So she really was in Ayara. And the man in the sharp suit next to her was the same guy I saw driving that Audi A8 the other day.They looked like a perfect match.I couldn't help but think of the message she sent me, the one saying she was getting married soon.Maybe it was my worthless pride acting up, but just as Laura Wells and that man were about to walk out, I instinctively wrapped my arm around Ava Barlow's waist.Ava's body stiffened. Her delicate eyebrows shot up, and she looked ready to explode."Ms. Barlow, don't move. Just let me borrow your waist for three seconds," I whispered in her ear.The words had barely left my lips when Laura and the man stepped out. They saw me and Ava standing by the door and froze.Clearly, Laura never expected to see me in Ayara, right in front of the BTT Group building. Her eyes were wide with shock.But then her gaze drifted downwards, landing on my arm around Ava's slender waist. The shock turned to disbelief, then to utter bewilderment."Lau

It was a quiet coffee shop, playing old Kathan folk songs that drifted gently through the dim, yellow light.Laura was sitting by the window. On the table was a cup of coffee and a single, vibrant local rose in a small vase.I walked towards her, looking at the face that seemed even softer under the warm light.She stood up and gave me the same sweet smile I remembered so well.I nodded and sat down.The whole time, neither of us said a word. No "You're here," or "How have you been?"—none of that pointless chatter."Sir, what can I get for you?"A Kathan waiter in an embroidered uniform came over and asked politely in his native tongue."Do you have Ayaran Elephant Lager?" I asked back in Kathan."Yes, we do, sir.""One bottle, please. Thank you.""Right away, sir."After the waiter left, Laura seemed to have found her opening. She smiled. "I almost forgot how well you speak Kathan."I managed a small smile. "That's understandable. It would be strange if you hadn't forgotten."Laura ca

I was a little uneasy. What if he really was into men? What if he tried to make a move on me, or even used this project to blackmail me? Should I beat him up? Like, beat him half to death?The one thing I’ve always despised is guys who are into other men.I tried my best to act normal as I finished the presentation. When I put my hands together in the traditional Kathan greeting to thank the Kathan executives, Avara looked at me with satisfaction and started clapping.With him leading, the conference room filled with enthusiastic applause.I calmly walked off the stage and took my seat, leaving the rest to Ava. My mind went back to whether I should teach Avara a lesson.All the technical issues had been ironed out in our first meeting. Ava was there to discuss the revised service plan and present our final price.The Kathan execs seemed convinced. The negotiations went smoothly, and in the end, Avara said they needed to discuss it internally. He also mentioned that the Kathan Water Fes

"Mr. Shaw, what are you trying to achieve with this?""Nothing much. I'm just not happy about it. I don't want to let Caleb Vance get away with it so easily.""Hahahaha, I get it. And thanks for the tip. If you hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known you guys were negotiating such a big deal, or that Caleb Vance stood to make so much."I stood up. "Alright, I won't disturb you any longer, Mr. Bansa.""Farewell, Mr. Shaw. I won't see you out." Bansa also stood and gave me a traditional Kathan greeting.I returned the gesture to the scarred Kathan man I badly wanted to beat up, then walked out of the bar.Once I was in a taxi, I took out my phone, stopped the recording, and checked the video. I had the footage and audio I needed.I didn't get carried away. I closed my eyes and carefully planned my next move.When I got back to the hotel and walked into the lobby, I saw Caleb Vance and Laura Wells sitting in the lounge area.They weren't staying at this hotel. They must have been waiting fo

Our lips parted. She quickly pushed herself off me and scrambled back until her back hit the wall. She smoothed down her skirt, taking several deep breaths.It looked like she wasn't planning on calling the cops.When she got off me just now, I felt a sense of relief—the pressure on my chest had been immense—but also a twinge of regret, as if I had just missed out on something important."Alright, tell me. How are you going to deal with Caleb Vance and get the project back?" Ava suddenly asked."You'll see when the time comes. I'll take you to a good show.""Hmph, so mysterious. I'll be waiting to see just how you plan to win back that project."With that, Ava turned and walked out."Ms. Barlow, remember to find out where Caleb Vance is staying! And send me his and Avara's numbers. And keep me updated on the Indian and American guys!" I called after her.She didn't respond. All I heard was the door open and then slam shut with a bang.I peeked out the door to make sure it was closed, t