Chapter 8
I looked at her stomach and said coldly, “Instead of worrying about my business, maybe focus on that poor child who’ll be born illegitimate and unwanted.”
Lily finally couldn’t take it anymore and fled through the crowd of whispers.
I stared Patrick down and enunciated each word clearly, “Listen carefully—I stopped loving you long ago. Keep your woman in line and stop dragging me into your mess.‘
“And thanks for leaving me–the best thing you ever did for me.‘
Patrick’s face changed as he pressed a hand to his chest and stepped back.
I walked away with Travis, and this time I was the one who wouldn’t look back.
After the party, whether from spite or sheer greed, Patrick began aggressively targeting Spencer Industries.
I was barely keeping up, but eventually I used the network and relationships I’d built during my years at his company to poach several of his biggest clients.
During those four years working for him, I’d drunk myself into stomach ulcers, traveled to
ntries in a single week, and pulled countless all–nighters.
d work was finally paying dividends.
bably never expected me to hit back so hard. Patrick went on a rampage of revenge.
He looked at me like his worst enemy, ready to destroy me. “Hannah, I completely misjudged you. You really spread your wings–learned a lot during those four years, didn’t you?”
I replied evenly, “What did you think I was doing there–playing house? I joined Luther Corp to learn the business and build my skills.”
Maybe I’d hoped our relationship would give me an edge, but it was never just about him
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Chapter 8
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like everyone thought. I’d always known you can only count on yourself in the end.
If I’d been nothing but a spoiled rich girl without those four years of real–world experience, I never could have taken over Grandpa’s empire.
He laughed bitterly. “So you never really loved me at all. You just played up whatever feelings you had and convinced everyone.”
“Love doesn’t mean losing yourself or accepting anything. You’ve proven you weren’t
worth it.”
Patrick looked crushed by the truth and walked away looking broken.
Travis said darkly, “Just say the word, babe. We can team up and crush him.”
Just as I was weighing that option, Old Mr. Luther–who’d been retired and living overseas for years–suddenly returned.
When I got his call and rushed to the cemetery, I found Patrick kneeling there, thoroughly
humbled.
I hesitated. “Grandpa Peter… what’s going on?”
Old Mr. Luther smiled warmly at me. “I should have come back sooner.”
Then he whacked Patrick with his cane. “I told you–make your choice and live with it. I never thought you’d be such a poor sport.”
Still facing away from me, Patrick straightened defiantly. “She said she loved me, then she betrayed me. How is this all my fault?”
Old Mr. Luther shook his head in disappointment. “Love isn’t infinite, and there’s nothing lovable about a scumbag like you anyway.”
“You’ve been competing with Travis your whole life, and you’re clearly outmatched.”
“Grandpa…”
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The old man ignored him and took me to dinner instead. He said that with my grandfather gone, he’d step in. If anyone gave me trouble, I should come to him.
He assured me not to worry about Patrick–he’d handle that situation.
I realized Grandpa hadn’t been completely off base after all. Trusting me to the Luther family made sense.
Soon the Luther family announced they were transferring Patrick to their overseas
operations. Everyone in business knew this was exile for the golden boy.
The Luthers had other sons–if Patrick couldn’t perform, they had alternatives.
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