Chapter 74
Outside the Bailey’s Bistro, Percy arrived at the restaurant in a foul mood.
Just as he was about to push open the door, his eyes landed on a familiar figure through the glass.
Stellar sat by the window, quietly enjoying her meal, a light, unrestrained happiness dancing across her features.
For a moment, Percy froze.
He remembered this place–the flavors of its dishes.
Stellar had always loved coming here.
But he had dismissed it as low–class, unworthy of her, and forbade her from eating here.
Yet because of her love for Southport cuisine, she learned to cook it herself over time
And in doing so, she had spoiled him too.
Now, without her meals, nothing else satisfied his palate.
That was why he thought of coming here today.
But he hadn’t expected to see this.
Stellar sitting inside, enjoying her meal with another man.
A tall, strikingly handsome man.
An unfamiliar sense of irritation coiled in Percy’s chest, sharp and suffocating.
He hesitated, a sudden wave of unease washing over him.
Then it hit him.
They had broken up long ago, and there was no going back.
She wasn’t the same person anymore, and men had been coming and going from her life ever since.
So, who was this one?
Whatever.
He must be just another fool getting strung along
He almost turned to leave, but something about the scene inside made him stop.
The atmosphere between Stellar and the man was effortless and natural.
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It was too natural.
He found himself lingering, unable to look away.
The warmth in her smile, the way she laughed–it was something he hadn’t seen in a long time.
And worst of all?
That smile wasn’t for him.
How had they ended up like this?
Back then, everything between them had been fine.
Hadn’t it?
Just then, a couple passed by, their voices drifting into the air.
“Come on, don’t be mad anymore,” the guy coaxed softly.
His girlfriend scoffed, flipping her hair. “Leave me alone.
“You were obsessed with it, but you wouldn’t let me buy it for you. Then someone else grabbed it, and now you’re sulking. And what did you do? You settled for something you don’t even want. You’re only punishing yourself.”
The guy’s exasperated voice trailed off as the couple walked past, their conversation fading into the distance.
Percy stood frozen, as if struck by lightning
In that instant, everything became crystal clear.
That was it.
Why was he making himself suffer over something he didn’t even want?
At the root of it all–it was a forced engagement. A business arrangement.
That was the real problem.
The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.
Without hesitation, he turned on his heel and strode away.
He went straight to Moore Enterprises, storming through the building until he reached his father’s office.
He knocked firmly.
“Come i
William’s deep voice came from inside.
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Without missing a beat, Percy pushed the door open and stepped in.
William was sitting at his desk, his expression serious as he pored over a thick stack of documents.
Percy didn’t waste time on pleasantries.
“Dad, I want to call off the engagement.”
William’s hands froze mid–page.
He lifted his head slowly, staring at his son in disbelief.
“What did you just say?”
“I’ve thought it through. Having someone I truly care about by my side is what matters most. I don’t even like Yvonne. This
engagement means nothing to me, and I don’t need it. I can build my own future without it.”
His expression was unwavering, his decision made.
“Utter nonsense!”
William slammed his hand against the desk before hurling the stack of documents across the room.
His face darkened with fury.
“You have the audacity to talk about breaking off the engagement? To say you can rely on your own abilities? What abilities?! The ability to humiliate yourself?! Check your damn phone–look at the news and the company’s stock price!”
A sharp corner of a page sliced across Percy’s cheek, leaving a thin, bleeding cut.
Stunned, he stood frozen.
He had never seen his father this angry before.
Heart pounding, he unlocked his phone.
And then, his breath caught.
His name was plastered all over the trending searches.
At the top–footage of him being dragged into a police car.
Right below it?
A clip of him passed out in a roadside flower bed, looking like a complete wreck.
“This spoiled rich brat thinks he can do whatever he wants–who the hell does he think he is?!”
“And this guy is supposed to be a CEO? If this is what the wealthy elite looks like, we’re all doomed.”
