Victoria ended the video call with a calm, unreadable expression, leaving McNeil sitting in his chair for what felt like an eternity.


    It wasn''t until his phone rang, jolting him back to reality, that he realized Victoria was already gone.


    After the call, McNeil boarded his private jet and flew straight to Starfall City, feeling utterly defeated. He knew, deep down, that he had lost Victoria for good this time. He''d thought he wouldn''t care, but the ache in his chest told a different story.


    Meanwhile, Violet spent the entire day at V&S Group, restless and uneasy. She tried to throw herself into work, but couldn''t stop watching for any shift in McNeil''s attitude toward her.


    She had hoped that, after his breakup with Victoria, McNeil''s feelings for her would quickly grow. But ever since they''d returned from the hospital, he hadn''t so much as called her.


    Violet couldn''t help but wonder where things had gone wrong. She''d tried reaching out to McNeil several times, but he always imed to be too busy to meet. In the end, she had no choice but to let it go.


    That morning, when Violet arrived at the office, her secretary informed her that Mr. Miller from Golden Era Enterprises hade to see her.


    She immediately ordered two coffees to be brought in.


    Simms Miller was visiting V&S Group for the first time. He''d expected a modestpany, but was pleasantly surprised by its size and polish.


    He smiled, reassured. "Looks like McNeil is treating you well. Now that he''s divorced Victoria, have you thought about your future together?"


    A blush crept across Violet''s cheeks. "I do want to marry McNeil soon, and he feels the same. But since the divorce is so recent, it wouldn''t look good in front of Gwyn. We''re nning to give the child some time to adjust. We''ll talk about the wedding in a few months."


    Simms felt even more pleased after hearing this. Clearly, he''d backed the right horse this time. If he''d relied on Victoria, that ungrateful girl, he''d have lost everything by now.


    "When you get a chance, set up a dinner with McNeil for me," Simms said. "I''ve got a project in the works and I''m looking for the right partner. The Langford Group would be a perfect fit. Mention it to McNeil-I''m sure we can make it happen."


    Violet agreed without hesitation.


    McNeil was a man of his word. He''d promised her that whatever she asked for, he would deliver.


    Besides, Golden Era Enterprises was one of the most powerful corporations in Starfall City. Partnering with her uncle wouldn''t bring any harm to The Langford Group.


    "Well, I won''t keep you from your work," Simms said as he stood up. "But do speed up the wedding ns. If you need any help-money, connections, whatever-just let me know."


    He paused before leaving.


    "Your aunt has mentioned it already: when you get married, it''ll be done with all the prestige befitting ady of Starfall City''s high society. But there''s something I need to tell you in advance. Your parents from the countryside... they don''t fit in here. There''s a reason we''ve insisted you keep your distance all these years. So, our advice is: don''t let them appear at your wedding. In this city, in these circles, people don''t tolerate even a speck of scandal."


    Violet nodded, her smile unwavering. "Don''t worry, Uncle. I understand. Ever since I started making money, I''ve made sure they''re well taken care of back home. They won''t interfere with my life here."


    Simms left the office with a spring in his step, clearly satisfied. Even Violet could sense his delight.


    She thought to herself: in this world, her aunt and uncle were the only ones who truly cared for her. She''d never forget them after she made it to the top.


    With their wealth and status behind her, she was no longer that wild country girl. She belonged here now.


    For years, Violet had worked hard to reinvent herself. She told everyone her parents had moved abroad, that they''d emigrated and would never return.