Chapter 4

Three days after making that call, Ethan stormed into my office in a rage.

He slammed the door with earth-shattering force.

"Charlotte, did you go to Sophia's parents?"

"Her mother called last night and scolded her for a full hour, saying she's ungrateful, saying she's wronged you. Sophia cried on the phone until she nearly fainted. Are you satisfied now?"

I laughed lightly.

"You two dare to do it but are afraid of others knowing?"

Yet my heart ached sharply.

I had always remembered how good the Morrison family had been to me. Over the years, I'd earned money and paid them back ten, even a hundred times over.

Mrs. Morrison had apologized to me on the phone, her voice trembling with anxiety.

But the person who should apologize most had said nothing.

Ethan took a deep breath and suddenly calmed down.

"Charlotte, I'm giving you one last chance. Apologize to Sophia right now, and I can pretend this never happened."

I felt like I'd heard the world's biggest joke.

"Apologize? I'm not the one who should be apologizing."

His face went cold.

"Starting today, I'm terminating all cooperation with you. The East District project you're pushing forward—the partner happens to be my contact. You know that without me, that project won't go through."

"I'm giving you three days to think about it. Charlotte, you've been smart your whole life. Don't be stupid now."

I watched his retreating figure, and the last trace of warmth in my heart vanished without a trace.

When Ethan was good to someone, he'd offer them all the treasures in the world.

But once he turned his back, he was truly ruthless.

He did exactly what he said. Overnight, all partners withdrew their funding. The project stalled. The entire company was in turmoil.

But I didn't beg him.

Ten years ago, I had no parents and clawed my way to success on my own.

Ten years later, I could still carve out a bloody path forward.

A month later, I received a message from Sophia.

[Charlotte, Ethan and I are getting married next month. You're the most important person in my life. I hope to have your blessing. I know I've wronged you, but I'm begging you, one last time, okay?]

I glanced at it and continued with my meeting without replying.

On the wedding day, I still showed up on time.

Sophia stood beside Ethan like a delicate bird, her eyes full of sweet happiness.

When they saw me, both their faces changed color.

The hall full of guests suddenly fell silent.

My relationship with Ethan over the years had never been a secret.

In just six months, the bride had changed.

Ethan instinctively moved in front of her, his eyes guarded.

Sophia looked at me, tears shimmering in her eyes.

"Charlotte... I..."

I looked at the two of them and smiled softly.

"Don't be nervous. I promised I wouldn't miss each other's most important moments."

"So today, I came to give you a wedding gift."

Behind me, the large screen playing sweet wedding vlogs suddenly went black.