Semua Bab UNBREAKABLE BOND: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Elodie staggered under Williams' weight as he leaned heavily against her. His breath reeked of alcohol, and she struggled to keep both of them from collapsing onto the sidewalk. Her heart pounded in her chest as she glanced around, searching for anyone who might help, but the streets were deserted. The evening had long since surrendered to the hush of the night, leaving only the distant hum of passing cars.With sheer determination, she spotted a bench at the far end of the sidewalk and, step by painstaking step, led him toward it. By the time she lowered him onto the bench, her limbs trembled from the exertion. She bent over, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.Her eyes darted to his pocket. His phone. Maybe she could call someone. She reached in and pulled it out, her fingers working quickly, but the screen lit up with a password prompt. A frustrated sigh escaped her lips.“Great,” she muttered, shoving it back into his pocket.Her gaze softened as she crouched in front

Elodie stared at the words boldly inscribed on the certificate in her hand. "Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business and Technology." She traced the letters with her fingers, feeling a strange mix of pride and determination. This wasn’t just a piece of paper, it was her weapon, her proof, her key to the future she was fighting for. The first time she received it, she had felt happiness. But now? Now, she felt even happier than she did the first time. She had taken a quick break from her job at the store to pick up the certificate. Now, she had both the hard copy in her hands and the soft copy in her inbox. Her shift passed in a blur. Customers came and went, designer shoes exchanged hands, but her mind was elsewhere. She was already moving forward, already seeing herself beyond this store, beyond this version of herself. That night, as soon as she got home, Elodie grabbed her laptop and pulled up a list of top tech companies. Her fingers paused over one na

"So," Mandy began, her tone sweet and sharp all at once, "tell me, Elodie... what makes you think you're the right fit for this position?” Elodie gave a small, polite smile. “I’m aware that the position I applied for was filled, but I believe the assistant role still demands someone with vision, adaptability, and strong organizational skills. I bring those qualities with me.” Mandy nodded slowly, her eyes never blinking. “Mm. That’s nice. Though I’m curious... aside from waiting tables, and selling handbags, what real tech experience do you have?” The words were delivered with such calmness, such venomous softness, that Elodie almost flinched. But she inhaled deeply through her nose and let the question sit for a moment before answering. “I worked closely with product teams in my previous role at ThunderByte,” she said. “I may not have an official tech title yet, but I understand structure, development strategy, and customer-centered innovation. I know how to manage deadlines

When Elodie took the stage again, Mr. Victor, the new product manager looked up in surprise. He hadn’t expected her to return. After what had happened, most people would have taken the exit and never looked back. But not this woman who had just been humiliated in front of a room full of giants. As she introduced herself again, he shifted forward slightly in his seat, his brows drawn together. There was something different about her now. No panic. No hesitation. Only calm. He watched her with a quiet sense of awe. 'She’s really going to try,' he thought. He glanced at the judges, then back at Elodie. And for the first time since meeting her, he felt something stir in his chest—respect. When the judges turned their attention to the door, looking at the six people who had just barged into the room, Elodie did not. Her voice remained bold and confident as she continued her presentation. She knew her time was limited. Every second mattered. And so, despite the commotion, sh

Elodie could barely hear the sound of cars in the distance or the chatter from people passing behind them. All she could focus on was Williams... standing there with that same gentle intensity in his eyes as he watched her. And she was watching him too. For a moment, it felt like the world had slowed down. Neither of them moved. Neither of them blinked. Then, finally, Williams exhaled and smiled. “You’re probably wondering what I’m hiding behind my back,” he said softly. He brought his hand forward from behind his back, and when Elodie saw what he held, her lips parted slightly in surprise. It was a box—small, square, and elegant. The kind used by luxury jewelers. “I watched your presentation,” he continued. “From start to finish. And I was blown away, Elodie. You were calm, brilliant, graceful. I was so proud of you… and I just wanted to say congratulations.” He opened the box, revealing a gold necklace with a tiny oval pendant in the center. It was simple and delicat