Chapter 26
Her voice was icy, totally detached.
Honestly, that red dress was her favorite style. The first time he ever got her something she actually liked.
They’d been hitched for five years, together for six. Whenever stuff like this came up, he’d just have his assistant handle it, like everything else. No feelings, no thinking about what she liked–just by the book.
“Aren’t you gonna open it?”
He seemed pretty eager to see her reaction.
Harper glanced down, barely giving the dress a look.
In that quick glance, she noticed a small box next to the dress. Inside were matching accessories.
A pair of red diamond earrings and a ruby necklace.
The red stones sparkled brilliantly under the light.
Memories hit her, and Harper remembered seeing this set at an auction two months ago.
She’d mentioned it was beautiful back then.
She also remembered the final bid was over twenty million dollars.
So, he remembered?
But what did it matter now? They were getting divorced anyway.
Just like this fancy dress and the jewelry set, it was all to show off the Lavien Group’s wealth.
Much like her own status–glamorous on the outside, but bitter inside.
Harper pressed her lips together and gave a faint smile. “It’s beautiful.”
No joy in her voice, just an official statement.
Alex felt a pang of sadness.
She put the gift box aside and went back to work.
At that moment, someone barged
The strong scent of perfume filled the room, making her feel nauseous.
Harper didn’t look up, not even a glance at the intruder.
The woman in white high heels strutted past her.
“Alex!” Emily called out sweetly.
She then leaned over his desk, showing off her alluring neckline.
Alex kept his eyes on the computer screen.
Alex, what should I wear to the charity gala tomorrow night?”
So, she knew about it too.
Harper’s heart skipped a beat, but her face stayed even.
“I saw a pink gown earlier. Will you come with me to check it out, Alex?”
She gently shook Alex’s hand, still acting all coy.
1/3
Her actions made him stop working.
He looked away from the screen and gave her a quick glance.
“No need, Harper will be going with me.”
Emily was taken aback.
Her eyes reddened, looking deeply wronged.
Tears started to fall, making her look pitiful.
“I’m your chief secretary now, right? Why won’t you take me?”
She spoke sorrowfully, her voice full of resentment.
“I’ve worked so hard to stand by your side. Do you know how much effort I’ve put in?”
A hint of softness appeared in Alex’s eyes. He spoke gently, “When our relationship is public, I’ll take you. Now isn’t the right time.”
Harper got it.
Even though their marriage was a secret, some people in high society knew about their relationship.
If Emily showed up as Alex’s partner tomorrow, people would doubt Emily’s identity.
After all, they weren’t divorced yet.
Emily being around would make her Alex’s mistress. Such rumors would trash Emily’s reputation.
So, Alex did all this to protect Emily, the woman he loved.
Harper felt a chill in her heart.
When had Alex ever thought about her feelings?
Alex had always been impersonal to her, treating her like a business deal.
Harper had always thought coldness was just who Alex was. She didn’t know he could be warm and protective with someone he loved.
And she wasn’t the one he wanted to protect.
॥
Emily glanced at Harper, feeling spiteful.
“Once you and Harper are divorced, can you take me then?
Alex didn’t respond, but his
2 said it all.
Emily, teary–eyed, looked at Alex and asked, “When will you divorce Harper? I don’t want to wait any longer. I’ve waited for so many years, and it’s been so hard.”
Alex pondered, “I know.”
He checked his watch, a hint of impatience in his
“I have an important client to meet.”
eyes.
With that, he stood up and walked out without looking at Harper.
As the office door closed, Emily wiped away her tears, a mocking smile on her lips.
She slowly turned, walking towards Harper like a predator closing in on its prey, her expression menacing.
“Soon, everything you have will be mine.”
She tapped her slender fingers on Harper’s desk, her tone had lost its previous softness, now icy and harsh.
Harper looked up, smiling lightly, “Don’t you get it? It’s not that you’re taking it from me; it’s that I’m giving it up. It’s my charity to you.”
The so–called fatherly love wasn’t worth mentioning, and she didn’t want it.
Now, the loveless marriage with Alex, she didn’t want that either.
“Emily, is this what you are capable of? Begging for scraps from me to survive? If you don’t mind, I’m happy to give them to you.”
Emily’s face turned pale, her eyes wide.
“Harper!”
She was furious, feeling like something was blocking her lungs, making it hard to breathe.
But Emily knew Harper was right.
From childhood, she had always taken what was Harper’s. Clothes, father, husband.
She just didn’t want Harper to live comfortably.
Harper stood up, looking at Emily with sharp eyes.
“But some things you’ll never take! No matter what, I’m the legitimate daughter of the Orsini family. And you…”
Her tone intensified, emphasizing each word, “And you, no matter what, are just Brad’s illegitimate daughter with another woman! You’re like a cockroach hiding in the sewer, never seeing the light of day, never able to be presentable.”
Emily was about to explode with anger, her chest heaving.
“Harper, don’t go too far!” Emily’s words sounded weak.
She knew she could never change her status. It was a lifelong pain.
“I can be even worse. Want to try?” Harper leaned in, her eyes seemingly on fire.
Harper sneered, “So, Emily, you’d better not mess with me!”
