If he lost Hazel… Ambrose dared not finish the thought. The idea of a life without her was unfathomable. Finally, a clear and resolute decision formed.

"Give me another half month," he said. Hazel had used half a month to leave everything behind; now, Ambrose would use the same time to find her and make things right. And if he couldn't…

He clenched his fists, frustration coursing through him. He refused to accept the possibility of failure; he refused to believe their fate was sealed. Living without Hazel wasn't an option.

He pursued her relentlessly, showering her with flowers and gifts, treating her like a young girl he desperately wanted to win over. The trash bin outside the Bell family's house became a testament to his persistence.

Gianna shook her head, muttering, "Men never change. Still using the same old tricks."

"It's not that they don't improve," another voice countered, "it's that they don't truly listen."

Even now, Ambrose didn't understand what Hazel truly wanted. These material things meant nothing to her; she craved a pure, unwavering connection, a steadfast love.

"Hazel, don't let these worries consume you," Ambrose said. "Come work at my company. It'll shift your focus and help you grow." Hazel's abilities had always been exceptional; she had topped her class every year. But for Ambrose, she had sacrificed her future, turning down prestigious offers for a soul-crushing job. Now, it was time for her to reclaim herself.

She looked up, her face lighting with a quiet resolve. "Alright," she agreed, a quiet fire burning in her heart.

Her mother swiftly arranged everything, naming Hazel the new general manager. Hazel threw herself into her new role, quickly earning the trust and respect of her colleagues. Once, Ambrose had called her immature, dull, and incapable; now, her coworkers found her charming, funny, and brilliant. She had an uncanny ability to win people over, even the senior staff admiring her drive and dedication.

One colleague asked, "Hazel, you're from a rich family. Why work so hard? You're always the last to leave."

Hazel treated everyone to coffee, her smile playful. "Well, if I don't work hard, I might just end up getting married, having kids, being tortured by a dreadful mother-in-law, ignored by my husband, dealing with a mistress, and alienated by my whole family."

"Hahaha, Hazel, you're too funny! A girl as beautiful and brilliant as you must have admirers everywhere. Who could treat you like that?"

Hazel's smile lingered, but she didn't answer. She had nearly lived that nightmare. Thankfully, before the wedding, she had escaped.

What she hadn't anticipated was that the mistress, Scarlett, would track her down. As Hazel was leaving for work, Scarlett appeared.

"Hazel, you really know how to play your cards," Scarlett sneered, her makeup thick, her posture oozing arrogance. "You thought running away from the wedding would grab his attention? But don't think you've won. I have plenty of tricks to win him back."

Scarlett looked fragile, her body seemingly unable to contain the venom in her words. She had lost so much weight that, for a moment, Hazel thought she was looking at a ghost.

Hazel glanced at the time, her patience waning. "Move aside. I have to get to work."

But Scarlett wasn't about to let her go so easily.