I wanted to argue, but realized that right now, only Miles could save Moore Group, or at least find someone capable enough to take on the role.I thought for a moment and said, "Everyone, please stay calm. Moore Group wasn’t built in a day, and it won’t collapse in a day either. “We have numerous ongoing projects. As long as we proceed step by step, we can hold out for a while."To my surprise, one of the senior executives shook his head and said, "Miss White, you don’t understand. Since Mr. Moore stopped managing the company, headhunting firms have been spreading rumors. “Quite a few competent managers and executives have already been poached by competitors.""Exactly. If it weren’t for Mr. Richard and a few other veteran shareholders holding things together, the company would’ve collapsed by now.""Of course, Mr. Wynn has also been quietly lending his support. But now that Mr. Richard is gone… the company’s morale is a mess."Amid their scattered voices, I gradually understood that
After Abby left, I turned to Pierse and said, "Get in touch with your brother quickly. Moore Group can’t function without him."Pierse replied dejectedly, "Even if I try, he’s slow to respond. He doesn’t always check his messages right away."I could only say, "Then tell him it’s me asking for him."His eyes lit up. "That might work."He quickly went to send the message.A while later, Miles had finished up and came to pick me up, while I had the driver send Pierse home.It was late. Both of us in the car looked worn out.I asked, "What happens now that Moore Group doesn’t have anyone at the helm?"Miles frowned. "You might have to go in and take a look. After all, you do hold shares."I let out a sigh.Yes, I had shares—I couldn’t just ignore it. But once I stepped into Moore Group, it would be impossible without Julian.In my exhaustion, a slender, warm hand wrapped around mine.I let out a soft breath and leaned against it. There was no need for words between us in that moment.Ev
I froze, and so did Miles."I’ll go check," I said quickly.He hesitated for a moment before following me back toward the hospital.Luckily, we hadn’t gone far and was just at the hospital lot, so it only took a few minutes to return.What we saw was chaos.Abby was in a shouting match with several grief-stricken family members. Someone had even grabbed her hair. The entire hallway was in disarray.A few minutes later, security arrived and managed to pull the two sides apart.Abby looked a mess, her clothes rumpled, her face twisted in fury. “Did I say anything wrong? They’re biting the hand that fed them—those shares should be handed over!”Her outrageous words sent Richard’s relatives into a rage.One of the middle-aged women broke past the guards and slapped Abby hard again and again.“Watch your mouth! If it hadn’t been for my father, after everything your son Julian did, this company would’ve gone under!”Abby cried out loudly as the blows landed.I quickly told security to get
Tristian chuckled. “From what I hear, Julian Moore has already walked away from Moore Group. “With him gone, isn’t the company leaderless? Miss White, you should think about it—Moore Group needs someone to take the reins.”I gave a noncommittal reply. “Alright, I’ll think about it.”Setting down my knife and fork, I offered a polite smile. “Mr. Vaughn, it’s getting late. Thank you for the lovely dinner. I’ll treat you to coffee another time.”With that, I stood up and walked away.Even after covering some distance, I could still feel his eyes on my back.Only when I finally exited the building did I let out a long breath.At last, I’d gotten through that encounter. The weight on my chest lightened a little.Whatever Tristian was plotting, hopefully, he’d quiet down for a few days.Feeling more at ease, I returned home.After a shower, I read for a while and glanced at the clock—it was already 11:30.Miles still wasn’t back?I couldn’t help picking up my phone.Just as I dialed, Ian
I didn’t wear any jewelry, just a watch.Satisfied with how I looked, I headed out.Ten minutes later, I stood before Tristian.The rooftop terrace was dimly lit. He lounged lazily on a cushioned sofa, dressed in a sleek black suit that leaned more casual than formal. In front of him was a full spread of elegant cuisine.When he saw me approach, he gave a small smile, set down his utensils, and dabbed the corner of his mouth with a linen napkin.I paused for a moment, then walked over.There he was—Tristian. He was handsome and sharp, with a kind of dangerous charm that was impossible to ignore.I held out my hand. “Good evening, Mr. Vaughn.”He rose with an easy grace and touched my hand briefly. “Good evening, Miss White. I finally managed to get you here.”He gestured toward the seat across from him. I sat down.It was only then I noticed he’d chosen a very private spot—tucked into a corner of the terrace, partially shielded by waist-high planters filled with small evergreens.T
I stayed quiet for a long moment. “I really don’t know. But it’s true. He went back to that remote town we visited before. He’s actually teaching there now.”Dolly was still stunned. “That place has no electricity and running water. How’s someone like him, spoiled his whole life, supposed to survive there?”I let out a sigh.Whether he could or couldn’t survive was obvious. Since the divorce, Julian had been hiding out there, punishing himself through some kind of self-inflicted redemption.I knew this wasn’t about charity or compassion. He seemed to be trying to make up for everything he owed me.I exhaled again. “So, what do I do now, Dolly?”She snapped, “What else can you do? Let him self-destruct if that’s what he wants. Honestly, trying to guilt you with this pity parade? “Please. Regret that shows up late isn’t worth a dime. And this fake suffering act of his? It’s pathetic.”Dolly had never liked Julian, and now she didn’t hold back at all.I stayed silent.She warned me, “E