Chapter 4：Conflict

He didn't show the slightest reluctance, and there was a hint of impatience in his eyes.

"What!"

Lyra staggered backward, instinctively clutching her coat tightly. Her shirt underneath was still wet, revealing her bra underneath.

If she took off the coat now, how could she face anyone outside?

Lyra's face turned bright red, fingers gripping the coat tightly.

Torin leisurely rested his hands behind his head, casually saying, "Please don't misunderstand. I always keep a clear boundary between public and private matters. Since you're not my employee, it might not be appropriate for you to wear my coat, Miss Lyra. What do you think?"

After speaking, Torin flashed a kind and gentle smile, showing no hint of deceptiveness.

Clutching the fingers of her suit tightly, Lyra looked distressed. "But I..."

Seeming quite impatient, Torin stood up from his chair, hands in his pockets, with an interested look as he watched her struggle. His lips curved involuntarily upward. "Or does Miss Lyra want to stay and wait for her clothes to dry?"

"What else can I do?" Lyra sarcastically remarked in her mind.

Feeling embarrassed and somewhat subservient, she said, "Should I wait a little longer?"

Torin's smile slightly faded, speaking calmly, "Do you know why I'm willing to hire you?"

"Why?" Lyra blurted out.

"You lack work experience, but you have innovative ideas in fashion design." Torin gestured to a paper clipped to Lyra's resume on the table. "All three interviewers gave you an 'A.' You can check for yourself."

Stretching her neck, Lyra saw indeed there were several 'A's on the paper.

Putting down the paper, Torin spoke earnestly, "However, that's not the most important thing."

He picked up the resume, pointing to the marital status section, and said seriously, "You're married, and that's the most important."

Just because she was married? Lyra widened her eyes in surprise.

Seeing her confusion, Torin explained, "I detest some women's unrealistic fantasies. That's why when hiring, I generally prefer married individuals."

Lyra suddenly understood; her difficult marriage unexpectedly became an asset in her job search.

Turning to her, Torin spoke earnestly, "Miss Lyra, my company is on the rise, and I always look at capability when it comes to people. I don't base my decisions on personal relationships or backgrounds. If you can't handle this job, I won't force you. Similarly, if you're capable, Horizon Global Enterprises Inc. will be your best platform!"

His words left Lyra stunned.

Torin remained silent, calmly waiting for her decision.

With her eyes slightly lowered, it took only seconds for her to make up her mind.

Wasn't she aiming for a new life?

Without relying on anyone or any background, this place suited her best!

She raised her head, smiling brightly. "Excuse me, when can I start working?"

After joining the company, Lyra quickly immersed herself in her new job. Her diligent and responsible work attitude made Torin take notice.

On this particular day, the design department organized a new product launch, and the spokesperson was none other than Lumi Hawthorne.

No wonder, Lumi Hawthorne was the leading female star crafted by ZenithVentures' entertainment division, naturally involved in various promotional activities.

Lyra was busy with the final preparations for the product launch and happened to see a group of reporters surrounding Lumi Hawthorne for an interview.

"Lumi, what's your relationship with ZenithVentures' CEO, Ronan?"

"Is it true that you were spotted late at night with him by the river?"

"Are you dating Ronan?"

Lumi Hawthorne smiled falsely, stating they were just friends, but her expression implied otherwise.

The manager, with a smile, interjected, "Let's not only focus on Lumi's personal life, let's ask about work-related matters!"

A reporter asked, "You're a top contender for the Golden Star Award this year, and your new movie premieres on Valentine's Day. At such a peak moment, why not announce a boyfriend for a double celebration?"

Lumi Hawthorne pretended to be coy, "I have someone I like, but we're not together yet."

Upon hearing this, the reporters immediately probed further, "If it's between Xander, Dorian, and Ronan, who would you choose?"

"Ronan."

"What about Dorian and Ronan?"

"Ronan."

"And Kieran and Ronan?"

"Ronan."

"So, your dream lover is the Ronan model?" The reporter delved deeper.

