2025-04-26 22:27:53Faye arrived at Café Lumière fifteen minutes early, her stomach knotted with guilt and anticipation. The upscale establishment buzzed with afternoon patrons, soft jazz playing in the background.
She chose a corner table that offered some privacy for what would undoubtedly be a difficult conversation.
When Katherine walked in, Faye almost didn't recognize her. Gone was the polished businesswoman with perfect makeup and imperious posture. Instead, Katherine appeared tired, her eyes slightly puffy as though she'd been crying, her usual designer outfit replaced by a more casual ensemble.
Is she really that upset about the contract? Faye wondered, guilt gnawing at her conscience. I never meant to hurt her like this.
Katherine spotted Faye and approached, her expression a careful mixture of hurt and resignation.
"Thank you for meeting me," Katherine said, sliding into the chair opposite Faye. "I wasn't sure you would come."
"Of course I came," Faye replied, reaching across the table to touch Katherine's hand. "I've been worried about you."
Katherine withdrew her hand subtly, eyes downcast. "Have you? While you were stealing my contract and consorting with my ex-husband?"
Faye flinched at the accusation. "Katherine, it wasn't like that. I had no idea the contract would come to me instead of you, and with Morgan—"
"Yemin," Katherine corrected with a bitter laugh. "That's what he's calling himself these days. Did he tell you about his past? About how he operates?"
The waiter interrupted, taking their orders for coffee. When he left, Katherine leaned forward, her voice dropping to a confidential tone.
"Let me tell you about the real Morgan Yemin Ravollor," she said, her eyes suddenly intense. "He's a parasite. A man who attaches himself to successful women, living off their achievements while contributing nothing."
Faye frowned, struggling to reconcile this description with the man she'd come to know. "That doesn't sound like—"
"Like the charming, helpful man you've met?" Katherine interrupted.
"Trust me, I know his act better than anyone. I was married to him, remember? He seemed so supportive at first, always there with a smile and a helping hand. Then, when I became too successful, too independent, he couldn't handle it."
Katherine's voice hardened. "When I finally kicked him out, he swore he'd ruin me. And look what happened—I lost the biggest contract of my career right after he reappeared."
Could that really be true? Faye wondered, remembering how easily Yemin had navigated the meeting with Group A's CEO, how deferential the CEO had been to him. He does seem to have unusual influence.
"The CEO at Group A treated him with such respect," Faye said hesitantly.
Katherine scoffed. "Morgan cultivates these connections precisely for moments like this. He calls in favors to destroy people who cross him. He has no money, no real power of his own—just a network of people he's manipulated into owing him."
The waiter returned with their coffees. Katherine wrapped her hands around her cup, appearing vulnerable.
"I'm not telling you this to turn you against him," she said softly.
"I just don't want you to be his next victim. He'll use you for your connections, your contracts, and when he's done—" She made a dismissive gesture.
"That's awful," Faye murmured, her mind racing.
"But he helped me get the contract. Why would he do that if he's just using me?"
Katherine laughed bitterly. "To hurt me, obviously. He doesn't care about helping you. He saw an opportunity to take something from me and jumped at it."
Faye sat back, troubled. "I had no idea there was such history between you two."
"How could you?" Katherine sighed. "I never told anyone how bad it got. It was humiliating, being taken in by someone so... pathetic."
She seems genuinely hurt, Faye thought. But something doesn't quite add up.
"I'm sorry about the contract," Faye said sincerely. "If there's anything I can do—"
"It's not your fault," Katherine interrupted, reaching for Faye's hand. "I see that now. You were just an unwitting pawn in his vindictive little game."
Her grip tightened slightly. "What hurts most is that he's driven a wedge between us. We were friends for years, Faye."
Faye felt a surge of remorse. "We still are friends. This misunderstanding doesn't change that."
Katherine's eyes brightened slightly. "Do you mean that?"
"Of course I do," Faye insisted.
"Then maybe..." Katherine hesitated. "Maybe there is something you could do to prove it."
"Name it," Faye replied, eager to make amends.
Katherine smiled faintly. "My birthday celebration is tomorrow night. I'd love for you to come."
"Your birthday party?" Faye repeated, surprised. "Are you sure that's appropriate after everything that's happened?"
