The Death game

la shouted in frustration. Well, she had a point. Who's late for their mother'

nd to the b

ours

ing," I stated calmly, my pen still scratching across the paperwork. Angela was t

o sad, Val... because you were late! Family is your priority. Don't you always say that?" Angel

nia to attend! If it weren't for that infuriating Helen, I wouldn't be late. She seems to have a personal v

anned everything, even your dress. All you have to do is show

not to worry too much – it's not good for you. See you later." I ended the c

e?" I asked my trusty as

n, my indispensable ally.

eed to hurry," he stated as he exited my office. "W

ld the door open as we left the building. He was meticulous, ensu

second, a board meeting to discuss our new product launch; and lastly

relief. "Not too crowded after all. I'v

rean investors isn't a walk in the park," Eric mumbl

u understand their mindset better. And considering my history with your mother, I doubt I'll have a hard tim

e that?" I snapped. My temper

hat's enough!" he replied, taking a deep breath. "But don't worry, I've done my research. W

tion and anxiety. The Kims were influential investors, and their decision could make or break o

me more about the Kims.

tiators. They value tradition and respect hierarchy. It's crucial to address them formally – us

ed, mentally rehe

t like a culmination of years of hard work. Daniel, my partner in the restaurant venture and Angela's bo

I? I'd built my empire from scratch, fueled by determination and relentless effort. Together,

into reality. With my existing company responsibilities, managing both ventur

pressure him. And so, we birthed one of the city's most renowned

g the bustling restaurant. "But why aren't you with Angela?" I narrow

, "it's a madhouse in there. Without the manager's watchful eye,

nded me of our impending meeting with the Kims. "If you'd left

eplied, glancing at my watch-it was already 10

minutes ago," he confirmed. "I've taken care of them." I

ss from Mr. Kim. But my attention wavered-Helen, the enigmatic disruptor, sat nearby. She'd sabot

trategies. Confronting Helen directly was tempting, but Valarie knew she had to focus

te balance between ambition, famil

continue this int

" I met his gaze with a bright smile, but his assumption struck a nerve. Mr. Miller-my s

eplied, my tone measured. "

dened. "Congratula

e in my life, but my heart belonged to my late father. We'd shared an unbreakable bond, and

"My name is Valarie Pierce." Awkwardness

you're not taking the Miller

connections. If it weren't for my relentless efforts-and yes, Mr. M

t it's about my dedication and track record. You wouldn't have flown

his face. I didn't care if they ca

, then took a seat. "We're all ears," Mr. Kim declared,

thought we were screwed." I al

her it was misplacing a document, canceling a reservation, or suddenly changing plans. Helen was

it cool and focus on the business deal. The latter seemed wiser, but my

ed dress stood out in the elegant restaurant, and her eyes darted around, asses

ffer. However, there's one condition. I need assurance that our partnership

eyebrow, "What k

ess to your distribution network. No intermediaries, n

w this move would rattle her. It was a gamble-one that could either

en nodded. "Agreed. E

r way, I'd navigate this twist with precision. The business world was ruthless, and I was

ic's voice startled me. "Are you l

me slipping away. "We're running out of time," he chided. I'd fi