Lance continued, his voice firm and resolute. "I propose that we give Adrianna one year to turn the company around. If she fails, then we can reconsider her position as CEO. But I believe she has the potential to succeed, and I'm willing to give her the chance."

The room erupted into chaos once again, with shareholders arguing and debating among themselves. Finally, the chairman stood up, banging his gavel to restore order.

"We will put this to a vote," he declares. "All in favor of giving Adrianna one year to turn the company around, please raise your hands."

Hi

The room fell silent, with the majority of the shareholders raising their hands. Adrianna felt a surge of relief and gratitude, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that Lance's motives were not entirely pure.

“Now it is settled,” Lance announces and motions for Adrianna to resume.

For a moment her mind went blank, the wave of events was overwhelming but what ran a thrill through her body was the new Lance. He seems and acts enigmatic, cold, calculative, and ruthless. Her breath hitches in her throat, her eyes calmly mirroring Lance. Now she was not only suspicious but scared of his motive and next move.

“Thanks for giving me another opportunity to redeem myself……”I promise to run this great company successfully.” She bows.

As the meeting adjourns and everyone begins to file out of the room, Adrianna quickly approaches Lance. She is nonchalant and robustly poses her body. “What was that act for? She fumes.

“Feisty are we?? Lance taunts, not breaking his gaze from her. With a swift hand motion, Robert nods and leaves the almost empty room.

Victoria and Wade walk up to them…. “I-I will see you at home—ee,” Victoria couldn't hide the panic in her voice. She roughly drags Wade to get out of the awkward atmosphere. But not with Wade living up to his persona. He extends “Hello, Lance—uhm, Mr. Vallerend, I believe we kno…”. “Get lost !” Lance shuts him up. His voice lace with anger.

A look of distress flashes on Wade's face but he instantaneously brushes it off. Victoria finally manages to pull her out of the room. In no time, no traces of them are left.

Lance looks different……she takes her time to take his whole outfit in. His suit must be custom-made, it's sewed into perfection. The shoes are made from the finest quality leather from Italy. Adrianna's attentive gaze didn't miss the Rolex watch sitting perfectly on his arm. His new persona emits luxury and virility.

“Do you like what you see?……his question cuts through her thoughts and she casts a ferocious look at him.

“What is he up to? Does he enjoy toying with my mind?? She thinks. She would have preferred if he pulled a bullet in her skill than the emotional torment he was causing her. But unfortunately, Lance seems to enjoy his sick games. “That's not the look I should get from saving you.” Lance sneers at her discomfort. She looks like she might break down at any moment.

“You know what Lance,” Adrianna steps closer to him, her eyes glinting with tears. His robust body looms over her but doesn't faze.

She pokes her finger in his chest. “Why are you waiting for Mr Hamilton? You have all the power and resources to dig up evidence to get back at us,”— her eyes widen in realization. “Or maybe you want us dead and buried?? Then go ahead, Lance,” she says, slurring his name.

Lance darks eyes remain fixated on her, watching her with an unreadable emotion in his eyes. It looks like he's looking at an exciting new toy, considering the possibilities.

“What happened to the disgust and anger in his eyes when he used to look at her five years ago?

Lance covers the space between them, both of them can feel the warmth radiating from their body and Adrianna shudders. He bends to whisper in her ear. “If I act so swiftly, Miss Houston, it won't be fun. Don't you think so?. His breath prickles the hairs on her neck. Lance is fully aware of the way her body reacts to him. It is one of the things that attracted him to her in the first place.

“I will see you around, princess,” Lance says and waves past her, gracefully making his way out of the room. Adrianna shrugs. “Who does he think he is? He might be their company's major shareholder but he is not the boss of her life.”

“Be rest assured, Lance. We won't cross paths again,” she says to his retiring shadow provokingly. And she would make sure it doesn't happen.

Meanwhile, Back at the Houston Mansion. Wade paces around in rage. Everything was working perfectly according to plan, not until Lance Hamilton showed up and ruined everything for him. “Honey, calm down,” Victoria tries to calm him down. She hugs him from behind. “We should be grateful that Adrianna still retained her position—oh my God, I was so nervous. Don't you think honey?

Wade quickly flashes a fake smile at his wife. Victoria has always been the perfect wife, Very gullible and friable, quite the opposite of Adrianna. These qualities make it easier for him to penetrate and use her to pave his way to gaining the trust of Mr Houston. And once he has achieved that, he will find a way to manipulate them into handing over the company to him. But the only setback to his scheme was his beloved Adrianna. He has always harbored his feelings for her. And now that Lance is back in the picture, he has to operate more discreetly and strategically.

The couple's moment of intimacy was interrupted by the harsh clicks of heels. Adrianna enters looking distressed. She sits on the cushion, her fingers tapping nervously against the cool surface of her phone.

“You need to get some rest !” Victoria says, her voice lacing with concern.

Adrianna offers a weak smile at her sister, the meeting earlier that day has spiraled into a frenzy without her consent, feelings twirling within her like a tempest. “I have to call father,” she stares between them— “I know he is waiting for a report.”

“You can't tell him, Adrianna,” Wade urges gently, his voice layers with worn wisdom. “His health is delicate. He's overseas just to get treatment. This could send him into a downward spiral.”

Victoria nods her head in agreement. “My husband is right. He trusts you enough to handle the company, and together we will overcome this hurdle. Don't you think so honey? She smiles at Wade and he nods his head in approval.

“I guess you're right,” her lips press together in frustration, uncertainty gnawing at her. Eventually, she sighs, the sound exhaling a fragile tether of decision. “Fine, I won't tell him for now.”

A sudden gasp escapes Victoria's mouth drawing their attention. “Anna, have you forgotten? She screeches, causing Adrianna to furrow her eyebrow in confusion.

“You have a date tonight,” and you have just an hour to get ready.”