When Love Comes Late by PASSION

She paused briefly, then dialed Elizabeth’s number.

Elizabeth’s voice held a hint of amusement.

“Did you finish the task I assigned you?”

The casual tone grated on Devyn’s nerves.

She bit her lip, determination firm.

“No, I’m calling to say I’m backing out.

Even without copying Stella’s idea, I know I can outshine her on my own.

”

““Qutshine her?” Elizabeth laughed incredulously.

“And how exactly do you plan to do that? Miss Padilla, are you getting ahead of yourself?”

Elizabeth’s words sliced through Devyn’s confidence like a sharp blade.

“You think you can top Stella with your skills? That’s just a fantasy,” she scoffed.

Devyn’s face drained of color as Elizabeth’s words hit her.

found herself at a loss

of compassion, Elizabeth pressed

call like it never

excuses mean

all

You have three days.

and your brothers

It’s your call.

”

to respond, but the call abruptly ended, leaving her

beneath her, and she sank to the

bustling street offered no sanctuary amidst the sea of people and

body quivering uncontrollably, tears brimming

everyone

her side, his expression flickering with concern as he witnessed

Prosper Bay, something else was

to greet him, Casually flinging his

up, huh? Did you miss me already?” he

and quipped, “Not even a

those final tweaks on the

”