Choosing Your Heart Over the Moon

He had become completely melancholic.

He continued, "Olivia, do you know how much I hate you?"

Yes, he hated me, and it was only natural and rightful.

Facing this face that wanted to tear me apart, I couldn't argue back a single word. All I could do was cry and apologize, "I'm sorry..."

I loved him.

Even after escaping to Lantis for ten years, my guilt and unrequited love remained.

Since the last time James left the Anderson family with Emily, he hadn't returned.

Sarah passed away, Daniel ended up in the ICU, and the company was in chaos without its two key pillars. Major shareholders began to spread fear, forcing Daniel to step down, plunging the company into a state of paralysis.

But the Anderson Group was the culmination of my mom and Daniel's decade-long efforts. I couldn't let others take advantage and seize it.

So I decided to start from within. The situation was dire, but perhaps unity could help us survive.

I arranged a meeting with the company's shareholders, but when I entered the private room, I was met by a group of wealthy, middle-aged men, each with a sexy woman in their arms, all grinning exaggeratedly at me.

There were shareholders of the Anderson Group, as well as business owners who had a prominent presence in Azureville and cooperate with the Anderson Group.

Among these faces, I saw only one pair of sharp eyes.

It was James.

When he saw me, his eyes ignited with a long-lost fury.

Why was he here?

"Ms. King, it's been years! You've grown into a fine young lady!"

The small-eyed middle-aged man closest to me stood up, squinting with a smile. "You really carry the charm of your mother, Sarah, from her younger days!"

I recognized his face, vaguely recalling him from the Anderson family events, though back then, Daniel was the one towering over everyone.

Others chimed in. "Truly, the student has become the teacher!"

After those brief compliments came the blatant probing. "You and James really are a united sibling front today, aren't you?"

The man's shifty eyes darted between James and me, trying to read our expressions.

After all, the tension between James and my mom was no secret in Azureville. Everyone knew the likelihood of us standing together was slim.

I glanced at James, who was already looking at me with rare gentleness.

He knew me well enough to trust that I wouldn't let the Anderson family's assets fall into the wrong hands.

But I also knew him well enough to understand he wouldn't accept my goodwill, nor could I allow him to. Though I craved his softer gaze, I couldn't take a single step towards him.

I had consulted trustworthy businessmen Sarah had known. Apart from aligning with James, the only other option was to consolidate our shareholders to weaken any third-party influence.

I had to protect the Anderson Group this way.

I lowered my gaze and replied calmly, "I came here today for myself."

A brief silence followed by endless murmurs ensued.

"I told you, there's deep-seated hatred between them..."

The man beside me chuckled and casually draped an arm over my shoulder. "Doing it for yourself is great! But let's see if your business skills match Sarah's."