The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

There were glares filled with anger, oppression, and accusation.

In that moment, Zoey found herself drowning in a sea of stares, feeling like she was about to suffocate. She stumbled backward, panic-stricken, and blurted out, "No, this wasn't my idea..."

Before she could say another word, Lance rushed in, his voice filled with urgency, "That recording isn't real, it must be a fake, doctored by someone with a grudge!"

He made his way to Zoey's side, seemingly to offer support, but in reality, he was there to stop her from saying anything more.

It wasn't over yet. How could they just admit defeat?

Feeling utterly alone, Zoey turned sharply to look at Lance. His arrival was a small comfort, but his words and his attempt to silence her broke her heart.

She and Lance had been in love for three years, and he had always treated her well, but in that moment, she started to doubt. Was Lance truly good to her, or was he just using her to climb the ladder? Over the years, she had been Lance's most prized designer, with his promotions and raises largely due to her designs. Yet, she always seemed to stay in the same place.

Thalassa looked at Lance and Zoey with a mix of anger and sadness, "Lance, Zoey, when Dr. Jamal introduced me to you, I admired you. You climbed to where you are on your own merit, which is impressive. But I never imagined you'd conspire against a newcomer like me. How could you do this, betraying Dr. Jamal's teachings?"

"Thalassa, don't be misled by the recording. It's a fake, aimed at framing us. Zoey and I have always been honest, relying solely on our skills, never resorting to tricks," Lance adjusted his glasses and explained to Thalassa.

caught up and hurriedly added, "Exactly, that recording doesn't hold up to scrutiny. It's obviously doctored. If someone were really out to harm, why would they record

"You're mistaken. It's not just an audio recording, but

scoffed, finding the idea absurd. Callum replied, "You might not know, but there's technology capable of recovering audio from a

Lance, receiving a firm nod, before retorting with a sneer, "Mr. Gordon, are you trying to pull a fast one? If Lance and Zoey really were setting Thalassa, why would they doit in front of a camera? Who commits a crime out in the open, let alone gets

they deleted the surveillance footage immediately, thinking they'd covered their tracks,"

just making things up!"

turning

towards Callum, then quickly

at Payton, worried

messing things up.

witnesses to accuse Thalassa of copying Zoey's

"You just admitted

Payton, seeking approval for his quick dismissal of

I'm not just speaking without proof because the deleted surveillance can be recovered,"