Channell's apartment...

Michelle sat at her desk, studying late into the night. Meanwhile, Meryl rummaged through the closet, searching for her pyjamas.

As she searched, a box fell from the top shelf, spilling its contents across the floor. Among the items was a photo of Joanna and Tyrson on Joanna's 3rd birthday. "Are you okay, Mom?" Michelle called out.

She rushed over to help Meryl clean up the mess. As they worked, she noticed a photograph lying a little way from where they were kneeling.

It looked like Meryl hadn't seen it yet, but she wasn't sure. Should she point it out, or let Meryl find it on her own?"

Meryl caught a glimpse of Michelle's curious glance at the photograph. She wondered if Michelle had recognized it, but couldn't be sure.

For years, she had hidden the photo, not wanting Michelle to recognize the people in it. But now that she'd seen it, Meryl worried that the truth would come out.

"Mom, who's in that photo?" Michelle asked. Meryl's heart pounded in her chest as she considered how to answer.

Meryl stood frozen, unable to think of what to say. As Michelle leaned forward to pick up the frame, Meryl acted fast, snatching it up just in time.

Michelle looked at her mother in confusion, and Meryl could feel her heart racing. She stuffed the frame back into the box and returned it to the closet, locking it behind her.

"Yes, it was you," Meryl lied, not wanting to have this conversation now.

"Really?" Michelle exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "Can I take a look?" she asked, her eyes wide and innocent.

"It's getting late, sweetheart," Meryl said. "You should get to bed soon so you can wake up early for school tomorrow.

"But mom!" Michelle whined, clearly not wanting the conversation to end.

"Come on, let's get you to bed," Meryl said, leading Michelle over to the bed where Cassie was already fast asleep.

Michelle snuggled under the covers, and Meryl tucked her in, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "Sweet dreams," she whispered.

Then she switched off the light and left the room, closing the door behind her.

                                        *
The next day...

Meryl arrived at work at 7:00 am that morning, earlier than usual, because of a meeting at the office.

She asked Cassie to take Michelle to school, not wanting to face the questions she knew her daughter would ask if she saw her leaving for work without her.

"Can I see your designs?" Iris asked Meryl as the workers from her department gathered for a small meeting before the actual meeting.

Meryl handed him a file, and the others in the room glanced over his shoulder to take a look. They were all impressed by her design.

"Did you really design this?" Selina asked. Meryl nodded, feeling a sense of satisfaction that her work was being appreciated.

She looked at Iris, waiting for his feedback on her design. He smiled and said, "It's perfect. We should definitely use this one." The others in the room nodded in agreement.

Meryl couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. She had put so much effort into the design, and it felt good to know that it was appreciated.

"I was sure you were going to choose mine," Selina said with a smile. "But it's okay, as long as the CEO approves it, we're good to go.

"Here are the documents you'll need to present to the CEO," Iris said, handing Meryl a stack of papers.

Meryl's heart started racing as she looked through them. She'd never had to stand in front of the whole company before, let alone explain a project. Could she do this?

Iris must have noticed her nervousness, because he said, "Don't worry, you'll do great. Just remember to speak clearly and confidently, and everything will be fine.

"Do I really have to do that?" she asked, worried that she would have to face Tyrson and explain everything. Iris nodded, and she bit her lip nervously.

"You sure you can do this?" He asked when he noticed her nervousness and Meryl looked up.

"Fighting!" She said loudly and iris almost laughed at her reaction.

"Come on girl! I like the spirit" Selina said and she smiled.

But inside, she was feeling anything but confident. She was worried that she would end up humiliated in front of the entire company. But she had to try. She had to put on a brave face.

"Are we good to go?" Iris asked, bringing Meryl back to the present moment. Meryl hesitated, then nodded, trying to look more confident than she felt.

*****
                                     
In the board room, everyone was seated and waiting for the meeting to begin. The CEO, Tyrson, entered with his secretary, and everyone stood to greet him.

Tyrson was dressed in a stylish blue double-breasted suit, with his hair brushed back, leaving a few strands hanging over his forehead. He took his usual seat, and the rest of the group sat down.

"Let's get started," Tyrson announced, and Iris stood up.

"Good day, everyone," he began. "Today's meeting is about the new jewelry design we've been working on. I'd like to introduce Miss Channell, who will be presenting the design to us."

Everyone applauded, and Iris returned to his seat. Meryl stood up, feeling a little nervous. As she stood up, she caught Tyrson's eye.

Meryl quickly looked away, trying to hide her nervousness. "Good day, everyone," she began, clearing her throat.

She brought out the overhead projector, determined to stay calm and professional. "I'd like to present the new jewelry design we've been working on," she announced, turning on the projector.

She started explaining the design, her voice growing more confident as she spoke. But just as she was getting into the flow of her presentation, Tyrson interrupted her.

"That's not modern at all!" Tyrson interrupted, a smug look on his face. "Didn't you know we only work with modern designs?"

Old stuff? Meryl scoffed, taken aback by his harsh words.

"But I -" she began, but Tyrson cut her off. "This is my company, and I won't tolerate any mistakes, especially not from you," he said, raising his voice.

"This project is dismissed," Tyrson declared, to the shock of everyone in the room. "I want something better."

Meryl was stunned. Everyone had thought her design was perfect. Had she missed something? Or had she offended Tyrson in some way? The others looked just as shocked and confused as she felt.

Julia's smile broadened with satisfaction. She had always resented Meryl, and this was the perfect opportunity to knock her down a peg or two.

Meryl's heart sank. She had worked so hard on the project, and now it was all for nothing. She couldn't bear to look at Tyrson, instead shooting him a glare before slinking back to her seat. She fought back tears as her vision blurred.

Iris noticed Meryl's tears and the pain in her eyes. He couldn't stand by and let this happen.

"Mr.Griffin, I don't think this is fair," he said, his voice soft but firm. "I think you should give her another chance."

"My decision is final," Tyrson snapped, glaring at Iris. "The meeting is over." And with that, he stormed out of the room.

Meryl stood up and chased after Tyrson, leaving the rest of the room in stunned silence.

"Tyrson!" she called after him, and he stopped in his tracks. He turned around, a smug smirk on his face.

"Don't you think you're being too harsh?" she demanded. "This has nothing to do with our past, right?"

Tyrson scoffed, his eyes cold and unyielding. "Don't be so naive," he said, before turning and walking away.

*******
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