Chapter 132

Desmond’s POV

The day had started with a glimmer of hope, however faint. I had driven to Miss Leila’s house, swallowing my pride to beg for mercy. I hated every moment of it—groveling before a woman who thrived on others’ misery. But I had no choice. My company was crumbling, my clients had abandoned me, and the penalty fees she demanded were far beyond what I could pay. Still, I had hoped that a sliver of humanity would emerge from her cold, calculating heart.

Her response, though, was a brutal reminder of the kind of person she truly was.

“No refunds, Desmond. And no, I won’t lower the penalty,” she had said with a twisted smile, arms crossed as if relishing my despair.

I had begged, my voice cracking with desperation, “Please, Miss Leila, just reduce it a little. I’ll fight to pay the rest. I just need a chance to save my company!”

Her expression didn’t falter. “That’s not my problem. You should have thought about this before you got yourself