Zelda stood frozen, heart pounding in disbelief. Had she really heard what she thought she’d heard? The conversation between James and his father replayed in her mind, each word sinking deeper. Was everything James had done, bringing his grandmother, asking for forgiveness, pleading for another chance…all just a calculated move to protect his company?
A chill washed over her as she pressed a hand to her heart, tears beginning to well in her eyes. She felt herself spiralling, the happiness she’d clung to just moments ago crumbling. It had all been a lie, an illusion that shattered in an instant.
Suddenly, her phone rang. She picked it up absentmindedly, barely noticing the caller ID.
"Zelda?" a familiar voice spoke.
It took her a moment to recognize it. "Oh, Hammer," she repli
