Kyle was driving back to his empty home.

After Carol's death, he had dismissed all the servants in the house so he could be alone.

It was late at night, and the house was pitch black, not a sign of life anywhere.

Kyle opened the door, walked in, and turned on the light. It was clear no one had been inside for a long time. Everything was covered in dust.

Kyle walked into the main bedroom. He realized then that he didn't stay with Carol for even one night after their wedding.

All of Carol's things were still in their place, her clothes all arranged neatly in the closet.

Suddenly, losing Carol really struck Kyle. He felt his heart was broken and could never be fixed.

He looked around the room and noticed her wedding ring on the bedside table.

He picked it up and held it in his hand.

Kyle stared at the ring. He felt like he was losing his mind. His eyes filled with tears, and he buried his head between his legs.

"Carol, I miss you," Kyle said out loud.

***

In the morning, Diana was on the way to the drugstore with Brian. It was a rare chance for them to go to work together.

On the way, Mrs. Jefferson called her unexpectedly.

"Diana, it is Carol's funeral today. I think she would want you to be there."

Her voice sounded calm and peaceful, but Diana could hear her tiredness.

After Mrs. Jefferson's call, Diana asked Brian to change their destination; she had to go to Carol's funeral.

"You can leave now. Go back to the company." Diana didn't want to distract Brian when there were so many things to be dealt with in the company.

"But our company also has business with the Jefferson Group. I think I should go with you," Brian insisted.

Diana gave in, for business reasons, not personal. At least that's what she told herself.

When they walked in, the first thing they saw in front of them was Carol's large black and white photo. She looked beautiful in the picture, smiling naturally at the camera.

The house was full of blue roses, Carol's favorite, and wreaths of carnations and hydrangea. Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson was standing in the hallway, greeting people as they came to pay their respects.

Diana lit some incense and placed it in the rack next to Carol's photo. Then she turned to face Carol's parents.

Mrs. Jefferson bowed to greet Diana. Diana lifted her up at once and comforted her, "Mrs. Jefferson, how are you holding up?"

"I'm okay, child, thank you." Mrs. Jefferson answered, holding back her tears.

Mr. Jefferson sighed, "Diana, I discussed it with my wife before. After Carol's funeral, we are going to move abroad."

Diana nodded. She knew that this was now a place full of sad memories; they didn't want to stay there anymore.

When everything was over, Diana headed out of Carol's house when she caught sight of Carol's photo.

"Your smile always warmed people's hearts. My dear Carol, you died so young. I'll always miss you," Diana thought.

"Let's go," Brian said softly from behind Diana.

"Okay." Diana nodded. After one last look at the photo, she followed Brian out.

After they walked away, and when everyone was gone, Kyle came out from where he'd been hiding in a locked cupboard.

He stared at Carol's photo with a bitter smile. Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson hadn't allowed him to attend the funeral. So he had hidden in the cupboard and watched secretly.

His eyes were filled with tears. This is what people do, isn't it, Kyle thought. They do not cherish something while they have it. Then once that thing is lost, all they have is regret.

Thoughts of Carol were overwhelming him with sadness when his phone began to ring.

"Hello? Kyle? Mr. Miller wants to meet you." It was Antonette calling to inform him of the news.

"It is Carol's funeral today. And they still disturb me?" Kyle thought. He had half a mind to throw the phone at the wall.

However, he gathered himself, then answered, "Okay. Got it. I will be there right away."

Like Diana before him, he stopped in front of Carol's photo again before walking to his car.

In a bar in the city center, Antonette and Chapman were waiting for Kyle. They waved at him when they caught sight of him at the entrance.

"Why so late, Kyle?" Chapman said impatiently.

"Sorry, Mr. Miller, there was a traffic jam." Kyle apologized with a smile and took his seat.

"I hear that Brian is beginning to suspect you…?" Chapman began.

Kyle didn't answer. But the expression in his eyes changed. In recent days, Kyle had not been allowed to take any decisions alone. Whatever he wanted to do, he had to ask for the permission of Brian first.

From Kyle's facial expression, Chapman could see he was right. He moved close to Kyle and put his arm around his shoulders.

"Hey, brother, I have a suggestion."

"What's your idea?"

"It's all about distraction, my friend. I suggest you find a way to tamper with the quality of the company products that will go on the market next quarter," Chapman said in a low voice.

As much as Kyle disliked Chapman, he had to agree that it was a good idea.

"Brian is very careful with the accounts at the moment. If we can do something to divert his attention, we might have a chance to transfer the funds," Chapman continued.

Though Kyle didn't answer, Chapman could see that he didn't need persuading.

"Mr. William, let's toast for our future success." Chapman held his glass up with a sinister smile.

Together, the three of them clinked glasses, toasting the next stage of their evil plan.

The next day, Antonette went to look around the Design Department, with the excuse of investigating the doc.u.ments.

Since Sybil had been home resting, there had been no real leadership in the department. Antonette chatted with the chief designer to try and get some useful information.

"Hey, Fannie, what's our best seller this quarter?" Antonette asked as casually as she could.

But Fannie was vigilant to her inquiries.

"Why do you ask?"

"Don't worry. I am just curious. It's no problem if you can't tell me."

Fannie sheltered the doc.u.ments from Antonette's lingering eyes.

Antonette could see Fannie didn't trust her, so she would need some help. Antonette glanced deliberately at a woman who has sat a few desks away.

The woman got up and came straight to Fannie's desk.

"Hey Fannie, there is something I'm not sure about over here. Can you help me?"

Fannie was a little surprised. "Ask William, he knows just as much as me, and I'm busy right now."

"But he is not here," the woman pouted.

"Fine. Let me have a look."

The woman led Fannie away to her desk.

With the coast clear, Antonette took out her phone to photograph all the new design drawings on Fannie's desk.

When she finished, she looked around to make sure that no one watched and then left at once.