To get Vista Tech''s system ready for the de project, Reese and her core R&D team pulled four all-nighters in a row. They barely slept, living on coffee and adrenaline while they upgraded every line of code and patched every w they found. More than once, he''d walked past theb in the dead of night and seen her slumped over her desk, fast asleep with herptop still glowing, code scrolling down the screen. The coffee by her hand was always cold by then. If it hadn''t been for her, the de project would have stalled outpletely, and the Meyer family would still be stuck in the mess Joseph left behind.


    Theb door clicked open, and Reese stepped out. She wore a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up to her elbows, her wrists slim and pale. There was a faint smudge of ink on one wrist, barely visible. She looked tired, with soft shadows under her eyes, but nothing could hide her cool, quiet vibe. She was like a white plum blossom blooming alone on a cold night.


    When she saw Hank waiting outside, she just gave him a small nod. Her voice was calm and almost distant.


    "It''s done. The system upgrade is finished, and all the security problems have been fixed. Once we hand things over to ckOak, de will be good to go."


    Hank''s relief was obvious. "That''s amazing! Reese, thank you, really." He stepped forward, holding out a folder with shaking hands. "This is the Meyer family''s share transfer agreement. With this, you''re now the biggest shareholder in thepany."


    He looked like he was about to cry. If Reese hadn''t stepped in, the Meyer family and the business both would have gone under a long time ago.


    Reese took the folder, flipped through the paperwork, checked the numbers, and nodded. “You''re still running things. Unless it''s urgent, don''t bother me.”


    She spoke like it was just another day at work. Hank''s smile faded a little as he tried to figure out what to say next. He knew Reese still kept her distance from the family. She hadn''t done any of this out of love. It was business, pure and simple.


    Reese noticed his hesitation and sighed quietly to herself. She wasn''t made of stone, but years of hurt and distance couldn''t be fixed with a simple apology. She didn''t want Hank to feel like he owed her, and she definitely didn''t want to get tangled up in family drama. Keeping things transactional was just cleaner.


    "Don''t feel guilty," she said, breaking the silence. Her voice was still cool. "I did this for my own benefit."


    "If the Meyer family does well, my shares are worth more, and my dividends go up. That''s all there is to it."


    Hank nodded quickly, still looking nervous, like he was scared to say the wrong thing.


    "Even so, thank you," he said. "If you ever need anything from us, just say so. I''ll help however I can."


    Reese didn''t answer. She just nodded and walked away. Right now, all she wanted was to go home, crawl into bed, and forget about all this chaos.


    Outside Vista Tech, the autumn wind felt cool and sharp on her face. It cleared her head a little as she crossed the parking lot. Reese got in her car, buckled up, and was about to start the engine when her phone rang.


    Roman''s name shed on the screen. She connected her Bluetooth earpiece and picked up, her voice as steady as ever.


    "Hello, Mr. Sanchez."


    "Ms. Meyer, I have two updates for


    you." Roman''s tone was serious,


    every word clear. "First, we''ve


    verified at the evidence you gave us about Sebastian''s surrogacy arrangement. The bank transfers, chat records, witness statements... everything matches up. It''s all real."


    "We''re preparing to open a formal investigation. Sebastian will be required to cooperate."


    Reese''s fingers paused for a second, but her tone didn''t change. "Okay."


    She''d expected this.


    "Second, Dylon''s case has a trial date," Roman went on. "It''s next Friday at nine, in Bridger Lake Central Court."


    "As the main victim, will you be able to appear in court?"


    "That won''t be necessary." Reese''s voice turned even colder. "Mywyer will go for me. I don''t want any more contact with the Ramos family."


    Dylon''s betrayal had burned away any leftover feelings she might have had. All that fake affection, all the lies and maniption... she didn''t want to remember, and shee


    definitely didn''t want to see anyone from that family again.


    "Understood," Roman said, not pushing her. "If anything changes, I''ll update you."


    "Thank you, Mr. Sanchez,” Reese replied, then hung up.


    The car was quiet again. She stared out the window as the city slipped by, lost in


    thought. At the next red light, she pulled out her phone and called George.


    He picked up almost immediately, voice crisp and professional. “Ms. Meyer, how can


    I help?"


    "George, the trial for Dylon''s case is set," Reese said, her tone calm but firm, Next


    1, nine eliger


    Bridger Lake Central Court. Your represent me."


    "Yes, Ms. Meyer. I''ll make sure everything''s ready," George said.


    "And one more thing." Reese paused, her eyes going cold. "The police have confirmed the evidence about Sebastian. The case is officially open."


    "Let the court know I want another hearing for my divorce from Sebastian."


    No matter what it cost, this time she was ending it for good.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!