Chapter 9
When Daphne first married Yancey, people had said she was reaching too high. If she got labeled as a fickle woman now, she’d really become a Laughingstock in Aritial’s social scene.
But today, her actions had embarrassed both Hannah and Yancey, Now everyone knew the truth behind their divorce–it was all because of Hannah, who had her eyes on Daphne’s husband.
Jessica was buzzing with excitement, chatting so much that Daphne couldn’t get a word in
“Will you come back after the divorce? Jessica suddenly asked.
Daphne was taken aback at first, but then she smiled softly and said, “We’ll see. Maybe I’ll come back.
Hearing there was a chance, Jessica quickly urged, “Please come back soon, Daphine. The company and the bar really need you. Since you left, every investment we’ve made has lost money. We’re on the brink of going under.
Daphne was shocked. ‘Going out of business? What new projects did you invest in?”
Before she married Yancey, Daphne, Jessica, and a few close friends had started a small investment company. Back then, any project she picked usually turned out great. In just two years, what started as a small venture became a well–known name in the industry:
During that time, they had even launched their own clothing brand, started a design company, and opened a dance studio, and a bar, among other ventures. They had been making a name for themselves and raking in the money,
Then, after marrying Yancey, Daphne decided to focus on family and stepped back from business, leaving it in the hands of Jessica and another friend, Nathan Zimmerman. Now here they were, just three years later, and the company was almost bankrupt.
Jessica explained sheepishly, “Nathan heard from a friend that the nutrition industry had big potential, so he invested in a company focused on
nutrition research.
“Turns out, they were a scam. As soon as things got messy, they vanished with the cash. Not only did we lose our investment, but we also lost millions
That hit the already struggling company hard. Jessica sighed, “We didn’t want to burden you with these problems. If the company goes under, it goes under. We’re not too worried about the money. What’s important is that you’re okay with the Goodman family.”
But now, they realized that Daphne, who had always told them everything was fine, wasn’t truly happy–she had been sharing only the good news and keeping the bad to herself.
Now that she was getting divorced, if they didn’t inform her, the company might really collapse.
Daphne couldn’t help but laugh helplessly. “Didn’t I tell you before? Always check a company’s background before investing to avoid getting scammed”
Jessica sighed heavily. “It was a recommendation from Nathan’s friend. We trusted this so–called friend too much and just jumped in without winking”
By the time they figured it out, it had been too late to back out. Things just went downhill from there.
Daphne softened her tone. “Let bygones be bygones. Just be more careful in the future”
Jessica nodded and asked cautiously, “So, are you coming back?”
Daphne rubbed her temples and replied, “Of course I am” She wasn’t going to watch the company she built fall apart. Her marriage had failed, and she wasn’t going to let het business suffer the same fate.
Jessica was thrilled, nearly jumping up with excitement. “Yay! You’re finally coming back to work. Our company is saved”
Daphne sighed and shook her head. I have some family matters to take care of for a few more days. In the meantime, you and Nathan should handle the lawsuit. We’ll talk about everything else when I get back.”
Jessica nodded energetically. “Alright, I promise to finish the job.”
They chatted a bit longer, and as Dapline started to feel tired, she arranged to meet Jessica at a bar the next evening to catch up, then ended the call. Outside the car, a crisp breeze swept through, gently tossing Daphne’s hair.
Nevin, the driver, glanced at her through the rear–view mirror and gently suggested. “Ms. Shaw, how about rolling up the window? You don’t want to catch a cold.
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10:52 AM H
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Chapter 9
Thinking of the baby inside her, Daphne rolled up the window and said, “Don’t take me back to the Sheppard manor. Let’s go to the dance studio.”
Nevin had been the Sheppard family’s driver for decades. Over the years, he had seen Daphine grow didn’t.
up and knew things about her that even Mason
For instance, Daphne didn’t open the dance studio to make money, it was purely for her passion. Dancing always lifted her spirits when she felt down.
With that in mind, Nevin nodded. “Okay”
The dance studio was in a quiet part of town, far from the hustle and bustle of downtown. At night, only a few streetlights lit the area,
Daphne had always carried the studio keys in her bag. As she slid the key into the lock, a rush of nostalgia hit her. It felt like old memories, buried for so long, were starting to resurface.
She pushed the door open, stepped inside, and pulled back the heavy curtains. The cool moonlight spilled through the glass onto the wooden floor. shining like reflections on a calm lake.
Seeing the familiar elements in the dim light made Daphne’s heart skip a beat. At that moment, she realized just how much she had given up for her love for Yancey over the years.
She set her bag down, kicked off her high heels, and walked barefoot around the spacious dance studio. For the first time, she realized how vast and empty it felt–almost as if the whole world was contained within it
Her heart, once filled with thoughts of Yancey, now felt empty, much like the calm and deserted studio around her
Daphne didn’t turn on the lights. Instead, she closed her eyes, savoring the feel of the moonlight enveloping her. It was as if a beautiful piano tune was playing softly in her mind, gently guiding her to dance in the moonlight.
About thirty feet away, a plain car quietly parked in front of the dance studio. Inside, Mark focused the camera lens directly on Daphne.
He had planned to capture dramatic scenes of the couple falling apart after cheating, but instead, he stumbled upon a breathtaking view. For the first time in his ten year career as a paparazzi, he found himself not just shooting for the scoop.
He adjusted his camera to secure the beat angle, like a devoted follower capturing an astonishing scene, his eyes filled with endless admiration and
scination
Dapline danced in the moonlight, her delicate features lit up by an enchanting smile. Her dress swayed gracefully, complementing her perfect form. At that moment, she seemed like a fairy, untouched by worldly concerns–truly a mesmerizing sight.
“It’s amazing.” Mark couldn’t help exclaiming, staring through the Jens without blinking, afraid of missing any detail.
AD
