"Hahaha, look! The groom and his bride," Mr. Erik said as he stepped out of the sleek car with a grin, his friends following closely behind.
At the same time, Mr. Valtor and Mrs. Julia exited their vehicle their expressions unreadable as they entered the scene.
"Dad!" Lena called out her voice light and sweet as she rushed toward Mr. Erik. Her shimmering gold dress sparkled under the lights as she threw her arms around him in a warm embrace.
Max stood a few steps behind, now dressed in a sharp suit that perfectly matched Lena's outfit. His posture was composed but his eyes flickered with questions.
Lena pulled back, turning her radiant smile toward the group. "He wanted to show me a place that means a lot to him," she said with a soft laugh, glancing briefly at Max. "That's why we left the wedding early. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
Mr. Erik raised his eyebrows and clapped Max on the shoulder with an approving grin. "Well done, Max! A man who knows how to treat his bride. That's what I like to see."
Max didn't respond immediately. His gaze briefly met Lena's before he simply nodded.
Mr. Erik turned to Mr. Valtor, his grin widening. "You've raised a good son-in-law. A romantic and a gentleman! He's making sure Lena gets nothing but the best."
Mr. Valtor's stern face softened slightly as he exchanged a glance with his wife, who remained quiet but observant.
"Isn't he wonderful?" Lena added, her smile unwavering as she looped her arm through Max's.
Max stiffened for a moment but quickly forced a polite smile.
"Come on, everyone," Lena chimed in. "Let's take the pictures before the rest of the guests arrive," she added cheerfully.
….............…
The room was dimly lit, the only light came from a flickering desk lamp that cast long shadows against the walls. A man sat at the far end of the room, his face obscured by darkness, exuding an aura of quiet menace.
"Here are the files you requested, Sir," another man said his face barely visible as he stepped forward and handed over a thick envelope.
The man in the shadows took the envelope without a word. The sound of paper rustling filled the heavy silence as he orderly sifted through the contents. After what felt like an eternity, he stopped. His gloved fingers lingered on a photograph and as he leaned slightly forward the faint light revealed his face.
"Who is she?" Mr. Creed asked, his unseen gaze seemingly piercing the man standing before him.
"I don't have much on her, Sir," the man replied cautiously. "She… just appeared. Recently. In his life."
A moment of silence stretched between them, the tension in the air almost tangible.
"I see," Mr. Creed finally said.
He set the photograph back onto the desk, the image just barely visible in the weak light. "I want everything on her. Every detail, every secret. Leave no stone unturned."
"Yes, Sir," the man said as he bowed slightly before stepping back toward the door.
As the door clicked shut, Creed leaned back into his chair, the photograph now resting atop the envelope in front of him.
"This," he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible, "is the beginning of your end, I will make sure to take everything from you, and I will make you pay!!"
…...........
Police Cell
"Get me out of here! I'm innocent! I was framed!" Kristen cried as she clung to the cold steel bars of the cell. She slammed her fists against them. Tears streamed down her face as her breath caught in her throat.
"Please, someone listen to me!" she pleaded with a cracked voice.
The police officer stationed nearby turned toward her with a sharp glare, his expression hardened. "Hey, young lady, you better keep quiet," he barked as he stepped closer to the cell. "Or I'll make sure you stay here for the rest of your life"
Kristen recoiled slightly but refused to stop. "You don't understand!" she shouted. "I didn't do this! I was tricked!"
"Enough!" The officer slammed his baton against the bars, the loud clang making her flinch. "One more word and you'll regret it," he growled, pointing the baton at her. "This isn't a place for excuses."
Kristen slumped back onto the small bench in the cell as she trembled.
…..........…
"Where did this girl go?" Mrs. Sophia said as she strode in black-and-white attire and she moved around the reception to inspect everything and make sure it was running smoothly.
"Get some of the drinks to the table over there," she instructed a waitress as they crossed paths.
Lena was in her element, moving gracefully from one group to another. She posed for photos with prominent figures, her dazzling smile never faltering.
"Over here, Mrs. Anderson!" a photographer called and Lena immediately turned tilting her head just right for the perfect shot.
"Congratulations to you," Mr. Green said with a warm smile. Max acknowledged him with a faint smile, his eyes averted as if his thoughts were elsewhere.
Max turned to him and said, "I want you to do something for me, Green,
"Anything for you, sir," Mr. Green replied as he stood a little straighter.
Before Max could elaborate, a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Mr. Anderson, congratulations to you," Mrs. Sophia chimed in, approaching with a slightly rushed yet polite tone which caused their conversation to pause. She adjusted the shawl draped over her shoulders, her eyes scanning the crowd as she continued. "By any chance, have you seen Kristen anywhere, sir? I need her to come with me to the house."
Max's expression shifted and a flicker of tension crossed his face.
Before Max could respond, a voice interrupted again.
"Max, come here!" Lena called from across the room, inviting him to join a group of guests posing for a photo.
Max blinked as though snapping out of a trance.
"Max!" Lena called again, louder this time.
"This quarter's profits are soaring," Mr. Erik said, placing his glass down as they sat at one high table "But we need to discuss expansion overseas."
Mr. Valtor nodded, a confident smile on his face. "True. Asia's market is ripe for us. The question is... how do we approach it? Partnerships or acquisitions?"
A third man, Mr. Brown, chimed in. "Acquisitions are risky but more profitable in the long run. We have the capital. Why not take the leap?"
Some of the younger guests laughed as they tried to master the latest dance moves. A woman accidentally tripped over her long dress, causing a ripple of laughter. She quickly joined again, smiling.
…...........
Hours after the refreshment( Police Station)
"What do you think you're doing here after shamelessly blaming me for your own act? Tell me!" Kristen barked from the cell as she raised her head and spotted Lena.
"I came to check up on you," Lena said with a smile as she walked closer. "I wanted to make sure you aren't here... spilling lies."
Kristen's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer to the bars. "You're unbelievable, Lena. You set me up, and you know it!"
"Well, who would believe a lonely life like you?" Lena shot back.
Just then, a police officer walked in and began opening Kristen's cell.
Lena, confused, turned to him. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice sharp with suspicion.
"She has been bailed and can go home now," the police officer said.
Kristen looked stunned, her throat tightening as she wiped her face. "Huh," she murmured softly.
"Who has the right to bail my prisoner? Tell me!" Lena demanded, her voice rising with fury.
"There's a car waiting to take you home. Please," the police officer replied calmly.
Lena sighed heavily, her chest rising and falling as she clenched her fists tightly at her sides. Her eyes burned with anger as she watched Kristen walk past without sparing her a glance.
Kristen stepped out of the station and immediately noticed a sleek black car parked by the curb. The driver's door opened, and Mr. Green stepped out.
"Ma'am, I was instructed to come for you," he said politely, his voice steady.
Kristen blinked confusly her brows furrowing. "Who are you?" she asked, her tone guarded as she took a step back.
Before Mr. Green could respond, Lena, who had followed hastily, froze the moment she saw him. She ducked behind a nearby pillar, her breath quickening as she muttered under her breath, "Why is he here for her? Does Max... does Max believe her now?" Her fists clenched, a mix of jealousy and panic flashing in her eyes.
"Mr. Anderson asked me to come for you," Mr. Green explained patiently, gesturing toward the open car door. "Please, allow me to take you home."
Kristen hesitated, her feet rooted to the ground as her heart raced. She stared at him with uncertainty and fear etched across her face. "Mr. Anderson sent you?" she whispered, almost to herself, her voice trembling as though unsure if this was some kind of trap.
"Yes, ma'am," Mr. Green replied gently..