At Augustine’s house...
Gustave stepped into the study, his expression serious as he delivered his report. "Madam Anne ran into trouble at the office today. She claid that soone deliberately deleted an important file from her laptop."
Augustine’s sharp gaze lifted from the papers on his desk, his focus shifting entirely to Gustave as he continued.
"She and Becca had a heated argunt in front of everyone. It took people by surprise because Becca has always been considered her closest friend at work. But that’s not all," Gustave paused. "Onlookers said that Becca accused Madam Anne of seducing her boss."
A dark shadow crossed Augustine’s face.
"She can’t be a friend—she never was," he muttered. "Check on this woman. I want to know everything about her. If she is causing trouble for Anne, I’ll make sure she regrets it."
"Understood, sir," Gustave nodded. "On the bright side, the investors seed quite pleased after the eting. I wasn’t able to get the full details of what happened inside the conference hall, but as they were leaving, they were overheard praising Madam Anne."
For the first ti since the conversation started, Augustine’s lips twitched into a faint but satisfied smirk. He had never doubted Anne’s capability, but hearing confirmation of her success filled him with quiet pride.
"Keep updated on everything happening there," he instructed. He wouldn’t let anyone mistreat Anne.
"Sure." Gustave stepped forward, placing a thick file on the desk and changing the course of the conversation. "Here are the legal docunts for the acquisition. Please review and sign."
Augustine flipped open the file, his sharp eyes scanning through the neatly typed pages.
"Everything proceeded without issues," Gustave continued. "Once you sign, Starlite Corp. will officially fall under the Sphere Group of Industries."
Augustine gave a small nod, turning another page.
"And," Gustave added, "the work on the new head office is nearly finished. If you’d like to visit, just let know."
Augustine paused. Before returning to the city, he had already secured a building for the company’s new headquarters. The renovations and interior work had been in progress for weeks, and now, finally, the space was ready to be occupied.
"Alright," he said decisively. "I’d like to see it."
With a smooth motion, he picked up the pen and signed his na. He closed the file and handed it back to Gustave.
"Let’s go." Pushing back his chair and rising to his feet, he strode out of the office. Gustave followed silently.
~~~~~~~~~~
Anne finished up her work for the day. Just as she was about to shut down her laptop, her phone buzzed on the desk.
Seeing Audrey’s na on the screen brought her a much-needed reprieve from the tension that had been lingering around her all day.
"Hello."
"Are you free now?"
"Yes, I’m about to leave the office."
"Perfect! Let’s go shopping. I’ll co pick you up."
Anne hesitated for a mont. Shopping wasn’t on her mind, but then she rembered Augustine—how she had upset him, how she still owed him an apology. Maybe a small gift would lighten his mood.
"Alright, let’s go," she agreed.
Gathering her things, she left the office and stepped out into the cool evening air. But as she made her way toward the exit, her steps faltered. Just a few feet away, Denis was leaning against his sleek black car, deep in conversation on his phone.
The sight of him sent a sharp pang through her chest. Their heated argunts from earlier replayed in her mind, and her stomach knotted with frustration. Lowering her head, she quickened her pace, hoping to slip past unnoticed.
"Anne, wait..." Denis’s voice cut through the air, but she refused to stop.
She spotted a taxi approaching from the main road and flagged it down in a hurry.
"Anne!" he called out again, his tone more insistent.
Ignoring him, she yanked the car door open and jumped inside, slamming it shut in one swift motion. "Drive," she barked urgently.
As the taxi pulled away, she instinctively turned her head to look back. Denis stood there at the curb as he watched her go.
Anne exhaled a long, shaky breath and leaned back against the seat, her hand resting over her racing heart.
Working in the sa office as him was becoming more suffocating by the day. How much longer could she keep avoiding him?
Anne reached into her bag, fingers brushing against her phone as she pulled it out and quickly typed a ssage to Audrey.
’No need to pick up. I’ve already hailed a taxi. Tell where to et you.’
Almost imdiately, her phone vibrated with a reply. ’Co to the City Mall.’
Anne slipped the phone back into her bag and let out a slow breath. She turned her gaze to the window, watching the blur of passing buildings and busy streets. But no matter how much she tried to focus on the outside world, the weight of the day still clung to her, dragging her thoughts back to the chaos at the office.
Her chest tightened as mories of Denis’s accusations, his arrogance, and his refusal to take action against Becca. No matter how much effort she put in, it was never enough for him.
Her fingers curled into fists on her lap. She couldn’t keep suffocating in that toxic environnt, couldn’t keep working under a man who only saw her as a pawn to manipulate.
’I need to find a way to leave the Beaumont Group.’
Several minutes later, the taxi pulled up in front of the City Mall. Anne stepped out, her eyes imdiately spotting Audrey standing near the entrance, waiting for her.
As soon as she approached, Audrey greeted her with a radiant smile and pulled her into a warm hug. "It’s so good to see you alright," she whispered, squeezing her gently. "That night, you literally gave a heart attack."
Anne’s chest tightened as mories of that terrifying night resurfaced. The fear, the helplessness—Billy’s vile intentions – all ca rushing back into her mind. If Augustine hadn’t arrived... she didn’t even want to think about it.
"That was real trouble," she muttered, shrugging.
Audrey pulled back, her expression hardening. "You have to avoid that bastard, Denis. I don’t understand why you’re still working under him. Just resign already."
Anne rolled her eyes. "I did. But Denis refused to approve it."
"What? Why?"
"Because he wants to see suffer," Anne muttered bitterly, frustration tightening her throat. "He enjoys watching struggle, being humiliated, and having to fight for every little thing. Do you know what he did? He refused to take any action against the one who tried to sabotage . Instead, he blad —said I was careless and irresponsible for letting my files get deleted. And after I saved him from suffering a major loss, you’d think he’d at least acknowledge that, right?"
She let out a dry laugh. "Nope. He actually had the audacity to ask to apologize to him."
Audrey’s jaw dropped. "You’re kidding ."
Anne snorted, crossing her arms. "I wish I was."
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