"What's wrong?" Michelle asked, her brow furrowed in concern. Meryl picked up her phone from the floor, and Michelle gave her a questioning look. But to her relief, the phone was unharmed.

Just then, the call was disconnected. "It's nothing," Meryl assured her, plastering on a fake smile. But she could tell that Michelle wasn't convinced. "Did you get to speak to Mr. Philanthropist?" Michelle asked.

"No," Meryl said, her voice tight. "I figured it was too late, so I didn't try."

"It's time for bed, darling," Meryl said, getting up from her chair. "Good night." She watched as Michelle disappeared into her room, a pout on her face.

As soon as Meryl was alone, she unlocked her phone and saw a notification from Iris, saying there was a meeting at the company the next day at 7:00 a.m., before the sun had even risen. She turned off her phone and sank into her chair, exhausted.

Her thoughts turned to Michelle and Tyrson. If he found out that Michelle was his daughter, what would happen? Would he take her.

                                       *
"We've just signed a deal with the Dutch jewelry company," Tyrson announced in the boardroom, "for a contract worth £85 billion. We have a good chance of winning the contract, but we need to supply the best jewelry possible for Horton Jewelry Shop."

Iris spoke up. "I was thinking that if we could form an alliance with Ludovic Hans, he could help us make the best jewelry for Horton. He's known for his exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, which would be perfect for this project."

Tyrson nodded in agreement. "I think that's a great idea.

"Are we sure that an alliance with Ludovic Hans would actually help us win the contract?" Julia interrupted, a skeptical look on her face.

Iris spoke up again. "I'm very confident that it will. Ludovic is one of the best jewelers in California, and he has a lot of experience working with high-end clients. He's also very well-respected in the industry, so I think he would be a valuable asset to our team."

Meanwhile, Meryl sat silently, lost in thought. She had so many things on her mind, from her own personal problems.

The boardroom was silent, until Tyrson spoke up. "Ms. Channell, you seem distracted and absent-minded. You're a member of this meeting, and we need your input on this matter."

Meryl snapped out of her thoughts and looked up, startled. "I... I'm sorry," she stammered. "I was just... thinking about something else." She cleared her throat and continued. "I think we should try to make the best possible design for the Horton, and show them that we're committed to meeting their needs."

Tyrson gave her a knowing look.

"So, to sum it up," Tyrson continued, "Director Caesar, Assistant Director Caesar, Jewelry Designer Ms. Channell, and I will be traveling to California to meet with Ludovic Hans and present the jewelry designs for the Horton. Ms. Channell, we're counting on you to create the best possible designs. Don't disappoint us."

Tyrson's words cut through her like a knife. She was being sent away on a business trip, leaving her daughter behind for days. But she couldn't do it. She wouldn't leave Michelle alone, no matter what.

"The meeting is over"

Just as everyone was about to leave, Meryl hastily gathered the files in front of her and rushed after the others. "Tyrson," she called out, a little out of breath.

She shouted His name at the presence of every and as expected they all turned to her with surprised look on their faces.

"Who's she?" one person whispered.

"How dare she call the CEO by name!" another hissed.

"Isn't that the woman whose presentation got dismissed?" someone else asked.

"Oh, she's so shameless!" another person said, shaking their head.

A few people around them started murmuring to each other, but Meryl ignored them.

Tyrson turned to face Meryl, a questioning look on his face. She realized her mistake immediately, and quickly corrected herself. "CEO sir," she said, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

It was awkward to have to address him so formally, but she knew it was necessary to keep their relationship a secret. She didn't want anyone to find out that they had once been involved, as that could ruin her reputation at the company.

"Is there a problem?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Meryl began to stammer, desperately trying to think of an excuse. "I... I can't go on the trip," she said, her voice trembling. "My... my mom is really sick, and I need to take care of her."

Meryl's heart sank. She knew he wouldn't believe her, and she had no idea how to explain the real reason she couldn't go on the trip.

