Filed to story: Billionaire Bride’s Revenge (Vera & Howard)
Vera was Aimee’s friend, and any conflict could negatively affect Aimee’s view of them and jeopardize their potential collaboration.
With a conciliatory smile, Lily said to Aimee, “Miss Stephens, our room is just over there. Why don’t we sit down and discuss the details of the cooperation?”
Aimee glared at them with disdain. “When did I agree to work with you?”
Lily and Howard were taken aback by her response.
“You’re a home-wrecker. Don’t kid yourself into thinking I’ll work with someone as morally compromised as you. Stop dreaming!” Aimee growled.
Lily stared at her, stunned and unable to hide her shock. She hadn’t anticipated Aimee’s harsh response. The words stung more than any physical blow. Despite feeling hurt, Lily didn’t dare to confront Aimee or retaliate.
The atmosphere turned icy in response to Aimee’s remarks.
Lily felt that Aimee’s reluctance to cooperate might be due to Vera’s influence.
She suspected that Vera had spoken ill of them to Aimee, causing her to back out of their agreement.
Lily suppressed her anger and shouted at Vera, “Vera, Howard’s company is in crisis. Instead of helping, you’ve only caused more trouble. Stop behaving like a child!”
Howard also glared at Vera and added, “Vera, are you finished causing trouble?”
He blamed her for the issues affecting their cooperation, feeling that she had crossed the line.
Vera’s lips curled into a slight smile. Before she could respond, Aimee defended her.
“Mr. Shaw, stop flattering yourself.”
Howard’s face paled slightly. Aimee, still rubbing her wrist, continued disdainfully, “We’ve already chosen our partner. It’s not you. Unlike you, he’s respectable and hasn’t been involved in any scandals. He adheres strictly to his morals and would never cheat on his wife. Our studio does not work with scumbags like you, Mr. Shaw.”
“You! You…” Howard glared at her with icy anger.
Lily quickly intervened, pinching his arm to calm him. Forcing a smile, she said to Aimee, “Miss Stephens, misunderstandings happen-Vera spoke in candor. She is…”
Clearly irritated, Aimee stared at Lily. “Enough of your excuses. I have no interest in them. If you continue, you’ll only diminish my respect for you. Please stop obstructing my path and acting like fools.”
Howard and Lily were visibly embarrassed and frustrated. Vera smiled, appreciating Aimee’s sharpness. Just as she was about to speak, a sudden commotion arose in the corner.
All eyes turned toward them.
A line of bodyguards moved with precision.
Every single one of them looked intimidating, and they were escorting a noteworthy man.
Dressed in a sleek black suit, he exuded an air of sophistication with every step.
His face seemed almost divine, with features that looked meticulously crafted by God himself. His deep and wintery eyes could captivate and unsettle anyone who met his gaze. People felt a palpable tension and held their breath in his presence. He commanded the attention of everyone around him.
Before his bodyguards could make a move, the crowd parted instinctively, overwhelmed by his commanding presence.
Lily stood in awe, her eyes wide with amazement. She questioned whether she was imagining it when she realized it was Victor Adams.
He was the president of Adams Group, a colossal business empire.
The Adams Group started in real estate and later expanded into industries like medical and IT.
Since Victor took over the company five years ago, it had become one of the fastest-growing companies in the world. And now, it was part of the ten biggest companies worldwide. His company played a significant role in the city’s economy.
Howard’s expression tightened, his eyes reflecting his seriousness.
Ignoring everyone else, Victor approached Vera. His deep voice was like a cello’s melody in the dark. “I’m sorry for being…”
Vera stared at the man, puzzled about why he was speaking to her.
She then glanced at Aimee, worried that her identity had been revealed.
After a brief pause, Vera replied with a smile, “You’re not late at all. Your timing is perfect.”
Her response seemed to soften Victor’s demeanor. His sternness gave way to a warmer expression.
Standing side by side, their attractiveness created a noticeable chemistry.
Howard tightened his fists, wondering if Vera had moved on with someone new right after their divorce.
Filled with envy, Lily begrudgingly observed the situation, resenting the fact that Vera had attracted such an influential figure.
With a flattering smile, she approached and said, “Nice to see you here, Mr. Adams.”
Howard masked his feelings and greeted Victor as well. “Good evening, Mr. Adams. What a surprise to see you here.”
Victor acknowledged their greetings with a nod, clearly uninterested in engaging in further conversation. He turned to Vera, his eyes softening with warmth as he said, “I apologize for keeping you waiting.”
Aimee glanced at her watch and smiled, saying, “It’s no problem, Mr. Adams. We’ve just arrived as well. Perfect timing. Shall we head to the room to discuss?”
Both Lily’s and Howard’s expressions changed to shock when they realized that Victor was the business partner Aimee had mentioned.
What left them even more confused was the fact that Vera and Aimee walked into a private room together, arm in arm.
Given the nature of the meeting, it was unusual for an outsider, even a friend, to be present. Vera’s presence seemed out of place.
Upon seeing Victor’s indifferent nod, Lily’s frustration grew. She asked, “Aren’t we supposed to be working with him? Why is Vera joining the negotiation?”
Aimee retorted, “Why shouldn’t Vera be here?”
She and Victor exchanged puzzled glances, wondering the same.
What she meant…
Only the most reliable individuals were allowed to participate in such negotiations. It was hard to believe that Vera had managed to gain Iris’ and Aimee’s trust to this extent.
Lily felt uneasy. She couldn’t allow Vera the opportunity to meet Victor and potentially elevate her status so suddenly.
With a scowl, Lily said to Vera, “Vera, you’ve always been composed and reliable, but this time you’ve overstepped. How can you deceive Mr. Adams?”
Vera furrowed her elegant brows. “What exactly did I lie about?”
Lily, fists clenched, answered with indignation, “Iris is a renowned designer known for her meticulousness. You’re an outsider here. How did you become involved? Miss Stephens is too compassionate to reject you. You need to recognize your place and stop interfering. If Mr. Adams finds out the truth, he will be very displeased.”