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TVs, air conditioners, you name it were outdated models.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

were from the older

devices, and home robots

prodigy could change everything.

voice came again over the line.

mention of Liam, Grace's heart

realized she had said the wrong thing. Everyone in

Grace's

just waiting for her to

to say something

out Druville

spark of determination, Selene finally

was still early, so after hanging up, Grace got

as luck would have it, just as

car

was already annoyed and ready to step out

plate. For a second, it was like her whole

her nerves

treat him to dinner

settled?

and stirred up

made her forget that promise

but she had

into her car

point, pretending not to see him wasn't

herself and walked over.

what a coincidence. You're headed to Druville College

was a graduate of Druville College herself, though

even recall what she had majored

gaze landed on her face.

tell if it

every

met, it felt

it

beneath the

"Yeah."

all he said at first. Then,

about the damage

the five million dollars he

the beating

wasn't quite genuine as she said, "Five

dollars."