Chapter 3

In stark contrast to the lifeless atmosphere of Wendell's company, our new studio was full of vitality.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the design drawings, and the coffee maker hummed.

Team members gathered around the whiteboard, discussing the plan for the industry competition fiercely.

I sat at the head of the table and smiled as I watched their energetic looks.

No one brought up the past, but there was a fierce spark burning in everyone's eyes.

It was the burning desire to finally prove themselves after being underestimated for too long.

Just as I raised the proposal in my hand to hold a short meeting, the building's broadcast suddenly blared Wendell's deep voice.

He pronounced my name with deliberate precision, like he was granting some kind of big favor.

The team members turned to look at me in unison, their eyes mixed with astonishment and mockery.

I sighed. Wendell would never change this self-righteous attitude, as if the whole building should make way for him.

When I arrived at the cafe, he was sitting in the corner in a suit and leather shoes.

After I sat down, Wendell pushed a proposal over to me.

I flipped to the third page, barely paying attention.

Those patent analyses that had been crudely disassembled and reassembled looked like an old dress covered in patches.

I closed the document and gave him a meaningful smile. "Is this really how you want to win me back?"

Wendell cleared his throat awkwardly, but remembering Maeve's advice, he looked at me seriously.

He reached out to hold my hand, but I dodged it quickly.

So his hand accidentally touched the hot coffee in front of me.

He hissed in pain. Out of pride, he pretended nothing had happened and withdrew his hand.

I laughed secretly in my heart but still kept a cold look on my face.

"I really need you. There must be some misunderstanding between us. Trust me. After all, the connection between our two families is deeper than you think," Wendell said.

Connection? I already knew the truth in my previous life. He still wanted to use this to manipulate me.

I pretended to be surprised. "I know your mother rescued me from the orphanage. But what other connection is deeper than that between our two families?"

Wendell smirked when he saw my surprised face, as if he still believed I was easy to control.

"If you bring your core team back, I'll tell you everything," he said.

I looked hesitant. "But tomorrow is the industry competition. My team members don't really trust you right now. If you can present good work tomorrow."

Wendell was arrogant and thought I was looking down on him completely.

"Then bring all of them. Watch how I put on a perfect show for you all," he said.

I raised an eyebrow, stood up and said, "Then we'll be waiting."