The atmosphere between Yaslyn and Xoan had been notably tense these past few days. Everyone sensed it, although no one mentioned it outright.During a recent meeting, Sadie suggested expanding the company into the perfume industry. It was a proposal that received unanimous approval. Yaslyn was the only one to object, which led to harsh criticism from Xoan, bringing their already frigid relationship to a new low.Xoan handed complete control of the project to Sadie, fueling speculation among the staff. "Could Sadie be the new Mrs. President?" they wondered. However, with Yaslyn still occupying the vice president's chair, no one dared voice this suspicion aloud.In the afternoon, the office was suddenly abuzz with the news that Yaslyn intended to resign.Sadie's desk was close to Yaslyn's. As she approached Yaslyn, she saw her packing her things, her face expressionless. Sadie felt a sense of quiet joy but pretended to show concern. "Ms. Lyon, the president will be so devastated if y
"Our president at Lukesh Group," the assistant calmly clarified, seeing the stunned expressions on everyone's faces.Lukesh Group? The company that shot up to the top three nationwide in just two years? The revelation that Yaslyn was the president of Lukesh Group was beyond inconceivable.Xoan looked at Yaslyn, whose entire demeanor exuded an air of unwavering confidence. His mind drifted back to a week earlier when she came into his office to discuss her departure from the company."Something is off about Sadie. I don't know if you'll believe me, given how much she resembles your first love," Yaslyn had hinted, her eyes betraying a touch of unease.Feeling a pang of regret, Xoan realized he might have neglected Yaslyn's feelings. "I believe you.""Why?" Yaslyn's eyes lit up briefly."The person I'm into now is you. I trust you," Xoan sighed. "Besides, whatever happened with my first love is in the past. It doesn't matter to me anymore."What mattered to him was the inexplicably
Sadie felt uneasy as she contemplated the extent of what Yaslyn could uncover about her. She feared Yaslyn might find her connections with Linton Group, which could lead to her expulsion from the company or even jail time. 140 million dollars were at stake, and a malicious plot against Warren Group could mean imprisonment.Fortunately, Sadie had endeared herself to her colleagues, who began speaking on her behalf as Yaslyn became more confrontational. "Sadie's a great person! She's helped me out a lot," one said."Yeah, she helped me complete a project once," another added."She even covered for me when my son was sick."Yaslyn found the turn of events almost laughable. "So, just because she helped you out, you're defending her without question?"The group retreated slightly, still defiant. "Well, where's your evidence? Sadie is a good person. She couldn't have done such a thing. If anyone's the mole here, it's you—the president of Lukesh Group—sent to undermine Warren Group and m
Yaslyn's face flushed instantly as she met Xoan's eyes, which radiated an air of subtle menace. She emitted a languid and casual hum in response.'Xoan's insights are too keen,' Yaslyn thought to herself, deciding it would be futile to lie. "I didn't reveal my identity because I was afraid you'd think I had ulterior motives. Would you even let me stay at Warren Group if you knew?"Without a moment's hesitation, Xoan replied, "Absolutely.""Alright, then. I guess I misjudged you."However, Xoan's expression did not improve. "So, what's the plan after revealing your identity?"A sense of unease lurked in his heart, fearing Yaslyn would return to her company once her true role as Lukesh Group's president was disclosed.Seeming to read his thoughts, Yaslyn chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm not going back to Lukesh Group."The clouds of uncertainty finally dispersed from Xoan's features.Grinning, Yaslyn looked at Xoan. "So, is your earlier offer still valid? Does Warren Group really belo
Yaslyn was puzzled. "They want to see me?"Nodding, the butler stumbled over his words. "Around ten to fifteen people are out there, looking like bodyguards but dressed in fine clothing. They're definitely not ordinary people."A daring thought suddenly crossed Yaslyn's mind."Ms. Lyon, perhaps you should go and see for yourself." The butler suggested.Concerned about causing any unnecessary trouble for the Warren family, Yaslyn agreed and headed outside. She was met with a crowd of people, among whom the leader finally smiled when he saw her."You must be Ms. Lyon. Mr. Carden mentioned that he had an arrangement with you, and he sent me here to escort you to a certain place."Yaslyn recalled promising Mr. Carden that she would visit the Carden family within a few days. Caught up in various matters, she had delayed it for a month.With a light chuckle, she said, "You must be the butler. Mr. Butler, I apologize for the inconvenience, but I'm currently tied up and can't make it to
After Yaslyn spoke, she looked at Brad's smug face, her expression tinged with a hint of regret.She was pretending.The butler was visibly exasperated. "Mr. Carden, please don't make this any more difficult for me. Could you try persuading Ms. Lyon? This is a direct order from Mr. York Carden. If I fail to complete it, it will get problematic."Impatient but resigned, Brad nodded. "Fine, I got it."Yaslyn looked as though she was about to enjoy a show. "So, what is Mr. Carden planning to say to persuade me?""No persuasion needed. Just come with me," Brad commanded.Yaslyn clicked her tongue in response. "Is that how you ask for a favor?""Yaslyn, I'm not asking you for a favor!"Brad felt as if he were on the verge of being driven mad by this woman. How could one person be so infuriatingly eloquent? Why did he have to be involved?"Fine, enough teasing. Why are you so insistent on getting me to go?" Yaslyn asked, her playful smile disappearing.Brad felt a sudden headache a
The person who arrived was a young man, roughly Brad's age. He was slender, tall, and had fair skin. His eyes exuded clarity and youthfulness. His light chestnut hair and the hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth made him approachable. Yaslyn immediately surmised his identity.If her guess was accurate, this had to be Yale Pearson, Brad's close friend and a prominent figure in the high-society circles of the capital. The Pearson family had significant political influence in the capital, yet Yale himself did not seem so stiff and formal. He exuded a youthful, lively aura instead.Seeing Brad tangled in the flower bed in an amusing state, Yale could not help but tease him, "Oh? So, Mr. Carden is fond of plants and flowers now?"Brad stood up, his behind tingling with discomfort. Suppressing his irritation, he said, "Yaslyn, why did you do that to me?"Frankly, Brad wanted to question why he kicked her. With Yale present, however, he was far too embarrassed to say it outright.Y
"Let you go? Yaslyn, you are my granddaughter, lost and alone out there! How could I bear to let you leave?"Whether York Carden could bear it or not remained to be seen. However, Yaslyn felt that the elderly man in front of her was a bit extreme and not a virtuous man."I don't need the Carden family's protection. I can take care of myself," Yaslyn retorted.A derisive snort emanated from York. "So you don't need the protection of the Carden family. Whose, then? The Warrens'? I've heard you're engaged to that Warren boy. Out of all the good men you could have chosen, you picked one from the Warrens? How could he possibly deserve you?"Yaslyn felt her annoyance solidify into a cold hard fact. York was an authoritarian who tried to constrain her under the guise of care. "Who I'm engaged to is my business. It's the twenty-first century. Are we still arranging marriages?"The boldness of her statements left everyone in the room shocked. Few ever dared to challenge York like this, exc
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