“Check this out!” Laney handed her phone to Teresa, her eyes sparkling. “Aren’t Janet’s designs stunning?”
Teresa grinned, glancing at the screen. “Absolutely. You’re beaming like you created them yourself.”
Laney’s smile widened. “She’s my close friend, and I couldn’t be happier for her success. Her designs are incredible, and I’m
sure she’ll become a renowned designer with pricier commissions in the future.”
Despite her excitement, Teresa noticed a hint of envy in Laney’s eyes as she continued to praise Janet. It was evident that Laney
admired her friend’s thriving career.
Noticing this, Teresa sighed, her expression turning somber. “You once had a great career, Laney. You were the most famous
female security guard in the industry. It’s a shame that you got married, and then we never heard from you again.”
Laney’s smile faltered. “Is that so?”
Teresa shook her head. “I thought you’d given up your career as a bodyguard to become a wealthy housewife.”
A bitter smile crossed Laney’s face as she shook her head. “I don’t want to return to being a puppet for the wealthy family.”
Her time with the Harding family was a period she wanted to forget. During that period of time, Laney felt like a soulless doll,
subject to their every whim.
The mere thought suffocated her. Understanding Laney’s pain, Teresa patted her shoulder. “The past is behind you. You’re still
young, and it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.”
Laney’s expression brightened a little. “I’m grateful for my job at your company now. It’s exhausting, but I’m finally living life on
my terms.”
As they spoke, Teresa’s tone grew serious. “Actually, I have another matter to discuss with you today.”
Laney’s curiosity piqued. “What is it? Please, do tell.”
“I’d like to hire you as our company’s consultant, training our new recruits,” Teresa revealed.
Laney’s heart raced, but her face fell. “I’ve been away from the security industry for so long. I’m afraid I won’t be able to do it.”
She hadn’t worked in years and doubted her ability to perform her old job.

Moreover, after giving birth to her child, Laney’s physical fitness had declined. Her daughter, Anya, was still young and needed
her. She feared she wouldn’t have the time or energy to balance work and motherhood.
lan entered the room just in time to catch their conversation.
Understanding Laney’s concerns, he reassured her, “You don’t need to worry,
Mrs. Harding. You can ease back into work, and your health is manageable.”
Laney shook her head, disheartened. “I can’t return to my former self. Since giving birth to Anya, my body hasn’t been the
same.”
Teresa narrowed her eyes. “How do you know unless you try? Don’t you miss the confidence and happiness you once had?
Dwelling on the past will only bring you down.”
Laney forced a wry smile. “I understand, but what about Anya? She needs me right now.” lan chimed in, “I’ll be here to look after
Anya. You can pursue your dreams without worry.”
Teresa nodded in agreement. “Laney, you can’t stay trapped in your past. It’s time to move forward.”
Laney’s expression softened as she listened to Teresa and Jan.
Maybe she shouldn’t have been so consumed by worry or let down her supportive friends.
Having escaped ped the clutches of the Harding family, Laney resolved to stand tall, embrace her new life, and face fresh
challenges head-on.

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