"It's precisely because of what's happened that I want you there," Katherine said earnestly. "I'm turning thirty-five. It's time to let go of petty rivalries and misunderstandings, don't you think?"
Faye smiled, relieved. "I'd be honored to come."
"And bring Morgan," Katherine added casually.
Faye blinked in surprise. "Yemin? Are you sure?"
"Absolutely," Katherine nodded. "It's time we made peace as well. I've been thinking a lot about forgiveness lately."
She's really trying to move forward, Faye thought admiringly. Despite everything she believes he's done to her.
"I don't know if he'll come," Faye said dubiously.
"Just ask him," Katherine urged. "Tell him it's a peace offering. For old times' sake."
As they finished their coffee, Katherine gave Faye the details of the party—a luxurious affair at the Grand Meridian Hotel.
"Wear something stunning," Katherine advised with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Everyone who matters in this city will be there."
They parted with a hug that Katherine initiated, leaving Faye feeling lighter than she had in days. As she walked away, she failed to notice Katherine's smile transform into something cold and calculating as she took out her phone.
"It's done," Katherine murmured into the device. "The little idiot bought every word. Make sure everything is ready for tomorrow night."
Walking back to her apartment, Faye's mind churned with everything Katherine had told her. The picture painted of Yemin as a manipulative parasite clashed violently with the man she had come to know—a man who seemed confident, capable, and genuinely interested in helping her.
Could I have misjudged him so completely? she wondered, remembering the warmth in his eyes when he looked at her, the gentle way he asked about her ring.
Something about Katherine's story didn't sit right with her. The CEO's deference to Yemin, the ease with which he moved in business circles—these didn't match the image of a desperate, vengeful ex-husband.
The birthday party will be a good opportunity to see them together, she decided. To observe their dynamic and maybe get closer to the truth.
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Yemin followed Marcus through the mansion's ornate corridors, noting how the staff stepped aside respectfully for the right-hand man of Chairman Hargrove. Marcus's strides were purposeful, his shoulders rigid with tension and lingering anger."I cannot apologize enough for the guards' behavior, Mr. Ravollor," Marcus said, breaking the silence. "Such disrespect is unacceptable."Yemin studied the man beside him. Marcus Chen had no idea who he truly was—that Yemin actually owned the company Marcus and Chairman Hargrove managed. All Marcus knew was that Yemin had saved his boss's life years ago using unorthodox methods, and that the Chairman trusted him implicitly."It's not important," Yemin replied calmly. "What matters is Chairman Hargrove's condition."They reached an elevator, and Marcus pressed his thumb against a biometric scanner. "The Chairman's private quarters are on the top floor."As they ascended, Yemin asked, "What exactly happened? When I treated him previously, the condi
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The tension in Chairman Hargrove's private suite was palpable. Medical equipment beeped steadily in the background, nurses exchanged worried glances, and the collection of prestigious doctors watched with barely concealed disdain as Marcus Chen positioned himself between Yemin and Alexander Hargrove."Alexander, please," Marcus implored, his voice low but urgent. "I know Mr. Ravollor doesn't look the part, but he saved your father's life three years ago when everyone else had given up."Alexander's jaw clenched, his expensive suit barely concealing the tension in his shoulders. "Are you out of your mind, Marcus? Look at him!" He gestured dismissively toward Yemin. "My father needs the country's top medical experts, not some street vagrant you've dragged in here."The son's resistance is unusual, Yemin thought, studying Alexander's body language. This goes beyond mere skepticism or concern.Marcus pressed on, desperation edging into his voice. "Your father specifically asked for him, A
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The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the city as Faye ended her call with Katherine. Her mind was buzzing with conflicting thoughts about the birthday invitation and the seemingly sincere reconciliation attempt. While relief washed over her about mending their friendship, something about Katherine's eagerness to include Yemin in the party invitation struck her as odd.Faye's fingers hovered over Yemin's contact information. She needed to hear his voice, to thank him properly for the Morgan Group contract, and perhaps to understand more about who he truly was."Hello?" Yemin's voice came through after two rings."Yemin, it's Faye. I was wondering if we could meet? I never properly thanked you for your help with Morgan Group."There was a brief pause on the line. "I'm actually tied up at the moment," Yemin replied, his voice measured but with a hint of strain. "I'm at Chairman Hargrove's residence."Faye nearly dropped her phone. "Chairman Hargrove? As in the head of the second-la
