Becomes

Chapter 0131

Bill’s POV

We stay like that for a while, just being close. The steady rhythm of her breathing, the warmth of her body against mine, and the subtle scent of her hair help calm me down.

With Serena so close, everything feels a little less crazy.

After a few minutes, Serena lifts her head and looks at me with those deep, understanding eyes. Wanna talk about it?” she asks softly.

“1

“It’s this whole Max scandal,” I start. “It’s got the shareholders and clients all doubting me. And now, someone’s trying to buy my biggest ally’s shares in the company. If they succeed, they’ll have the most control.”

Serena furrows her brows. “What does this mean? You’ll no longer own the company?”

I nod. “If they buy enough shares, they’ll have the majority. They can push through their decisions, and the worst part is they could force me off the board.”

“They can’t do that!” Serena exclaims. “That’s unfair. You and your father built that company from the ground up.”

“I know,” I say. “But in business, whoever has the most shares calls the shots.”

Serena shakes her head, then stands up. “Well, you can’t let that happen, Bill. You must do something;

about.”

I run a hand through my hair. “Believe me, I’m doing everything I can. I’m negotiating with Frederick, trying to convince him not to sell his shares.”

y

@

“Why do you sound so doubtful? This isn’t like you, Bill,” Serena says, her eyes filled with concern. You’re always so confident.”

O

I look down at the ground, kicking a small pebble away with my shoe. “Well, maybe it’s different now,” I mutter, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’m just being realistic.”

Serena steps closer, putting her foot down. “No, Bill. You can’t just give up like that,” she says firmly. ” You are capable and smart, and you’ve always found a way through tough situations. This isn’t any different. You need to fight for what you’ve built and show them why you’re the right person to lead this company.”

look up, taken aback by her intensity. Her words hit me hard, but they’re exactly what I need to hear. She’s right. I can’t just sit back and let things fall apart.

“Thanks, I needed that,” I say. “Promise, I’ll do whatever it takes to turn this around.”

“That’s the Bill I know,” she says, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.

We decide to take a break and do something fun to clear our minds. Nearby, there’s a stand renting.

1/2

+15 BONUS

out kites. Serena’s eyes light up when she sees them

“How about we fly a kite?” she suggests with a grin “It might help you relax and think more clearly.”

I chuckle, feeling some of the tension ease out of my shoulders. “Alright, let’s do it.”

We walk over to the stand and browse through the colorful array of kites. There are all kinds of designs – dragons, butterflies, and geometric patterns. We finally settle on a vibrant, rainbow–colored kite that stands out brilliantly against the blue sky.

Carrying the kite, we head down to an open area on the beach where the wind is steady. Serena laughs as she runs ahead, the kite trailing behind her and I can’t help but join in. The wind catches the kite, lifting it high into the air, and it starts to soar.

We take turns holding the string, each of us guiding the kite higher and higher. The kite dips and dives, responding to the subtle movements of our hands. We cheer each other on, our laughter mixing with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

As the sun starts to dip lower on the horizon, casting a warm, golden light over everything, we bring the kite back down. We find a spot on the sand and sit down, side by side, the kite resting between us. The sky begins to change colors, from vibrant oranges and pinks to deep purples and blues. The scene is breathtaking.

“It’s beautiful,” Serena whispers, leaning her head on my shoulder.

I wrap my arm around her, pulling her close. “It really is,” I say softly, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. “The perfect way to end the