"You could say that!" Lumi Hawthorne laughed sweetly.

The venue erupted with voices as the reporters seemed eager to dig out more sensational news.

The manager intervened to stop the excited reporters, loudly saying, "Everyone, the press conference is about to begin. Interviews will stop here for now. Thank you, everyone!"

Having said that, Lumi Hawthorne, escorted by her manager and assistant, went backstage to prepare.

Lyra, after hearing Lumi Hawthorne's interview, felt a bitter tang. Feeling stifled, she decided to step outside for some air.

As she left the venue, she came across Torin.

Upon seeing her, Torin smiled gently, "Is everything set for the launch?"

Lyra hurriedly composed herself, "All the arrangements for the event are done."

Torin nodded, motioning to walk. "Today's product launch is crucial. Join me to oversee it."

Following Torin into the venue, as he was being briefed by the management, he instructed Lyra, "Go backstage, ensure everything is okay."

As Lyra moved toward the backstage area, she inadvertently saw Lumi Hawthorne making a call in the corridor, retreating into a corner.

"Ronan, it's me!" Lumi's coquettish voice reached Lyra's ears. "I'm at the event right now. Haven't seen you in days, miss you! What? You're coming over? Okay, I'll wait for you!"

Lyra was stunned. Ronan was coming?

She pursed her lips tightly. Did he really like Lumi Hawthorne this much?

Ronan's notorious playboy reputation in T City was no secret; his relationships with female celebrities rarely lasted a month.

Could it be that he was genuinely different from Lumi Hawthorne?

"Lyra!" A mellifluous voice behind her interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see Torin approaching. "The event is about to start. Let's go!"

Lyra nodded and walked ahead, Torin following.

As Torin glanced toward the backstage, a calculating glint briefly flashed in his eyes.

The new product launch began, and the entire process went smoothly. The highlight of the event was the grand entrance of the elegantly dressed Lumi Hawthorne...

As Lumi Hawthorne made her entrance, all the flashes focused on her in a frenzied moment. Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted, "Look, isn't that ZenithVentures' CEO, Ronan?"

At the mention of his name, everyone turned to look in Ronan's direction. He was casually standing there in a custom-made black suit, a white shirt, and a simple black tie. Despite the simplicity of his attire, he exuded a noble and elegant demeanor, captivating everyone's attention at the venue.

After Lumi Hawthorne finished her walk, she walked over, smiling, and hooked her arm through Ronan's.

Sharp-eyed reporters noticed that Lumi Hawthorne was wearing a necklace called "Sincere Love," a creation from ZenithVentures' jewelry design department.

"Lumi, is the 'Sincere Love' necklace a gift from Ronan?" a reporter asked.

Lumi Hawthorne extended her delicate fingers, lightly caressing the large diamond pendant on the necklace, and sweetly smiled, "It's a birthday gift from him."

"Does this birthday gift have any special meaning?" the reporter continued to inquire.

Glancing discreetly at Ronan, Lumi Hawthorne noticed his icy composure but didn't deny anything. With a smile full of happiness, she said, "Because I've been valued by the company, that's why he gave me this necklace."

"How do you view love?" another reporter asked.

Gazing at Ronan affectionately, Lumi Hawthorne smiled, expressing her anticipation, "I believe love is great and knows no boundaries of age, nationality, or race. Once love arrives, I won't resist it."

"Have you encountered such love now?" the reporter persisted.

Shyly smiling, Lumi Hawthorne remained silent, effectively admitting it.

As the interview continued, Lyra, amidst the crowd, watched the flaunting affection between the attractive couple, feeling a pang in her heart.

Admittedly, even though she had resolved to divorce, witnessing Ronan and Lumi Hawthorne publicly displaying affection still caused a twinge of pain in her heart.

Suddenly, a clear and forceful voice interrupted her thoughts, "Isn't Ronan already married? It's surprising to see someone be so brazen as a third party."

Lyra raised her eyes and saw Torin's handsome face. He stood beside her, speaking firmly, "Even in matters of love, one should not defy morals. Lumi Hawthorne, getting involved with a married man in such an ambiguous manner, such a homewrecker, has no right to talk about love."