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The lavish bedroom of Chairman Hargrove fell into a stunned silence at Yemin's bizarre request. The medical equipment's steady beeping was the only sound for a brief moment before outrage erupted among the medical professionals."A cobra? Are you completely out of your mind?" Chairman Hargrove's son shouted, his face flushing crimson with anger. "This confirms it—you're nothing but a quack!"The assembled doctors nodded in unified agreement, their expressions ranging from disdain to outright mockery."What could you possibly need a venomous snake for?" the head doctor demanded, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses. "We've employed every cutting-edge treatment protocol available in modern medicine. MRIs, specialized blood work, experimental treatments—all the latest medical technology!"Another doctor stepped forward, a thin woman with her hair pulled back in a severe bun. "I've practiced medicine for thirty years, and I've never heard of using snake venom to treat any condition resemblin
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Faye stepped into Chairman Hargrove's bedroom, carefully carrying the specialized container with the striped V hood cobra inside.She paused momentarily at the threshold, taking in the scene before her—a dozen medical professionals in white coats standing in a semicircle, their faces etched with varying degrees of skepticism and disdain.At the center of attention stood Yemin, calm and collected beside Chairman Hargrove's bed, seemingly unaffected by the hostility directed at him."I brought what you asked for," Faye announced, her voice cutting through the tense silence.All eyes turned to her, then to the container in her hands. The gathered doctors murmured among themselves, their disapproval evident.Yemin's face softened with genuine gratitude as he approached her. "Thank you, Faye. You've done exactly what was needed."He speaks to me with such warmth, Faye thought, even amidst all this tension. It's nothing like Katherine described him."You actually went and fetched a deadly s
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"Yemin, no!" Faye screamed, her voice piercing through the tense silence of the room. "What are you doing? Do you have a death wish?"The cobra remained poised to strike, its hood fully expanded, black eyes fixed on Yemin who continued his careful approach."That's a striped V hood cobra—the most venomous snake in existence!" Faye continued, her hands trembling with fear. "One bite and you'll end up just like that foolish doctor! His pride cost him his life—don't make the same mistake!"Dr. Pierce lay by the door, his colleagues frantically working to stabilize him as his face turned an alarming shade of blue. His labored breathing created a grim soundtrack to the unfolding drama.Yemin turned slightly toward Faye, his expression serene despite the deadly predator before him. "Don't worry," he said with a warm smile that seemed entirely out of place given the circumstances. "Everything will be fine.""Fine?" Chairman Hargrove's son sputtered from his position pressed against the far w
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"No!" Alexander Hargrove's voice tore through the silence of the room as the snake's fangs pierced his father's neck. "Guards! Seize him immediately!"The well-trained security personnel rushed forward, their faces twisted with a mixture of duty and fear. They formed a tight circle around Yemin but maintained a cautious distance, eyes fixed on the deadly serpent still coiled around his arm."Don't come any closer," one guard warned the others, his voice tight with tension. "That thing could strike any of us next."Alexander's face had turned a deep shade of crimson as he pointed an accusing finger at Yemin. "You won't get away with murdering my father, you charlatan! I'll see you rot in prison for this!"Several spectators gasped in horror. The medical professionals exchanged glances of shocked disbelief, having expected Yemin to extract some kind of medicine from the snake, not use it as a weapon against an already weakened patient."I thought he was going to milk the venom for an an
