Celebration Turned Betrayal

Perhaps thinking about the inevitable backlash from both our families, Daniel Walker suddenly panicked.

“Sophia, I lost my temper just now—it was all angry talk. Let’s go ahead with our wedding as planned!”

I yanked my hand out of his grip. “I don’t object to the wedding being held on time. But shouldn’t the bride be your assistant instead?”

Without waiting for his reaction, I turned and pulled Michael Harris with me into the banquet hall.

“Sophia,” Michael said quietly, “I’ve actually seen the two of them attending industry receptions together quite often. But I never told you, for fear of embarrassing you.”

I understood his hesitation. With our families intertwined, even if I had once harbored feelings for Michael, neither of us would have risked breaking those ties. Later, once I was with Daniel, there was no room for anything else.

“It’s fine. Better to know now than never.”

Whatever bond Daniel and I had was over. From now on, we would only be rivals.

Michael didn’t hold back—he immediately appointed me as Executive Director, giving me responsibility over all major business operations.

But fate has a way of forcing collisions. The industry is small, and when I attended a major summit representing our company, I inevitably ran into Daniel and Emily Johnson again.

They were surrounded by peers, showered with flattery.

“Mr. Walker, you and Ms. Johnson are such a perfect match. Be sure to invite me to the wedding!”

“And this must be Sophia Carter, right? I’ve long heard of her abilities!”

“What a golden couple—you two are enviable.”

At that, Daniel’s face turned ashen. Most of the people there had heard names but never seen faces, so all he and Emily could do was exchange an awkward smile, dodging the truth.

I deliberately circled behind them and suddenly spoke up:

“You two should marry on the same date we planned. Michael and I will definitely be there on time! Just remember—don’t accidentally put my name, Sophia Carter, on the invitation as the bride!”

The pair nearly jumped out of their skins. Daniel even stepped back instinctively.

“Sophia, it was just an act, nothing more.”

“Oh, I know. Congratulations to you both—truly.”

“The hotel thing was a misunderstanding,” Daniel insisted, quickly pulling out a receipt. “Emily and I were only there to eat.”

That, I had no doubt—he had eaten exactly what he wanted.

“Funny,” Michael interjected smoothly, “when I asked David Lee, he told me you were seen in a non-dining area.”

“Michael Harris, stop trying to drive a wedge between us! This is between me and Sophia. It’s none of your business.”

Daniel turned to me, his voice rising. “Sophia Carter, haven’t you made enough of a scene?”

“If you think this is me making a scene,” I said coolly, “then you haven’t seen anything yet.”

What made me roll my eyes even more was Emily chiming in with smug confidence:

“Honestly, there’s no need to drag this out. You just want to come back, don’t you? If you’re willing to work under me, I’ll put in a good word with the boss and get you reinstated.”

I sneered inwardly. Without her face, Emily never would have made it into the company, let alone brought in a multimillion-dollar deal.

Me working under her? That would sink the company in no time.

“Well, since Emily is willing to plead for you, I’ll let you return. Now hurry and carry her bag,” Daniel added coldly.

“Wake up,” I shot back. “Did I ever say I wanted to come back?”

In front of everyone, I tossed the words down without hesitation.

Daniel, who cared more about saving face than anything else, nearly lost control. He lunged toward me, hand raised, but Michael intercepted him instantly.

“If you won’t return, then the wedding is off! Let’s see how you explain this to your family!”

Ever since Emily had come into his life, every time Daniel and I argued, he had dangled breaking off the engagement over my head.