Regret Came Too Late

Grace was already up by 5:00 am the following day. She sat down and quickly

sorted through every strength and weakness Lambert Group had, compiling over

80 pages of a detailed report.

The deeper she dug, the more natural it all felt like some muscle memory she

hadn't even realized she had.

She thought briefly about the professional certificates she had found tucked away

in her files. Some of them were among the hardest credentials to earn in the

global finance world. What had she been doing before she lost her memory?

The thought flickered through her mind, but she shoved it aside, focusing back on

the report. At the rate things were going, the company might survive another two

years, max. In that time, she would have to catch the next big wave, land the right

projects, and push the company to new heights.

Otherwise, even a miracle wouldn't be enough to save it.

She had barely arrived at the office when her phone buzzed. It was Selene

calling.

"Damien is giving a talk at Druville College soon," Selene said. "The next five

years are all about Al. There's a genius coming out of Druville College's Al

program, and every major company is trying to recruit him. Are you thinking about

making a move?"

It lined up perfectly with Lambert Group's business. They made consumer

electronics, but sales had been steadily falling. The company just couldn't keep up

with the times.

Most of the executives were out-of-touch relics, and all the current product lines-

TVs, air conditioners, you name it were outdated models. The only people still

from the

and home robots were the future. Landing an

prodigy could change everything.

over the line. "Didn't Liam study this

the mention of Liam, Grace's

had said the wrong thing. Everyone in their

struggling. Grace's name was too well-known in

waiting for her to fall flat on her

was about to say something comforting

out Druville

spark of

so after hanging up, Grace got in her car

College. But as luck would have it, just

car crashed into

was already annoyed and ready to step out and confront the driver until

For a second, it was

nerves

Ethan she'd treat him

settled?

and stirred up all kinds of

forget

at fault, but she had no intention

car when the rear window

to see him wasn't an option anymore. She

herself and walked over.

Henderson, what a coincidence. You're headed to Druville

a graduate of Druville College

recall what she had majored

landed on her face.

tell if it was just

but every time

it felt like he

back it

beneath

"Yeah."

said at first. Then, he added, "How

asking about the

about the five million dollars

the beating she received from

a smile that wasn't quite

dollars."

She was obviously joking.

expect him to