Preston Vance left with his tail between his legs, muttering threats about making me regret my decision. I paid him no mind. What could a spoiled heir, coasting on his family's legacy, possibly do to me? What mattered was that after the meeting, for the first time, James stopped me. "What you said in there," he began, "was it true?" "What part?" "The fifty-million-dollar task." I looked at him, neither confirming nor denyimg. "Who are you?" he pressed. "A businesswoman," I said simply. "A businesswoman who really, really needs to spend money." He fell silent. I could feel the walls he'd built around himself begin to crumble. He was starting to see that I wasn't the shallow, hedonistic heir- ess he'd imagined. He was realizing that every move I made, every dollar I spent, was guided by a deeper logic he couldn't yet fathom. And that mystery was drawing him in. It was a good start. The fifty-million-dollar mission was a real challenge. I couldn't just buy more equipment or patents; the company was running efficiently, and any more would be wasteful. I needed a new outlet. And then I thought of someone: Jessica's father. He owned a small, floundering real estate company, kept afloat only by bank loans. In my last life, he was the one who pointed at me at my wedding and accused me of murdering his daughter. This time, I decided I'd "help" him out. I contacted him through an anonymous third party, offering to buy a worthless, undeveloped plot of land on the city's outskirts for fifty million dollars. The land was a cursed asset, something he'd been unable to sell for years. Its market value was twenty million, at best. My offer was more than double. He agreed almost instantly. To him, it was a miracle. We met at a hotel to sign the contract. When I walked in, he was boasting to his lawyer, his face flushed with victory, about how his brilliant strategy had sold a dead-end property for a fortune. He froze when he saw me. "Carol? What are you doing here?" "Mr. Miller, it's been a while," I said with a pleasant smile, extending my hand. His smile vanished, replaced by a deep-seated suspicion. "It was you? You're the one buying my land? Where did you get that kind of money?" he demanded. "That's not your concern," I said coolly. "All you need to know is that this fifty million will solve your current financial crisis." He stared at me, his eyes burning with distrust. "What are you planning? Are you trying to hurt Jessica?" I almost laughed. Even now, he thought this was about his daughter. "You're overthinking things," I said, my smile fading. "Jessica chose her own path. It has nothing to do with me. I'm here for business." "Business? This isn't business! You're just giving me money!" he snapped. "You can think of it that way if you like," I replied. "After all, I have to spend it by the end of the day." I pushed the contract across the table. Sign it. The moment you do, fifty million will be wired to your account. If you don't, I'll find someone else. Believe me, there are plenty of people who would be happy to take this money off my hands." His expression shifted, warring between greed and suspicion. In the end, greed won. He snatched the pen and scrawled his name on the signature line. "I hope you don't regret this," he snarled. I smiled. Regret? He was the one who would feel regret. Because he had no idea that in three months, the city would announce its new development plan. 11 The worthless plot of land he had just sold me was about to be rezoned as the heart of the new financial district. And its value would increase at least tenfold. 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.