Filed to story: Billionaire Bride’s Revenge (Vera & Howard)
Lily’s smile faded, her face returning to its usual expression.
“Worried about you. Also, Vera, could you please talk to Miss Stephens? We need her to convince Iris to collaborate with Howard. The Shaw Group is facing a major crisis, and without her help, we might not make it through.”
With only a few weeks before the deadline, the Shaw Group was in dire straits, unable to submit any satisfactory designs. The contract stipulated triple compensation.
Howard walked up to Vera with a serious demeanor. Since Aimee was avoiding him, Howard had no choice but to seek Vera’s assistance.
He asked coldly, “Vera, are you sabotaging the cooperation between Aimee and me?”
Lily stared at Vera, her expression one of utter disbelief.
“Is that true, Vera? After all the years you’ve spent with Howard, how could you jeopardize him like this now? Are you really trying to get him into trouble?” Lily said in a tone full of concern, yet laced with accusation.
Vera sneered, visibly annoyed. “What does his problem have to do with me?”
Then she turned to leave. Every encounter with these two left her feeling nauseated.
Lily quickly stepped in front of Vera, blocking her path. “Vera, are you doing this out of spite? Howard? We’re adults now, not children. Please talk to Miss Stephens and get her to collaborate with the Shaw Group. I’m sure Howard can overlook your past actions if you help resolve this issue.”
Victor’s face remained expressionless as he looked down at Vera. “You’ve caused this problem, but if you can fix it, I’m willing to forgive you.”
Forgive?
That idea almost made Vera laugh. It was absurd.
How could there be such a shameless couple in the world? She was at a loss for words.
“How can you stand there and talk about forgiveness, Howard? You’re having an affair! You preach about morality while betraying your vows. And you, Lily, justify this? It’s sickening. I never want to see either of you again.”
“You- You!” Lily responded, her hands clenched into fists. “How can you accuse me of that, Vera?” She seethed, insulted by Vera’s words.
Howard’s face twisted into a snarl. “This is your last chance, Vera. Follow my lead, and maybe we can sort things out. Otherwise, no matter what you do, it’s over.”
Lily’s eyes widened in shock.
Could Howard really be considering reconciling with Vera? Was he sincere, or was this just a ploy to soothe Vera?
A cold smile tugged at the corner of Vera’s mouth. Her eyes were full of disdain and mockery as she gazed at Howard, seeing him as nothing more than a clown.
“Do you deserve it?”
The words hit Howard like a slap.
His handsome face twisted with emotion.
“You!”
Lily, masking her reluctance, lowered her gaze, feigning distress.
“Vera, I understand your anger with Howard comes from your hatred for me. Please, direct your anger at me, not others who are innocent. Tell me what I need to do to make you forgive us, and I will do it.”
In her gentle demeanor, Lily stood in stark contrast to Vera’s coldness.
Howard looked at Lily with admiration. Indeed, choosing her was the best decision he’d ever made. Lily lifted her gaze once more, her voice trembling. “Vera, if you’re still angry, take it out on me. Yell at me, hit me-do whatever you feel is necessary.”
Vera, exasperated, burst into mocking laughter. Wasn’t it exhausting to always play the victim? Yet, to Howard, she now appeared nothing more than a tormentor to Lily. Why should she show mercy?
She smirked and responded, “Okay.”
As Lily’s face registered shock, Vera swiftly kicked her leg. Bang!
“Ahr!”
Caught off guard, Lily crumpled to the ground instantly.
Vera showed no mercy as she kicked Lily, causing her to fall and clutch her stomach in agony.
“My belly hurts,” Lily cried in pain.
Howard quickly helped her up, glaring at Vera with intense fury. “Are you insane? How could you kick Lily?!” he yelled.
Unperturbed, Vera responded with a sneer. “Didn’t you hear her? She asked me to. I was merely fulfilling her request.”
Meanwhile, Lily, pale and sweating, tried to bear the intense pain. Her actions contradicted her initial reaction to the leg injury-her focus was now on her stomach.
Impressed by the discrepancy, Vera commented sarcastically, “I targeted your leg, but here you are clutching your belly. Try to stay in character, will you?”
Lily’s discomfort was obvious, but before she could correct the misunderstanding, Howard angrily interjected, “What do you know about her pain? You caused her pain! Lily, should we see a doctor?”
Worried, Howard reflected on the fact that Lily’s period was late, and her fall only added to their concern. However, since there was no bleeding, he hoped the situation wasn’t dire.
After a brief moment of relief, Lily glanced at Vera and remarked sadly, “Vera, you’ve really let your anger out, haven’t you? When will you ask Aimee to finalize the contract?”
Despite her pain, Lily’s concern for Howard moved him deeply. He tightened his hold on her hand affectionately, whispering tenderly.
Lily mustered a weak smile. “As long as it helps you, it’s worth it.”
Vera, observing their dramatics, responded coldly, “I’m not the one handling the contracts. You’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
“What?” Howard was stunned.
As Vera turned away with a dismissive smile, Howard clenched his teeth in anger. “Vera Montgomery, you will pay the price for this.”
Lily sighed softly, gazing at him with affection.
“Don’t worry, Howard. I’ll be with you every step of the way through all the challenges. I’ll make sure Iris signs the contract with you.”
Her words reached the deepest corners of Howard’s heart, a place entirely devoted to Lily.
Howard believed that only a woman like Lily deserved his lifelong devotion and care. With a firm nod, he clasped Lily’s hands.
“Lily, your kindness overwhelms me, but please, look after yourself. I can’t bear the thought of you wearing yourself out.”
Lily simply shook her head. “Your business is my concern too.”
She had already devised a plan to ensure the contract’s signing, confident that once successful, Howard would value and love her even more. To maximize the impact, she decided to delay the announcement until everything was settled.