Chapter 2

As my father brought me home, I could sense his concern through his worried gaze. He encouraged me to take it easy and looked after me attentively. Gradually, I began to recover from my heartbreak over Steven.

However, my healing process was interrupted when I came across a startling social media post. It featured Steven and Giselle celebrating their engagement, with Giselle visibly expecting a child and clinging to Steven's side, sporting a victorious grin.

Observing her swollen abdomen, I let out a bitter laugh. The truth was now clear—Steven and Giselle had been involved all along, and she was already carrying his baby.

To help me move forward, my father proposed I start working at our family business. Being new, I was given manageable tasks. One afternoon, my assistant informed me about an upcoming corporate event I needed to attend.

I agreed without much consideration, never anticipating that I would encounter Steven there.

He arrived with Giselle accompanying him. When our eyes met, his face showed a mix of emotions, while Giselle regarded me with obvious disdain.

"You must be Cherry Adams," she said, her voice laced with contempt.

I confirmed with a nod. "That's correct."

"I'm surprised your company sent you for this partnership," Giselle said mockingly. "You know, I'm quite familiar with your company's CEO. In fact, the oldest daughter of your family is one of my closest friends!"

I looked at her, bemused, then offered a polite smile. Her statement was ridiculous—this was our first meeting, so how could she claim we were close friends? Moreover, our family's standing far exceeded hers. The Cooper family had pleaded for this collaboration, and even then, its success wasn't guaranteed.

As the most affluent family in the region, we had the upper hand. Giselle's show of superiority was clearly intended to belittle me, but I chose not to engage.

My assistant seemed ready to intervene, but I signaled her to remain silent.

Steven approached, looking troubled. "Cherry, why did you disappear without explanation?"

I smiled faintly. "I was simply making room for you and Giselle."

My response seemed to upset him further.

"Cherry, you know I come from humble beginnings," he said after a moment. "If I want to improve my life, I need to align myself with someone like Giselle."

I nodded. "You're absolutely right. Your decision is logical."

My calm agreement appeared to unsettle him even more.

"Cherry, after you left, I tried to find you," he said with bitterness. "I know you were hospitalized..."

"Steven, I appreciate it," I cut him off coldly. "I realized then that you weren't the right match for me. Leaving was the best choice I could have made. Otherwise, I might have ended up being exploited by you until I had nothing left."

My words struck a chord, and his expression grew even more unpleasant.

I delegated the remaining event responsibilities to my assistant and departed without further discussion.

Being around them was dampening my mood. It was best to avoid unnecessary interaction.

After I left, my assistant reported that Giselle continued her arrogant behavior, even openly claiming to be my close friend.

I found this amusing and instructed my assistant to tolerate her for now. Regarding the collaboration?

"As long as I'm in charge, it won't happen," I stated firmly.

That night, Steven called me.

"Cherry, we need to talk," he said.

I turned him down immediately.

"Steven, there's nothing more to discuss between us."