All Chapters of Ten Years Devoted, Rewarded With Betrayal: Chapter 11 - Chapter 13

The last three words came out in a barely audible whisper.I couldn't help but wonder why he was suddenly backing down, so I asked him outright.Nick immediately tried to defend himself. "Because I love you, Chloe! I'm sorry. I ignored your feelings before. I swear I'll never do it again!""Tell me the truth."He mumbled, "I... Well, we've run into some cash flow problems."So, that was what this was really about.I let out a mocking laugh and deliberately played dumb. "How could that happen? With someone as capable as Ruby, how could the company possibly have any issues?"Nick nearly choked. "Stop with the snide remarks, Chloe. You know the company was like our baby. Yes, I know Ruby isn't as capable as you are. The company really can't do without you. I already apologized, didn't I? What more do you want?"He paused slightly before adding, "Just get your brother to invest in us again. We're completely out of time."So, this was Nick's idea of an apology?He was still as arr

As expected, not a single call went through.Nick's face went deathly pale.I glanced at my watch and realized it was already noon. I stood up and straightened my clothes."You should head back. Wasting your time here isn't going to save your company."I turned to leave, but Nick suddenly grabbed my sleeve. "Chloe, please."Those two words seemed to drain every last bit of energy he had left.Without a second thought, I pulled my sleeve free.He didn't chase after me.After that, I never saw Nick again.However, I occasionally saw him in the news. His company had filed for bankruptcy, and he looked utterly haggard, as if he'd aged ten years.A year later, I returned to Gweno with Austin to close a business deal.By then, Austin was my boyfriend.He was gentle, considerate, and supportive. We always had something to talk about, and he truly understood me.Over time, we'd grown closer and fallen in love.When I told him about my past with Nick, he held me close and promised