The shock vibrated through the entire room as everyone gasped —frozen as if time itself had stopped. Eyes widened and soon the heated whispers graduated into shouts. Aeuriel Limited? The company whose IPO failed pathetically some months ago?What the hell?!Lydia stepped forward, the tension in her stomach thick. “Y…you must be mistaken. That’s not what yesterday’s press conference said. I haven’t received any notice about my company’s listing being terminated!”She had barely finished speaking when her phone buzzed so hard that she flinched. She whipped it out and read the message, her vision bluring instantly.“Ms Lydia Brown, this is to inform you that your company's IPO has been halted due to suspected violation. You're thereby required to submit relevant evidence within three days or face formal investigation…”Lydia let out a small scream, the phone almost falling from her hand. She was shivering badly, her heart racing loudly in her chest. No, no, no, this could not be happenin

In the service room, Kelly pressed the ice pack on her swollen face, her lips raised up in a pout. She looked at Lydia and sighed at the disappointment in her eyes. “Sabrina and Cici, those brats, they suddenly attacked me…”“Oh mum, please!” Lydia banged the table, heaving as she spoke. “You're always causing trouble,” Her voice broke. “Is it not enough that I'm busy enough everyday and now I have to clean up your mess too?”Kelly rolled her eyes. “Stop overreacting. This isn't my fault…”“Overreacting?” Lydia's eyes widened. “Whose fault is it then? Mine? Is it my fault that you tried to break into someone's apartment, triggered the alarm system and got arrested by the police?!”“I didn't break in. That's not what happened. Those security guards kept treating me like a thief and called the police without even listening. They don't know half the truth! Trespassing? Damn if that happened!”Lydia exploded in anger. “Do you know how ridiculous you sound? If it wasn't trespassing, explai

“Don't pretend to be deaf, Aria. I asked what you're doing here?” Gerald continued, his tone proud and commanding. Aria scoffed. She curled her fist, forcing herself to remain calm. Gerald was still the same arrogant, little prick she had always known —using his father's wealth as an excuse to treat others worse than trash. A spoiled, good-for-nothing playboy who only knew how to eat, drink, and have fun. She met his gaze with a tight, rigid expression. “I don't think it's any of your business what I'm doing here,” Gerald chuckled smugly. “Oh cousin, when did you learn to talk back like that? You know last time we met, you were looking malnourished, begging for scraps on the street. Did you get your hands on a little money? Is that why you're this loud?” He shifted his gaze to Drake, looking at him up and down in open disdain. Aria, seriously?” His voice dripped with condescension. “This is what you’ve been seeing? He looks… pathetic. Shabby. Far worse than Mr Kelvin that ou

Kelvin let out a humorless laugh. “Yes, why? You want to apply for a job there?” He tilted his head, eyes full of mockery. “What certificate or experiences do you have to qualify for a place like Axel Oil and Gas? Or maybe, just maybe, I can put in a word for you. Would you like that?” he added, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “You know it took me ten years to get there,” Kelvin continued with a smirk. “It wasn’t easy. I suffered a lot, fought my way up from nothing. But in the end, I made it. That's the difference between me and….” He lowered his eyes, dragging his words scornfully. “And you…”Gerald's eyes widened like a bright torch. “Wait, you mean you work for Axel Oil and Gas?” He whistled. “Damn, man, that’s huge! You’re lucky. That company is untouchable. Nobody has even seen the mysterious Mr. Harrison.”Kelvin chuckled and leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “That’s exactly why I’m digging around,” he said, pretending to whisper. “Mr. Harrison is a le

“I'm…sorry about…” Drake was the first to recover. He shifted his weight awkwardly, his hands brushing lightly against his knees. “About my reaction. I didn’t mean…”But Aria didn't move. She remained where she was —on his chest, like she hadn't heard him. Her mind felt rushed as his body heated against hers, increasing the tingling in her skin. The air was more tense now, but she couldn't understand what kind of tension it was, or rather, she refused to acknowledge it.She sucked in a deep breath, shifting slightly against him as something rippled within her. The friction increased the knot in her throat. Was it anticipation? Nervousness?“Aria. Perhaps, you should move,” Drake's voice reached out to her. Firm. She glanced up to see him swallow sharply, refusing to look at her.His hands were still tight on the wheel and she couldn't help but realize how much effort he was putting into trying not to touch her.“Aria–”Rather than a response, she allowed her fingers to trail the faint