Tyrson's voice was tinged with disbelief. "You have a mom?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Meryl bit her lip. She had been caught in her lie, and she knew it. She couldn't exactly tell him the truth - that she needed to stay behind to take care of the daughter she had never told him about.

"Uh... I mean... it's not my mom," she stammered, trying to think of an explanation. "It's my... my aunt. She's like a mom to me."

Tyrson's expression remained skeptical.

"Tyrson's words hung in the air like a death sentence. "Get ready by 7:00," he said. "A car will pick you up at your house tomorrow morning. You're coming with us unless you want to lose your job."

With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Meryl feeling dazed and confused.

Back at the office, everyone was buzzing with excitement about the upcoming party. Meryl couldn't focus, though her mind was still reeling from the conversation with Tyrson.

"Meryl, are you coming to the party?" Selina asked, breaking into her

"What?" Meryl asked, confused.

"The office dinner party!" Selina said, her voice full of excitement. "We do it every year!"

Meryl tried to sound interested, but she couldn't quite muster the enthusiasm. "Do I really have to go?" she asked.

"Oh, girl, of course you have to!" Selina said, her face falling into a pout. "It's going to be so much fun!"

Meryl tried to muster a smile, but it was half-hearted at best. "I don't know," she said.

Iris stood behind them with a sly grin on his face. "Hey, ladies," he said."I was about to ask you to be my date for the office dinner party tonight?"

Meryl and Selina shared a look of disbelief. "Are you serious?" Selina asked, her eyes wide.

"I am!" Iris replied. "It'll be a lot of fun! You don't get to go to fancy dinner parties with the CEO every day, do you?"

Meryl was still in a state of shock. Was Iris really asking her out on a date?

Meryl felt her face flush with embarrassment. She didn't know how to respond to Iris in front of their coworkers, especially since she wasn't interested in going on a date with him.

"I'll pick you up at your house tonight. Just text me the address," he said, flashing her a smile.

Meryl's heart was racing. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't say no in front of everyone, but she didn't want to give Iris the wrong idea.

"You don't have to do that," Meryl said, her voice quiet but firm. "I'll see you there." She bit her lip.

Iris smiled, but it wasn't the kind of smile that reached his eyes. "Okay, I'll see you there," he said, and she turned and walked away.
    
                                        ★

"Meryl, you have to go," Cassie said, her voice calm and reassuring. "You can't afford to lose your job. And you know I'll take good care of Michelle. You can trust me."

Meryl knew Cassie was right, but she couldn't shake the feeling of unease. She was worried about leaving Michelle with Cassie, even though she knew Cassie was more than capable of taking care of her.

"But what if Tyrson tries to take advantage of me while I'm away?" she asked, voicing her fears. "What if something goes wrong and I can't...

"Or do you think I should leave the job and look for another good job" she inquired, puzzled.

"Do you think Tyrson is up to something?" Cassie asked, her voice full of concern. "Do you think he'd take advantage of you if you were away?" She paused, thinking about the situation. "I can't tell you what to do, but I do think leaving your job would be a big mistake. It pays well, and it would be hard to find another job that pays as much. How would you support yourself and Michelle?"

Meryl bit her lip. She knew Cassie was right, but she couldn't shake the feeling of dread. "I don't know what to do," she said.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of Michelle," Cassie said, her voice soft and reassuring. "You don't have to worry about her while you're away. I promise I'll take good care of her."

Meryl felt a weight lift from her shoulders. "I just don't know what to do," she said. "This is all so overwhelming."

Cassie put a hand on her shoulder. "I know it's a lot to take in," she said, "but you just need to do what you know is best for you and your daughter. And I'm here to help you

"Okay, okay, I hear you," Meryl said, giving in. "But I'm not going to that trip looking like this!" Cassie exclaimed, gesturing at Meryl's rumpled shirt and jeans. "We're going shopping, and you're going to get something appropriate for the occasion."

