Chapter 45 A Bet"Fire!"Someone shouted, and the room erupted into chaos as everyone rushed for the exit.The office was on the eighth floor, so the elevators were obviously out of the question. They discovered that the fire had reached the fourth floor as they ran downstairs. Thick smoke blocked the view of the stairwell, and the choking fumes were unbearable.The group had no choice but to go back.Yaslyn did not follow the others downstairs. Turning back, she saw Xoan standing beside her, holding two towels dampened with water."Use these, so you don't inhale the smoke."Yaslyn dialed the emergency line on her phone. Upon seeing the panicked crowd, she raised her voice."Everyone, don't panic! Getting anxious is useless, and it could put you in danger. If you don't want to get hurt, listen to me."The group looked up in fear but chose to trust Yaslyn's words."Everyone, get a towel or cloth. Wet them before covering your nose and mouth. Also, get yourselves as wet as possible to av
Chapter 48 Opposing TeamsYaslyn's interest was piqued. "But what?"Andy looked around to see if anyone was listening to their conversation before whispering, "The host is a fan of Henry Warren. Since you previously filmed a video with Henry as a couple, you'll most likely be a target."Yaslyn did not care about that. On the contrary, she was looking forward to the interview that afternoon. "Well, then. Let's see what she has up her sleeves."Sure enough, the TV station sent someone to interview Yaslyn at three in the afternoon. The host was in a body-hugging suit, showing off her slender figure.The men in the office ogled at her, wishing it was them being interviewed by her.The host instantly felt threatened when she saw Yaslyn looking extremely beautiful and graceful.So, she was her love rival."Hello, I'm Nadia Osborne. I'll be interviewing you today."Yaslyn smiled and nodded. "Hello. I'm Yaslyn Lyon.""If you don't mind, we'll get right into the interview."Nadia looked at the
The man looked around twenty years old, with rugged features and eyes brimming with warmth."What's your name?"Rowan Yackley smiled gently. "You can call me Mr. Yackley."Yaslyn asked solemnly, "Why do you want to come along?""Like you, I have flight experience. Two would fare better than one.Yaslyn agreed, sensing his honesty.The pilots were extremely anxious. As newly appointed crew with little experience, they were about to break down.The pilot frowned when he saw Rowan and Yaslyn entering the cockpit."What are you youngsters doing here?" he scolded, "This is no place for you to be. Get back to your seats!"Yaslyn stepped forward patiently. "Captain, I have flight experience. May I try maneuvering the plane?""You? You're too young! Get back to your seat!""How can you determine I'm incapable without letting me try? The plane is clearly malfunctioning and about to crash. Are you willing to jeopardize everyone's lives?"Yaslyn had no patience to convince him politel
Yaslyn rolled her eyes helplessly. Unfortunately, she was no match for Xoan's strength and could only stay put.Rowan stopped chatting with Yaslyn and returned to his seat to rest.They soon arrived in Boise City. Xoan and Yaslyn parted ways with Rowan when they left the plane."I just realized we never got Mr. Yackley's name."Xoan glared at Yaslyn. "Oh? You want to know his name that badly?"Yaslyn continued, completely oblivious to his sarcasm. "Well, of course. We fought side by side, after all. I'm quite curious about his identity."Side by side indeed.Xoan looked away and ignored her.Unexpectedly, Yaslyn caught sight of that familiar face again at the check-in counter when they arrived at the hotel."Mr. Yackley, what a coincidence."Turning back and seeing Xoan and Yaslyn approach him, Rowan's face lit up with a sunny smile. "You're here as well. What a coincidence indeed."Yaslyn asked curiously, "I still don't know your name, Mr. Yackley."Rowan chuckled. "It's R
'York?'Xoan and Yaslyn looked at each other, instantly understanding who was behind it."I didn't expect York to do this. Does he really think I wouldn't dare to make a move against him?"Yaslyn angrily clenched her teeth. If it were not for Xoan, she probably would have been hurt by the thug."Can I leave now?"The thug slowly stood up, wanting to slip away. However, Xoan kicked him in the knee, making him fall again.Xoan hissed, "You attempted rape. You will be held accountable for your actions."The man cried, "Hey! I've already told you who's behind this. Just let me go!"Yaslyn glared at him. "Say one more word, and it won't be as simple as just jail time."The man was frightened and shut his mouth.Yaslyn called the police to take the thug to the station. Then, she tidied up, preparing to deal with York after the meeting.Xoan and Yaslyn met in a private room on the hotel's first floor. When Yaslyn walked in, she saw a familiar man standing across from her.Rowan sm
After figuring it out, Yaslyn returned to the hotel and knocked on Xoan's door."Xoan, there's something I want to discuss with you."Before Yaslyn could continue, she was interrupted by Xoan."I'm busy right now."Noticing Xoan's bad mood, Yaslyn kept silent.The two stood in stalemate at the door for a while. Xoan seemed to realize his tone was too harsh. Just as he was about to speak, a call suddenly came through.Xoan answered the call. Yerick's voice clearly came through from the other end."Xoan, Sadie's back."Those three words were like a stone thrown into the calm lake, creating ripples in Xoan's heart.Yerick and Sadie had a good relationship as they were university classmates.Without even thinking, Xoan instinctively blurted out, "Where is she? Tell me."It was very quiet, and Yaslyn heard everything clearly.Sadie, the first love he liked for so many years… She was back?It seemed Yerick was right after all. Xoan could not forget her."She's only back for a s
"I hope you take the same liking to the Warren Group as you do to me, Mr. Yackley." Yaslyn answered politely.Rowan smiled. "Alright."After dealing with Rowan, Yaslyn booked the earliest flight back.She returned to the Warren Group to ask for a few days off to return and handle matters at Lukesh Company. However, she bumped right into Xoan."Yaslyn."Yaslyn was irritated by his indifference, asking sarcastically, "Shouldn't you be with your first love? Why are you here?""No, it's not what you think."When he had urgently rushed back, Yerick had told him he had made a mistake, and Sadie was not back yet.Also, his hurried departure was not because he still had feelings for Sadie. It was because he had a question unanswered for years that he needed to face Sadie to resolve.Xoan wanted to explain but was interrupted by Yaslyn."Mr. Warren, there's no need to explain yourself to me. I don't have time to chat about her now."Yaslyn left for the HR department to apply for time
Mr. Reid became interested. "What was your grandfather's name?""Hector Johnston."Mr. Reid reacted as if lightning struck him when he heard his name. He started to tear up."You're Hector's granddaughter? Your grandfather and I were the closest of friends!" Mr. Reid grasped Yaslyn's hand and continued, "You're the Lukesh Company's president, achieving so much success at such a young age. Hector can rest in peace."Yaslyn tentatively asked, "Mr. Reid, about this cooperation— "Before she could finish, Mr. Reid interrupted her. "Of course, I'll cooperate with the Lukesh Company!"His assistant by his side gasped. "President, you can't be so casual about this. We need to be careful before making such a huge decision!"Mr. Reid angrily glared at his assistant. "Are you doubting Yaslyn's capabilities or my judgment?"The assistant shrank back, not daring to speak again.Yaslyn smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Reid.""You're welcome. Do visit us more often when you have the chance. You rea
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