Filed to story: Billionaire Bride’s Revenge (Vera & Howard)
The man she had loved for many years had proven to be a complete fraud.
The lesson was harsh and unforgettable.
At that moment, Vera felt as if all men were likely the same.
From then on, she resolved never to fall easily for any man’s charming words again.
Victor smiled, tapping his fingertips on the table. “Good to know.”
Vera didn’t dwell on his comment, but Aimee observed the exchange with keen interest.
She sensed an underlying meaning in Victor’s words that Vera might have missed, though Aimee couldn’t be certain.
She found herself hoping that Victor had taken a liking to Vera. He would be a far better match for her than Howard had ever been.
Meanwhile, Howard and Lily remained in their own private room, watching the business suite where Vera and the others had gone.
Thirty minutes passed without anyone leaving the room.
They speculated whether Vera was truly discussing business with Victor.
Consumed by jealousy and resentment, Lily clenched the hem of her dress so tightly that it wrinkled. Her fingernails pressed into her palms as she struggled to contain her emotions.
Turning to Howard, who looked stern and annoyed, Lily asked hesitantly, “Howard, is Vera really Iris?”
“Absolutely impossible!” Howard responded.
Lily continued in a cold tone, “Vera must have devised some scheme to deceive us.”
She was convinced that Vera was trying to capture his attention.
He could easily see through such transparent tactics.
Lily’s eyes held a contemplative expression as she ventured again, “Still, Vera appeared quite different today. I could barely recognize her. She was so captivating and radiant. Any man might be drawn to her.”
Howard scoffed dismissively, his voice tinged with reluctance and annoyance. “She may be attractive, but what does that matter? I can see her malicious intent and deceitful maneuvers. She repulses me.”
Lily felt reassured by Howard’s responses.
As long as Howard continued to care about her, she was certain she could soon legitimately become his wife. Masking the complacency and joy in her eyes, she sighed. “Howard, don’t be angry. We both know Vera well. She’s trying to prove her competence and has even resorted to lying. She hasn’t considered the consequences of her lies being uncovered.”
Suddenly, the door to the business suite opened. Both Lily and Howard instantly became serious and focused their attention on the door.
Victor emerged first, followed by Vera and Aimee. The three were smiling, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Vera extended her hand to Victor with a smile, her voice gentle and clear. “I hope we can enjoy a fruitful cooperation soon.”
Victor shook her hand and replied with a smile, “I also hope for a pleasant cooperation.”
Howard’s eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange in shock. This scene shattered all his previous assumptions and hopes.
He began to seriously consider whether Vera might actually be Iris.
Victor smiled broadly, showing appreciation and satisfaction in his eyes. “Miss Montgomery, I am eager to be impressed by your work.”
Vera responded modestly, “Please look forward to it.”
“Okay.”
Victor glanced at Howard, who was glaring with a furious expression. Accompanied by his bodyguards, Victor walked away.
Vera observed his departure, reminded of a pine tree with his tall and upright posture.
Aimee interrupted Vera’s observation by waving her hand in front of her and tugging her arm. She chuckled and said, “He’s gone. Stop looking. Now that we’ve landed such a big contract, it’s time for us to celebrate.”
Vera returned to her senses and nodded in agreement. As she was about to speak, Howard seized her wrist. He stared at her furiously and demanded, “Vera, are you really Iris?” He gazed at her intently, seemingly afraid to miss any subtle change in her expression.
Vera scowled at Howard and tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong. “What does it matter to you?” she asked coldly.
Howard exhaled in relief, convinced by her response. If she truly were Iris, she would have admitted it confidently rather than responding defensively.
He remained certain of the vast difference between a housewife and a renowned designer, convinced that she couldn’t be Iris.
Aimee took Howard’s hand and glared at him sharply. “What do you want? Let go, or I’m calling security.”
With Aimee’s intervention, Vera managed to free herself from Howard’s grasp. She immediately took a sanitizer wipe from her handbag and cleaned her wrist. Every moment spent near him was revolting to her.
Howard’s frustration grew, and he gritted his teeth as he spoke, “Aren’t you going to explain this to me?” He was infuriated by the fact that she had kept her close relationship with Aimee a secret from him.
Vera gave Howard a cold look and stopped Aimee, who was about to defend her. “Aimee, please wait for me outside. I’ll handle this myself.”
Although Aimee was concerned, she trusted Vera’s ability to manage the situation. She nodded in agreement and was ready to leave.
“Just call me if that jerk tries anything,” Aimee told Vera before leaving.
“You got it.”
Meanwhile, Lily hurried to Howard’s side. Masking her jealousy and resentment, she attempted to speak to Vera with feigned concern.
“Vera, don’t you want to tell us the truth? You might fool others, but how can you fool us?”
Howard interjected angrily. “You know Aimee Stephens. Why didn’t you tell me? Do you understand the serious crisis my company is facing?”
Vera shrugged and replied indifferently, “What does that have to do with me?”
Her response left Howard at a loss for words.
Lily immediately stated, “Of course, you two are a couple. Howard is facing a major crisis. You should face it with him.”
Vera sneered, her eyes brimming with sarcasm.
“Why didn’t you consider us a couple when you slept with him? Does being a maid make you feel proud?”
Her words struck Lily like invisible slaps.
Lily’s face turned livid crimson, filled with humiliation. She had always looked down on Vera, but now Vera had the courage to humiliate her.