"Mr. Goodwin, don''t speak in such absolutes. We may need to look out for each other in the business world down the line. It''s not worth ruining the goodwill between us over a woman."


    "You needn''t trouble yourself, Mr. Wells. If there''s nothing else, I have a meeting to attend. Excuse me."


    With that,n hung up and strode into the elevator.


    Back at his vi, Walden Wells gripped his phone, his face dark. He already disliked this arrogant young man, and now, to be so tantly disrespected—it was the first time he''d been treated with such contempt.


    Just then, a soft, pliant arm wrapped around his neck. "Walden, don''t be angry. You''ve already done more than enough for me."


    Though Walden Wells was older, having weathered decades in the business world had instilled in him apetitive spirit that rivaled any young man''s. Ian''s curt refusal, rather than making him back down, had only stoked his desire to win.


    He pulled Vanessa into his arms and patted her back gently. "Vanessa, don''t you worry. Ian is just an arrogant kid who doesn''t know his ce. In Ashford City, there''s nothing I, Walden Wells, want to do that I can''t get done."


    Vanessa looked at him with seductive eyes, noticing the flicker of anger in his expression from being challenged. She knew the feud between Walden andn was deepening. Walden''s desire to free her was now also about defending his own pride and authority.


    "Walden, I know you''re good to me, butn is so powerful, and he''s the chairman of The Guild of Commerce. I''m afraid I''ll drag you into this. Maybe I should just endure it."


    Vanessa employed a strategic retreat, her voiceced with grievance and concern.


    "Nonsense," Walden''s protective instincts were immediately triggered. "You think Walden Wells is afraid of some wet-behind-the-ears kid?"


    Walden was, at his core, a proud man. Ian certainly had some skill, but he didn''t see him as a true threat.


    He scoffed. "Contracts are set in stone, but people aren''t. I''ll hire the best legal team money can buy to go over every line. They''ll find a way out. And if they don''t, I''ll buy you out myself for ten billion."


    Moved, Vanessa threw herself into his arms, a smile breaking through her tears. "Thank you. As soon as the contract is terminated, I''ll dly be your Mrs. Cooper and give you a fine, healthy son."


    The emotional validation Vanessa provided was exactly what Walden Wells craved. Being with her made him feel young again.


    For Vanessa, no matter the oue, she wouldn''t lose. If Walden won, she would regain her freedom and secure her position as the matriarch of the Wells family. Ifn won, she would simply continue to abide by the contract and let him support her.


    After all, the annual payments and gifts stipted in the contract were legally binding.


    And her birthday wasing up soon. It was about timen made a gesture.


    In previous years, she only had to mention it, andn would send someone over with whatever she wanted, be it diamond jewelry limited edition handbags. As long as her request was within the specified price range,n would buy it for her.


    1.n


    Walden Wells had to leave on business. Vanessa was already living with him in his grand vi. The fall of Yeaton Holdings hadn''t affected her much, except for her shares, which were now worthless


    Even if it pained her, dwelling on it would only fuel her resentment towardn and harm herself.


    One could say she had made the same mistake as Eleanor: she''d let her heart rule


    her head and wasted her youth on a cold man liken.