Chapter 5

“His heart belongs to Yvonne, huh?” Daphne thought. Tears streamed down her face as she let out a soft chuckle. Wilson had never defended her, not when Leena rejected her, nor when the Farrells harassed her. Yvonne, however, was treated differently—as expected from someone Wilson cherished.

“Get lost!” Daphne fumed, pointing to the main door. “All three of you, get lost! I never want to see you again!”

Daphne suffered from hypoglycemia. Ava had summoned her to the office before breakfast, and the ensuing confrontation left her lightheaded and weak-kneed. She nearly collapsed.

“Ms. Yeager!”

Yvonne stepped forward, feigning concern. Then, she dramatically fell backward, as if pushed. Everyone focused on Yvonne’s bloodied scratch.

“Is this because of what I said yesterday, Ms. Yeager? I only commented on you not wearing Mr. Farrell’s wedding band after the divorce. Did you scratch my face with it? I’m a celebrity too; I can’t afford a scar! I even tried to help you up…”

Yvonne sobbed uncontrollably, her acting skills on full display. Wilson immediately knelt to examine her wound. Then, in a cold tone, he said to Daphne, “Daphne, give me your ring—now!”

Wilson had designed Daphne’s ring himself, setting a meteorite—a unique, expensive auction purchase—instead of diamonds. Its creation had shocked everyone, and many had commented on Daphne’s Twitter, expressing envy and wishing them happiness. The meteorite ring symbolized Wilson’s ultimate romantic gesture, a testament to their past affection.

Daphne hesitated, instinctively covering the ring. “Aren’t you going to check if she’s telling the truth, Wilson?”

“Yvonne wouldn’t lie to me,” Wilson gritted, his anger palpable. “But you would.”

The statement felt like a dagger to Daphne’s heart. After seven years, trust had vanished. Tears welled in her eyes as she removed the ring. “Okay. You want it back? Here!”

She hadn’t removed the ring since their wedding, leaving an imprint on her finger. Having gained weight since their slimmer days seven years prior, removing it proved difficult.

Seeing her struggle, Wilson approached with a blank expression, assuming she was refusing. He grabbed her hand and forcefully yanked the ring off. “Quite a show, aren’t you?”

The rough removal scraped Daphne’s skin, causing significant pain. She hid her injured finger, suppressing her discomfort. “You have the ring. Can you leave now?”

“You haven’t apologized to Yvonne,” Wilson glared, pocketing the ring. “I won’t be lenient if she’s scarred.”

Ava, witnessing the exchange, intervened. “Leave Daphne alone, Mr. Farrell! How far must she go? Do you want her to beg for your beloved’s forgiveness? You know Daphne; she wouldn’t scratch Yvonne. Yvonne was—”

“Did I ask for your opinion?” Wilson snapped.

Daphne, startled, knew Ava was protecting her, but Ava couldn't afford to offend Wilson. She stepped in front of Ava. “If you don’t want me to post about Yvonne being the third wheel in our relationship, you’d better leave my manager alone, Wilson.”

“Don’t you dare!”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

Before things escalated, Leena cautiously asked, “Did you and Daphne really divorce, Wilson?”

“Yes,” Wilson replied, tensely facing Daphne. “Don’t you dislike her? I do now, too.”

“You like this woman?” Leena eyed Yvonne disdainfully. “She’s worse than Daphne…” At least Daphne was easily manipulated.

“Mom, don’t say that. Yvonne is… different.” Wilson helped Yvonne up. “I’m serious this time.”

He’s serious this time? Wasn’t he serious before? Daphne thought, realizing the impact of his cruelty. Having died once, she no longer expected anything from him.

Calmly, she said, “Take your nonsense and leave, Wilson, or she’ll really be scarred.”

“You must apologize to Yvonne,” Wilson threatened, glaring.

Daphne met his gaze, walked towards him, and said, “In your dreams!” She didn’t care to explain; she’d given him the ring. But apologizing to Yvonne was unacceptable.

Yvonne gently tugged Wilson’s sleeve. “It’s okay, Mr. Farrell. I don’t need an apology. She must have been angry…”

This only angered Wilson further. He smirked condescendingly at Hugo. “Your company needs investment, right? I’ll invest if you ban Ava from any jobs.”

Daphne was a pest; Wilson knew how to provoke her. She wouldn't compromise for her own benefit, but she’d fight for those she cared about. Ruining Ava’s career was better than ruining hers; Daphne would apologize then. Wilson was confident.

Hugo, less principled than Ava, grinned. “Ava isn’t great with people. Her artists are arrogant. I wanted to fire her anyway. Consider it done, Mr. Farrell.”

What a heartless boss, Daphne thought, clenching her fists. She and Ava had brought immense profit to the company; Hugo’s contribution paled in comparison. Without Ava, Daphne would have left.