Chapter 28: Who is Melissa Williams?

Mr. Woods paced restlessly in his study, contemplating the ramifications of his plan to attack Jeremy and his company.

The weight of the situation pressed upon him, and he couldn't shake off a growing sense of dread. He was no fool; he knew that Jeremy was not to be underestimated. Perhaps, as an aging man, he should consider abandoning this reckless endeavor.

"I believe we should heed the warning and put an end to this while we still can," Mr. Woods confessed to Drake Lockman, who seemed lost in his thoughts.

Lockman scoffed dismissively. "Are you telling me you're scared simply because that fool brought us a warning?"

"It's more than that," Mr. Woods replied, his voice filled with trepidation. "That warning came directly from Jeremy Nobody himself. We cannot afford to ignore it. Rumors abound about what he's done to those who dare to oppose him. And we're not dealing with ordinary individuals; these are very wealthy, influential, and highly prominent figures in our society. Jeremy has eyes and ears everywhere. I have every right to be afraid of him because he is truly dangerous. What was I thinking? I shouldn't have allowed you to talk me into this."

Lockman's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as he fixed a piercing gaze on Mr. Woods. "Silence, old man, and listen carefully. We will not stop, nor will we back down. I need your resources and mine combined to take him down. Trust me when I say that I, too, am a force to be reckoned with. So, make your choice: Do you wish to meet your end at the hands of Jeremy, or at mine?"

Mr. Woods fell silent, his spirit crushed under the weight of his circumstances. There was no way he could oppose Lockman, and he feared for his life if he disobeyed Jeremy's warning. With a heavy sigh, he finally acquiesced.

"I have just one question," Mr. Woods spoke up. "What plan do you have in mind?"

To his surprise, Lockman countered with a question of his own. "Who is Melissa Williams?"

*********

"Melissa, wake up!" Nicky's voice cut through Melissa's sleep, accompanied by the soft impact of a pillow hitting her. Groggily, she sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"I'm awake, I'm awake," Melissa mumbled, stifling a yawn.

"You've been sleeping for hours," Nicky exclaimed, her impatience evident.

"So what? I don't have anywhere to be. Remember, I don't have a job anymore," Melissa retorted, making her way to the bathroom to freshen up.

"Well, someone is here to see you, so hurry up," Nicky informed her before leaving the room.

Curious, Melissa hastily finished her morning routine and made her way to the living room. Who could it be that wanted to see her this early? As she entered the room, her eyes widened in disbelief.

Sitting there, in her own living room, was her former boss, Sasha Philips. It was an impossible sight. What on earth was Sasha doing here? The questions flooded her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension.

Sasha stood up from the couch as soon as she noticed Melissa and rushed over to her side.

"Melissa, thank goodness I found you," Sasha exclaimed, embracing her tightly. Melissa was taken aback by the sudden display of affection.

Nicky and Sam watched the scene unfold from the dining area, their curiosity piqued.

"Um, Miss Philips, what brings you here? I thought you were on vacation," Melissa asked, trying to make sense of the unexpected visit.

Sasha took a step back, her eyes filled with concern. "I was on vacation, but something happened, something that made me rush back."

Melissa's brow furrowed with confusion. "What happened? And why are you here in my house?"

Sasha took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Melissa, I heard about what happened. About how you were forced out of my studio, and..."

"You mean how I was fired by you," Melissa interjected, her voice tinged with bitterness. She couldn't understand why Sasha was suddenly showing up after terminating her employment.

Sasha's expression softened, and she reached out to hold Melissa's hands. "Melissa, what happened was a terrible mistake, and I deeply regret it. I want you to come back to work. In fact, I'm willing to offer you a promotion."

Melissa's eyes widened in disbelief. The offer seemed too good to be true. "Why? Why are you suddenly giving me my job back and offering me a promotion? I don't understand."

Sasha sighed, her gaze filled with sincerity. "Melissa, please consider coming back. We need you at the studio. You're an exceptional artist, and I believe in your talent."

Melissa looked at Sasha, her heart torn between resentment and the lingering passion for her art. She turned to Nicky and Sam, seeking guidance from her closest friends.

Nicky spoke up, her voice gentle but supportive. "Melissa, think about it. This could be a chance for you to reclaim your passion and showcase your talent to the world."

Sam nodded in agreement. "Sometimes, second chances come in unexpected ways. You have nothing to lose by giving it a thought."

Melissa took a moment to reflect, weighing her options and considering the implications of returning to a place that had betrayed her. Eventually, she made up her mind.

"Sasha, thank you for your offer, but I have to decline. I can't invest my time and potential in a place that doesn't value me. I deserve better," Melissa asserted firmly.

Sasha's eyes filled with tears, and she dropped to her knees, pleading. "Melissa, I beg you, reconsider. If you don't come back, the studio will be demolished. It's everything I have left. Please."

Melissa stood there, shocked by Sasha's desperate plea. She exchanged a glance with Nicky and Sam, realizing the gravity of the situation.

"What do you mean by 'demolished'? What's going on?" Melissa asked, her voice filled with concern and confusion.