Semua Bab Kicking Him to the Curb: Bab 371 - Bab 380

Colin became increasingly agitated. Aspen—the woman he'd once trampled underfoot—now stood at a height he couldn't reach. It dealt a tremendous blow to his proud ego.Gwyneth, sitting beside Colin, keenly noticed his unusual behavior. She'd noticed that since Aspen had gone on stage, his gaze had been following her constantly, his expression complex and his face dark. Alarm bells immediately went off in her mind. She suspected that his thoughts were probably turning uncontrollably toward Aspen again."Colin, Ms. Nicholls is really impressive today, isn't she?" Gwyneth said with forced casualness and a hint of testing in her tone. She tried to mask her anxiety by complimenting Aspen, hoping to gauge Colin's reaction.Hearing Gwyneth's words, Colin's frown deepened. He shot Gwyneth a cold glance and said in an annoyed tone, "So what if she's impressive? It's just smooth talk to show off."Gwyneth hadn't expected Colin's reaction to be so intense, and she froze momentarily as her sm

Aspen's humility and confidence once again won everyone's favor. All those present were filled with admiration and anticipation for this young, accomplished female CEO.Colin stood outside the crowd, coldly observing the scene of Aspen surrounded by admirers. His heart was like an overturned bottle of mixed spices, with sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty flavors all rushing to his mind. He realized that this time he might truly lose—and that too to the woman he had once dismissed completely. This realization gave him an unprecedented sense of defeat and humiliation.Gwyneth also felt the change in atmosphere throughout the venue. She saw everyone's attitude toward Aspen and heard their praises, which made her heart grow increasingly anxious.She gripped Colin's arm tightly and said with a slightly trembling voice, "Colin, what do we do? Aspen seems... She seems to be winning."Colin remained silent, his face terrifyingly dark. After all, what Gwyneth said was true. Aspen's p

Aspen let out a cold chuckle, and her eyes were filled with disdain. "Mr. Fuller, you're overthinking things. I won this bid solely on merit. As for you, you can only blame your own incompetence."She paused, her tone growing even icier as she continued, "And another thing, Mr. Fuller. Please get one thing straight—you're the one losing here. I'm not humiliating you; you're humiliating yourself with your own inadequacy. That is why you're beneath me now."Aspen's words cut deep like a blade, viciously wounding Colin's pride. His face flushed red, and his chest heaved violently as he glared at Aspen with fury, yet he couldn't utter a single word.Hidden behind a pillar, Gwyneth heard every word of their exchange. She felt both satisfied and increasingly jealous as she listened to Aspen mercilessly humiliate Colin.She envied Aspen's confidence and strength, and she envied how Colin paid attention to Aspen. Most of all, she envied how easily Aspen could provoke Colin's emotions.

"Aspen, congratulations! You scored a major victory at the investor conference!"Chester burst through the door while holding a bottle of champagne and two flutes, wearing his characteristic playful smile."Chet, what are you doing here?" Aspen looked at Chester with surprise, not expecting his sudden appearance."Of course I'm here to celebrate with you!"Chester placed the champagne on the desk and expertly uncorked it with a loud pop. The air was filled with the subtle aroma of the champagne as it fizzed out."Come on, Aspen, let's toast!" Chester poured two glasses and handed one to Aspen. "To your success, and to our future!"Aspen took the glass and clinked it gently against Chester's, smiling as she said, "Thank you, Chet. This success wouldn't have been possible without your help.""Don't be so formal." Chester took a sip of champagne and laughed. "We're partners—helping each other is what we do. Besides, everyone can see your capabilities. You would have succeeded even

Colin looked at Gwyneth's gentle demeanor, his emotions in turmoil. He ate silently, but the food was somewhat tasteless."Gwen, I've come to see you!" Zac's voice suddenly rang out from the doorway, breaking the oppressive atmosphere in the dining room."Zac? What are you doing here?" Gwyneth quickly stood up to greet him."I came to check on you and Colin," Zac said with a smile, though his gaze fell on Colin. "Colin, how have you been lately?""Fine," Colin responded coolly, his tone carrying a hint of distance."Colin, I heard you lost to Aspen at the investor conference?" Zac asked probingly."Zac, don't bring that up," Gwyneth quickly intervened, not wanting Colin to dwell on unpleasant matters."I'm just concerned about Colin." Zac said with a smile, "Colin, don't take it to heart. Victory and defeat are common in business. You'll win next time.""Yes, I know." Colin nodded. "Have you eaten? Since you're here, join us. Your sister made everything.""Sure, I won't be rej