Stefan had once gone to great lengths to destroy the families of his “close friends” in retaliation for insulting Alyssa. But now, those very people, who had long waited for an opportunity, finally had a chance to strike back.
Juliette was driven purely by vengeance. She no longer cared about being a pawn in someone else’s game.
It she wasn’t doing well, why should Stefan be allowed to live comfortably?
Reporting him wasn’t enough; she also created a new account to livestream her sob story, exposing every detail of her relationship with Stefan to the
online community.
In an instant, the reputation of Splendor Group, which had just begun to recover, crumbled once again. Even Stefan’s image suffered further damage.
Forced to return to his country for an investigation, he had to halt his pursuit of Alyssa temporarily.
Things at Hoagurt were spiraling out of control. Several traitors surfaced within the Splendor Group, further complicating the situation for the company
Many companies were waiting for a chance to have a piece of Stefan’s ple. Even if Splendor Group managed to survive this crisis, it would emerge much
weaker
Even if only a tiny crack showed in a giant company like this, it was enough for other companies to grow stronger by capitalizing on it. Numerous people were eeing the situation closch.
Stefan, who was under pressure both inside and outside, couldn’t sleep well for the next three months.
Once everything settled down, Juliette was arrested on charges of spreading rumors.
After a lengthy investigation, it was confirmed that Splendor Group had financial discrepancies, resulting in a fine of 70 million. After that, the matter was considered closed.
However, Splendor Group suffered significant personnel losses. During the investigation, many partnerships were lost, leaving the company severely wedkened
Stefan’s grandfather, Lawrence Splenstone, had long stopped managing the company and retreated to the mountains to live in seclusion. This time, however, he had to come back because of everything that was going on
Looking at the gaunt and frail figure of his grandson, Lawrence sighed repeatedly. He finally called Stefan back after the company showed some signs of improvement.
The came st
struck the floor with a muffled sound.
“On your knees!“”
Stefan’s face turned ashen, and he knelt on the floor. His body was gaunt and skeletal.
“Stefan, is this what you’ve learned from me? I warned you countless times to stay true to yourself. A man who loves his wife will thrive. Do you remember what you promised me back then? Are you aware of how you are acting now?”
Lawrence’s chest heaved with anger. He had to catch his breath as his cane struck the floor several times in frustration.
Stefan lowered his gaze, his voice hoarse as he spoke, “I was wrong. I did Lyssa wrong…”
Lawrence shook his head repeatedly at the pathetic sight. “Bring the cane!” he demanded.
The butler brought over a shiny, thin cane enough to leave bloody marks with just one strike. He swung the cane forcefully, and Stefan let out a muffled groan as blood immediately started to seep through.
Stefan gritted his teeth in an attempt to hold it in. However, his body had grown too weak. He lasted only a moment before he swayed and collapsed When Stefan was in his teens and made mistakes, he endured dozens of strikes from the family punishment just fine
Panicked, Lawrence quickly called for a private doctor to attend to Stefan
Alter receiving medication, Stefan finally fell into a deep sleep. In his drowsy state, he seemed to return to the day Alyssa had agreed to his proposal.
Dressed in formal attire, he happily expressed his love to her. “Lyssa, will you marry me? I will always treat you well. In this life, I will only love you!”
His hand clenching the carefully designed ring trembled, his heart racing with anticipation.
Stefan unknowingly put on a simile. He knew Alyssa would say yes.
However, the next second, Alyssa spun on her heel without hesitation.
Chapter
