"Enough" The sharp, commanding voice of the chairman cut through the chaos. Everyone froze "Both of you, sit down. This is a board meeting not a family quarre."
The room fell silent again as Justin slumped back into his chair, muttering under his breath.
Mr Rodriguez, the chairman, adjusted his glasses and looked directly at Xavier. "Xavier, I understand your point, but Justin isn't entirely wrong. The levantis are powerful, and if we want this contract, we can't ignore what happened. You need to show maturity and remorse."
He paused, then said firmly, "I want you to visit the levantis family personally. Take your wife with you. Apologize. Rebuild the trust you broke, only then can we hope for a partnership."
Xavier stared at his grandfather, stunned, "what? You can't be serious, Grandpa." he said, disbelief flashing across his face. "You expect me to go to them - after everything?"
"Yes," the old man replied calmly. "That's exactly what I expect."
Xavier fell silent. For the first time that day, he felt something he hadn't in years - genuine unease.
By evening, the office was nearly empty Justin drove straight to his mother's mansion - one of the Rodriguez family's estate that mr. Andrews, the chairman's son, had built for Chloe, his second wife.
Inside, Chloe sat gracefully on the couch, sipping tea as she waited. When Justin walked in, she smiled faintly.
"So," she said, "how did the meeting go? And Xavier - do you think he'll be able to seal that contract?"
Justin sighed and loosened his tie. "He's trying mother. Grandpa actually told him to go to the levantis with his new wife and apologize for everything that happened. I wasn't expecting him to accept it but he did. And grandpa believes it'll rebuild their trust."
Chloe's expression darkened "His wife, huh?" She muttered, setting her cup down with a sharp clink. "I don't think that girl will last long beside him. She doesn't seem like the others - she's not even interested in him the way most women are. that could be useful."
Justin frowned, studying his mother. "What are you thinking?"
Chloe leaned back, a small, dangerous smile tugging at her lips. "It wouldn't be hard to manipulate her, Justin. A little pressure here and there, and she'll crumble. You just focus on the company. I'll handle the rest. You will take over the Rodriguez corperation- no matter what it costs."
Her voice grew colder. "Sarah may still be in coma, but her shadow lingers. She had everything - the first son, the family name. I won't let her legacy win again. This time, we take it all."
Jason smirked faintly. "We'll see about that, mother so, what's your next move?"
"I already made one," she said, her smooth and calculated. "I messaged Lara - Xavier's woman. She doesn't know it was me, of course. I've learned she's back in California."
Justin's eyes widened. "What? That's perfect! When are you going to use that information?"
"Patience, dear," Chloe said, her smile sharpening. "Lara doesn't like me, but that won't matter. I'll find my way to her- and when I do, everything will fall right into place."
Justin nooded and stood. "I have to go clean up. There's still some work i need to finish." He kissed his mother's cheek and left the room.
Meanwhile Xavier was driving across the city, the setting sun washing the skyline in gold and red. His thoughts were scattered as he pulled up in front of Lara's apartment. He'd barely stepped out of the car before second - guessing himself, but it was too late to turn back now.
When he knocked, the door swung open almost immediately. Lara stood there, framed in the soft glow of the evening light. Her hair fell loosely over her shoulder's, and the silk fabric of her nightgown shimmered faintly with each small movement. For a moment, she simply stared at him - surprised - before a slow, knowing smile curved her lips.
"Oh my gosh," she whispered. "You're here."
He nooded silently, stepping inside. Lara closed the door behind him as he removed his jacket and laid it across the couch. His eyes moved around the apartment - it was warm, tastefully decorated, and smelled faintly of vanilla
"So," he said, clearing his throat, "this is where you'll be staying?"
"Yeah," she replied, walking past him. "For the mean time."
"You didn't tell me you were in town," he said, his voice calm but guarded.
"You're still the same - always serious." Then, with a soft laugh, she added, "you just came from work, didn't you? You look exhausted.
"I'm fine," he said quietly.
Lara took a slow step closer. "You always say that." Xavier, you can't keep carrying everything alone," she said softly. "Even steel break when it's bent too long."
He froze, the warmth of her breath brushes the back of his neck. For a moment, he couldn't decide if her words were comfort or distraction.
"Lara," he said finally, his voice calm but distant, "this isn't the time,"
She stepped around to face him. "You come all the way here just to tell me that?"
"I came because I needed to make things clear," he said quietly. "you need to stay away for a while. I have too much to handle right now, and I can't afford any more confusion."
Her lips parted slightly, her eyes searching his face for some hint of softness, but there was none. Only exhaustion and restraint.
"So that's it?" She asked, barely above a whisper.
He didn't answer right away.He just looked at her - long enough for the silence to sting - then turn towards the door.
"Take care of yourself, Lara," he said before walking out.
The door closed softly behind him. for a long moment, she just stood there, staring at the empty space he left behind. then with a shaky breath she sank onto the edge of the couch.
The morning air was cool and still, carrying the scent of fresh dew. Heiley woke up, tied her hair loosely, and stepped out of the bedroom to explore the house - the one she still couldn't bring herself to call home.
As she walked through the hallway, her eyes caught something unusual -the glass door leading to the pool was slightly open. curious, she stepped outside. the early sunlight shimmered across the water, and there, slicing through the pool with smooth, practiced strokes, was someone.
When he emerged, droplets ran down his chest and trace the ink of a faint tattoo near his collarbone, His wet hair clung to his forehead, and the way he pushed it back sent a small, involuntary chill true her. she froze, unable to look away.
Then he lifted his head - and their eyes met. Those blue eyes of his locked with hers, Sharp and unguarded, as if they spoke without words. Realizing she'd been staring, Heily quickly turned her gaze to the ground.
"I didn't know....." she said,her voice steady but soft. "I didn't know you were still here.I thought you'd gone to work."
He said nothing, only reached for a towel and ran it over his face, water still dripping down his jaw. The silence between them stretched,heavy but not on uncomfortable - just....charged,
Feeling awkward, Heily turned to leaf when his voice stopped her.
"Get dressed," he said simply.
She turned back, confused. where are we going?"
He slung the towel over his shoulder,a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "We're going on a short trip."