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The sharp, humiliating smack of flesh against flesh echoed through the grand hall.Alexander Hargrove’s hand whipped across Yemin Ravollor’s face a second time, harder, angrier."You lunatic! You absolute madman!" Alexander roared, his face purple with rage."How dare you treat my father like some laboratory rat!"The other guests and doctors gathered in the sprawling estate gasped, murmuring in vicious tones, their judgment swift and cutting."Serves him right," one of the senior doctors sneered, his arms folded smugly across his chest."Running around like some messiah without a license. Now look.""The arrogance of thinking he’s better than us," another chimed in, lips curling into a mocking smile."Dressed like a homeless man and thinking he can play doctor. Ridiculous."Marcus Chen, Hargrove’s loyal right-hand man, moved instinctively toward Yemin, his face a mask of shame and worry."Young Master Alexander, please… this man—"Before he could finish, Alexander turned on him with
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The sedan crawled through streets that grew increasingly dilapidated with each passing block. Yemin sat relaxed in the passenger seat while Alessia gripped the steering wheel, her knuckles white against her otherwise flawless skin."This doesn't seem like the type of neighborhood where legitimate businessmen conduct their affairs," Yemin observed as they passed a group of men huddled around a trash can fire.Alessia's jaw tightened. "It wasn't like this before. When I first met Victor, he operated from a glass office in the financial district. All polished mahogany and designer suits.""And you didn't find it suspicious when he suddenly relocated to this paradise?" Yemin gestured at the abandoned buildings covered in graffiti."By then, I was already in too deep," she muttered, pulling up to a decrepit warehouse. "He had my signature on documents I didn't fully understand."Yemin studied the building, noting the burly men positioned at strategic points. "What exactly possessed a Wrenf
Chapter 57
The chandeliers of Cristallo, the most exclusive restaurant in the city, cast a warm glow over the pristine white tablecloths. Alessia Wrenford, daughter of Richard Wrenford—CEO of Wrenford Pharmaceuticals—waited impatiently, drumming her manicured nails against her water glass.When Yemin finally arrived, her eyes widened in disbelief. He strolled in wearing faded jeans and a simple button-down shirt, completely out of place among the tuxedoed waiters and designer-clad patrons."You couldn't dress appropriately for a place like this?" Alessia hissed as he sat down across from her.Yemin shrugged. "My appearance has nothing to do with how I can help you."Alessia eyed him skeptically. "Looking at you now, I'm seriously questioning if you can help me at all." Despite her harsh words, the memory of her father praising Yemin's capabilities after the poisoning incident kept her seated."Why don't you tell me exactly what you need?" Yemin said, ignoring the menu a waiter placed before him.
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The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Faye's modest apartment complex as Yemin approached the door. Twenty hours had passed since Katherine Shaw's birthday party—twenty hours that James Chen had spent in a cold jail cell contemplating his poor life choices. Yemin knocked firmly, three precise raps that echoed in the quiet hallway.The door swung open almost immediately. Faye stood there, her eyes wide with surprise and what might have been relief."Yemin! You're here," she said, stepping aside to let him in. "I was so worried when you disappeared from the party."As Yemin stepped inside, he was greeted by the unexpected sight of Victoria Shaw perched on Faye's sofa like a hawk ready to strike. Katherine stood by the window, arms crossed tightly over her chest."Well, well. The man of the hour finally arrives," Victoria said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "How gracious of you to grace us with your presence."Yemin regarded her calmly. "I said I would come. Here I am."Victoria
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Katherine slunk back into the grand ballroom, her shoulders hunched and her eyes downcast. The glittering chandeliers and champagne flutes that had earlier symbolized her triumph now only illuminated her defeat. Guests whispered as she passed, their curious eyes following her disheveled appearance.Victoria Shaw, Katherine's mother, immediately noticed her daughter's distress and rushed over, her silk gown rustling as she moved swiftly across the marble floor."Katherine! What happened? Where is James?" Victoria demanded, her perfectly made-up face creased with concern.Katherine pulled her mother to a quiet corner near the dessert table. "They won't release him, Mother," she whispered, her voice trembling. "The chief said only Yemin can drop the charges. Yemin! That nobody!"Victoria's eyes narrowed as she studied her daughter's face. "Stop this pathetic display right now," she hissed. "You're a Shaw. Act like it.""But Mother—""No buts!" Victoria snapped, her voice low but fierce.
