Chapter3
I was probably the only one unimpressed by Christian’s so–called talent.
Once Jacob realized I was determined, he stopped trying to dissuade me. I moved out of the
arnes family home and into my long–awaited private villa. No one to fight me for a room–it was pure bliss.
The headlines now were all about Gianna and me. The real–and–fake–heiress drama had
turned into a media frenzy, something that could easily dominate the news cycle for days.
Robert called me:
“Margaret Butler, aren’t you planning to reveal your true identity yet? The media’s all over the story that you’re a fake heiress who got booted out and can’t even face the public. Even though I don’t have ties with the Hughes family anymore, they still care about appearances.
They’re pestering me to distance myself from you. It’s driving me crazy!”
I swirled the wine glass in my hand leisurely.
“What’s the rush? I’m finally enjoying some peace and quiet. By the way, thanks for last time. Didn’t expect you to actually have a ring–it saved me from too much
embarrassment.”
Robert’s tone suddenly turned shy.
“Oh, come on, no need to thank me. I mean, what can I say? I’ve always had foresight.
I chuckled and then remembered something.
“By the way, now that Christian and I have nothing to do with each other, pull out all the investments I made in their projects.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk, a woman’s heart is truly unfathomable. You pulling out those major investments will hit the Torres Group hard. That saying is true–never mess with a woman. It’s terrifying. Alright, I’ll arrange it immediately.”
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Marrying Without My Eight–Year Boyfriend Knowing
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Though he teased, he acted swiftly.
I’ve always been someone who moves on from feelings as quickly as they arise. Back then, I agreed to be with Christian because the Torres and Barnes families were old friends, and Jacob emphasized the importance of being well–matched. So, I went along with it.
Our relationship wasn’t bad at first. Christian often surprised me with little gestures on holidays, and over time, I developed some feelings for him.
But when Mr. Torres handed over the company to Christian, I quickly realized he couldn’t hold a candle to his father in business management.
The moment he took over, he implemented sweeping reforms, firing veteran employees and hiring new ones, which caused significant business losses. Within a year, the company was on the brink of collapse.
To prevent him from being too crushed, I arranged for substantial multi–billion–dollar investments under the guise of external support and introduced a professional manager to
help him run the company.
In less than two years, the Torres Group bounced back, even surpassing its previous performance. But Christian never recognized his limits, believing his success was entirely
his doing.
Just as I started enjoying some peace, the Barnes family called, inviting me home for a family dinner. They mentioned Christian would be there and asked me to bring Robert
along.
I couldn’t refuse, so I went.
Robert was oddly enthusiastic, acting like a son–in–law meeting the parents.
“Haha, can’t believe I’m meeting the family just days after becoming your fiancé. I’m even a
little nervous.”
I shot him a glance.
“It’s just for show. Don’t take it seriously.”
He pouted in mock offense.
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“Let me enjoy this moment, will you? It’s not every day I get to be someone’s fiancé.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, giving up on teasing him further.
“Fine, fine, whatever makes you happy.”
“Now that’s more like it,” he said, grinning as his excitement returned.
Christian and Gianna were already there when we arrived. The moment they saw us walk
Christian’s face darkened with displeasure.
“Margaret, you actually brought Robert with you? Isn’t he just your shield? The Hughes family is about to go bankrupt. Being with him is worse than grabbing a random guy off the street to marry. At least then you wouldn’t risk ending up in debt and working to pay it off.”
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