Lyra hadn't expected Torin to say such words! He didn't know her identity, unaware that she was Ronan's wife, yet he was disgusted by the public display of affection between the cheating couple.

While the reporters were all blessing the love of this unfaithful pair, Torin spoke out the words that echoed Lyra's thoughts.

Seeing Torin's gentle face, Lyra felt a warm current flowing through her heart, causing her eyes to redden with emotion.

Ronan had only appeared for a few minutes. Although he hadn't spoken throughout, allowing Lumi Hawthorne to pose for photos with him, was enough to create a stir.

A few minutes later, Ronan departed.

Once in the car, he rubbed his slightly tired brow and asked his assistant, "When is Lumi Hawthorne's new movie premiering?"

The assistant promptly replied, "On the 14th of February."

Ronan contemplated, "Today's buzz will keep her in the spotlight for a while. Before the movie premieres, we must ensure her exposure."

At that moment, his phone rang. Ronan glanced at the screen, and his expression instantly turned unpleasant.

The assistant wondered who could be capable of making this influential man so nervous.

The new product launch created a sensational buzz due to Ronan's appearance, achieving great success. Everyone from the design department breathed a sigh of relief, and Torin even declared a celebratory banquet for that evening.

Initially meant to be a joyous occasion, things took a turn for the worse.

Lumi Hawthorne, delighted because of Ronan's visit, hummed a tune while touching up her makeup in the restroom. Upon catching a glimpse of the person in the mirror by the sink, her pupils suddenly contracted.

Lyra hadn't anticipated this confrontation, despite her efforts to avoid Lumi Hawthorne the whole day. They locked eyes through the mirror for three seconds.

The clear black gaze held three parts mockery, three parts disdain, and then, with confident steps in her high heels, Lyra turned and left.

However, before Lyra could take a couple of steps, Lumi Hawthorne aggressively slammed the tissue she held into the sink and hurriedly chased after her.

Blocking Lyra's path, Lumi Hawthorne, with anger flashing in her eyes, spoke in a domineering tone, "So, it's you! Last time, you managed to run away, but this time, you must kneel and apologize to me!"

Initially not planning to acknowledge her, Lyra had been avoiding her all day. But now that she had chased her down, she couldn't pretend not to see her.

Although Lyra's expression remained calm, her dark eyes emitted a piercing light. The scene of this woman flaunting affection with Ronan flashed through her mind.

Raising her chin slightly, standing tall and composed, she retorted, "It's you who breached the agreement, and you were the one who attacked first. No matter how arrogant you are in this circle, there's no way I'll apologize!"

Lumi Hawthorne was almost furious. She narrowed her eyes and suddenly reached out, grabbing the work badge hanging around Lyra's neck.

After seeing the position written on it, she coldly chuckled, "I thought you were someone important, turns out you're just a mere clothing assistant."

With her hands on her hips, Lumi Hawthorne arrogantly threatened, "If you don't apologize to me today, I'll make sure you won't survive in this industry!"

Lyra was already angry when she saw her, but now she dared to demand an apology.

Raising her hand swiftly and forcefully, she snatched her work badge back from Lumi Hawthorne, then shoved her away and walked away.

The two women exited the restroom, one following the other, and Lumi Hawthorne chased Lyra back to the venue.

"You despicable woman, stop right there!" Lumi Hawthorne shouted shamelessly, losing all decorum.

The product launch had just concluded, and all the staff were clearing up and dismantling the setup. Suddenly hearing Lumi Hawthorne's sharp shouting, everyone froze, turning to look in unison.

Striding forward on her high heels, Lumi Hawthorne stood behind Lyra, speaking arrogantly and contemptuously, "You, this despicable woman, dare to speak to me like this? Today, I'll teach you a lesson!"

Lyra's body stiffened. Slowly turning around, her anger accumulated gradually in her eyes. She glared into Lumi Hawthorne's eyes, a hint of fierceness flashing, "What do you want?"

...