**Chapter 42: A Kiss** The atmosphere in the room grew heavy with tension as the damning evidence played out on the screen. The video unmistakably showcased Ike’s assault on Janet, a harrowing attempt that left no room for doubt. Ike felt the weight of his actions crashing down upon him, rendering his legs weak as he collapsed into the chair beside him. A chilling realization settled over him: there was no escape from this mess he had created. Garrett, with a demeanor both resolute and uncompromising, turned to his assistant. "Take the laptop away," he instructed firmly. "The evidence speaks for itself. Ike Lyman, you are hereby dismissed from the Larson Group for the molestation of a fellow employee." Ike’s gaze shifted to Janet, a storm of resentment brewing within him, the wheels of revenge already turning in his mind. Just then, a cadre of police officers swept into the room, apprehending Ike with little more than a casual flick of their wrists. Christopher, sensing the weight of the moment, approached Janet with a remorseful look etched across his face. “I’m truly sorry,” he murmured, regret heavy in his voice. “I shouldn’t have let Ike take you away yesterday. Did he harm you?” With a gentle shake of her head, Janet forced a smile through the tumultuous emotions. “It wasn’t your fault, Chris. I told you not to get involved yesterday. I thought it was just a dinner with clients—how naïve I was. Thankfully, someone intervened in time.” “Thank goodness you’re safe and still part of the Larson Group,” Christopher replied, a bitter smile on his lips. “I wonder who had the courage to report Ike…” Regret gnawed at him. If only he had followed her, if only he had been the one to stand up for her; he could have been her hero in that moment. With Ike’s departure, the position of Department Director now lay bare, an emptiness that Garrett wasted no time in filling. He convened a gathering of senior executives, announcing decisively that Tiffany Fisher, a celebrated fashion designer from another department, would assume Ike’s role. As Janet returned from work, a rush of relief surged through her when she spotted a familiar figure darting through the jogging path of their community. “Ethan!” she called, waving her hands in excitement. Ethan slowed down his pace, a glimmer of sweat glistening on his chiseled features. The moment she approached him, she felt an eagerness bubbling within—there was so much she wanted to say. “Did you file a report against Ike?” she asked breathlessly, catching up to him. “Yes,” Ethan replied, taking a moment to catch his breath. He guzzled from a water bottle, wiping his mouth with his sleeve as he met her gaze. “Was he arrested?” “Yes! He was fired and taken away by the police this morning,” Janet affirmed. “But how did you manage to get the surveillance video? The hotel would never willingly share it after such a scandal.” A thoughtful smile crossed Ethan’s face. “I have a few reliable friends who helped me retrieve it.” “You clearly know a lot of people,” Janet remarked in awe, feeling a sense of trust grow deeper between them. Her admiration soared: with Ethan at her side, she felt an unwavering strength, as if he had connections in every corner of the world. “Thank you for your help. You have no idea how brazen and manipulative he was. Even with Mr. Harding present, he denied everything,” Janet expressed, her voice tinged with gratitude. Ethan swung open the door to their apartment and tossed his keys onto the table, captivated by the sight of her bubbly smile. He raised an eyebrow, teasing her. "Is that it? Just a simple thank you?" “What else would you like me to do? How about I whip up a delicious dinner tonight?” she offered, tilting her head and blinking her eyes innocently. Ethan chuckled, his gaze playfully trailing over her. “You think it would be that simple to appease me?” Feeling a rush of heat creep up her cheeks, Janet bit her lower lip. “What do you want then?” His eyes flickered down to her lips, a raw wave of desire washing over him. “How about you stick to your duties as a wife and give me a kiss?” he said, his voice low and magnetic, pulling her into a realm of bliss. “Are you serious?” Janet stammered, a rosy blush creeping over her features as she turned to make her escape. But Ethan caught her hand, tousling his hair in frustration. “Alright, just one kiss.” With her heart pounding fiercely, Janet turned back to him, her lips pressed together in unspoken challenge. Ethan closed his eyes, prompting her with a sense of urgency. His handsome face, strong and mature, drew her in. A nervous flutter ignited in her stomach, but she couldn’t resist. After a brief moment of hesitation, she stood on her tiptoes, heart racing, and pressed her lips softly against his. In that instant, the world fell away, leaving only the two of them suspended in a timeless connection, where all that mattered was the warmth of their kiss.