All Chapters of Bound By Blood, Torn By Love : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The alarm clock cried with its digital face displaying the cruel hour of 6. AM. Julie moaned, turning away from the metallic buzzing. The weight of her decision pressed down on her chest with a heavy and suffocating mask. She had made up her mind, but the thought of returning to Neumann Tech and of facing Den again transferred a wave of apprehension through her.She got out of bed with the familiar routine of a shower and a quick breakfast feeling foreign and nearly ritualistic. It was a routine she had Hope to leave behind five times ago, a routine that had become used with a life she had left before. A life with Den.As she drove the familiar route to Neumann Tech that morning, her stomach churned with a blend of feelings. Excitement, Fear and expectation with A sense of rebellion. She had never been one to back down from a challenge and the prospect of working for Den and of proving her worth to him, burned a spark within her. But she was not naive. She knew the peril and the event

The elevator hummed to a stop and Julie stepped out with the air conditioning a stark discrepancy to the bustling city outdoors. Neumann Tech like a flashing building of glass and sword impended before her, assessing and threatening. She adjusted her bag on her shoulder taking a deep breath, and made her way towards the event area.The polished marble floor reflected the stark fluorescent lights and the air buzzed with the quiet and focused energy of a company at the top of its game. Julie navigated the shiny minimalist décor with her heels clicking against the floor as she approached the receptionist.“Good morning, Ms. Garfield.” the receptionist greeted her with a professional smile plastered on her face. “Mr. Neumann is awaiting you.”Julie nodded, feeling a familiar quiver of apprehension. She had left everything behind, the recollections, the regrets, and the moping pain, all put away away in an internal box she pledged to keep tightly sealed. But now here she was, back in the b

Angela’s eyes as sharp as a diamond, locked onto Julie’s retreating figure. An icy bite settled around the room colder than the crisp downtime air outside. Julie, the woman who had formerly enthralled a significant space in Den's life before Angela had entered the picture, dissolved into the bustling hallway.Angela marched towards Den's extensive table with her high heels clicking rhythmically against the polished marble floor. She planted herself in front of his table with her arms crossed and her expression hardening with every second.“What the hell was that?” Angela snapped, her voice trickling with a potent mix of suspicion and wrathfulness. A surge of resentment washed over her, threatening to engulf her in its icy grip.Den who occupied in a design picture on his screen looked up with his brow furrowed shortly with false surprise. He had anticipated her appearance But what he had not anticipated was the intensity of her stewing resentment.“What are you talking about?” Den ask

The polished mahogany office felt cool under Den's triumphs as he leaned back in his leather chair with his eyes fixed on the cityscape sprawling beyond the extensive windows. The hum of the megacity was a distant symphony compared to the critical voice creaking through the speakerphone.“So, the Phoenix simulations, are they running easily?” Den asked with his tone cropped and effective.“Smooth as silk, Mr. Neumann.” came the voice, laced with a precisely disguised anxiety. “We’re hitting all the marks, exceeding them in some cases. But there is a slight glitch in the emotional response module minor, but we need to upgrade it.”“Upgrade it. Fix it. I want Phoenix to be perfect. We’re not launching until it’s indefectible.”Den’s fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, a nervous behavior he hadn’t realized he had developed. He had poured his heart and soul into Project Phoenix, his greatest work yet, a revolutionary AI that promised to change the world. Every fiber of his being was

The wrought iron gates swung open with a moan revealing Sebastian standing there with a wide grin plastered across his face. He looked like a mock of a businessman, perfectly dressed in a fitting shirt and jeans that seemed to be mocking the indifference of his expression.“Julie! You look exhausted.” he said with his voice smooth as velvet. “Long day?” He asked.“You could say that.” Julie replied, forcing a smile. “Neumann Tech is. well, it's Neumann Tech.” She said.He chortled with a low growling sound that sent a shiver down her spine. “I got it. It is what it is. But hey, at least you are working with the big man himself, right?” He asked.Julie's smile faltered. “It's just business, Sebastian. Nothing particular.” She replied.“Sure, sure.” he said, raising an eyebrow. “But even business can be intriguing.” He tilted his head, studying her. “You've got that tired and stressed look. How about I give you a lift home? My treat.” He said.Julie hesitated. She was tired, it was true