Meryl started to protest, but Cassie cut her off. "Don't even think about arguing with me," she said. "We're going, and that's final."

Meryl sighed. "Okay, fine," she said. "But what about the dinner party? She reminded her.

"Iris asked you to be his date?" Cassie asked, a note of surprise in her voice. "You're going with him?"

Meryl nodded. "Yeah, I know it's kind of weird," she said, "but he's been really nice to me lately, and I feel like it would be rude to say no. Besides, maybe it'll be fun." She shrugged. "What do you think?"

Cassie considered for a moment. "I think you should do whatever you feel comfortable with," she said. "But I have to admit, the thought of you and Iris going to is somehow"

""Great, I'm going to make you look amazing for Iris," Cassie said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Meryl gave her a skeptical look. "Seriously?" she asked.

*****

Meryl stepped out of the cab and took a moment to look up at the venue where the party was to be held. Her hair was elegantly swept up into a bun, and her black gown clung to her body, highlighting her curves. The long dress was slit to the thigh, revealing just a hint of skin. It wasn't her usual style, but Cassie had insisted, and Meryl had to admit, she did look good.

She took a deep breath and prepared herself for the night ahead. She couldn't let her nerves get the best of her now.

Meryl had opted for minimal makeup just a touch of mascara and a bold red lipstick. Around her neck, she wore a simple gold necklace. She took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The noise and music hit her like a wall of sound. Meryl hated parties, and this one was no exception. She scanned the room for Cassie, but couldn't find her.

Just then, she felt a hand on her waist. "Whoa!" she exclaimed, nearly losing her balance. She looked up to see Tyrson standing in front of her, his hands still on her hips.

His hands were firm but gentle as he kept her from falling. Meryl's chest pressed against his as she gasped for breath, and she could feel his heart racing beneath his shirt.

She pulled away, taking a moment to steady herself. "I'm okay," she said, her voice trembling.

Tyrson's eyes traveled over her body, taking in her new appearance. She looked stunning, but he couldn't seem to find the words to tell her so.

She bit on her lips and looked down when she noticed his eyes on her body.

Before Meryl could say anything, Tyrson had spotted Iris in the crowd and was pulling her away. She stumbled after him, her mind racing with questions.

"Selina!" Iris called, and Selina turned to face him. "Mr. Caesar!" she shouted over the noise of the music.

"Have you seen Meryl?" he shouted, and Selina shook her head.

"I haven't seen her," she said. "I've been here for a while, but I haven't seen her yet."

Iris's brow furrowed. He'd been hoping to see Meryl at the party, but it was starting to look like she wasn't going to show up. He made his way back through the crowd, searching for any sign of her.

Tyrson led Meryl through the crowd, away from Iris. "Where are we going?" she asked, but he didn't answer, just kept walking.

""Tyrson!" Meryl exclaimed, pulling her hand from his grip. They were on a balcony, high above the party, with a view of the city lights.

"Why did you bring me here?" she asked, her voice calmer than the anger she felt inside.

"Just stay," he said, his voice pleading.

"No," she said, turning to leave. But he grabbed her hand and held her back. She glared at him. "Let go of me!"

I need to find my date," she said, and Tyrson almost laughed.

"Iris, right?" he asked, and she nodded. He tried to hide the anger rising inside him, smoothing his hair back with his hand.

"Julia is here, and besides, why do you care?"
"Why does it matter to you?" she asked, rolling her eyes. She tried to wriggle out of his grip, but he held fast.

"I don't know what's happening to me," he said, "or why I'm feeling like this. I think I haven't gotten over you."

Meryl's eyes widened in shock. She had never expected him to say that.

"I... I have to go," she said, her heart pounding in her chest. She pulled free from his grasp.

But he caught her arm and turned her to face him. Before she could protest, he pulled her close and kissed her. She stood frozen in shock, unable to react.

"Tyrson.....!"