Frustrated, she cast aside her paintbrush and cleared her cluttered table.


    Elizabeth’s disparaging words echoed in her mind.


    Why couldn’t she bring Ste’s ideas to fruition?


    Was she truly as inept as Elizabeth imed?


    Devyn slumped in her chair, feeling defeated.


    Suddenly, the phone rang.


    ncing at the caller ID, she noted it was ter.


    Devyn scowled at the name “ter” shing on her screen, feeling a wave of distaste.


    Why was he calling now?” Was he to teach her a lesson again?


    The phone kept ringing, stubborn as if ter wouldn’t give up until she picked up.


    With a sigh, Devyn grabbed the phone, irritation in her voice.


    “What is it?”


    ter didn’t beat around the bush.


    “You in a bind? If it’s money you need, I can help.


    You don’t have to resort to this.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    ”


    Devyn felt a rush of emotions.


    She bit her lip and managed a faint smile.


    “It’s beyond money now.


    ”


    The fate of her two brothers was in Elizabeth’s hands.


    With that leverage, Elizabeth could make Devyn do anything.


    ter paused before saying, “So, you’re going through with the giarism?”


    The word “giarism” stung, and Devyn flinched at its mention.


    But her hands were tied.


    She was now what she despised.


    Swallowing her pride, Devyn admitted through clenched teeth, “Yes.


    ”


    ter didn’t respond right away.


    After a moment, he uttered slowly, “If you’ve made up your mind, I’m here to help.


    ”


    “You’re really going to help me?” Devyn couldn’t hide her surprise.


    ter gave a soft assurance.


    “But remember, if this gets out, you’re the one who has to face the fallout.


    ”


    Staring at her unfinished design, Devyn quickly assured him, “I’ve got it.


    I’ll handle whateveres our way.


    ”


    Knowing ter was on her side gave Devyn hope that her work could truly make a difference, potentially even saving her brothers.


    “Are you sure about this?” ter double-checked.


    “You know how this choice might impact your career in design.


    If you run into trouble, just let me know, and I’ll be there.


    ”


    Devyn held her phone tighter, ter’s words stinging like thorns.


    What choice did she have?