Michael sat at his desk in the quiet of the morning when his phone rang. He reached for it absentmindedly, thinking it was Clarissa reminding him about the board meeting scheduled later in the day. But the voice on the other end was not hers.“Mr. Michael, this is Daniel Brooks,” the man said firmly. “I have something important to tell you, and I believe it may change a lot for you.”Michael leaned forward. “Go on. What is this about?”Brooks hesitated for a moment. “I was at the prison yesterday, trying to gather more details about the events that led to Mrs. Martha Donovan’s death. While there, one of the women, a known thug who fought her that evening, whispered to me. She said she knows what really happened and that Martha’s death was not just a result of the fight. She is ready to talk. But she’s demanding money first.”Michael tightened his grip on the phone. “Money?”“Yes,” Brooks continued. “She says if you want the truth, if you want the real killer revealed, she must be com

Michael was seated at Collins White’s mansion, his hand with Sonia clasps together as they sat on the couch facing her father. Lately yesterday, Michael had received the invitation from him to come see him for an important discussion. Michael wondered what this could be that demanded such urgency, but as long as it was Sonia’s father, he believed it would be something good.The mansion was quiet, warm, and welcoming. The paintings on the wall carried history, the fragrance of the roses that decorated the large vase in the middle of the living room added its own life to the space. Collins White, a man of stature, carried himself with an air of confidence but also a kindness that made people feel at ease in his presence. Michael always respected him not only as Sonia’s father but as a man who had seen and conquered much in life.They talked and exchanged pleasantries for a while. Collins was very good at jokes, and he used it well here. He told a funny story about his younger years

Sophia packed her small suitcase in silence, her hands moving without thought. The letter of invitation from Ainsley’s Donovan branch sat neatly on the table, its official seal glowing faintly under the light. This was the chance she had been waiting for, the one opportunity that could help her stand on her feet again after so many storms. Yet her heart was heavy.She closed the suitcase and stood by the door, staring at her reflection on the glass frame. She remembered her mother’s words in the prison, telling her to take care of Victoria, to stand as her mother if anything happened. The thought of leaving her behind, alone in Bohemia’s grip, felt like a betrayal. But refusing the trip would mean losing the very opportunity that might secure her own future.Before heading to the airport, she decided to make one more attempt. She went straight to Victoria’s apartment, her chest tight with hope. When she knocked, the door opened slightly. Her sister stood there, her face hard, her

The boardroom was quiet as Michael entered, his face stern but calm. He had been through storms before, but this one felt different. Around the long polished table, the board members sat waiting. Some whispered among themselves, others folded their arms, eyes fixed on him. He could already sense the mood before a word was spoken.He took his seat at the head of the table, Clarissa by his side with files neatly arranged in front of her. She kept stealing glances at him, reading his tension the way only a loyal aide could. The atmosphere was heavy. Richard Caldwell cleared his throat and leaned forward, his voice sharp but polite.“Michael, the pressure keeps building. Investors are restless. They believe for the good of the company, you should consider stepping aside temporarily until these allegations about Martha’s case clear up.”A murmur of agreement went around the table. Michael clasped his hands on the desk, listening without interruption. His silence alone demanded respect,

Sophia stormed into Michael’s office, her chest rising and falling fast. Her face was pale with anger, her eyes flashing. Michael was at his desk, going through some files when she pushed the door open. He looked up slowly, his expression calm, almost too calm for the tension in the room.“Michael,” she began sharply, “I need answers. Right now.”He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. “About what?” he asked, though he already knew.Sophia slammed her palms on his desk, her voice trembling. “The news everywhere. They are saying you laundered money through my father’s company. Donovan Industries. Is it true?”Michael’s jaw tightened. His gaze darkened as he straightened. “Your father’s company?” he repeated, his tone low. “Do we always have to remind the owner of that company now?"Michael had decided to retain the company name as his undiluted respect and honor to his late master - Henry Donovan."Don't make the mistake of throwing that respect back in my fac