3
Six months ago, Guthrie Cosmetics was exposed for using carcinogenic ingredients in their skincare products. The scandal had dealt a heavy blow to the family.
That’s why they were in such a rush to have me marry Ethan.
But I hadn’t known any of this before. It wasn’t until I discovered Anna was pregnant, and Ethan still stubbornly insisted on marrying me instead of giving her proper status, that I realized something was off.
I did some digging and found out the Guthries were facing a major cash flow problem.
But by then it was too late. We had already set the wedding date.
My parents probably knew about the Guthries‘ issues long ago. But for my sake, they gritted their teeth and continued working with them.
I felt so unfilial. I finally broke down in tears.
<
But by then it was too late. we nad already set the wedding date.
My parents probably knew about the Guthries‘ issues long ago. But for my sake, they gritted their teeth and continued working with them.
I felt so unfilial. I finally broke down in tears.
“I’m sorry. I’ve made you lose face,” I choked out.
Mom hugged me tightly. “Stella, honey, you did nothing wrong. There’s no shame in loving someone.”
Dad rushed to comfort me as well. “That’s right. It’s all the Guthries‘ fault for being such scum.”
Their words gradually lifted my mood.
That evening, I received a message from Ethan:
“I’ll let today’s incident slide. You’ve vented enough, so we’re even now.”‘
I had to do a double–take, shocked by his thick skin. Even after all that drama, he still thought there was hope for our relationship.
1
FEL 14 =
As I was pondering this, more messages came through:
“I’ve thought it over. Since you can’t accept Sky, I’ll send him away after we’re married.”
“But I still need to set aside some shares for him. He is my son after all.”
“Don’t worry, only the children you bear will be the true Guthrie heirs.”
I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly fell out of my head.
Inherit what? The Guthrie family’s debts?
I didn’t bother replying, just muted his messages.
That night, I locked myself in my room. I knew the Guthries were clinging to me desperately just to save their crumbling empire.
Recently, the Guthries had been working on a project with Jason Corp. I decided to contact the CEO of Jason Corp directly.
“Mr. Jason, I have a business proposition for you,” I said.
“Miss Moore, what do you mean…?”
I smiled sweetly. Then I sent a file to Mr. Jason’s email.
“This is an alternative partnership proposal I’ve prepared for you. Moore Industries has more capital and resources to ensure the project’s
success.”
The man on the other end went quiet for a moment. I assumed he was reviewing the file I sent.
“Miss Moore, your offer is very appealing, he finally said. “But I’ve already agreed to work with Guthrie Corp. We’re about to sign the contract. Backing out now would make me seem untrustworthy.”
But I wasn’t worried. I had anticipated this response.
Mr. Jason’s greatest strength was his integrity.
“Of course, I understand your position,” I said calmly. “But I hope you’ll consider it carefully. Once Moore Industries officially ends our partnership with the Guthries, their problems may affect you as well…”
After a long pause, he let out a heavy sigh. “Alright.”
Two days later, Ethan showed up at my door.
2:51 PM G
