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TVs, air conditioners, you name it were outdated models.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

home robots were the future. Landing an

prodigy could change everything.

voice came again over the

the mention of Liam,

realized she had said the wrong

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

people were just waiting for her

say something comforting when Grace cut her

out

that spark of determination, Selene finally

was still early, so after hanging up, Grace got

But as luck would have

Ethan's car crashed

step out and confront the driver

plate. For a second, it was like

nerves grew

she promised Ethan she'd treat him to dinner once the

settled?

and stirred up all

forget

behind was at fault, but

car when the rear window slowly rolled

to see him wasn't an option anymore. She

herself and walked over.

what a coincidence. You're headed

graduate of Druville College herself, though after the memory loss,

even recall what she had

on her

tell if it was

but every time

met, it felt like

back it seemed

beneath the

"Yeah."

all he said at first. Then, he added,

about the

million dollars he had given

the beating she received

that wasn't quite genuine as she said, "Five

dollars."