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 hint of compassion,

ignore this call like it

mean nothing

all

You have three days.

your

It’s your call.

”

to respond, but the call abruptly ended, leaving her

beneath her, and she sank to the ground, her

no sanctuary amidst the

quivering uncontrollably, tears brimming in her

was everyone

to her side, his expression flickering with concern as he witnessed

Bay, something else was

house, Stella promptly emerged to greet him, Casually flinging

to show up, huh? Did you miss me

playfully and quipped, “Not even a

those final tweaks on the design

”