CHAPTER NINETY NINE – KARINA’S HANDWORK

Karina stared at the message, a mix of emotions swirling through her. Part of her was touched by Alex's apparent concern. Another part wondered if this was just another manipulation, another man trying to use her for his own gain. As she debated whether or not to respond, a breaking news alert flashed across her screen. With a sense of dread, she clicked on it: "Eladio Enterprises Stock Plummets Amid Engagement Scandal - Investors Calling for CEO's Resignation" Karina felt a pang of worry for Miguel, quickly followed by a surge of anger at herself for caring. He had gotten them into this mess, hadn't he? With his jealousy, his secrets, his inability to fully trust her. But even as she thought it, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered: Hadn't she played a part in this too? Hadn't she agreed to the arrangement, knowing the risks? And hadn't she developed real feelings along the way, just as Miguel claimed to have done? Overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions, Karina threw