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“Come to my office,” Caitlin said flatly before turning and walking out of the design center. Peyton wiped her tears, stood up, and followed.
behind.
As soon as they left, the entire design center exploded with thatter.
Justin glanced at Wade, his guilt evident. He stepped forward and apologized, “Wade, I’m sorry. I was wrong about you. If you want , I’ll let you punch me back.”
Wade shook his head. “Forget it. I can’t blame you. If I were in your shoes, I’d probably react the same way.”
Wade’s calm and understanding only made Justin feel worse. “Thanks, man. From now on, we’re friends–same team, same goals.”
The two shook hands, settling their differences. It was a merging of old and new talent, finally finding common ground.
Meanwhile, Peyton followed Caitlin, her heart heavy with dread. She had no idea what Caitlin wanted from her.
“Caitlin…”
“Are you still living with Joshua?” Caitlin asked coolly.
“No… not anymore, but he still visits often…” Peyton looked down as she spoke.
“You really thought he loved you? He used you. You became his weapon. Someone who truly loves you would never push you to betray yourself. Learn from this, Peyton . ”
Peyton could only cry harder.
“Tears won’t fix this. You leaked sensitive company information, caused substantial losses. This could land you in jail.”
Peyton’s sobs grew louder. “Please, Caitlin… I’m begging you. My parents only have me. If I go to prison, there’s no one to care for them.”
“I know your mother is chronically ill. For her sake, I won’t pursue legal action. But you’ll be dismissed from TIG. That’s the best I can offer.”
Peyton bowed her head in tears. “Thank you, Caitlin… Thank you…”
“Enough crying. I know Joshua put you up to this. I know jealousy got the better of you. But now, I need you to do one more thing–help me draw him out. He’s going to answer for everything. Will you help me?”
That was Caitlin’s plan: use Peyton to bait Joshua into showing his face.
She had let him go after the LIG fallout, thinking he’d stay quiet. Clearly, he hadn’t learned his lesson. And now, she wouldn’t hold back.
“Yes. I’ll do it.”
Peyton agreed. She had finally woken up. Joshua’s so–called love had always been selfish–cold, calculated, and manipulative.
At the hospital, Zeke had been moved into a private room post–surgery. He was still unconscious. Ximena sat at his bedside, gently holding his hand, watching over him in silence.
This was the only time she could be near him, could study his face up close and feel a mother’s love.
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A ringtone broke the silence . Zora glanced at her phone . “ Mom , stay here with him . I need to handle something
“ Okay . ”
Ximena didn’t say much. She’d left company affairs to Zora for the time being.
Zora stepped out of the hospital and took the call. “Alright, I’ll meet you at the café near the office.”
She returned to XEG and headed straight for a small nearby café. Inside, a man in a baseball cap waited discreetly.
Seeing her arrive, Joshua removed his hat and greeted her politely. “Ms. Harris.”
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Not at all.”
Once seated, Joshua got to the point. “Zora, I’ve done what you asked. XEG’s product launch was a success. I believe it’s time for you to hold up your end of the deal.”
Zora smiled. “Yes. I’m satisfied with the results. As promised, you’ll be compensated. The finance team will wire the money today.”
But Joshua wasn’t interested in the payout. His eyes glinted with ambition. “Actually, Zora… the money isn’t important. What I really want is a position. I was once VP at LIG. I have the skills and experience. Give me a chance, and I’ll help XEG reach even greater heights.”
Zora saw right through him. He wasn’t just hungry–he was ravenous. But she also knew he had value, especially with his inside knowledge
of LIG.
“Why didn’t you say so earlier? Fine. If you were VP at LIG, you can keep that title at XEG. Same salary, same status. Can you start tomorrow ? ”
Joshua’s eyes lit up. A million–dollar salary and an executive title? He was all in. “Absolutely! Thank you , Zora. I’ll be there first thing in the
morning.”
Pleased with the deal, Joshua left the café and called his mother.
“Mom, I got the job! I’m starting at XEG tomorrow as VP.”
He hadn’t even asked for it at first–it was her suggestion. Skip the quick cash, aim for long–term power.
“I knew it. My son is destined for greatness,” Megan beamed over the phone.
“Alright, I’ll tell you more when I get home.”
He hung up and was about to head back when his phone rang again–Peyton.
“Peyton? What’s up?”
“I took the day off. Everything went according to plan. We should celebrate. I made a nice dinner–come over.”
Joshua didn’t hesitate. “Sure, I’ll be right there!”
About forty minutes later, he arrived at Peyton’s place with a bottle of red wine in hand. She opened the door and let him in.
He set the wine down and tried to embrace her, but she pushed him away.
“What’s wrong, Peyton?”
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Then he saw her eyes– cold , unreadable ,
“ Caitlin knows everything. That you made me steal the designs , ”
As she spoke , she glanced into the apartment.
Joshua followed her gaze–just in time to see Caitlin stepping out of the next room .
His breath caught in his throat. “Caitlin?”
Panic set in. He bolted for the door.
“Joshua! Don’t move!” Caitlin snapped.
AD