Chapter 44

Wilson gently stroked Yvonne's hair. "Once the backlash dies down," he said, "I'll get you even better opportunities."

Using her usual manipulative tactics, Yvonne pulled out her phone and pouted at Wilson. "Does Daphne hate me that much? Look at the trending topics. Everyone's mocking me because of those fan apologies."

She continued, "They're saying fans reflect the celebrities they support, claiming I'm just as bad. Why did we have to terminate the contract? Couldn't we have just waited for things to settle down?"

Wilson explained softly, "Daphne said she'd only drop the lawsuit if you lost the contract and your fans apologized. I had to do this to prevent the situation from escalating and to protect you from any further damage she might cause."

"Besides," he added, "these are minor setbacks. We'll let her have this win for now, but I'll help you get back at her later."

Hearing this, Yvonne knew she couldn't push further. After all, she had cultivated an image of being gentle, kind, and understanding in Wilson's eyes. Still, she maintained her teary, pitiful expression, looking as though she was bearing the weight of the world.

Wilson, noticing her demeanor, offered another sweetener. "There's an important event coming up in a few days. I'll take you as my date."

Even that didn't seem to cheer her up completely. Suddenly, something occurred to her. "Will," she asked, "could I have a ring?"

"A ring? Of course. There's a pink diamond going up for auction at Lux Auction this week. I'll have someone acquire it for you."

"No. I don't want something that expensive. I just want that meteorite ring."

Wilson's expression froze for a brief second before he quickly masked it. Everyone knew the meteorite ring was one of a kind—the wedding ring he had given Daphne.

"Why would you want that one?" he asked cautiously.

"That meteorite ring is so unique and meaningful, plus it's beautifully designed—I really love it. Will, are you reluctant to give it to me?"

"How could I be? I just think it's unlucky to give you something someone else has worn. I don't want you to feel disrespected."

Yvonne's smile deepened, and she felt a surge of satisfaction. "I wouldn't mind at all. I genuinely love that ring."

Wilson relented with a sigh. "I don't even remember where I tossed it. I'll look for it tonight. If I find it, it's yours."

The next day, Yvonne received the meteorite ring—the very ring Wilson had once given to Daphne. She twirled it between her fingers, admiring its beauty. A smug sense of triumph washed over her.

Deep down, Yvonne had always felt insecure. Daphne was beautiful and still wildly popular, and Yvonne constantly worried that Wilson might still have feelings for her. She had tested Wilson's loyalty countless times, always looking for proof to ease her mind. Now, seeing him so easily give away the wedding ring he had once given to Daphne, Yvonne finally felt like she had won.

Yvonne smirked as she slipped the ring onto her finger, mumbling, "Oh, Daphne, you're not so special after all."

The event Wilson took Yvonne to was an exclusive business gathering with many media outlets streaming live. Dressed in an elegant gown, Yvonne walked arm-in-arm with Wilson as they entered the venue. The flashes of cameras immediately lit up, and the media focused their attention on the glamorous pair.

Sebastian was also at the event. He called Daphne, urging her to tune into the live stream to see her handsome future husband on screen.

Although Daphne wasn't particularly interested, she obligingly opened the stream and watched half-heartedly. However, instead of seeing Sebastian, she spotted Wilson and Yvonne.