Coincidentally, Ryan had also arrived. I briefly explained my thoughts to him, and after some contemplation, he responded, "No problem. But we need to provide a reasonable justification since we voluntarily withdrew from the competition before."Ryan always adhered to his principles. Every action required a valid reason.After some thinking, I told him, "If necessary, I'll find a way to change the dynamics, reshuffle the project team, and ask Atticus to withdraw his connections through legitimate channels so we can compete fairly."I presented my well-founded reasons and plans to Ryan. To me, this was the safest strategy.After communicating with Joyce, Ryan adopted my approach.I immediately arranged a secret meeting with Atticus, and after some negotiation, we reached an agreement. He would find a way to overturn the current contract for Phase Two of Avalon Hills, reshuffle the team, and create a new arrangement.Meanwhile, Grayson prepared for Muborough. We would expose it onc
The incident happened because of an unusual disturbance.When our engagement ceremony ended, Archie started to negotiate with Atlas over me, which made all my family members chuckle. But in the midst of this celebratory atmosphere, a group of individuals in a corner began discreetly discussing my somewhat controversial past.These discussions reached the ears of Lauren, and due to the offensive nature of the remarks, it quickly escalated into a heated confrontation, which resulted in Lauren getting slapped.The woman who had initiated the confrontation pointed at Lauren arrogantly and verbally attacked her. "Who do you think you are? How dare you interfere in my affairs? Take a good look at yourself. You're nothing more than an accessory. But here you are, speaking up in an upscale setting. Do you still think you're a socialite? How funny! Birds of a feather really do flock together. You’re both equally disgusting.”Her extremely harsh words made Lauren cover her face. She tried to
As we tried to leave, the tall woman boldly stepped forward, obstructing our path."Why are you leaving? Did we strike a nerve? Did you really sink so low and plot to get someone else's position? Looks like that didn't work out, huh?" She looked at us disdainfully and continued unabashedly, "You’re clinging to someone else’s man and waiting to be his wife. How's that working out for you? Take a look in the mirror. You're not fit for that. You were just a tool to him all along.”Her words hit home, and I sensed Lauren's body visibly swaying. She clutched my hand tightly, trembling.I stepped forward and prepared to confront them.Suddenly, a furious roar erupted from the crowd. "Nonsense! As long as I’m here, you won't get away with insulting her."All eyes turned toward the source of the roar, revealing a furious Oliver. He resembled a raging lion, glaring fiercely at the gossiping women."Who the hell are you? Show yourselves right now!”Oliver's expression was menacing, and
I stared at the women. "Apologize right now," I commanded coldly.It was evident that the tall woman was stubborn and had a knack for being unruly, just like Liora. She decided to step forward as she saw the situation turning against her and my relentless demand for an apology."Since our agreements have been terminated, why should I apologize? Did I say anything wrong?" she retorted defiantly.I took a step closer, gazing directly at her. "No apology, huh?" I said, coldly.One of the men who had pleaded with Atlas suddenly turned to her and scolded, "Katie Finch, apologize!"The woman's face darkened even more, "Why..."I slapped her hard without hesitation. Then, I looked at her calmly and said, "Since you won't apologize, consider that repayment for the slap earlier. I hope you'll pay more attention to your behavior in the future. You shouldn’t mess with some people. You can leave now."After that, I returned to Lauren's side, saying, "You don’t need to show those kind of peo
I wanted to follow Lauren, but Atlas gently pulled me back and shook his head softly.I knew Atlas didn't want me to go after her. It would only make the situation more embarrassing for her. Later, my eyes kept glancing in Lauren's direction. Every time I looked, I saw her chatting and laughing, though I knew that behind that smile, her heart must be in pain.For six months, she had been alone and faced everything by herself.And now that she had returned, she had to endure these malicious insults. She must be hiding a world of pain behind her smile.Human nature truly was one of the ugliest things in this world.Why couldn't we give those who had taken the wrong path a way back home?When the ceremony concluded, Oliver was drunk beyond recognition, and Atlas arranged for someone to take him home.A smiling Lauren left as well.I couldn’t stop worrying about Lauren, even after seeing off the guests and returning home. I told Atlas about my worries and turned to go to Lauren's
I knew these things truly hurt her."To say that I'm just an accessory is too flattering. The words those people said today were not wrong at all. I'm not even worthy of being his wife," she said with a chuckle."Do you have to belittle yourself like that?" I looked at her, a bit frustrated."This isn't about belittling! I did have such thoughts before. I wanted to stay by his side because I assumed that when she was gone, I would be his partner. After all these years of mockery and ridicule, I consoled myself that it would all be worth it when I was officially recognized."She wiped her face, and I realized what she was saying was the most honest reflection of her soul. I could understand her."In reality, I don't love him that much. It's just that I endured a lot for this one person, and it became a habit. I buried my desires and couldn't escape..."She patted my leg and laughed bitterly, but her tears flowed.I comforted her, "You're not wrong. Anyone in your position will ha
"Chlo, this is reality. It’s too late, even if he stands by me or even promises to marry me now. That one sentence, that one action, represents everything. It hurts my pride.""I understand," I said calmly."Taking him back will mean that I choose to discard my dignity. Therefore, I must climb out of his hell. Only then can I truly be myself. I'll no longer be that lowly woman clinging to him." "I'm here for you," I told her seriously."So, you get me. Please help me. There's no turning back for me. It's not that I want to hurt Oliver, retaliate against him, or abandon him..." Lauren seemed to be explaining herself to me, afraid I wouldn't understand.She was very anxious, looking at me with splayed hands. "He pushed me into an abyss, took away my dignity, and left me stranded on the moral high ground. Then he could casually say, without hesitation, that he wouldn't marry me!"She burst into laughter suddenly, an unsettling laughter."Oh damn! What the hell am I? It feels like
Under the soft glow of the streetlights, he walked briskly toward me, extending his hand. I joyfully ran to him. "Why haven't you slept yet?"His handsome face looked warm as I looked at it under the golden lights. He leaned in until he was close enough for me to feel his breath. His affectionate gaze hid a layer of endearment within. "You haven't come back yet. How could I sleep?" He pecked my lips. "Let's go home!"I don't know why, but my heart felt warm every time he said those words.His hand held mine, caressing it gently. "Why did it take you so long?""She wasn't feeling too good, so I stayed with her a bit longer." I looked at him apologetically. "Did I keep you waiting?""How can you leave your fiance aside and run to take care of someone else? Today is a special day!" He seemed to be reproaching me."I didn't plan for it to be like this!" I sighed."My sweetheart is too kind," he said with a captivating smile. "She's here to save the world!"I laughed heartily, lig