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TVs, air conditioners, you name it were outdated models.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

them were from the

devices, and home robots were

prodigy could change everything.

the line. "Didn't Liam study this

the mention of Liam,

said the wrong thing. Everyone in their

family was struggling. Grace's

waiting for

about to say something comforting when Grace cut

check out Druville

that spark of

hanging up, Grace got

as luck would have it, just

car crashed into

annoyed and ready to step out and confront

second, it

nerves

Ethan she'd treat him to dinner once

settled?

involved and stirred up all kinds of trouble. Her

made her forget

fault, but

car when the

that point, pretending not to see him wasn't an

herself and walked over.

a coincidence. You're

was a graduate of Druville College herself, though after the

recall what she had

on her face.

it was just

every time

felt like he

back it seemed

just beneath

"Yeah."

was all he said at first. Then,

was asking about

five million dollars he had given her before.

the beating she

that wasn't quite genuine as

dollars."