Upon seeing Lucian in the room, Lemira, with a calm demeanor, said, “I’ve integrated the tested code into the software. My work here is done, so I’ll be on my way unless there’s something else.”  “Lemmy, I always knew you wouldn’t let me down. I had no idea you had so many skills under your belt.”  Truth be told, Lucian had his doubts about Lemira solving the firewall issue. After all, he had sought the expertise of many, to no avail. Yet, she had cracked it in just two days.  Lucian beamed at Lemira, “With this, I feel even more confident in entrusting the company to your capable hands.”  “I’ll pass.” Lemira declined straight away, turning to Hogan, “Just process the payment as we agreed, and that’ll be all”  She had no intention of staying any longer.  Lucian, somewhat panicked, stood up to stop her, “Lemmy, running a company is far more meaningful than streaming online. It’s a venture that promises more financial gain down the line. I genuinely have your best interests at heart.”  There it is again, the “for your best interests” argument!  Lemira was composed, “Lucian, are you really doing this for me, or is it just another way to keep me under your thumb?”  Returning would mean reverting to their old ways of interaction. Lucian’s continuously badgering her showed he merely wasn’t accustomed to the fact that he no longer could control her.  Lucian was taken aback, “Why would you think that? I just want to make things right and compensate for the past.”  The wariness in Lemira’s eyes stung him deeply. He hadn’t expected such distrust from her.  “If you truly have my best interests at heart, stop doing these tiresome things, Lemira said calmly.  As Lemira turned and opened the office door, she saw Evelina standing outside with a rather unpleasant expression. Without sparing Evelina a glance, Lemira went back to her desk, gathered her things, and left.  Lucian, after a few faltering steps, ultimately didn’t follow her. His expression was sour.  Evelina, inwardly seething with jealousy, couldn’t fathom why her years of dedication seemed to pale in comparison to Lemira’s whims. Swallowing her pride, Evelina approached Lucian with a composed face, ‘Lucian, I’m sure Lemmy will eventually see the depth of your care for her.”  Lucian managed a wry smile, “Perhaps.”  Hogan, observing Evelina’s attempt at comfort, felt a twinge of discomfort but remained silent, considering it a personal matter for the boss.  Lemira headed straight home after leaving the company.  Soon after, Hogan called, ‘Ms. Langston, our clients insist on having a technical handover before proceeding. Could we trouble you to join us at the client’s company tomorrow?”  Lemira frowned, “Fine, but this will be the last time I’m involved, and I’d prefer the client not know who I am.”  “No problem, it’s all settled then. Your payment has been processed, please check your account.”  After hanging up, Hogan looked at Lucian, “It’s all arranged, boss.*  “Why does Lemmy agree when you ask but not me?”  Hogan’s expression turned complex, “Probably because I’m just a bystander. Ms. Langston is kind–hearted; she didn’t want to make things difficult for me.”  Lucian sighed, “I don’t even know how to communicate with her anymore.”  The next day, as Lemira was about to hail a cab to the client’s company, she spotted Lucian’s car but pretended not to see it and got into a taxi instead.  The wounds of the past weren’t easily forgotten.  Upon arriving, Lemira and Lucian went into the client’s company together.  As a technician, she conducted a final check on the software, confirming everything was in order  The client’s manager received a call and promptly stood up. “Our boss just returned.”  As the conference room door opened, two figures walked in.  tempira was taken aback. Weren’t those Thaddeus and Orion? They were the bosses of this company?  Chapter 145  Chapter 145