Beneath the Billionaire's Shadow

ning when her phone buzzed with an urgent message from

by. He says he has an urgen

ing over the screen for a moment b

ling. Why is Darren here? What did he want? She pushed

Dressed in a tailored suit, his dark hair neatly styled and smoothed back, he radiated an air of authority that was impo

g a charming smile as he extended

unease inside her. She gestured for him to sit, watching him

his visit?" Harriet asked, crossing her

engaged in a more... direct conversation. After all, we're both major playe

sing her legs as she leaned bac

Tech can stand on its own, especially with such a sudden leadership change. I even heard

to offer your hel

, leaning forward. "I'm

etting her on edge. "A partnership?" she asked, her voi

ious. "Forming alliances is the future of this industry. By join

ance, but what you really mean is control. If I accept your offer, I'

composed himself. "You misunderstand, Harriet. This w

ll." She paused, looking at him, weighing his words. "I app

dangerous tone. "This industry is brutal, and you won't survive without allies. You're

Darren. But I've survived worse than this. I will let n

felt heavy, as if the very space between them had grown charged. Har

well, Harriet," he said, his voice cold. "But remember this conve

r. Harriet watched him leave, her heart pounding in her chest. The wei

ush through her veins. She stood her ground, yet the impact of the confrontatio

gnawed at her, but Harriet pushed them away. She c

appeared in the doorway, her brow furrowed with concern. "Everyt

ing the tension in her body.

ng softly behind her. "Harriet, I don't mean to intrude,

rvey has quite a ruthless reputation. I know you've dealt with a lot alread

e sat back in her chair. "But I can't let him bully me int

isolate yourself, okay? You're strong, but you don't have

racing. "It's just... sometimes it feels like everything is pressing down on me. Every decision, every step, it's all getting harder to carry on my own. I don't wa

, and trust me, I see potential in you that others haven't yet recognized. No one expects you to do it alone, and asking for support doesn't m

et said with a gentle smil

elt heavier than ever before, each one pushing her further into unknown and difficult situations. She couldn't shake the feeli