He took her hand again, holding it firmly so she couldn't pull away.

Karol said, "You've been patient for a long time. Why not use this chance..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but he understood her meaning. After a brief pause, Kaden nodded. He pulled out his phone and texted Marlene to end their relationship.

That foolish woman, so in love with him, would likely come begging. Then, he could use the chance to make demands, like getting her to give up her shares or sell them off cheaply.

That would make her worthless to him.

Meanwhile, upon getting the breakup text, Marlene was devastated. She cried hard, feeling stunned, heartbroken, and full of regret. She tried to see Kaden but was turned away at the door. Her calls went unanswered.

Determined, she waited outside Kaden's house all night until he finally gave in and let her in.

Kaden sat on the sofa, staring at her coldly.

"Marlene, why are you putting yourself through this? There's nothing more I can do," he said, looking like he had no other choice.

Marlene couldn't stop herself from crying again. She rushed over to Kaden and hugged him tightly. "No, I don't want to break up. I know it's my fault, but I can fix this. Kaden, please don't leave me."

Her tears soaked into his chest, and Kaden felt repulsed.

Despite this, he tried to soothe her. "I know this isn't all your fault, but... Well, if it hadn't been for Lilah, we might already be engaged. I had planned to propose to you when you came back this time."

Kaden pulled a sapphire blue box from beneath the coffee table, revealing a sparkling diamond ring nestled inside.

Marlene was completely taken aback, her emotions a tumult of shock and sudden regret, and an inexplicable resentment toward Lilah began to gnaw at her.

"Wait, you don't have feelings for Lilah, do you?" she asked, the urgency in her voice sharpening the air between them.

Kaden paused, a realization dawning that Marlene was oblivious to Lilah's identity as a member of the Morris family. He conjured a forced smile and replied, "After all this time, you still don't trust me?"

Marlene quickly backpedaled, her voice laced with desperation. "It's not like that! I trust you completely. Please, don't leave me, okay?"

Observing her teary and pitiful demeanor, Kaden couldn't help but sneer secretly.

He sighed heavily, his tone dripping with resignation. "But you know how much my company care about its image. They're really upset about our situation. I did this to protect you, especially with the company's cash flow issues right now. We really can't afford any more trouble, you know?"

Marlene's heart fractured at his words. "So what do we do? How can I fix this? Just tell me what you need."

"Marlene, I know you love me, and I don't want to put you in a tough spot. Maybe it's best if we... break up." Kaden turned away, his expression tormented as he avoided her gaze and ran his fingers through his hair. "No, no, just say it, I'll do whatever it takes!" she pleaded.

"If you could just transfer your shares to me temporarily to help me weather this storm, no one would raise an eyebrow. Once we're married, I'll transfer them back to you," Kaden said with a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Marlene was stunned.

She owned 15% of her family's company shares, a gift from her father who had always emphasized the importance of holding onto them tightly and not distributing them casually.