Faye stared at her phone long after Katherine's call had ended, her mind reeling with suspicion and dread. The timing of Katherine's sudden desire for reconciliation was too convenient, especially coming so soon after her encounter with Blackwood and Yemin's warning about the organization.Something's not right, she thought, pacing around her apartment. Katherine doesn't do anything without an ulterior motive, and after what she put me through at that charity event...When Katherine called back an hour later, Faye was ready with her answer."I'm not meeting you, Katherine," Faye said firmly before Katherine could even speak. "Whatever game you're playing, I'm not interested.""Game? Faye, darling, I'm genuinely trying to reach out to you. After everything that's happened with Yemin—""Don't you dare use his name as an excuse. You tried to have me humiliated and assaulted at that charity gala. Why would I trust you now?"Katherine's voice took on a pleading tone. "That was different. I

Katherine stepped closer to Faye in the dimly lit parking garage, her eyes gleaming with the fervor of someone who had finally found leverage in a dangerous game.The business card trembled slightly in her perfectly manicured hand as she waved it like a weapon."Don't you dare try to play innocent with me, Faye," Katherine hissed, her voice echoing off the concrete walls. "I know you recognize this symbol because I took that ring from your purse months ago. The patterns are identical!"Faye's heart hammered against her ribs as she struggled to maintain her composure.Yemin's warnings about staying away from the investigation rang in her ears, but Katherine's aggressive confrontation had trapped her in exactly the situation he had tried to prevent."I don't know what you're talking about, Katherine," Faye replied, but her voice lacked conviction. "That ring was just jewelry. Nothing more.""Bullshit!" Katherine snapped, her refined facade completely crumbling. "You're part of this, are

Faye stormed through the glass doors of Group A's headquarters, her heart pounding with a mixture of desperation and determination. Katherine's threat echoed in her mind, and she knew she had limited time before the vindictive woman made good on her promise to contact Blackwood.The receptionist looked up with practiced courtesy. "Good morning. How may I help you?""I need to see Marcus Chen immediately. Tell him it's Faye Langford, and it's urgent.""Do you have an appointment, Ms. Langford?""No, but please tell him it's about Yemin Morgan. He'll understand the urgency."Within minutes, Faye found herself being escorted to Marcus's executive office. The speed of the response shocked her - she had expected to wait hours or even days for a meeting with someone of Marcus's stature.Marcus stood as she entered, his expression serious and concerned. "Ms. Langford, please sit down. What's this about Yemin?""Mr. Chen, I need your help with something that might sound unusual, but it's crit

Katherine practically floated around her penthouse, pouring herself a glass of champagne to celebrate her unexpected victory. The two million dollar contract from Morgan Group had completely transformed her mood from vindictive rage to euphoric satisfaction."Darling, this is wonderful!" she exclaimed to Faye, who remained seated stiffly on the designer sofa. "Just like old times! We make such a good team when we work together instead of against each other!""I'm glad you're happy," Faye replied flatly, making no effort to hide her disdain."Happy? I'm ecstatic! Two million annually for consulting work I could do in my sleep! And the best part is, now we can put all that unpleasant business behind us. Water under the bridge, as they say!""Is that what you think this is? Us being friends again?"Katherine's smile faltered slightly. "Well, yes. I mean, we've both gotten what we wanted. You protected your precious Yemin, and I got my contract. Everyone wins!""Katherine, the only reason