2025-07-19 00:04:36Lucy sat in a quiet clinic room, the smell of antiseptic sharp in the air.
Her scarf was folded neatly on a chair, her hands still trembling but steadier than last night. The doctor, a kind woman with gray hair, checked her pulse, her voice soft. “Your vitals are good, Lucy,” she said. “But you’ve been through a lot. Rest, talk, take it slow.” Lucy nodded, her eyes tired but brightening. The two attacks—knives, vans, hooded men—had left her shaken, but the stranger in the cap who’d saved her twice gave her a spark of hope. She didn’t know it was Brent Walker, his face hidden, his voice rough to mask his identity. “I’m trying,” Lucy said, her voice small but firm. “I just want to feel safe again.” She thought of her Phoenix Foundation, its mission to help kids, and how it had made her a target. Tommy, Brent’s loyal guard, stood outside the door, his broad frame a shield. Lucy clutched
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208 - ANOTHER TASTE OF FAILURE?
Sarah stepped out of the black car, the cold New York air hitting her skin as cameras flashed around her. She lifted her chin, letting her silk coat fall open just enough to show the deep blue designer gown beneath. The marble steps of the auction house glistened under the lights, lined with velvet ropes and eager influencers filming every moment.“Ms. Chen! Over here!” someone shouted.Sarah turned, smiling perfectly as she let them snap photos, her diamond earrings catching the light. Her phone buzzed in her clutch, but she ignored it, stepping forward into the warm glow of the auction hall.Tonight, she would show them. Chen Industries still stood.---Inside, the auction house smelled of polished wood and expensive perfume. Crystal chandeliers glittered above, lighting the rows of seats filled with billionaires, influencers, and art collectors in tailored suits and shimmering gowns.A massive painting stoo
207 - ANOTHER FAILURE
Sarah stood at the edge of the rooftop, looking out over the skyline, the lights blinking like tiny cameras watching her every move. Her black gown shimmered under the strings of gold lights, her makeup perfect, her hair pinned into an elegant twist. She breathed in, ignoring the twisting in her stomach. Tonight would change everything. She turned, scanning the rooftop venue filled with round tables draped in white, each with a single frosted bottle of her new perfume, Phoenix. Influencers moved around with ring lights, giggling, filming, posting stories. Waiters carried trays of champagne, the clinking of glasses mixing with the hum of rooftop heaters. Sarah’s lips curled into a confident smile. This was it. Her comeback. “Sarah, the press is ready,” Kara whispered, holding a clipboard with trembling hands. Sarah didn’t look at her, adjusting the diamond bracele
206 - SINKING PARTY
Sarah stood on the deck of the massive white yacht, the Miami sun making the gold trim on her dress sparkle as if she were wrapped in light. Cameras flashed as influencers moved around her, filming her as she lifted a glass of champagne, forcing a perfect smile. She tilted her head, letting her hair fall just right, ignoring the tightness in her chest. “Chen Industries is stronger than ever,” she said to a reporter, her voice clear. The reporter nodded, smiling, but the camera lens felt cold on Sarah’s skin. She held the smile until the camera dropped before letting her jaw clench. Behind her, Kara was adjusting place cards on the tables, careful not to drop any glasses. The yacht crew moved in and out, carrying trays of hors d’oeuvres, the scent of shrimp and lemon drifting through the warm air. Music pumped softly from the speakers, the bass thrumming under Sarah’s heels. --- Sarah walked to the rail,
205 - VIP GALA FALL
Sarah stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the diamond necklace around her neck. The new black velvet gown hugged her figure perfectly, the slit high enough to draw attention without looking desperate. Her hair was pinned into a sleek wave, makeup flawless, eyes sharp. Kara hovered near the door, holding a clipboard, careful not to make a sound. Sarah’s phone buzzed on the vanity, and she snatched it up. It was a reminder for the night: *Global Hearts Charity Gala – Keynote Speech at 8:00 PM.* Sarah’s lips curled as she dropped the phone into her clutch. “Tonight,” she whispered to herself, “I take it back.” She would remind them who Sarah Chen was. She would remind them that Chen Industries still stood, stronger than ever. --- The ballroom was a sea of crystal chandeliers, white roses, and soft violin music. Influencers moved like hungry birds, cameras in hand, whispering to each ot
204
Sarah sat at the edge of the bed in the penthouse, the lights of the city blinking like cold eyes outside the glass. She was scrolling through her phone, jaw tight as she watched Chen Industries’ stock graph dip lower, red lines cutting through the green. Her heart thudded so loud she almost didn’t hear the door open. Damien walked in, his black coat brushing against his legs, his phone still in his hand. He looked calm, too calm, as he pulled off his gloves. “It’s done.” Sarah’s eyes snapped up. “What?” Damien tossed the gloves on the table and smirked. “Shipment cleared. The biggest deal we’ve had. They paid in cash.” Sarah blinked, the tension in her shoulders loosening just a little. “You did it?” she whispered. Damien nodded, checking his messages. “We’re covered. For now.” Sarah exhaled, leaning back, a small, cold smile spreading across her lips. Chen Indus
203
Sarah sat in front of the vanity mirror, brushing her hair even though it was already perfect. Her eyes were red from another night of screaming at people who didn’t listen. She could hear the soft ping of notifications on her phone, but she was too afraid to look. Her reflection looked tired, but she lifted her chin, forcing a small, fake smile. Today, she would fix everything. Today, the world would see her as the queen again. Kara peeked in, holding a steaming cup of coffee. “Ms. Chen, the PR team is waiting. The influencers are ready for the live Q\&A.” Sarah grabbed the cup and took a sip, letting the warmth steady her hands. “Get them ready. I want the best lighting.” She stood up, rolling her shoulders back as if she could shake off the fear. --- The lights in the studio were bright, too bright, making Sarah’s skin look almost too smooth, too polished. The influencer across from her, a young
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