Semua Bab No Longer Theirs: The One They Can't Replace: Bab 401 - Bab 410

Winter's eyes widened as she stared at Ezekiel's face—calm, composed, as though what he had just said was the most natural thing in the world.Her heartbeat lurched violently in her chest, fast and unsteady.Even George was caught off guard by the sudden, unfiltered declaration. A moment ago, he'd looked ready to tear someone apart. Now, despite himself, the corners of his mouth twitched.The two loan sharks, meanwhile, were stunned.They'd come expecting an easy score. Instead, they'd walked straight into a nightmare. They both cursed at Nigel inwardly for setting them up. If they ever crossed paths with him again, they'd make sure he paid for it."Call your boss! Now!" George ordered coldly, driving his foot into the man on the ground.The man grimaced and shakily pulled out his phone, dialing with trembling fingers.George snatched it away and put it on speaker. The man on the other end asked languidly, "So? You done with that woman yet?""Mr. Quinn," George said coldly, spe

Once Winter had composed herself, she blinked, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Mr. Fulton, how come you—""Don't misunderstand." Ezekiel stood before her, his gaze deep and unreadable, neither warm nor cold. "I came because Auro insisted I deliver something to you myself."Winter was baffled. "Auro sent me something?""A strawberry cake. He heard you like desserts, so he made George take him out into the cold and stand in line for over an hour just to get you one. He even ended up with a runny nose."Ezekiel pinched the bridge of his nose, a mix of exasperation and irritation flickering across his features. "Auro also said that cake won't taste good if it sits overnight. So I had to bring it to you tonight. That little brat really knows how to trouble his old man."Winter stifled a laugh. "Then I really owe Auro my thanks. He's my hero tonight. If not for him, you wouldn't have made it in time to save me. I might… who knows what could've happened. When you get back, please than

Joshua's brow was tightly furrowed, as if he couldn't bear to hear Jessica defend Winter.He smirked and said, "Those who do will bring it upon themselves. Nigel's own crooked schemes have dragged the company down. Even if he hadn't run into trouble today, sooner or later, he would've destroyed Everlast Tech, utterly and completely."Jessica pressed her lips together. "But… Mr. Everhart is Winter's uncle. I can't help feeling guilty.""Jessica, you don't need to feel guilty. You did well." Joshua lifted his gaze and offered her an approving smile. "You're part of Stroud Group. Your actions must always prioritize Stroud Group's interests. The fact that you could act in such an impartial and unwavering way impresses me.""Thank you for your approval, Josh. I'll keep doing my best."Jessica's smile was sweet, her eyes lighting up as she looked at Joshua. She didn't want to be just an employee of Stroud Group—she wanted him too.Just then, a knock came at the door. Joshua called, and

Winter's expression stiffened in an instant. "When did this happen?""Just today at noon!" Elijah gritted his teeth. "I sent Corey to look into it. Not only did Nigel strut out of the police station, but the partners who reported him were also pressured into withdrawing their complaints."And that's not even the worst of it. There was new evidence pointing to bribery, but someone stepped in and took the fall for him. He's not facing any charges anymore, and all the dirt on him has been scrubbed clean. Fuck! Bastards like him never pay the price!"Winter caught the key phrase immediately. "Pressured? By whom?"Elijah's voice dropped, each word heavy. "Who else could it be? Jerky Josh!"Winter clenched her fists until her knuckles went white. Anger tightened in her chest until it hurt to breathe.Elijah couldn't hold back, his words firing off like bullets. "You've been married to him for five years, and he never once gave a damn about Everlast or the Everhart family. Treated them

Nigel was practically bouncing with excitement, bowing over and over in thanks. "Many thanks to Mr. Stroud! I will forever remember his kindness! One day, I'll repay it a thousandfold!"Sean didn't even glance at him, unimpressed. "No need for that. But Mr. Stroud does have a request.""What request? Whatever it is, I'll see it done!""Mrs. Stroud wants to return to work at Everlast Tech. You're aware of this, right, Mr. Everhart?"Nigel's ears perked up immediately. "Of course! Of course! Win came to me that day, said she resigned from Stroud Group, and asked me to set her up with a position at the company—any position, just something to keep busy. I was honored beyond words."Win is now a woman of status—she's Mrs. Stroud, head of the Stroud family. How could my little company ever deserve someone like her? If anyone didn't know, they'd think there was trouble in her marriage! I was so worried!"He put on the whole concerned-uncle act, patting his chest."You needn't worry. Mr