Filed to story: Billionaire Bride’s Revenge (Vera & Howard)
That had been her sentiment.
How had she been so blinded by love that she failed to see Howard’s true character?
Victor simply smiled in response.
Just then, Vera’s phone beside her started buzzing with a barrage of incoming messages.
Vera picked up her phone, her eyes lighting up with a smile as she read the news headline.
The moment she had been eagerly anticipating had arrived.
The Guerrero Group held a press conference. Supported by Delmor, a frail Tricia tearfully told the media that Lily had incited all the trouble. She also played their recorded conversation as proof, confirming that it had been Lily’s plan to deliberately disgrace Vera all along.
Unable to tolerate such accusations against Lily, Sharon reacted by disrupting the press conference, causing a scene. She then held her own press conference, asserting that Lily was being wrongfully maligned by the Guerrero family, sparking a heated exchange between the two sides.
Vera’s lips curved into a smile as she watched the unfolding chaos, clearly enjoying the spectacle. Victor, observing her smile, seemed to share in her cheerful mood.
“Got plans today? I’d love to try the soup you make again,” he said.
Vera set her phone down, nodded with a smile, and responded, “Sure. Anything else you want to eat? I’ll cook for you.”
Victor’s eyes twinkled as he replied, “Alright. But I have to ask-are you cooking for me as a way to thank me, or just because you’re in a good mood?”
Vera picked up her bag and glanced back at him with a smirk. “Both.”
Victor gave a slight nod, his eyes softening.
“I’ve sent all the design sketches to the R&D department. The launch event for the new product is coming up soon. I hope you’ll be there with me as Iris.”
As a shrewd businessman, Victor knew the importance of leveraging opportunities.
Vera grasped his intent clearly.
This was the first time Adams Group was venturing into the high-end jewelry market, which had sparked considerable debate, particularly about using Iris as the designer.
The discussion about Iris was very heated in the outside world.
It would be her first public appearance, regardless of the public reception of the Adams Group jewelry line. Because of this strategic move, the Adams Group was poised for significant success in the jewelry industry.
“Think of your presence at the launch event as part of the job, and I’ll pay extra,” Victor added.
The corners of Vera’s mouth curved upward slightly.
After that, she left the hospital, headed to the supermarket to pick up some ingredients, and then returned home to cook the soup for Victor. With Vera’s approval, Victor texted Samuel.
There had been much anticipation for the Adams Group’s first venture into the jewelry industry, and finally, there was concrete news. Iris would be featured as the lead designer and would grace the launch event. The theme of her designs was also revealed.
This announcement sparked a surge of excitement, overshadowing the ongoing dispute between the Guerrero and Montgomery families.
Vera decided to prepare chicken soup. She slow-cooked a fresh hen overnight in a crockpot with several nourishing herbs, creating a soup that was both delicious and nutritious.
The next morning, she filled a thermos with the soup, planning to take it to the hospital. She didn’t expect to encounter someone she despised at the entrance of her residential complex.
Due to her instructions to the security guard last time, Howard could no longer drive into the community and had to wait outside the gate for Vera.
Vera’s frown deepened as she approached. Her eyes clearly displayed her disgust. “Why are you here again?”
Howard’s expression darkened as he eyed the barrier in front of him. His gaze turned grim. “Why am I not allowed in the community now?”
Vera’s gaze was cold as she responded sharply, “You don’t live here. Why should the security let you in? What you’re doing is harassment. If you don’t leave, I’ll call the police.”
Howard’s face turned cold and harsh, his anger seething within him. He studied Vera’s expression closely. Gone were any signs of love or warmth, replaced only by scorn and disdain.
This change left him feeling unsettled and uncomfortable. It felt as though something he once claimed as his had vanished abruptly.
“Are you the one behind Lily’s current PR nightmare? And tell me, are you really Iris?”
Vera’s lips curled into a sneer. “What makes you think I owe you any answers?”
Howard’s hands tightened into fists, his expression confirming his realization.
“Just as I expected. You’ve taken everything from Lily. Why can’t you just move on?” he demanded, bitterness lacing his voice.
His features, once sharp, clouded with anger.
Yet, he quickly masked his emotions with a veneer of arrogance, tinged with a faint sense of superiority. “As long as you agree to clear things up now, I might reconsider and give you another opportunity.”
Vera stared at him, puzzled. She pressed her lips together, trying to make sense of Howard’s bizarre behavior.
With a hint of pity, she pointed at her head and said, “It seems like there’s something off with your thinking. Maybe you should consult a doctor.”
Turning to leave, she found Howard trailing behind her.
“Vera Montgomery, listen to me. This is your final chance. If you squander it, we will never have a future together. Even if you beg me on your knees, I won’t reconsider taking you back.”
Vera was momentarily speechless. It was only then that she fully realized what Howard had been implying earlier.
Her anger left her at a loss for words. She marveled at her blindness to someone so arrogant and foolish.
When Vera remained silent, Howard took it as agreement and smirked. He was certain that, despite everything, Vera still harbored feelings for him.
His eyes wandered to the soup Vera was holding. “See? You still remember that I have a soft spot for your soup. I haven’t tasted it in ages and have missed it dearly.” With that, he extended his hand toward the lunch bag.
However, Vera swiftly pulled the bag out of his reach. Howard’s expression darkened. He had assumed she would be reasonable after his excuse.
Before he could speak, Vera shot back, her eyes filled with contempt. “Do you think this soup is for you? I never said it was.”
Howard furrowed his brow in confusion. “If it’s not for me, then who?”
The answer became clear to him instantly, and his eyes hardened with malice.
He grabbed Vera’s arm with force. “So, it’s for Victor Adams? When did you two become involved?”
Vera yanked her arm free, barely containing her rage. “Get lost!”
Howard’s eyes blazed with fury. He hissed, “Are you furious because I’ve exposed your little secret? Vera, you’re nothing but a slut. I should have seen your true colors sooner.”