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.

and leaned back in her seat. If they could land this project, things

events since her

we have an invite to

Zachary's expression turned uncomfortable.

scandal, even our long-time partners have been keeping their distance. We're stuck handling small contracts. And with all the negative press, no one wants to be associated with

pulled out her

me into the gala tonight?" she

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 need to go to the Sidlers, Ethan... or maybe

to consider Damien-things

the way he had gone

was always a bad sign. When he went silent, it

things with Ethan were lukewarm at

As for Simon...

Yasmine did have an invite, and since she had zero intention of attending, she simply

7:00 pm, so she headed to a

as she settled into her seat,

"There's heavy snow outside."

smiled, tapping out a

for something right now-getting

was pinned up