Chapter 3

Out of consideration for our past relationship, I still pointed out the issue. "I've seen this contract before. The partner's qualifications are highly questionable, and the risks are extremely high. If you rush to invest, you could lose everything."

As I spoke, I raised an eyebrow. "Chloe was responsible for this contract—didn't she do a background check?"

Chloe's eyes instantly turned red. "Evelyn, if you have a problem with me, just say it to my face. Don't go slandering me like this!"

The second Mason saw Chloe was about to cry, he melted. "Oh no, don't cry! I believe you!"

Then Mason turned to me, his voice sharp with anger. "Chloe has been working on this contract nonstop for three days—I've seen it with my own eyes. She's dedicated to the company; do you really think she'd lie to me?"

"You, on the other hand, keep picking on Chloe, bullying a new employee just because you've been here longer. How can you live with yourself?"

"Apologize to Chloe right now!"

Chloe, dabbing at her eye, tugged on Mason's sleeve. "Mason, don't be angry with Evelyn. I'm sure she just spoke without thinking. Please don't be upset—it's okay if I take the blame."

Mason immediately softened his tone, comforting her. He not only signed the contract right away but also promised, "Once this project wraps up, I'll get you a designer bag so you'll look professional meeting clients."

I shook my head and turned to leave.

Since Mason was so infatuated with Chloe, whatever consequences came next, he'd have to face them alone.

Mason looked confused that I had no intention of apologizing.

In the past, I would've been on my knees begging for his forgiveness by now. What was wrong with me?

He gritted his teeth and shouted, "Fine, leave! But once you're gone, don't even think about coming back!"

Before stepping into the elevator, I heard Chloe whisper, "Mason, Evelyn's just acting out. Maybe you should go after her and calm her down."

Mason's voice was cold. "Calm her down? She's just a pretty face. What other company would hire her after working for me?"

"In a few days, she'll come crawling back!"

I forced a faint smile.

Mason, the Evelyn who lived only for you will never return.

The next day, Charles, the director of the family's branch company, scheduled a meeting with me at a downtown restaurant.

I came fully prepared, with unique insights in several areas.

After our discussion, Charles was impressed. "With your talent, why were you content to stay at such a small company?"

I gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"I had a lapse in judgment back then, but I've come to my senses now."

Charles smiled, tactfully avoiding my past, and handed me a stack of documents.

"Your father is planning an investor conference for the branch company. The word's already out. You'll be in charge of the follow-up details."

I understood. This was my father paving the way for me.

"Okay, please compile all the names and send them to me."

When Charles and I stepped out of the private room, I was surprised to see two familiar faces in the main dining area.

Mason and Chloe were sitting together, laughing and chatting like a happy couple.

Mason noticed me too, looking slightly awkward.

Before I could say anything, he quickly explained, clearly guilty. "Don't get the wrong idea. We're just discussing next month's collaboration with the Davies Group."

I smiled faintly. "You don't need to explain anything to me. It's work—I get it."

Chloe chimed in at just the right moment. "Mason's been working day and night on this Davies Group collaboration; he's practically run himself ragged. So I specially ordered this nutritious meal to help him recover."

Hearing this, Mason looked even more fond of Chloe.

"Chloe, you're so thoughtful. Unlike some people who abandon you when things get tough. It's really disheartening."

Chloe leaned against Mason's shoulder, right on cue. "Of course! Didn't I say I'd be your sweetheart from now on?"

As she spoke, Chloe deliberately batted her eyelashes, looking sweet and innocent.

Her overly sugary voice made my skin crawl, and I felt a little nauseous.

But Mason, of course, ate it up. He affectionately ruffled Chloe's hair. "Good girl. You're such a little cuddlebug."