?Chapter 5:


    “You’ve yed the role of the delicate and kind-hearted soul for so long that you’ve started to believe it yourself,” Katelyn said, her gaze filled with contempt.


    She realized Lise had simply been trying to drive a wedge between her and Aimee.


    Lise’s face reddened with anger. Before she could respond, Neil chimed in, “Katelyn,”


    He had witnessed the entire encounter in the private room. If Aimee hadn’t intervened, Felix would have continued his harassment. Neil was frustrated that Katelyn had shown no appreciation for Lise’s concern.


    Moreover, he was irked that Katelyn had a connection with Aimee that she had kept hidden from him. Neil had been restless and anxious over the past weeks, while Lise had gone to great lengths to please Aimee. Katelyn, on the other hand, had done nothing.


    Neil’s anger red, and the tension in the air was palpable. Lise subtly tugged at his sleeve.


    Katelyn was Aimee’s friend, and any conflict could negatively affect Aimee’s view of them and jeopardize their potential coboration.


    With a conciliatory smile, Lise said to Aimee, “Miss Stephens, our room is just over there. Why don’t we sit down and discuss the details of the cooperation?”


    Aimee red at them with disdain. “When did I agree to work with you?”


    Lise and Neil were taken aback by her response.


    “You’re a home-wrecker. Don’t kid yourself into thinking I’ll work with someone as morallypromised as you. Stop dreaming!” Aimee growled.


    Lise stared at her, stunned and unable to hide her shock. She hadn’t anticipated Aimee’s harsh response. The words stung more than any physical blow. Despite feeling hurt, Lise didn’t dare to confront Aimee or retaliate.


    ?????????????? ???????? ????: ?????????ν????????﹒?????


    The atmosphere turned icy in response to Aimee’s remarks.


    Lise felt that Aimee’s reluctance to cooperate might be due to Katelyn’s influence.


    She suspected that Katelyn had spoken ill of them to Aimee, causing her to back out of their agreement.


    Lise suppressed her anger and shouted at Katelyn, “Katelyn, Neil’spany is in crisis. Instead of helping, you’ve only caused more trouble. Stop behaving like a child!”


    Neil also red at Katelyn and added, “Katelyn, are you finished causing trouble?”


    He med her for the issues affecting their cooperation, feeling that she had crossed the line.


    Katelyn’s lips curled into a slight smile. Before she could respond, Aimee defended her.


    “Mr. Wheeler, stop ttering yourself.”


    Neil’s face paled slightly. Aimee, still rubbing her wrist, continued disdainfully, “We’ve already chosen our partner. It’s not you. Unlike you, he’s respectable and hasn’t been involved in any scandals. He adheres strictly to his morals and would never cheat on his wife. Our studio does not work with scumbags like you, Mr. Wheeler.”


    “You! You…” Neil red at her with icy anger.


    Lise quickly intervened, pinching his arm to calm him. Forcing a smile, she said to Aimee, “Miss Stephens, misunderstandings happen—Katelyn spoke in candor. She is…”


    Clearly irritated, Aimee stared at Lise. “Enough of your excuses. I have no interest in them. If you continue, you’ll only diminish my respect for you. Please stop obstructing my path and acting like fools.”


    Neil and Lise were visibly embarrassed and frustrated. Katelyn smiled, appreciating Aimee’s sharpness. Just as she was about to speak, a suddenmotion arose in the corner.


    All eyes turned toward them.


    A line of bodyguards moved with precision.


    Every single one of them looked intimidating, and they were escorting a noteworthy man.


    Dressed in a sleek ck suit, he exuded an air of sophistication with every step.


    His face seemed almost divine, with features that looked meticulously crafted by God himself. His deep and wintery eyes could captivate and unsettle anyone who met his gaze. People felt a palpable tension and held their breath in his presence. Hemanded the attention of everyone around him.


    Before his bodyguards could make a move, the crowd parted instinctively, overwhelmed by hismanding presence.


    Lise stood in awe, her eyes wide with amazement. She questioned whether she was imagining it when she realized it was Vincent Adams.


    He was the president of Adams Group, a colossal business empire.


    The Adams Group started in real estate andter expanded into industries like medical and IT.


    Since Vincent took over thepany five years ago, it had be one of the fastest-growingpanies in the world. And now, it was part of the ten biggestpanies worldwide. Hispany yed a significant role in the city’s economy.


    Neil’s expression tightened, his eyes reflecting his seriousness.


    Ignoring everyone else, Vincent approached Katelyn. His deep voice was like a cello’s melody in the dark. “I’m sorry for being…”


    .


    .


    .