Regret Came Too Late

Grace was too drained to eat after seeing Jodie again.

After a quick shower, she collapsed into bed.

The next day at work, following a morning meeting with the executives, her gaze fell on a recently released government project.

It promised just enough gain—about 100 million dollars—to be interesting but not competitive.

She tapped on the file, turning over to Zachary. "Who's in charge of the bidding for this project?"

"Some newcomer who got promoted not long ago," Zachary replied. "He's

showing up at a big charity gala tonight. The Sidlers are backing him, if I'm not mistaken."

Politics ran deep in the Sidler family, which explained their disciplined way of life.

Oscar Sidler, the patriarch of the Sidlers, and Jordan had both once held immense power. Their retirement marked a slow handoff to the next generation.

Julian, now at the helm, was running operations closely integrated with

government contracts. Everything followed protocol.

Ethan, in contrast, steered clear of politics. His strategy was acquisitions and expansion-business over influence.

The man behind the new project had ties to the Sidlers, but not enough to matter much. He was probably just a distant cousin or friendly connection.

in her seat. If they could land this project, things would start looking up

public events since her return-tonight might be the

Zachary, she asked, "Do we have

Zachary's expression turned uncomfortable.

We're stuck handling small contracts. And with all the negative press, no one wants to be associated

her

can get me into the gala tonight?"

sigh. "Since I cut ties with the Jensens, I've only been working on small-time projects. I'm nowhere near the orbit of those families who attend events like that. If you're serious about attending, you'll

consider Damien-things

way he had gone

bad sign. When he went silent, it meant

and things with Ethan were

As for Simon...

call. To ber surprise, Yasmine did have an invite, and since she had zero intention of

pm, so she

she settled into her seat, Ed sent

"There's heavy snow outside."

tapping out a

for

pinned up in