"Effie, we're done." Walter finally raised his head, looking at her quietly, his gaze calm and unfeeling.

Effie was stunned.

She stared incredulously into his eyes, unwilling to give up, as if wanting to see into his heart to understand what he was thinking.

But his eyes were so cold, as if looking at a stranger, devoid of any affection for her.

This feeling terrified her.

"Miss Harris, surely Walter has made it clear, so why force it?

Perhaps you two have simply reached the end of your road. It's better to go your separate ways without further entanglement."

Ashlyn walked forward with a smile, linking her arm with Walter's.

He stiffened slightly, but she looked at him with a soft, gentle smile, "Walter and I are meant to be, and we'll soon be engaged. I hope, Miss Harris, you can put aside any grudges and honor us with your presence then."

Effie's legs nearly gave way, but she knew she couldn't fall.

Absolutely not!

She was a daughter of the Harris family, and she wasn't raised to be weak.

"Well then, I wish you both an early marriage and a lifetime of happiness." Effie smiled coldly, staring straight at Walter. He avoided her gaze, but she mocked him harshly.

"What's this? We were in love once, and now at our parting, you can't even look at me? Or are you afraid Miss Yan will get jealous? Walter, you weren't such a coward before." Effie's voice grew colder and deeper as she cast a scornful glance at Walter.

Walter's face darkened, but he eventually raised his head under Effie's sharp gaze. He took a deep breath, forcing a smile.

"Thank you, Miss Harris, for your well wishes. I hope everything goes well for you too." Walter's voice carried a bitter undertone of despair.

Effie clapped her hands, "Good, very good. From now on, we're completely cut off! Whoever looks back is a coward!"

With that, she left quickly.

Lilah gave the two of them a deep look and followed her.

After they both left, Walter suddenly pulled his hand away, gritting his teeth, "Are you satisfied now?!"

His voice was icily cold, like a dagger piercing Ashlyn's heart.

Startled, Ashlyn's face turned pale, and she muttered, "Walter, don't forget, Aunt Chen's illness can only be treated with our family's traditional remedy. Besides, herillness is contagious..."

"Enough!" Walter slammed his hand on the table, his voice chilling, "I'll follow through with what you want, but if you or your family play me, you know what will happen if you cross me!"

With that, he stormed off.