Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 71

RYAN

Having the pleasure of having dinner with Lily and engaging in the most random conversations wasn't something I expected to relish again anytime soon. However, to my surprise found myself thoroughly enjoying our time together. After our meal. I urged Lily to head home and unwind, assuring her that I'd take care of the kids for one more night. Little did I know, the next morning would bring an unexpected call summoning me to an important meeting

With apologies overflowing. I drove the still drowsy kids back to Lily's place early that same morning. Despite waking her and the boys up so early, Lily was remarkably understanding, offering reassurance that it was no trouble at all. She even mentioned that the boys would likely doze off again soon, and being an early bird herself, she didn't mind the early start.

By ten o'clock in the morning, I found myself already at the office, grappling with an issue concerning a stolen design. Our company was facing a lawsuit from a rival firm, accusing us of pilfering their design. Initially, I brushed off the news with nonchalance. After all, this wasn't our first rodeo when it came to such accusations. Historically, we had always emerged victorious in such legal battles, often counter-suing for defamation of our public image and reputation.

However, as I examined the evidence laid out before me, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. It seemed we were in serious trouble this time. Slamming the incriminating document onto the table, I let out a string of expletives in frustration.

*I believe we can resolve this," Angelo muttered quietly, but his words only served to fuel my anger further.

Turning my gaze sharply towards Angelo, I shot him a withering glare. "If you don't have anything meaningful to contribute, Angelo, then kindly keep your mouth shut," I snapped, my frustration nearing its boiling point. I felt like I was on the of firing anyone who so much as breathed or exhaled incorrectly in my vicinity.

verge

With a resigned sigh, I pinched the bridge of my nose, gesturing vehemently towards the incriminating design laid bare on the table before us. "Who the hell was responsible for this?" I demanded, my voice laced with exasperation. I entrust people with the responsibility of carefully filtering every single design, ensuring its absolute originality before it even reaches my desk. Yet here I am, grappling with a throbbing headache over an issue I shell out paychecks to avoid.

Angelo swiftly seized the document and began flipping through its contents. "It appears to be the handiwork of team H," he responded, filling the void left by the apprehensive-silence of the others in the room, who seemed too petrified to even meet my gaze, let alone offer a coherent response.

My dark, angry gaze swept across everyone gathered in the room with me, seething with frustration. "And who has the honor of leading team H?" I snapped, my tone laced with indignation. A young lady timidly raised her hand. "Hope? Really?" I scoffed bitterly, my disappointment obvious. To say I was utterly disappointed would be a gross understatement.

of praise or admiration I harbored for her had swiftly vanished in the wake of this catastrophic situation. "Could you care to explain how your

"I... I don't know how this happened, sir," she stammered, her gaze pleading for leniency ever

regarding the matter at hand will hardly serve to save us from the impending lawsuit, I retorted sharply. my irritation mounting at

I will get to the root of

the situation. "Do you think we're gathered here for a mere jamboree?" I retorted, my tone dripping

Chapter 71

you honestly believe your tenure here is secure enough to allow for leisurely investigation?" I continued, my voice

cleared his throat in an attempt to diffuse the tensed atmosphere. "Let's all calm down," he advised, earning a withering

comprehend the immense pressure I was about to face from the board as a result of

document containing the incriminating sample. "Pick that up

each passing second. Watching her flip through

horror.

look like you've seen a ghost?" I demanded. She couldn't possibly claim ignorance regarding the origin of these designs; it should be recorded in our register. "She quit last month," she mumbled, her voice barely

I felt as though the ground had shifted beneath my feet. "What the hell did you just say?"

remain silent, refusing to intervene. "I said she resigned last month," Hope repeated, her voice trembling slightly. "She mentioned something about

I bellowed, causing her to snap her mouth shut obediently. "Who authorized her resignation letter?" I demanded struggling to recall ever approving such a document.

on him incredulously. If it had been anyone else, security would have escorted them out the door without a second thought. "Under whose authority did you sign off on a resignation letter?"

a big deal, considering you were preoccupied with other matters," he offered weakly, his justification falling flat in the face

staff members depart without my explicit permission?" The realization

with my question. His reaction to my question angered me the more. "I asked you a fucking question Angelo! What was I busy with that you couldn't bring it

after my ex-wife and my kids. Honesty, I don't care what thise seated there has to say. Thereopinion of me is not going to clear this mess. "I have never passed the night at Lily's place." I pointed out to him. "you see me almost every