Chapter 1
Seven Christmases into our marriage, Adrian Torres finally found his beloved Lillian Young and personally introduced her to all the key partners of Torres Group.
Adrian announced publicly: “Ms. Young has officially joined Torres Group and will gradually take over my wife’s responsibilities.”
Upon hearing this news, I immediately terminated all ongoing business negotiations and submitted a divorce agreement to Adrian.
He asked coldly, “Harper Peterson, are you threatening me?”
I shook my head.
I wasn’t threatening him–I genuinely wanted to get the money I deserved from Torres Group.
I was about to sign the contract when Adrian walked in with Lillian.
The partnership with Stella Group was a project I’d spent half the year negotiating, and it was Torres Group’s biggest collaboration this year.
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Adrian said, “Ms. Peterson, please hold on a moment.”
With my pen just an inch from the contract, I stopped.
Since he called me “Ms. Peterson,” this had to be about business.
I looked up at him.
Adrian turned around, revealing Lillian standing behind him. “Let Lillian sign this contract.”
Murmurs immediately filled the room–quiet, but clear.
I narrowed my eyes at Adrian, who was gazing at Lillian with tender affection.
He ruffled Lillian’s hair, as if oblivious to everyone else, and said dotingly in a soft voice, “Feel better now? Any other requests?”
Lillian affectionately linked her arm through Adrian’s and said gently, “I knew you cared about me the most.”
Then she turned to meet my gaze with a smile. “Harper, it’s been so long.”
I didn’t look at her and asked Adrian, “Mr. Torres, what’s your reasoning?”
Adrian’s gaze remained on Lillian’s face as he smiled and said warmly, “I signed an appointment letter this morning. Lillian is
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now Vice President of Torres Group. But having her jump straight to VP might not sit well with everyone. So I want to give her a major contract as her debut gift to Torres Group. The Stella Group partnership is perfect.”
I said nothing, but Lillian beamed with joy. “Thank you, Harper.”
My eyes fell on their clasped hands. Adrian still wore our wedding ring on his ring finger.
I felt dazed, almost lost in thought.
Lillian’s laughter pulled me back to reality. “Harper, are you upset? Don’t worry, I won’t steal Adrian from you. The three of us grew up together–I won’t let you get hurt.”
I leaned back in my chair and said coldly, “What gives you the right? Who are you to hurt me?”
Adrian finally looked at me, expressionless, his voice cold. “Harper, I run Torres Group.”
What more was there to understand?
Half a year of my efforts, countless nights staying up until dawn revising proposals, all my hard work–none of it could compete with one of Lillian’s sweet requests.
I stood up, unwilling to give up. “Mr. Torres, the Stella Group
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partnership accounts for nearly 20% of Torres Group’s revenue this year. Ms. Young just returned–frankly, this is too risky.”
Adrian nodded. “Exactly. So after Lillian signs the contract, you’ll still need to handle the project execution.”
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. I gathered my things and walked up to Adrian. “Mr. Torres, let’s see if you and Ms. Young have what it takes to secure Stella Group.”
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