Anna's face remained clouded with fury as she stared into the violated safe, her mind struggling to reconcile the evidence before her with the man she thought she knew. The missing bracelet and cash felt like physical blows to her chest."I can't believe this," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I never thought Pervis would actually steal from me.""I told you he was no good," Justina said smugly, though she kept her distance after witnessing Anna's volatile mood. "A leopard never changes its spots."Noah stepped forward carefully, his injured hand still cradled against his chest. "Anna, maybe you should call him and give him a chance to explain?""With what phone?" Anna snapped. "He blocked my number, remember?""You could use my phone," Noah offered, pulling his device from his pocket with his uninjured hand.Anna reached for the phone without hesitation, but as she took it, her eyes caught sight of the message history on the screen. Noah hadn't bothered to close the messagin

Anna adjusted her designer blazer as she walked toward her car, Noah trailing behind her with his arm still in its dramatic sling. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the hospital parking garage as they made their way to the shareholders' meeting that would change everything."Are you sure you're feeling up to this?" Anna asked Noah, though her mind was clearly elsewhere."I'm fine," Noah assured her, secretly thrilled that his plan was progressing so perfectly. "Besides, I wouldn't miss this opportunity for anything."As they settled into Anna's luxury sedan, she found herself lost in thought. "Noah, before we go to the meeting, I want to stop by and see Mrs. Tyler.""Pervis's grandmother?" Noah asked, trying to keep the concern out of his voice."Yes," Anna replied, starting the engine. "I need to understand what's been happening with Pervis lately. Maybe she can shed some light on why he's changed so dramatically."Noah shifted uncomfortably in his seat. The last thing he n

The conference room fell into stunned silence as Anna stared at the impossible scene before her.Her business idol, the woman she had admired from afar for years, was the same person she had insulted and dismissed in the parking lot just minutes earlier.Before Anna could fully process this devastating revelation, Noah's shrill voice cut through the quiet atmosphere like fingernails on a chalkboard."How dare you two barge into this meeting room?" he shouted, pointing accusingly at Aria and Pervis. "Don't you know they're here to welcome the major shareholder?"Anna closed her eyes and sighed deeply, embarrassment washing over her in waves. "Noah, please...""These people have no business being here!" Noah continued, his voice growing more indignant. "Security should escort them out immediately before the real Aria Coleman arrives!""Noah, stop," Anna whispered urgently, but her voice was lost in his continued tirade."This is supposed to be a prestigious meeting with one of the most

To Pervis, Anna looked like a performer in some tragic comedy, completely oblivious to how foolish she appeared to everyone watching.He shook his head slowly, his expression a mixture of disappointment and pity."You've always assumed the worst of me, haven't you, Anna?" he said quietly. "Before Noah appeared in our lives, we were actually in love. We had something real.""Don't try to rewrite history," Anna snapped defensively."I'm not rewriting anything," Pervis continued calmly. "But after Noah showed up, you consistently painted me as the villain in every situation. You made me the jealous husband, the unreasonable man, the petty fool who couldn't understand your 'kindness' to a friend."Anna's face flushed with anger. "Because that's exactly what you were!""Was I?" Pervis asked with genuine curiosity. "Or were you simply blinded by Noah's manipulation, unable to see the truth that was right in front of you?""Noah would never deceive me!" Anna declared arrogantly, her voice ri

The anticipation of meeting his new family that evening filled Pervis with an energy he hadn't felt in years. As he walked through the city's upscale shopping district, he decided that he wanted to bring gifts to show his appreciation for everything they had done for him.The gleaming facade of Cartwright & Associates Luxury Goods caught his attention. Through the pristine windows, he could see elegant displays of jewelry, watches, and other high-end items that would make perfect gifts.As Pervis approached the entrance, his reflection in the polished glass reminded him that he was still wearing the same clothes from yesterday—wrinkled from his ordeal and hardly appropriate for such an establishment. His shoes, once decent, now showed scuffs and wear that made them look shabby in comparison to his surroundings.The moment he stepped through the door, a sharp voice cut through the refined atmosphere."Excuse me!" An older woman with severely pulled-back gray hair and a pinched expressi