"When are you going to hold Emberly and Maverick's engagement ceremony?" asked Victoria amid their breakfast. "Should I help with the preparations?" The following day, right after the ceremony, word quickly spread overnight. The journalists cleverly seized the opportunity. All the major media companies in the country compactly published the news of Maverick and Emberly's matchmaking. Although there was no direct confirmation, they attributed it to the two conglomerates' seemingly close interactions. "No need. You focus on your thesis to get it done faster. Your and Alden's wedding will be held as soon as you graduate." Victoria is no longer against what Petter said. She glanced at Emberly, who seemed to be smiling haughtily. Though a few days ago, her now beautiful smiling face was so upset. She more than knew the reason behind her smile. 'Unfortunately, you won't get what you want, Emberly.' Victoria returned the smile, making Emberly's smile disappear in an instant. Vi
"Ah, I'm sorry." Victoria immediately apologized, realizing her mistake. She then asked, "What are you doing here, Maverick?" Instead of answering, that man wipes Victoria's tear-drenched cheeks. He then took off his coat and draped it over Victoria's shoulders. Victoria could not help but be embarrassed at being caught crying in public, especially in front of Maverick. She awkwardly and stammeringly thanked him. "I just finished a meeting at this hotel. And you, where are you going?" he asked back. "I'm going to watch the theatre in that building. I get the tickets from the owner himself. He's one of my father's colleagues, and he just opened it." Victoria explained as she pointed to the building directly across from the Philadelbia Hotel. Maverick stared at the building and then turned to look at his secretary. "Jaxton, I think I'd like to see that theatre too. Find me a ticket." Hearing that, Victoria immediately interrupted, "Wait, if you want to watch it, I got t
Engagement day "What a wonderful event." "Of course, this is the engagement of the Agriche and Hurlington families." "Mr. Agriche, you're lucky to have two such good sons-in-law from such worthy families." Petter seemed very proud of all the comments made by his colleagues present. Of course, they vied to flatter him because this engagement resulted in a profitable cooperation. After all, this is a union between the three prominent families, the country's most successful and influential business owners. "For an Emberly engagement event, it's quite grand." Alden made his comment to Victoria, who stood beside him. Victoria took a slow sip of her champagne and smiled in response to Alden's comment. "Of course, Father wants everyone to know about their relationship. I wonder how the wedding will go. You don't mind if it might be even grander than our wedding, Alden?" "I don't think that's going to happen," he laughed softly. Victoria laughed along with him at this r
"Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention. I have a special gift to my lovely little sister." Victoria's voice came clear and loud from the microphone, making her the center of attention. All the guests, including her parents, her fiancé, and the two couples who were the event stars, stared at her, who was standing on the small stage, waiting for her to say something. Their facial expressions showed apparent curiosity and question marks about what she had to say. "But first, I want to state something very important on this event. That I am now breaking off my engagement to Mr. Alden Benedict." A wave of boisterous voices immediately filled the ballroom when Victoria's loud and confident speech was heard. Victoria's gaze went to Alden, who was surprised and annoyed. So was Emberly, who couldn't wait to swear at her. "Tori!" All attention, including Victoria's, turned to Petter, who soon followed on stage. "Looks like you've gotten too drunk to talk out of turn. Let Alde
Victoria stared at her father's back as he disappeared into the doorway of her study. The sound of Rosalee's crying could still be heard. She turned to stare at the frozen Emberly. She did not feel the slightest compassion for those who had always trampled her, even in their most miserable condition. Victoria was satisfied with the initial success of her revenge. She only needed to take the next step to destroy Alden and Emberly. She left the living room to catch up with her father, who had locked himself in his study. Without hesitation, Victoria knocked gently on the door when she was at the door. "Father, it's Victoria. I have something important to talk to you about. May I come in?" There was no answer from inside for a few seconds. Then, finally, the sound of a key opening was heard, and permission was granted. Victoria opened the door quietly and stepped inside, seeing her father standing facing the window with his back to her. "Father," Victoria called to start the c
"Tori, I told you I wouldn't mind paying the damages to Hurlington. You don't need to marry that guy to take responsibility." Victoria wiped her mouth with a napkin after finishing her breakfast. Another day passed, and all activities were normal except for the situation inside and outside the Agriche family. Now, Emberly was not at the dinner table, confined to her room alone while Rosalee was still present, but as if she was not in her seat. "I've told you, too, Father. I've thought it over well. After all, I am partly responsible for destroying our family image," Victoria replied. "But what will the rumors say about you?" Ah, so this was what her father was worried about. He feared that his name might get worse. Petter's ambition overpowered his love for his daughter to the point of selling her after his other daughter had taken her first daughter's fiancé. That's probably how the news about her father would be if news of her marriage to Maverick broke soon. "Don't w
One month later. The news of the Agriche family scandal was still loudly discussed by every social circle. The media continued to fry it, causing a lot of speculation. Blasphemy has been directed at Alden and Emberly. The two of them are the ones who get the most impact. Because of the despicable acts committed, their image has been completely tarnished. Emberly, who knew about it, hid herself for a while. After a month later, she appeared at her campus again. She thought all the news had been buried for the past few weeks. "Karina!" Emberly called out to the familiar person and walked over to them. Her step was confident, as if the scandal that brought her name down had never happened. She showed no signs of self-reflection or even embarrassment. Her face was still as arrogant as the Emberly Agriche that everyone knew. Karina, who was with some friends, changed their expressions right after Emberly's arrival. The atmosphere, which was initially very cheerful and friendly
"Alden!" Emberly hugged the man when they arrived at the restaurant where they met. A restaurant was so private that Alden needed to rent it overnight to meet Emberly. Alden released their hug roughly and clicked his tongue. "Don't hug me recklessly again! We don't know what will happen amid our chaotic situation!" "Everyone already knows about our relationship. Why hide it, Alden?!" Emberly's face, which had been smiling brightly, became cloudy again. She released her pent-up emotions, "Do you know how long I've been waiting for you to get out of touch? Now that I've been out for a month to see you, I'm being bullied on campus!" "You should know why they're acting like that towards you!" Alden exclaimed in annoyance. "Yes, the cause of all this is Victoria. Because of her, we split up and had to endure all this!" Emberly snapped at him. Both of them were silent. Alden did not refute what Emberly said, even though his common sense knew the blame lay with him. His big