Chapter 4

As the distance between us grew, their conversation became less audible.

The motion-activated lights in the hallway dimmed as the voices faded. I stood at the boundary of light and shadow, my eyes downcast, suppressing the urge to rush out and confront them physically.

I used to think Jaxon was just Vivienne's childhood friend. I thought her helping him was simply out of loyalty to their shared past and gratitude for his previous assistance.

Now it's clear there's more to it than that.

Even the child Vivienne miscarried was Jaxon's.

She professed love to me, declared her heart to Jaxon, and had me financially supporting her lover.

Recalling the several investments I'd made in Jaxon's ventures, I couldn't help but clench my fists.

I could accept Vivienne falling out of love with me. Even if she cheated and deceived me, our seven-year relationship meant something, and I would have been willing to end things amicably.

But I cannot accept being played for a fool like this.

With this thought, I pulled out my phone from my pocket.

......

The next day, at the company office.

"You're willing to sign a contract with us now, and even increase your investment?"

"Mr. Frost, we can't thank you enough."

Jaxon's face was lit up with excitement. If it weren't for the need to maintain appearances, I suspect he would have jumped for joy right then and there.I looked at him with an unreadable expression and said in a flat tone, "No need to thank me. This was the board's decision."

"After re-evaluation, the board has agreed to invest in your company's project, but there's one condition."

Jaxon calmed down a bit and asked, "What condition?"

"It's simple. You know those directors invest in projects to make money. To ensure the project runs smoothly, some clauses in the contract need to be changed."

Saying this, I handed over the contract that my secretary had revised overnight.

Jaxon flipped through the contract, his expression changing slightly, "Mr. Frost, the other clauses are fine, but isn't this penalty clause a bit too high?"

I raised an eyebrow and said meaningfully, "This is a tenfold investment. Don't you think those directors need some reassurance with a substantial penalty?"

"Of course, you can refuse if you find it unsuitable. But this is a one-time opportunity. The company has limited liquid funds; we can't just let it sit there waiting for your project."

Jaxon's expression immediately became conflicted.

Such a high penalty scared him, but a tenfold investment could triple their company's market value, if not more. He was reluctant to give up on it just like that.

Seeing this, I gently added a weight to the scale in his mind."Jaxon, I can authorize a one-third reduction in the penalty fee, but I have one condition."

Jaxon's breathing suddenly quickened, and he hastily asked, "What is it, Mr. Frost?"

Hearing this, I let out a sigh, my face changing from indifference to dejection.

"As you know, Vivienne and I were about to get married, but because of her memory loss, she's now unwilling to marry me. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal; we'd just need to wait for her memory to return."

"I've already notified many people, and now, suddenly canceling the wedding... where does that leave my reputation?"

After a pause, I continued in a tone that suggested I found it difficult to speak, "We're both men, so you understand how important face is to us. In a moment of anger, I may have been a bit harsh, and now she's completely furious with me."

"You're Vivienne's childhood friend, and she always says she sees you as a brother. So, could you maybe put in a good word for me?"

Watching my cautious, pleading demeanor, a flash of mockery passed through Jaxon's eyes.

"Of course, of course. Vivienne's just being unreasonable. I'll talk to her for you when I get back."

"Every couple has their quarrels now and then. You've got your brother-in-law's support."Jaxon pounded his chest as he made his promise, then tentatively asked, "About that penalty fee you mentioned..."

"To show my sincerity, I'll amend the contract and sign it right now."

"As long as you sign and return the contract within three days, I'll have accounting wire the money over."

I had my secretary come in and print out the new contract on the spot. After signing it, I handed it to Jaxon.

Then, I grasped his hand and said with an expectant look, "I'm counting on you with the Vivienne situation."

After seeing an excited Jaxon off, I sat in my office chair and waited patiently.

Sure enough, in less than ten minutes, a message from Vivienne came through.

[Jaxon told me everything. I'll forgive you this time.]

I immediately replied back.

[So about our wedding... would you be willing to give me another chance?]