Chapter 1298:
Kari had lost everything she once relied on—her standing within Havenridge Group, her identity as Brad’s fiancée, and the admiration that had once followed her everywhere. Now she found herself imprisoned by the very man she had treated with open contempt—the same man who had once humbled himself before her without hesitation.
She pressed her nails into her palms until they stung. Negotiation was her only option. Sherwood had loved her deeply once, and that lingering attachment was the only advantage she had left.
But an entire week passed without him once coming to see her.
She tried calling him, only to find his phone switched off. Her messages went unanswered. In desperation, she passed word through a servant, who returned with a blank expression and delivered the reply flatly: “Mr. Howe has been extremely busy since assuming his new position. If you have something to communicate, you’re welcome to leave a message with his secretary.”
𝘚h𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘺𝗈𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝗵𝗼𝘶𝗀h𝗍s оո 𝗀а𝘭𝗇𝗼𝘃еl𝘴.cо𝗺
Leave a message with his secretary. She had never in her life been reduced to something like that.
But whether she accepted it or not, this was the reality she now faced.
Kari drew a slow breath and studied her reflection in the mirror, carefully composing her expression.
She had to endure this and survive long enough to help her father reclaim Havenridge Group. Outsiders could not simply strip away what their family had built over generations.
Sherwood had been in love with her for years. There had been a time when he knelt before her without shame, openly declaring his devotion. If she set aside her pride and offered him what he had always wanted—a real place at her side, as her husband—he might willingly surrender Havenridge Group just to have her. All it would take was a small compromise and a measure of warmth. Once she gave him that, he would return to the man he once was. She was certain of it.
When Kari learned that Sherwood would finally be returning that evening, she chose her dress with care, selecting one that flattered her figure, sprayed on the perfume he had once complimented, and rehearsed what she believed was the perfect gentle smile in front of the mirror.
At exactly nine o’clock, the door eased open.
Kari rose immediately, the practiced smile already in place, and stepped forward to greet him—but her expression froze.
Sherwood had returned, but he hadn’t come alone.
Standing at his side was a woman in a glittering, form-fitting minidress, her eyes framed by thick, smoky makeup. She clung to his arm as though she had every right to be there, her nails painted a deep, vivid red, her gaze fixed on Kari with deliberate provocation.
Kari’s mind went blank.
“Sherwood!” Her voice came out strained, her eyes flashing with confusion and barely restrained anger.
Sherwood looked at her with calm, flat indifference—as though she were a piece of furniture he had long since stopped noticing. “You kept insisting I come back,” he said evenly. “So what is it you wanted?”
Kari opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
.
.
.