LOGINMy engagement was abruptly called off. I called the police on Sophie's behalf and rushed to the scene with Dylan.In the apartment Lucas had once rented, we found her beaten to the brink of unconsciousness. He stood nearby, gripping a baseball bat, his eyes wild with madness.He said, "It's all her fault. I told her to keep a low profile and warned her not to get ideas about climbing the social ladder, but she had to compete with you."So what if the company sold for a million? That doesn't even cover a fraction of the loans. I can't get investment anywhere. What am I supposed to do?"I helped Sophie into the ambulance. At that moment, I felt a cold sense of relief. If I'd actually married Lucas, maybe this would have been my fate one day.He raised the baseball bat again, pointing it at us."Vivian, you're getting engaged today, right? Make him strip and give me those clothes. Your groom can only be me, not someone else."When Dylan hesitated for just a second, Lucas let ou
I forwarded the entire chat history from my fake account to Lucas. As he scrolled through the dates, memories flooded back. His face crumbled into a mess of broken laughter and tears."So… You knew all along."He'd always thought I only found out about his betrayal when Sophie made that scene at the investor conference. It had never occurred to him that I'd been the one pulling the strings from the shadows."It's not like I didn't give you chances," I said."On my birthday, I hoped you'd put Sophie aside and focus on me for once. Instead, you spent an hour on the phone with her, then left that night to be with her."Even on our fifth anniversary, you found an excuse to sleep with her and completely forget the proposal. I helped you so much, but what did I get in return? Nothing but endless complaints and betrayal. So tell me, why are you here now?"All the resentment and hurt I'd been holding onto came pouring out. Suddenly, I felt lighter.Once I got inside the villa, I looked
"How… How did you get that card?" Sophie stammered, her face pale with shock.Lucas looked panicked as well.I said nothing, handing the card and the chat logs over as evidence to the official. I didn't mention the account was mine.Following the investigation, Vanguard Tech was found to have violated fair competition regulations and was removed from the list of qualified partners. The Cruise Group smoothly secured the winning bid. With this contract secured, I firmly secured my position as the one in control of the company.Seeing that, Dad could finally take Mom on her trips without worry.As for Vanguard Tech, they had lost their last shot at a comeback. Exposed for its underhanded tactics and blacklisted across the industry, the company had no hope of recovery.Lucas tried to secure a loan for one last desperate gamble, but the money vanished without a trace. It not only failed to save the company but also buried him under a mountain of debt. I saw him show up at the gate
Sophie, who hadn't contacted my fake account in ages, suddenly sent a message."Are you preparing to bid too? What's the Cruise Group's baseline? Can you tell me?"Gone was the hostility from before when she'd been ready to turn the world upside down to find me.Seeing that I didn't reply, she immediately apologized."I was wrong before. If you hadn't helped me back then, Lucas would've left me in the dust ages ago. Please help me one more time. Just name your price."I quoted a six-figure amount, and Sophie agreed without hesitation. After all, winning the contract would generate tens of millions in annual profit. For Vanguard Tech, this was a do-or-die move. She sent a bank card to the address I specified, and I sent her the bid sheet in return.On bidding day, each company submitted its proposals and waited outside for results.Lucas approached me and nudged my arm."Vee, I heard your company invested heavily in this bid. This is the first major project you're overseeing sin
I closed the file and turned to leave.Lucas lunged forward, grabbing at me and pleading desperately. The excuses poured out endlessly.I simply held out my right hand."I had someone move my personal safe. Have you collected the ruby necklace you sent for 'cleaning'? Return it to me."He stammered, unable to form a coherent response.I let out a sneer and said, "When I passed the front desk, Sophie was showing it off. Do you think I'm blind, or do you think everyone in the company is?"When I returned to Cruise Group, I immersed myself in running the company. After officially taking over, I realized that managing a vast, diversified conglomerate was far more complex than running a focused startup like Vanguard Tech.Fortunately, Dad was there to guide me, and I gradually found my footing. He postponed his travel plans and started driving me to and from work himself, his tone now careful and gentle."I support your decision to break things off with Lucas. But if you need to cry
"Security!" Lucas shouted urgently. "How did she get in here? Get her out, now!"The security guards exchanged confused glances."Mr. Bennett, didn't you say everyone from the company was invited? She's the front desk receptionist. Why can't she attend?" one of the guards asked.Lucas fell silent, realizing he was the one who'd hired Sophie.Dad pulled me back protectively, shielding me as he wiped my face with a tissue. His expression hardened as he demanded an explanation."Lucas Bennett! You'd better have a damn good reason for this."Lucas clamped his hand over Sophie's mouth while apologizing frantically."I'm so sorry, Mr. Cruise. She's a distant relative of mine. I felt bad for her and gave her a job at the front desk. She's a bit unstable. I'll talk to her when we get back."But she wasn't having it. She wrenched free and shouted at the top of her lungs."Why are you still cowering? You told me the Cruises always treated you like dirt! This is your moment! Tell them al







