Chapter 17
“Are you okay?” Adam stood behind me, full of worry and heartache
He knew that my father’s death had always been a thorn in
my
heart.]
I forced a smile and looked back at him. “I’m fine.”
Then, a flash of coldness appeared in my eyes. “Can you help me? I want to destroy White Pack completely.”
“Of course, I support whatever you want to do. Go ahead and do it, and if you can’t handle it, I’ll step in.” Adam lovingly stroked my hair, using his thumb to wipe away my tears
I nodded and took the initiative to hug him
During our time together, my feelings toward Adam had become increasingly subtle. I felt relaxed around him and could be myself without reservation
With Adam’s help, I secured my position as CEO of Judith Group and led the company to take over White Pack’s projects at low prices||
I began actively suppressing White Pack’s attempts at a comeback, selling some of the inherited stocks I held and secretly manipulating White Group’s stock price fluctuations
Ronan was exhausted dealing with my offensive and had to seek meetings with me, but I rejected them all.
The gifts he sent to appease me were all returned without exception]
Ronan was overwhelmed with work White Pack Group’s financial situation was getting worse, and it wouldn’t last much longer.
On this day, Ronan came personally to wait downstairs at Judith Group to see mo
I wore
a white business suit with my hair up, adorned with a complete set of Spanish pearl jewelry that Adam had bought for me at auction. It gave me a mature, elegant yet professionally sharp and cool appearance–d side of me he had never seen before.
His eyes were full of amazement, staring at me unable to look away.
“Aria, can we talk?” He approached proactively, no longer carrying his former arrogance]
I didn’t even glance at him, directly refusing. “My goal is to destroy you. There’s nothing to discuss.“[]
“What about your father’s death?” Ronan stepped forward to block my path]
I paused, turning to look at him. “What did you say?”
“There’s another truth about your father’s death.” Ronan took a deep breath and said sorrowfully.
Half–believing, I hesitated for a few seconds but still agreed to go with him.
Ronan took me to a restaurant I had always wanted to visit. Throughout the journey, he kept trying to make conversation, but I completely ignored him.[]
He wasn’t annoyed and continued reminiscing on his own
Aria, do you remember when I saved you? You were so scared and kept crying, and I kept comforting you, saying don’t be afraid.“]
“And that time you brought me chocolate and said you liked me. You looked so cute then
“And once on my birthday, you kissed me first. I was actually very happy.”
0
I acted as if I hadn’t heard, quietly watching the scenery pass by outside the window.
Everything was in the past
I didn’t understand what meaning Ronan’s words had now. Was he hoping I would go easy on White Pack?]
“Aria, we’re here.” Ronan’s voice interrupted my thoughts, and I opened the door to get out
Ronan had reserved the entire restaurant. He personally wheeled over a cart, brought me flowers, poured wine for me, and even personally played guitar and sang love songs for me.[]
Π
These were all things I had once hoped for, things I had mentioned to Ronan, but he had never taken them to heart.]
It wasn’t that he hadn’t heard or didn’t remember–he just felt that I wasn’t worthy of them at the time.
“Ronan, just say it. Stop wasting time. I can never be with you, and I won’t give up going after you.” I found it boring and threw away the flowers in my hands.
Ronan’s expression changed, and a wave of sadness washed over him
He wanted to seek a way out for White Pack, but he also truly loved me and wanted me to come back.]
“Aria, I really fell in love with you
“But I don’t love you.”
A said without hesitation. This sentence choked Ronan so much that he couldn’t continue speaking and could only close his mouth awkwardly.||
After a long while, he finally spoke again
“It was Wendy who had someone give your father muscle relaxants, which caused his heart attack. He wasn’t scared to death.“||
