Warren hadn’t expected Lily’s defiance. He had assumed her devotion would override everything, but she had dumped him the moment he demanded Shermaine’s skincare formula.

Warren was unwilling to give up, and he didn’t want to lose Lily. He had been plotting for months just to get his hands on that formula. Once he had it, his company could replicate the same powerful effects, and his business would only grow stronger.

Oliger Company had been thriving recently. It had established a solid reputation in the domestic cosmetics industry, and it was now gaining popularity overseas. The products worked too well not to attract attention.

Earlier this year, two new departments were launched–the R&D Department and the Design Department.

The R&D Department focused on high-end gaming and chip development, while the Design Department specialized in trendy fashion brands, including bags, clothes, shoes, and jewelry.

Lily wasn’t managing those two departments, but as the second-largest shareholder of Oliger Company, she remained an invaluable asset. Warren couldn’t lose her.

Warren pounded the bathroom door. “Lily, come out, or I’ll break this down. You’d really deny me? I love you! Please come out.”

Lily trembled as she listened. She was terrified he might actually break in and drag her out to do something. His behavior disgusted her, and she felt helpless and close to tears.

Shermaine heard the noise from the other end of the line and calmly reassured Lily, “Don’t be scared. I’m coming right now. Just hold on.”

“Okay,” Lily whispered.

As soon as the call ended, Shermaine slammed her foot on the accelerator.

Kylie, still tailing from behind, saw how fast Shermaine was driving and sped up, too. But to avoid being noticed, she remained cautious and kept a safe distance.

About fifteen minutes later, the car screeched to a stop in front of the hotel. Roy followed Shermaine inside.

Seeing this, Kylie smirked. She thought, ‘So that’s where she was rushing to, checking into a hotel with another guy.’

She didn’t follow them in. After all, what else would a man and a woman be doing at a hotel?

Kylie wondered, ‘Shermaine sneaking off with another man on Joshua’s birthday? If Joshua finds out, will he still love her? No man could ever tolerate his woman cheating on him.’

Snapping photos, she sent them to Sarah before driving off.

Henry and the others had already arrived at York residence, lounging in the hall. Dinner time was approaching, yet Shermaine and Roy were nowhere to be seen.

Joshua called Shermaine, but she didn’t pick up. Worry gnawed at him.

Owen, unaware of the recent incident at the university, tried to lighten Joshua’s mood. “Relax. She’s probably setting up a surprise for you. Delaying dinner’s no big deal.”

Sarah chimed in, “A surprise? More like she’s off fooling around with some other man.”

The hall fell silent. Someone thought, ‘Did she really just say that in front of everyone? It was beyond disrespectful. Everyone knew that Shermaine’s place in Joshua’s heart, and outright slandering her in Joshua’s face darkened, his gaze icy.

Owen frowned with fury. He snapped, “One more word like that, and I’ll kick you out.”