Chapter 23
“That’s right! You and Mr. Quinn have been together for three years now. It’s about time, isn’t it?” another chimed in. They all knew about her relationship with Mason. He’d picked her up from the office more than once.
Vivian’s hands stilled. “No,” she said, her voice calm. “We broke up. There won’t be a wedding. We’re over.”
The sudden announcement left her colleagues speechless, but they were tactful enough not to press the issue.
“Well, out with the old, in with the new,” one of them said cheerfully. “You’ll meet someone better.”
“I think so too,” Vivian said, smiling brightly.
Just then, their boss, Richard Wood, a middle-aged man in a gray shirt, rushed in, wiping sweat from his brow. “Everyone, listen up! I have an announcement.”
“A major corporation wants to acquire Dynastis,” he said, his voice trembling with excitement. “As you all know, we’re a small company, barely staying afloat. This deal could change everything. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. So who wants to take the lead on this?”
“Mr. Wood, what company is it?” someone asked.
“The international SIE Corporation,” answered Richard. A collective gasp went through the room.
“SIE? The global top five conglomerate? Mr. Wood, are you sure you’re not dreaming?” one of the staff exclaimed.
“I think I’m the one who’s dreaming,” the secretary said, her usually stoic expression completely shattered. “But it’s true. They’re coming to the office this afternoon!”
“Is this for real! Should we go home and change?” someone added.
“Yes! I need to do my makeup!” another agreed.
“I need a haircut!” the third also chimed.
Vivian was just as stunned as everyone else. How could this tiny company be acquired by a giant like SIE? She was confused.
“No need,” Richard said. “They’re just doing a preliminary visit. The actual negotiation will happen at a hotel. I need to choose someone to go with me.”
Everyone immediately looked down, including Vivian. But Richard’s eyes were fixed on her. In terms of looks, talent, and work ethic, no one came close.
“Vivian, you’re coming with me,” said Richard. “Go home, change into something nice. We’re meeting the people from SIE.”
“Me?” Vivian stammered, still reeling from the shock. “Mr. Wood, are you sure I can handle it?”
“You can. You’re the perfect fit,” he said. Her beauty alone was enough to elevate the company’s image. Hiring her had been a stroke of genius.
Vivian nodded, a new sense of determination filling her. She would not fall.
Chloe, meanwhile, was seething. The memory of Vivian’s insults fueled her rage. She was punching her pillow, her face a mask of ugly fury. But when Mason walked in, she immediately composed herself, shifting her expression to one of heartbreaking vulnerability.
“Mason, you’re finally here,” she whispered. “You didn’t answer my calls, you didn’t reply to my texts. I thought you’d abandoned me. If you want to end things, just tell me. Please, don’t just give me the silent treatment. I can’t bear it.”
Mason’s heart ached with guilt. He rushed to her side, pulling her into his arms. “Chloe, what are you talking about? I would never do that. I was at my grandparents’ house all night. You know their health isn’t good. I can’t be on my phone when I’m with them.”
He took her hand and made to slap his own face. “I’m so sorry. If you’re still angry, you can hit me.”
He was lying, of course. It was the first time he had ever lied to her, and he believed it was all Vivian’s fault. If she hadn’t been so unreasonable, he wouldn’t have to deceive the woman he loved.
Chloe snatched her hand back as if she’d been burned. “No, Mason, I believe you. Don’t be like that. I’ve always been afraid I’m a burden to you. I’m sorry. I was just so scared that you would all leave me.”
Seeing her so fragile, so full of love for him, Mason’s guilt deepened. “Chloe, what nonsense are you talking about! You are the love of my life. I will never leave you.”
“Really?” Chloe nodded, sniffling. “But Mason, I can’t be with you forever. I’m not worthy of you. You and Vivian… you’re the ones who should be together?”
At the mention of Vivian’s name, a surge of anger went through Mason. Vivian had dared to defy him and still hadn’t come to him to apologize. “Don’t mention her to me,” he snapped. “I’m going to end the engagement and marry you.”
Chloe’s eyes lit up, but she quickly masked her elation. “Mason, you don’t have to do that. I saved your life because I wanted to, not because I expected anything in return. Marrying Vivian is what’s best for your family.”
Mason stroked her hair, his heart aching. To him, Chloe was such a good person. She had sacrificed her health for him. He couldn’t betray her. “Stop talking nonsense. I love you. My relationship with Vivian was just an arrangement.”
Chloe coughed, her face paling. “Mason, just hearing you say that is enough for me. I never dared to dream of anything more.”
Her coughing grew more violent, and Mason panicked, calling for a doctor.
“She didn’t do the blood transfusion this month yet, right?” the doctor examined Chloe’s condition and asked. But then, Chloe’s sister, Lily Zalton, who was also a nurse, rushed in.
“Mason, are you trying to kill my sister!” she shrieked, her voice echoing down the hall. “She’s lying in this bed because of you! If it weren’t for her, you wouldn’t even be standing here! All she needs is a little blood each month, and you can’t even provide that! You’re just an ungrateful bastard, planning to throw her away?”
Chloe struggled to sit up. “Lily, don’t say that about Mason! He has his reasons! If you say one more bad thing about him, I’ll be really angry!”
Lily just looked at Mason with disgust. “Chloe is too kind. Do you really think anyone else would treat you with such selfless devotion? Search your conscience, Mason. She doesn’t even want to be your wife, she just wants you to be happy. And this is how you repay her!”