him, you know.""Okay, let's figure out a plan B. This mess means I might be stuck in the hospital longer, so I'm counting on you to smooth things over back home."Doniel looked at her with a teasing grin. "Relax, I've got this."Somehow, Whitey could always pick up a strange vibe from his smile, an
Whitey was injured, and Doniel rushed her to the hospital that very night. It was just a slash on her arm, but Doniel was beside himself with worry.Watching Whitey grit her teeth through the stitching, Doniel's face turned a shade of stormy gray. "I'll track down that driver's family if it's the last thing I do!"Whitey winced in pain, but seeing Doniel's fury, she tried to soothe him. "Really, it's not so bad."Doniel looked at her bandaged arm. "Thirteen stitches, Whitey. If you're not in pain, I'm in pain for both of us."Whitey was always the center of attention—a princess who was doted on from the day she was born. She had never experienced an injury as severe as that. As Doniel reached for his phone to call Whitey's parents, she quickly stopped him with a hand gesture, wincing as she accidentally grazed her wound, "Please don't call them. They'll just scold me again if they find out.""I told you to let me drive you home. Now, look at what happened because you didn't li
Whitey gripped the edge of her skirt, a new kind of worry blooming in her chest.'What if Matheo was…'She shuddered at the thought, her mind a garden where fears grew into giant oaks, so tall and dark that they scared her.Looking up again, Whitey's eyes widened as she noticed the taxi had taken a wrong turn, heading into unfamiliar territory.In the rearview mirror, she caught a glimpse of the driver's unsettling smirk.Taking a cab late at night was proving to be a bad idea, her heart racing with fear. If only she had accepted a ride from Doniel, none of that would happen. Regret washed over her as she scrambled for her phone, desperate to call for help.Sensing her panic, the driver floored it to a secluded spot and then abruptly stopped the car.Whitey's head snapped forward, hitting the seat, and as the world spun, her phone slipped from her grasp. Then, the driver was toying with her phone, his grin wide and wicked."Planning to call the cops or a friend, sweetheart?""
As time swiftly marched on, three years went by.Whitey nailed her entrance exam into the top university in Jefferson City—Jefferson City University.As for the others, Caleb turned 30, tied the knot, had kids, and took control of Sheldon's international ventures. He and his family packed up and moved overseas, while the rest stayed back."Thanks for tuning into 'Moonlit Wishes,' your go-to spot for all things heartfelt. I'm your host, Macie."At the stroke of ten, Macie's soothing voice filled the evening airwaves."Let's hear from our first caller tonight. Hey there, sir, what's on your mind?"Macie's voice was soothing, soft yet strong enough to coax secrets from the most guarded of hearts."Here's the thing, Macie. I've been head over heels for this girl, but she's always kept me at arm's length, saying I haven't done enough. However, today, I caught her in another guy's arms. What gives?"The man's voice quivered with barely concealed tears, slurred slightly by alcohol.M
"So, just because you're into him, you decide to set me up? How does that make any sense?"Whitey could not help but find her logic almost laughable."Because I noticed he always had a soft spot for you, jealousy clouded my judgment, and that's why I..."Jade inhaled deeply, as if bracing herself for what was to come. "Well, you've uncovered the truth, so there's no point in hiding anything. Punish me however you see fit."What was the point in pleading guilty then?Jade stood there, a mix of defiance and dignity, stubborn even in the face of her mistake.Whitey was not looking to lay blame. "I'm not going to take this to the principal, and I won't breathe a word of it to anyone else. However, as of today, our friendship is done. I'll find a new place to sit when we get back."Whitey let out a tired sigh. "There's something else you should know. He's got a girlfriend now."Jade's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, are you two an item now?""No, I'm not the one he's dating."Wi