Echo's beta test was a phenomenal success. James became a campus legend. Investment firms from all over were throwing offers at him, including one from Brittany's fiancé, the heir to the Vance Corporation. Preston Vance himself came to tour our office, specifically requesting a meeting with the "mysterious backer." I met him in the conference room. He was a slick, preening man whose eyes roamed over me with undisguised lust. Brittany clung to his arm like a trophy, though her eyes shot daggers of jealousy and resentment at me. "Ms. Carol, a pleasure," Preston said, extending a hand. I ignored it, simply nodding at James to begin his presentation. As James spoke, Preston's attention kept drifting back to me. Halfway through the slideshow, he cut James off. "A project this good is wasted on a single investor, Ms. Carol. The Vance Corporation is prepared to offer you fifty million dollars for a 50% stake in the company. What do you say?" Fifty million. The audacity. Echo was already valued at ten times that amount. He was trying to rob me blind. Before I could respond, James's face went cold. "I'm sorry, Mr. Vance. Carol is our sole investor. We have no intention of selling our shares." "Now, now, James, let's not be hasty," Preston said with a dismissive wave. He turned his oily smile on me. "In business, Ms. Carol, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. You invested in him to make money, right? Here's fifty million, cash in hand. Why not take the easy win?" Brittany chimed in. "Exactly, Carol. Know when to quit. Fifty million is more than you could spend in a lifetime. What's a girl like you going to do with all that money anyway?" I watched their little performance, amused. "And what if I say no?" I asked. Preston's smile vanished. "You should think carefully, Ms. Carol. Is one little project really worth making an enemy of the Vance family?" A threat. I picked up my teacup, blowing gently on the surface. "Mr. Vance, do you have any idea how much money I've put into this project?" He blinked, thrown by the question. "All in, I've invested... about two and a half million," I said. It was the truth; the sum of my missions so far. Preston and Brittany exchanged a look of pure contempt. To them, that was pocket change. "So you see," I said, setting my cup down with a soft click, "why would I ever sell my company for a mere fifty million?" "A mere... fifty million?" Brittany's voice was a squeak. "Of course," I nodded matter-of-factly. "After all, my task for the next 24 hours is to spend that much." On my systern interface, the new mission glowed brightly. [New Mission Issued: Spend $51,200,000 within 24 hours.] The conference room fell into a stunned silence. Preston and Brittany looked like they had swallowed flies. And James... James looked at me, and for the first time, the distance and caution in his eyes were replaced by something else. Shock. And a deep, searching curiosity. In the latest episode titled "ReelTalk EP24-Surviving Bullying & Navigating Mental Health" by CrushReel, a poignant narrative unfolds between Autumn Noel and her confidante Amanda Liguori as they delve into the depths of mental health struggles. Autumn bravely shares her journey of overcoming bullying, shedding light on the impact of online harassment and the resilience needed to navigate such challenges. This raw and authentic conversation not only resonates with those facing similar adversities but also highlights the importance of seeking support during vulnerable times. As the story unfolds in this ongoing romance series, the bond between Autumn and Amanda deepens, showcasing the power of friendship in confronting personal battles. Through their candid exchange, themes of courage, empathy, and self-discovery resonate strongly, adding layers of depth to this heartwarming narrative. The unique blend of vulnerability and strength portrayed by the characters sets this episode apart, offering a refreshing take on mental health awareness within the romance genre. What sets this episode apart is its genuine portrayal of complex emotions and its unwavering commitment to authenticity. Available to read at CrushReel, this compelling exploration of resilience and friendship serves as a beacon of hope for readers navigating their own struggles.