Chapter 54
Katherine burst through the police station doors, her designer heels striking the floor with purpose. The front desk officer barely looked up from his computer."I need to see the captain who arrested James Chen. NOW!" Katherine demanded, her voice echoing through the station.The officer glanced up, unimpressed. "Take a seat. He'll be with you when he can.""Do you know who I am?" Katherine seethed, leaning over the desk. "My family could buy this entire precinct!""That's nice, ma'am. Please take a seat."Katherine paced the waiting area for nearly an hour, her fury growing with each passing minute. When the captain finally appeared, she launched at him immediately."How DARE you arrest James at MY birthday party!" she shouted, jabbing a manicured finger at his chest. "Do you have ANY idea the humiliation you've caused? What gives you the right to drag him out like some common criminal?"Captain Reynolds regarded her coolly. "Ms. Chen, your boyfriend filed a false police report that
CHAPTER 53
Faye stood in the shadows of the ballroom, biting the inside of her cheek as the weight of her guilt sank deeper into her chest.She watched Yemin calmly laugh at something Alessia whispered in his ear, the two of them standing far too close under the soft chandelier light. He looked at ease. Effortless. Important.How could I think he stole a car?The memory clawed at her. He had risked his safety to get her out of trouble at the last party. He was the reason she had her contract with Group A.And yet, when he needed someone, she chose silence.I left him alone… like everyone else.She swallowed hard, trying to ignore the growing ache in her chest.In a very different room, James Franx was throwing a tantrum behind steel bars.“You’re ALL fired when I get out of here!” he barked, kicking the bars like a wild animal. “My father will sue this entire precinct!”The cell next to him laughed. “Man, shut up.”“I’m serious!” James shouted back. “I’ll have your badge, your house, your whole
CHAPTER 52
Katherine stood frozen, mascara streaked down her cheeks, her hands trembling at her sides as the last officer disappeared with James.Her entire party—the lights, the music, the admiration—had been turned into a stage for her public disgrace.And the man standing at the center of it all?Yemin Ravollor.The very man she used to toss insults at in their kitchen. The same man she’d called useless, disposable.Now? He didn’t even look at her."You bastard!" she suddenly shrieked, pointing a shaking finger at him. “What lies did you tell the police?! You think I don’t know how you did it?! You weaseled your way in with some pathetic sob story and tricked them!”Yemin didn’t flinch. He simply tucked his hands into his pockets and looked past her.“I have nothing left to say to you,” he replied, calm and cold.His voice sliced through her composure like a blade. The fact that he didn’t even argue with her was the biggest insult of all.“Oh no, don’t you dare act like you’re above me now!”
CHAPTER 51
Katherine's lips curled in satisfaction the moment the uniformed officers stepped into the ballroom.She clutched James’s arm tightly, leaning into him with a victorious gleam in her eyes.“I knew it,” she said sweetly. “He must’ve escaped. Now he’ll be dragged back in handcuffs like the filthy criminal he is.”James chuckled, chest puffed with arrogance.“Took them long enough,” he said. “Let’s wrap this up. Officer!” He called out loudly. “That’s him—Yemin Ravallor. Escapee. Car thief. Arrest him!”The guests murmured again, torn between confusion and amusement.Faye’s brows furrowed as she watched the cops fan out.Wait... he didn’t escape? Then why are they here now, after everything?Before anyone could move, Captain Ford stepped forward, clearing his throat. He removed his hat with forced formality and gave a curt nod to Katherine.“Miss Shaw. Apologies for interrupting your celebration,” he said. “But I have an official announcement.”Katherine beamed and gave a dainty wave to
CHAPTER 50
Katherine Shaw was glowing. Draped in custom designer silk, wine glass swirling between manicured fingers, she basked in the applause, laughter, and fawning compliments from the city's social elite."Everything's perfect," she whispered to James, brushing a strand of hair over her shoulder with smug elegance. "Yemin's in jail. Faye's been publicly embarrassed. And I am the star tonight, as I should be."James chuckled, though his smile twitched. "He's probably crying in a cell by now."But before Katherine could sip her wine, the double doors to the grand ballroom slammed open again—loud enough to silence the music, loud enough to shatter the mood.Gasps rippled through the room. Heads turned.And then, he walked in.Yemin Morgan.Clean. Composed. His shirt freshly pressed. His face untouched by even a fingerprint. Like he had just stepped out of a boardroom, not a jail cell.Katherine's wine glass slipped slightly in her fingers.James nearly dropped his phone.Faye, standing near th
