Chapter 170
“Yes,” I admitted, my voice trembling. “And if there hadn’t been these misunderstandings… if I had known… maybe my past wouldn’t have turned out the way it did.”
Lirian’s gaze met mine, and for a moment, the pain in his eyes was replaced by something gentler. “Sophia,” he murmured, his voice steady despite the raw emotion behind it, “we don’t have to keep looking back. We can move forward. Together.”
I bit my lip, trying to hold back more tears. “What if I make more mistakes? What if I hurt you again?”
He gave a small, sad smile. “Even if you want to leave, I won’t let you,” he said softly but firmly. “Even if you don’t like me, I won’t give up on you. You’re mine, Sophia. Always.”
His words hit me deeply, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of hope. After calming myself, I remembered I had a meeting scheduled and reluctantly pulled away. “I need to go,” I said, though my voice was reluctant.
Lirian nodded and walked with me to the lobby. As we stepped out of the elevator, a familiar voice called out.
“Sophia!”
I turned to see Alina, her usual condescending smirk plastered across her face. She strutted toward? me, her tone sharp. “How dare you hang up on me earlier?” she snapped, though there was an unmistakable edge of desperation beneath her arrogance.
Her bravado was almost laughable. I knew she was only here because Anthony had likely scolded her, perhaps even mentioned breaking up with her.
Her pride was crumbling, and it showed in the slight tremble of her voice.
Alina crossed her arms, trying to maintain her composure. “Don’t you just want me to apologize to your assistant? Fine. I’ll do it right now. But you have to agree to the investment.”
I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “You had your chance before,” I said coolly. “I gave you an opportunity to make things right, but you didn’t take it. Now it’s too late.”
Her face twisted with frustration.
You’re being unreasonable,” she snapped. “Do you know who my boyfriend is? He’s a senior
member of the Iron Claw pack. I didn’t want to involve him before, but if you push me, I will. Do you. understand what that means?”
Before I could respond, Lirian stepped forward, his presence commanding as he stood beside me. His voice was calm but carried an unmistakable edge of authority.
“Iron Claw?” he asked, his tone dripping with quiet disdain. “And what does Iron Claw have to do with you?”
“Who are you?” Alina asked, her voice sharp as she regarded Lirian with a defensive expression. Her eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of irritation crossing her face.
Lirian stood tall, his lean yet muscular frame commanding attention. His dark suit fit him perfectly, emphasizing his broad shoulders and tapered waist. His chiseled jaw and striking eyes made him hard to ignore
.Alina had noticed him when he entered earlier but hadn’t paid much attention. Now, standing close, she realized he was even more attractive than Anthony. Still, she dismissed him. No matter how good–looking he was, he couldn’t possibly rival Anthony’s family background.
I stood beside Lirian and tugged gently at his arm. “Let’s go,” I said quietly, my voice tinged with irritation. “No need to mind her.” I didn’t want this confrontation to escalate.
Alina was being her usual condescending self, and I wanted to avoid any further drama. I tried to pull Lirian away, but Alina’s voice rang out, stopping me in my tracks.
“Wait!” she said sharply, stepping forward. “I haven’t even given my answer, and you’re already walking away?”
Lirian turned to her, his expression unreadable, though there was a sharpness in his gaze. “Who gave you the right to speak to her like that?” he asked, his voice low and calm, yet carrying an edge that demanded respect.
He stepped closer, his presence suddenly imposing.
Alina crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “And who are you to meddle in this? Do you even understand what’s going on here? I’m doing this for her good!” she said, gesturing toward me. “I want to act in her production because I admire her work.”
Lirian’s expression darkened. His voice was ice–cold as he replied, “My Luna doesn’t need someone like you to admire her.”
Alina blinked, confused by his words. Then she scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Luna?” she repeated, mockery dripping from her tone.
Do you even know what you’re talking about? My boyfriend is a high–ranking member of the Iron Claw Pack. Iron Claw!” she emphasized, as if the name alone carried enough weight to silence him.
