There was something about Yvonne-her confidence, her boldness—that felt strangely familiar.


    "What did she want?" A voice asked from the adjoining room. The door opened, and Bet appeared, leaning casually against the frame.


    "To take down her ex-fiancé for betraying her," Noah said with a hint of amusement, tossing the proposal aside. “It just goes to show, you can cross anyone in this world, but never cross a woman. When they get their ws out, they y for keeps." He looked up at Bet. "Do you know her?"


    "She was a witness I was assigned to protect a while back," Bet replied, his expression unreadable.


    Noah didn''t press further. "My mom made her famous pot roast tonight. You should bring Ynda over for dinner."


    "Can''t. I have to get back to the base. I''m on duty," Bet said, looking down as he lit a cigarette.


    Noah sighed, recognizing the excuse for what it was. "Ynda is a wonderful girl— beautiful, elegant, kind-hearted, andpletely devoted to you. Bet, you''re not getting any younger. We''d all like to see you settle down."


    He spoke with the gravity of an older brother, but it was unclear if Bet was even listening. He took a final drag from his cigarette, stubbed it out in the ashtray, and said tly, "You''re busy. I''ll see myself out."


    Then, he turned and walked out of the office.


    ...


    Days passed after Yvonne''s meeting with Noah, and she heard nothing. She knew acquiring a multi-billion-dor techpany wasn''t something that happened overnight, so she waited patiently.


    In the meantime, Mr. Turner''s new film was released nationwide. It broke two hundred million at the box office on its opening day and went on to gross 4.2 billion. As the sole female police officer in the action packed thriller, Wonne stood out. Her performance earned her a new wave of fans and a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at The Aura Awards. Her career was taking


    off.


    Capitalizing on the buzz, Sandranded Yvonne a spot on Iron Will, a major military- themed reality show. However, when the contract arrived at thepany, it was intercepted from above.


    "Chairman Spencer personally blocked the contract,” Sandra said, clearly frustrated. "Yvonne, is he really your father? Why does he seem so determined to sabotage your sess?"


    "Blood doesn''t make you family," Yvonne replied with a coldugh. "Don''t worry, I''ll get that contract back."


    Sandra sighed. "I heard from his assistant that he''s holding the spot for Queena. He''s already made a deal with the show''s producers. If they rece you with her, not only will they not have to pay a talent fee, but Nexus Media will also provide sponsorship."


    "I don''t care what deals he''s made. I want that contract, and he''s going to give it to


    me," Yvonne said, her brow arched in a look of absolute certainty.


    George didn''te into the office that morning, arriving just in time for the afternoon staff meeting. When the meeting ended, he walked into his office to find Yvonne sitting in his executive chair, one leg crossed over the other, looking perfectly at ease.


    "Who gave you permission to be in here?" George demanded, ring at her.