As the party began, the atmosphere was lively and expectant. When Audrey was introduced as the owner of the project, the audience clapped warmly. But as she took the stage to speak, the microphone started to malfunction. The sound cut in and out, creating an uncomfortable buzz among the guests. Diana's lips curled into a satisfied smile as she watched the scene unfold.
Feeling the eyes of the crowd on her, Audrey tried to maintain her composure. Embarrassed, she made her way to the sound manager to address the issue. However, her long dress caught on her heels, causing her to stumble and fall in front of everyone. Some guests gasped in concern, while Diana's laughter echoed through the room.
Miguel, who had been watching from the sidelines, couldn't stand to see Audrey struggling. He rushed to her side, extending his hand to help her up. His concern was evident, but Audrey, too proud and embarrassed, refused his assistance. She pushed herself up telling him a brief thank you, and walked away from him, her cheeks flushed with humiliation.
Audrey approached the sound manager. The manager, clearly nervous, admitted that someone had pressured him to disrupt her speech. Audrey took a deep breath, her voice steady as she instructed him to fix the sound system.
Returning to the stage, Audrey delivered her speech with renewed strength. Her words were filled with passion and conviction, captivating the audience. The room was filled with applause and smiles as she spoke. Despite the earlier disruptions, Audrey's resilience shone through, making her performance a success.
Diana watched from the sidelines, her anger simmering beneath the surface. Audrey's ability to overcome the sabotage and deliver a powerful speech only intensified Diana's frustration.
Audrey felt as though the world was collapsing around her. After the event, she was overwhelmed by a flood of condolences from well-meaning people who spoke about her godmother's sudden death. Their sympathetic words, though intended to provide comfort, only deepened her sorrow. Each heartfelt comment felt like a reminder of her loss rather than a balm for her grief. Exhausted and emotionally drained, Audrey stumbled into her home that evening, seeking refuge in her empty, quiet living room.
She sank onto her couch, her body and mind both weighed down by the day's events. Just as she was beginning to find a semblance of peace, her phone buzzed with a new message. Her heart raced as she saw it was from her work manager. Opening the message, she read the devastating news: the company was on the brink of bankruptcy.
Her breath caught in her throat as she absorbed the details. The message explained that the company's dire financial situation was exacerbated by her prolonged absence. It also revealed that the accountant had been embezzling money, contributing significantly to the financial mess. The weight of the situation hit her hard. The thought that her absence, combined with financial mismanagement, could lead to the company's downfall was overwhelming.
Despair turned into resolve. She immediately dialed her manager, her voice trembling with worry and urgency. "I'm coming to the office first thing tomorrow morning," she said firmly, trying to steady her breath. The urgency in her voice was matched by the storm of thoughts in her head. She knew she had to act quickly to address the financial crisis and try to salvage the company.
Meanwhile, Miguel was returning home, his mind a tangled mess of frustration and embarrassment. The night's events had left him feeling humiliated. Audrey's rejection of his attempt to help her in front of everyone had stung deeply. He had extended his hand to her, hoping to show his support, only to be turned away. This rejection made him feel vulnerable and foolish.
As he drove home in silence, his father, Mr. Parkar, sat beside him, seemingly unaware of Miguel's internal turmoil. When the car pulled into the mansion's garage, Mr. Parkar broke the silence with a comment that only added to Miguel's distress. "Make sure to take care of Betty. I think she'll be pregnant soon," he said casually.
Miguel's heart skipped a beat. The news about Betty's possible pregnancy hit him like a punch to the gut. He was torn between his feelings for Audrey and the looming responsibility towards Betty. The prospect of Betty being pregnant complicated everything and made Miguel feel trapped in a situation he hadn't anticipated.
Ignoring his father's comments, Miguel stepped out of the car, his mood darkening further. As he entered the house, Betty rushed toward him, eager to offer a comforting embrace. But Miguel, lost in his own turmoil, dodged her hug and brushed past her, leaving her standing there, hurt and confused. Mr. Parkar, observing the exchange, reassured Betty not to worry too much, but his words did little to soothe her wounded feelings.
Back at Diana Wolf's residence, frustration boiled over. Diana was enraged that her plan to sabotage Audrey's speech had failed. She stormed around her home, her anger manifesting in harsh words and a verbal tirade against her maid. The intensity of her rage was palpable, her frustration spilling over in every interaction.
Later that evening, a young man entered Diana's room. His presence and the gentle kiss he placed on her neck seemed to shift her mood from anger to desire. Diana's focus shifted away from her earlier frustration. Their passionate encounter was a stark contrast to the day's earlier chaos, providing her with a momentary escape from her stress.
The next morning, Audrey prepared to face the challenges at work. Just as she was about to leave, her phone rang again. It was Rosaline with urgent news: the police had found Jonathan. Audrey's heart skipped a beat at the news. The call was a sudden, unexpected turn in her already tumultuous life, bringing a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Instead of going to work, she bolted for the police station, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and desperation. When she arrived, the words from the officer felt like a gut-wrenching blow—Jonathan was in a coma. The shock and despair.