Chapter 9 " The Richards's biggest supplier kept cooperation just for returning my parents ' favor . " I pulled out the documents , dialed Erick's number , and met with him . Together , we dug into the truth of that year . Later , we schemed a lot to lure James into this trap . Sitting silently at the side , Freya trembled as James's expression grew darker and darker . When his fist clenched and his eyes finally turned from the screen onto her , she still tried to argue . " It's fake ! " " Fake ? " James's chest tightened , his voice strangled in his throat , the weight of despair crushing him until even walking felt unbearable . " Didn't I tell you- " James's eyes reddened as he closed in on her . " You can provoke her , and I'll clean up the mess for you . But you were supposed to bury these secrets in your stomach . Didn't I say that ? " His hand closed around Freya's throat . " Didn't I tell you she's insane ? That once she loses her mind , no one can stop her ? Why did you have to drive her mad ?! Why ! " " Ah- ! " Freya was dragged up from the ground , choking , her hands clawing desperately at his wrists as her face flushed crimson . " Let me go ! James Richards ! You're the one who said she was dirty , I didn't lie ! You told me Lola had nothing without you , but in the end , everything you have came from her ! " Her tears kept rolling down , " You can't even outplay a woman . You dickless shit ! " I watched through the surveillance feed as Freya broke down , her body pierced with fine needles until she was barely breathing . James just sat in the corner counting , like a madman . Bradley stood behind me , baffled . " Why did he use needles ? " I remembered the saying once widely known in my community , " Those who betray true love should swallow a thousand needles . " Chapter 9 90.00 % 1 had once laughed with James and asked him , " Would you betray me one day ? " That year , James's rapid rise created a long list of enemies forcing us to live like fugitives . But we had each other . I had been curled up in his arms when I asked him that question . He hadn't answered . He'd only held me tighter and said , " If that day ever comes , I'll swallow a thousand needles . " As he'd promised , I drove a blade into his brow , making a mark of his betrayal , which was exactly my needle . And now , as James sat in the holding room counting under his breath , perhaps he too remembered that vow . I shut off the feed and asked Bradley , " Where's Erick ? " " In the back garden . " My mother had loved orchids , which were fragile , temperamental , and hard to keep alive . Erick had somehow managed it . The garden was full of them now . He stood in the sunlight , tending them gently . Just like when we were children , when he would bring me flowers every year for my birthday . " Miss Thomas , " he called softly . " Look . " He pointed to the cluster blooming brightest . " They've blossomed . " Yes . They had . Everything was finally beginning to bloom again . Later , when Erick and I went to honor my parents , Bradley hurried to my side . " James wants to see you . He's lost his mind . " " Then send him to a psychiatric ward . " I turned to leave . But Bradley stopped me again . " He says ... there's still one last truth from that year he has to tell you himself . " Chapter 9 In "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" by CrushReel, a heartfelt romance unfolds between a woman and the president she has long admired since youth. Overcoming insecurities about her appearance, she finds herself working closely with him as his assistant, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their relationship. This modern romance novel explores themes of self-acceptance, unrequited love, and the dynamics of power and attraction in an office setting. The unique blend of billionaire CEO dynamics, hidden feelings, and the revelation of secrets adds layers of intrigue to the story, keeping readers captivated as the plot unfolds. What sets this novel apart is its delicate balance between sweet romance and the complexities of relationships in a contemporary workplace. With each chapter, readers are drawn deeper into the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate their growing connection amidst professional responsibilities and personal desires. For those seeking a compelling tale that combines elements of romance, secrecy, and personal transformation, "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" is available to read at CrushReel, offering a captivating escape into a world where love conquers all.