All Chapters of Second Chance At Love: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Alex frowned as he looked over the pile of documents between us. "This proposal from PharrellTech for the Wilson Renewables Project is a lot more aggressive than I expected."I nodded grimly. "They seem determined to undercut us at every turn to try to score this lucrative contract.""Walk me through their pricing strategy," he said, mouth set in a hard line. "How are they able to come in so far below our projections?"Pulling up the detailed analysis I'd prepared, I clicked through the key slides. "From what I can gather, PharrellTech is willing to take an initial loss by slashing their Phase 1 implementation fees nearly in half."Alex's eyes narrowed. "Surely they can't keep up those razor-thin margins for the full multi-year rollout, can they?""That's the gamble they're making," I explained. "Get their foot in the door with Wilson at any cost. Then once they're embedded, they'll try to nickel and dime their way to profitability with endless boosted 'service fees' and 'consulting c

Why was Alex texting me instead of being at the dinner? Had it gone that poorly, or was something else up?I turned my head towards Celine. "I have to go. Mr. Hernandez needs me.""Oh, there's no way you can go see him like this! Just text back saying you have a family emergency so you don't jeopardize your job.""You really think he'd buy that excuse? Let me just go. I can handle it.""If you say so," Celine relented reluctantly. "I'll have your dress laundered and drop it off at the office tomorrow. Thanks for the heart-to-heart, babe.""Anytime, and don't forget to call me if you even think he's going to start getting shady on you.""It's branded into my brain," she assured me as I managed to get up and leave the bar.The cool night air hit my flushed cheeks as I hailed a cab to Alex's place. I decided to try and get myself together during the ride, inhaling and exhaling deeply, and letting the breeze calm my nerves a bit. After a few minutes, I finally arrived at the house. It t

The detective gave a firm knock before entering Celine's hospital room. He had a no-nonsense air about him as he addressed us."Mr. Hernandez, Ms. McDermott. I’m Detective Rogers, in charge of investigating the assault on Ms. Roberts. Let's get down to it - fill me in on what you know."Rogers pulled out a notebook, pen ready to jot down details. He fixed his gaze on me intently. "Ms. McDermott, walk me through your connection to the victim and how you became aware of this incident."I took a steadying breath. "Celine and I only recently became friends through working together at Mr. Hernandez's company."The detective gave a curt nod for me to proceed as he made some initial notes."A few days ago, I saw the first real signs of trouble," I went on carefully. "It was her boyfriend, Louis. I know it."Rogers' eyes sharpened at this, his jaw tensing slightly. "Did you directly witness him acting violently towards her?"Throat tightening, I pulled out my phone and queued up the unsettli

I gently approached my mom after what seemed like hours. “You should go home and try to get some rest,” I suggested. “You have been through so much already.My mom shook her head adamantly. “I can’t leave. Not until we know Celine is fine.”I persisted. “But you will be no good to anyone if you’re exhausted. “I’ll stay here and they can update me on any developments. Reluctantly, my mom finally agreed. “Alright, but you have to promise to call the second you hear any news.”“Of course, Mom. I swear it,” I assured her giving her a hug. “Now please, go home and at least try to sleep for a couple hours.”I watched as my mom dragged her feet and made her way to the hospital exit. Now alone in the hospital waiting area, I tried to stay awake and alert for any updates. But my head began nodding despite my best efforts, jet-lagged from the emotional whiplash. I jerked awake with a start each time, silently cursing myself for succumbing to exhaustion.I didn't even realize when a new figu

Time just kept dragging by painfully slow as I couldn't concentrate on anything. Not knowing what was going to happen to me was making me crazy. My eyes were fixed on the entrance, jumping to my feet every time I heard a sound, and totally wishing he would finally show up.As closing time was approaching and he still wasn't there, I felt completely torn - should I just go home and risk looking like I didn't care at all, or stick around despite my rising anxiety levels? After battling with myself, I ultimately decided waiting was the smartest choice.At exactly 8 pm I received a call from him asking me to come drive him home so I hurried there. When I got there I couldn’t find him right away so I began searching the bar and calling his number until his ringtone led me to where he was. He was completely wasted"Alex?" I said cautiously as I approached where he sat all slumped over."Well if it isn't daughter of Eve herself. What are you doing here?” he slurred, swatting my hand away whe