Chapter 8
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“Matteo,” I said, keeping my voice calm, “over the past three months, I asked you out 14 times and you turned me down every single time.
“Every time, it was the same excuse. You were too busy with work.”
I glanced over at Annie.
“It wasn’t until later that I found out the truth. Every time you said no to me, you were actually with her.”
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Matteo’s eyelashes flickered slightly, but he quickly lifted his chin. “So what? Who I spend time with is my choice!
“We only have a childhood engagement. We’re not even officially married yet!”
“Of course,” I nodded, “And I just want to ask. Do you actually know why every proposal you make gets approved without issue?
“Do you know why competitors just suddenly back off for no obvious
reason?
“Or why the bank suddenly approves loans that you clearly don’t qualify for?”
Matteo’s expression changed. “You… what do you mean?”
Hugo let out a heavy sigh and, leaning on his cane, walked over to my side.
“Matteo, the reason the Karridge Group has been able to get listed smoothly in the past six months, with its stock price tripling, is actually
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all thanks to Ms. Akre’s behind–the–scenes efforts.”
“That’s impossible!” Matteo’s voice turned sharp. “Those were all the results of our team’s hard work!”
I took out my phone, pulled up a document, and projected it onto the
screen.
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“Mr. Karridge, over the past six months, I’ve used 17 of the Akre family’s business connections to clear all obstacles for the Karridge Group.”
On the screen, a series of astonishing names and figures scrolled by.
“This includes convincing the Silverton Group to back out of the bid for land on the south side of the city, so the Karridge Group could get that prime piece at a bargain price.”
Annie suddenly scrambled to her feet and screamed, “Liar! All of this is fake! Mr. Karridge, don’t believe her!”
Eric kicked the back of her knee, and Annie crashed back down to her
knees.
“Shut up, you idiot!”
I watched the whole thing, feeling absolutely nothing.
I picked up my coat and slung it over my arm.
“Sir Karridge, Eric, now that you’re both here, I’ll be taking my leave.
“And as for the engagement between our families… consider it over.”
“Ms. Akre!” Hugo quickly stepped forward. “We’re truly sorry for everything that’s happened, but the engagement…”
“Grandpa!”
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Chapter 8
Matteo suddenly cut in, tears in his eyes, but still holding his head high.
“Let her go! I don’t need a fiancée who uses her family name to push people around!”
I quietly looked at Matteo, the man I’d been engaged to since we were
kids.
“Fine.”
I nodded, pulled an emerald bracelet out of my pocket, and set it on the table.
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“This was the engagement token my grandfather exchanged back then. I’m returning it now.
Eric turned pale, and Hugo closed his eyes. He looked like he had aged ten years in just a second.
As I turned to head for the door, I stopped without looking back.
“Oh, and by the way, starting tomorrow, the Akre Group will be pulling out of all partnerships with the Karridge Group.
“That includes the five projects we’re currently working on, plus the new financing deal that was about to be signed.‘
Matteo sucked in a sharp breath. “You… you can’t do this! Those projects are part of the Karridge Group’s ten–year plan! Thousands of employees depend on them!”
I turned around and gave him one last smile.
“I can.
“Just like you could say no to me 14 times for an assistant.”
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The moment I pushed open the conference room door, I heard Hugo’s voice break behind me.
“Ms. Akre! Please give the Karridge family one more chance!”
I didn’t stop.
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