The Investment Director, Mr. Elliot Fairmont sat behind his desk with a HP laptop humming gently in his front. On his table were files neatly arranged at a side. At the front edge, a name plate carried his full name and title.His grey suit draped over the back rest of the swivel chair. His salt and pepper hair combed back smoothly— Not a strand daring to move. He lifted his head from the computer as a knock came on the door to see Vanessa walk inside the office.He leaned back into the leather with a welcoming smile on his lips, swirling on the swivel chair gently."It's nice to see you again, Ms. Vanessa." Vanessa smiled lightly. "Thank you, Sir." Isabella walked inside next, her makeup retouched, but her eyes still carried a hint of the earlier frustration and anger."Both of you have your seat, please." Mr. Elliot gestured to the seats in front as he leaned forward."I and the CFO have looked into your profiles and you both left quite the impression in your proposals." His gaz

"You heard her the First time," A voice streaked across the hallway like a quiet thunder. "Let her go. I swear, you're going to regret it if you don't."The air spin.Isabella, Tristin and even Vanessa turned to look behind.Dominic Reid emerged from a bent like a relic. His posture was upright, his suit smooth as finished wall. One. Two. One. Two. The air seemed to part way for him as he approached the trio with a gentle stride.Vanessa's eyes widened in disbelief and surprise, her strength returning immediately. She yanked free from Tristan."Dominic," She muttered, still in shock. Vanessa rushed to stand beside him. Her heart raced with a mix of happiness and surprise. "What are you doing here?" Dominic simply smiled at her lightly. "I guess fate made us meet again." Tristen's eyes narrowed on Dominic, assessing him. Dominic stood a few meters from him, his expression fixed on him, cold. Recognition flickered in the two men's eye. Tristen's lips caught a smug smirk. "You," He s

"is that a big deal?" Dominic raised a brow.Vanessa smiled, her surprise palpable. "No. I mean. Nowadays, it's very rare to see a guy about your age not having anything with a woman."Dominic simply smiled.Vanessa turned to him with clear Interest."Don't you have a girlfriend?" Dominic was silent for a moment before he responded with a quiet voice."I had." "Had?" Vanessa pressed on, curious. She raised a brow "You broke up with her?" "She cheated on me," Dominic snapped, his mind casting back to that night he spent his relationship crashed. How Evalina cheated on him while he was planning her birthday, only to see her entering with another man. She had him embarrassed in front of his friends. How could she know that Vanessa was the aunt of that same woman— Evalina. Dominic continued. "She cheated right to my face like I meant nothing. Ostracized me like I never existed in her life at all. Said I was worthless and she deserved someone who does better than me.""What," Vanessa

Vanessa, oblivious to her shift continued. "Five years. She tossed it all, saying she wanted a better man," Another hit on Evalina— More like her aunt was present that day it all happened. Like she was rubbing everything all on her face. But it wasn't guilt. She was only shocked— coincidental. Maybe.Deeper, in the cold corner of her heart. She felt the crack; The little time she spent with Dominic which she threw away like it was all a waste of space, Dominic surprising her with little gifts, working double shift in the laundry just to prove his love— That he didn't need to have much before he could surprise her, but that night, she'd walked past him like he never existed, called him a mere pesterer.Evalina actually wagged her head, forcing the thoughts away. It was all a coincidence. And she deserves someone better. Dominic is a past tense now. She reminded herself.Vanessa's eyes flicked to the wall clock. Ten post median. A frown creased her face. "Where are you going by this ti

"Old hands in the culinary art. Five times Michelin star winner. Undefeated. Topper in the academy. We're winning. Reid has given another chance. A bigger hope to rise and we're not allowing this slip. They're funding the competition. Full backing. Pending endorsement."Mr. Hartwell kept nodding with a sheepish grin, the pasta forgotten cold on the table like they hadn't been feeding on it for the past two months. Daniel leaned in, his voice neutral. "What about your opponent? Who's he?""She," Isabella clipped. A sharp laughter followed, curt enough to cut down Vanessa's pride and confidence cooking artistry. "She's...a nobody. She can't stand my expertise. Just some lucky woman who had the chance to have some dump in the street corner." "You still need practice." Daniel chipped in, his voice firm. "I can't even remember the last time you stepped into the kitchen to cook a real dish."Isabella turned to look at him, smelling the blood underneath his tone. But she didn't bite.Mr.