PTE

arity gala. The lawn was perfectly manicured, and

ith the guests. Her parents, Reginald

filled the air. Then, without

r died. Belle's eyes widened in ho

tching her chest. A crimson s

he didn't make it. A second bullet struc

lost in the chaos. Guests ran wild

he periphery of the crowd, his weapon still smoking. For a moment, hi

nto the crowd, leaving behind a t

er mind reeling in shock. Her world had j

* *

adquarters buzzed with tension as stakeholders, family members, and top execut

dark hair cascaded down her back, and her piercing green eyes seemed to

ead of the table. Her gaze swept across the room,

Group needs a new CEO, and we have several qualified candidates." His eyes flicked to Belle,

through the room. Belle's eyes

xperience and...stability for the role." Her eyes locked onto Belle's. "As you know Be

re saying, Rachel. But I assure you, my personal li

t we can't have our CEO flying solo.

o embodies the values of the Bailison Group. An

arguments and counterarguments. Belle

up, her voice firm. "We've discussed this at length, and we've come to a decisio

an eyebrow. "

have two weeks to get married. If you don't,

Belle's eyes flashed with anger, but

n. "So, you're telling me that my ability to lead

rrect Belle. We need someone who embod

yes of those who had just betrayed her. Her voice

eration," she said, her eyes

e. Belle's eyes seemed to bore into the souls of th

, the meeting

clicking on the marble floor. Her PA, Emma, waited

go?" Emma asked, falling

aster. They're giving me an ultimatum: get mar

s ridiculous! You can't let

t, I need to know what's going on with t

"I have the latest progress report

office door, her eyes fixed

l investigating, but they haven't found any leads o

about the security footage? D

ootage was corrupted. The police are tryin

s. We have the best security system in the country, and

s arm. "We'll get to the bot

d onto Emma's. "I'

zed. She quickly excused he

later looking perpl

mma? You're hiding

oom nervously. "Belle, I...I don't th

ell

a call from an unknown number. They claimed t

idened. "What

d...they said it wasn't just a random attack. It wa

seemed to flicker, and