Aria’s eyes went wide with shock, then pure joy and disbelief.[]
Right in front of me–his actual wife–she cupped Damien’s face and kissed him.[]
I stared at the scene, stunned.[]
Memories flooded back.[]
The first time I got wasted at a business dinner and puked blood.]]
Damien<b>, </b><b>still </b>just a potential client then, had rushed me to the hospital.]
He remained silent for a long time, not even noticing that the cigarette between his fingers had nearly burned itself out, before finally speaking in a heavy voice:
“Marry me. You’ll get thirty percent of Thorne Corp’s concessions.“]
“Vera, you won’t have to work yourself to death anymore.“[]
I knew he was after the Bet fortune.[]
But for a brief moment, I let myself get lost in the fantasy.[]
Because it was the first time since Dad’s ident that someone wanted to protect me.]
The crowd ate up the steamy disy, cheering them on.]
“Mr. Thorne, when are you gonna make Miss Sterling an honest woman?!“]
“I’d pay a billion just to get a kiss from Miss Sterling!“]
My assistant spoke up for me, indignant.]
“Some homewrecking side piece acting like she owns the ce!“]
Damien was about to snap when Aria pulled him back.]
“Mr. Thorne<b>, </b>I’m not hurt by it<b>. </b>Please don’t me Vera…“]]
The more she talked, the more tears streamed down her face.[]
Damien immediately pulled her close, his brow furrowed protectively.[]
Twenty minutester<b>, </b>my assistant suddenly gasped<b>, </b>shoving her phone in my face.[]
“This is bad, Miss Bet! Thorne Corp tanked our stock price–we’re hemorrhaging money!“[]
I looked sharply at Damien.[]
Fire Felenichi‘? Then What’s the Baby this? Enjoy Your Cells Soudmates!
<b>48.96 </b>
Thatpany was my blood and sweat. I fought tooth and nail for everything I’ve aplished today.
“Why would you do this?!“]
Damien leaned back in his chair, radiating menace.[]
“Vera, you know I’m protective as hell.“]
“You upset Aria, so naturally I’m gonna make you pay.“]
I met his gaze steadily.
“Then let’s just get divorced. Cleaner that way.“[]
Damien paused for barely a second, then sat up with a smile.[]
Music to my ears.“]]
It took exactly five minutes to hash out the divorce papers with ourwyers.[]
“Miss Bet, what do we do now? You need to get back to handle the crisis.“[]
My assistant looked panicked.[]
The auction would resume in five minutes, and I couldn’t trust anyone else with this.]
After a moment’s thought, I whispered instructions in her ear.[]
My assistant’s breath caught<b>, </b>then she perked up with determination.]]
“I’ll handle it right away!<b>“</b>]
Word of mypany’s copse had spread, and people were taking shots left and right.[]
“Miss Bet, you’re drowning in debt. How the hell do you have ten million lying around?“[]
“I mean, Bet’s pretty enough. Keep mepany for a few nights and I’ll buy it for you, haha.“[]
Everyone knew Damien couldn’t stand me.[]
Disgusting, hungry eyes/roamed over my body.[]
Damien chuckled coldly:]
“Why would anyone want that headache? Vera’s like a dead fish in bed–boring as hell.“[]
I clenched my fists, smiling sweetly as I shot back:[]
“I’d say that’s more your problem than mine.“[]
“You-“]
48.5<b>% </b>
Damien’s face had been pped twice now, and his temper was fraying.[]
The auction resumed, and the auctioneer raised his hammer.[]
“Miss Bet bids ten million. Any other takers<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Damien raised his hand. “Twelve million.“]– ·
The price was absolutely insane now.
But I wasn’t backing down. “Fifteen million.“[]
The crowd went nuts, thinking I’d lost my mind.[]
Aria looked at me with disgust.[]
Vera, this is a real auction, not some yground game.“]]
“If you can’te up with that much money, then get your ass out of here!“]
I tilted my head slightly. “None of your business.<b>“</b><b>] </b>
Concerned about me?]
You’d better worry
about the seat under your own ass first.]
After all, that position isn’t as fortable” as it looks.
People started using me of price maniption<b>, </b>shouting:[]
“We demand Vera Bet prove she has the funds!”
The noise threatened to bring down the house.
The auctioneer wiped sweat from his brow and reluctantly asked me to verify my finances.[]
I calmly stood up and entered my ount information on theputer.]
As the white loading circle spun.]
The crowd held its breath <i>for </i>two seconds, then exploded inughter.]]
The screen clearly showed–ZERO.[]
<b>(</b><b>0</b>)
<b>(</b><b>0</b><b>) </b>