Chapter 71: Breaking point I

The confession dominated every headline long before noon. Every television station replayed excerpts from Douglas Viremont's speech, while social media remained flooded with divided opinions. Some applauded his decision to finally admit the truth, while others condemned him for waiting until an innocent man had already died before speaking up. Leon stood quietly inside a private waiting room reserved for senior executives. The television mounted against the wall had just finished replaying Douglas Viremont's public confession for what felt like the tenth time. He reached for the remote and switched it off. For several seconds, he remained exactly where he was, his hands buried inside his trouser pockets while his gaze rested on the dark television screen. Mr. Adao's name had finally been cleared. The burden weighing on his chest felt slightly lighter, yet it hadn't disappeared. A public apology could restore a man's reputat

Chapter 72: Breaking point II

The moment Leon stepped onto the stage, the entire conference hall erupted into applause.Hundreds of journalists, shareholders, business executives and invited guests rose to their feet, welcoming the young CEO whose name had dominated the headlines for weeks. Camera flashes illuminated the auditorium from every direction, creating an almost blinding sea of light as every major television network broadcast the event live across the country.Leon acknowledged no one.His expression remained composed as he made his way toward the podium. From the front row, Isabel watched him with an affectionate smile she made no attempt to hide. She had imagined this moment countless times over the years, but reality felt even better than her imagination. In just a few minutes, Leon would publicly acknowledge her before the entire nation. Everything she had worked toward was finally within reach.Beside her, Mrs. Miller leaned over with a satisfied smile.

Chapter 73:Breaking point III

RINA'S APARTMENT…Amber remained rooted to the spot in front of the television. Her jaw dropped. The words Leon had spoken continued replaying inside her mind. She blinked rapidly, trying to digest what she had just heard him say. The news banner at the bottom of the screen remained exactly the same.BREAKING NEWSLEON VIREMONT RESIGNS AS CEO OF VIREMONT HOLDINGS.Her lips parted slightly. "...Why?" She wasn't asking anyone in particular. The question had escaped almost unconsciously. “Isn't… isn't he supposed to announce his engagement with Isabel?”Rina picked up the remote and lowered the volume of the television. The reporters were still talking over one another, trying to make sense of Leon's announcement, but neither of them paid attention anymore.Amber slowly sat back down on the couch. Everything felt unreal. A few hours ago, his father had publicly admitted that her father had been innocent all along. And before sh

Chapter 74: Public rejection.

When the question dropped, Leon didn't answer immediately. He lowered his gaze for a brief moment and slowly drew in a deep breath before lifting his head again.His eyes met with Isabel where she was sitting in the front row, and for several seconds, neither of them looked away. He could feel Isabel's eyes pierce through his, a flicker of hope and expectation in them.Finally, he spoke."Thank you for asking that question." His voice remained calm. "I believe it is only right that I address it myself."The reporters leaned forward, getting their pen ready to scribble down words.."The truth is...""There has never been an engagement between Miss Isabel Miller and me."A wave of murmurs swept across the ballroom, but Leon continued before anyone could interrupt."Of course, our families discussed the possibility of marriage many years ago. It was something they hoped would happen in the future."He paused. "

Chapter 75: Shattered hearts

RINA'S APARTMENT…Amber continued staring at the television long after Leon disappeared from the stage. The reporters continued shouting over one another, each trying desperately to obtain one last statement before security escorted him out of the ballroom, but their voices gradually faded into meaningless background noise.Leon's final words echoed loudly in her ears."The woman I love... is Amber Adao."The confession replayed in her head over and over again. None of it felt real. She already knew Leon loved het, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine he would stand before the entire country, reject another woman and openly confess his love for her.Yet she had watched it happen with her own eyes. She wasn't even aware that tears had gathered in her eyes until one escaped and landed on the back of her hand.Rina, who had remained unusually quiet throughout the broadcast, reached for the remote and lowered the volume. T

Chapter 76: Broken bonds

VIREMONT MANSION…Douglas sat alone in the study, his elbows resting heavily against the mahogany desk as the muted television continued replaying footage from the afternoon's press conference. Every news station carried the same headlines.VIREMONT HEIR RESIGNS AS CEO.LEON VIREMONT REJECTS MILLER ENGAGEMENT."THE ONLY WOMAN I LOVE IS AMBER ADAO."He had watched the broadcast so many times that the words had begun to lose their sound. Leon's face remained frozen on the screen, calm and resolute as he stepped away from the podium while reporters surged after him, their microphones thrust into the air in a desperate attempt to obtain one final comment.Douglas reached for the remote and switched the television off and silence settled over the room. For the first time in many years, he found himself wishing he could turn back time. Not to the press conference. Not even to the day Leon resigned. Much further.Back to t