Chapter 3
It wasn't until I saw Charles shielding Lily, shooting me that "you're the drama queen" look, that I finally snapped awake.
"Natalie." Charles suddenly squeezed my arm harder, making me wince in pain. "You know this is a big deal between our companies. You really think you can walk away?"
I peeled his fingers off, one by one, my eyes flicking to the blinding diamond bracelet on Lily's wrist. "This is a partnership between Summers Studio and Landon Holdings, not between you and me, Charles."
He gripped even tighter, like he was about to crush my bones.
He leaned in, breath hot and threatening. "Natalie, if you dare break the deal, Landon Corp will cut off all channel access and freeze our joint account."
He stepped in, eyes sharp, totally convinced I'd cave like always.
I turned my head slowly, scanning the crowd, some shocked, some here for the drama.
Finally, my gaze landed on his twisted, angry face. I spoke, soft but clear, "Terminate the authorization? Go ahead.
"Check Appendix 3, Article 7. It's right there in black and white. Whoever breaks the contract pays ten times the total value. No excuses.
"So tell me, with Landon Corp's cash flow hanging by a thread, you really think you can cough up that kind of money?"
His pupils shrank. He definitely didn't expect me to push back this hard.
Everyone knew Landon Corp was strapped for cash.
If it weren't for Summers Studio's brand and money, they'd have been in trouble ages ago.
This whole alliance? His dad practically begged for it, coming over again and again.
He still thought I'd play the obedient, patient girlfriend. What a joke. This time, not a chance.
Lily saw things going south and instantly put on her teary, pitiful act, voice soft as cotton. "Natalie, please, don't fight with Charles. It's all my fault."
She reached for me, but I sidestepped.
Her eyes went red as she turned to Charles, voice trembling. "Charles, it's all because of me. If I hadn't worn these shoes, none of this would've happened.
"I'll take them off right now and tell everyone it was a mix-up. Please keep working together. Don't let something so small ruin everything, okay?"
She sounded all sweet, but her eyes shot me a silent dare, like, "See? He'll always pick me."
Sure enough, Charles pulled her into his arms, soothing her like she was made of glass. "It's not your fault. She's being petty, blowing things way out of proportion."
Watching their little performance, I felt my stomach twist.
"Lily," I cut in, my voice steady as ice. "Still not done with your act? If you're really sorry, take off the shoes and get out. Stop milking the sympathy."
The crowd gasped, loud enough to echo.
Lily's face went ghost-white. She never saw that coming.
Charles instantly shielded her, his voice raised. "Natalie Summers. Who gave you the right to talk to Lily like that?"
I stared him down, cold. "I'm the one who should be walking the red carpet in these Starlight Heels. She swapped my shoes and humiliated me with straw sandals. Isn't that enough?"
"So what?" I said, slowly and clearly. "In your eyes, Charles, is Lily more worthy than I to represent Summers Studio up here?"
Charles's face went pitch black.
He wrapped his arm around Lily's waist, pulling her even closer, then let out a mocking laugh. "Fine. You don't want to work together? I'll take Lily and leave. No need to bother you.
"Oh, and FYI, I booked tickets to a private island. I'll take Lily for a little getaway. Call it an early honeymoon."
He practically spat out "honeymoon," eyes full of smug victory.
He was so sure that I'd come crawling back, jealous and bitter, and I'd fold, like every other time, whenever he got cozy with Lily. But he was so wrong.
This time, I was done with their sick, childish games.