Yesenia saw that Marina had truly moved on and teased, “What Mr. Ross really wants to turn over a new leaf? Wouldn’t you
give him a chance? You know what they say, a reformed bad boys worth his weight in gold”
Marina raised an eyebrow. “Who wants to trade with me? I’m in ‘ve got everything I need, except gold
Yesenia burst out laughing.
It was obvious Marina was completely done with Lavern.
“Seriously, those jerks need to learn their lesson. Otherwise, the just keep thinking every woman will forgive their cheating and stick around waiting for them,” Yesenia said.
Marina just shrugged it off with a lazy smile.
“I’m the type who watches TikToks at double speed–no way I’m waiting around for anyone,” she replied.
Yesenia raised an eyebrow. “Girl, you’re officially my herd now.”
Marina smiled, shot her a sideways glance, and said softly, “Yescia, there’s no point in staying stuck in a dead marriage. You’ve got what it takes to walk away.”
When the conversation shifted to her, Yesenia let out a quiet sig her voice dropping.
“It’s different for me,” she said.
“We signed a contract from the start–it was all about mutual benefit, not love.”
Marina just gave a noncommittal hum and didn’t say anything else–she was just a bystander here.
Yesenia didn’t want to talk about her marriage either, so she quickly changed the subject.
She was one of the few people who knew Marina had already sold her shares in Ross Group to Daron. Once they started chatting, the topic naturally drifted to work.
Yesenia had already booked a private room at the restaurant. Just before they walked in, Marina caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye, a man being ushered over by a crowd.
He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, moving at an unhurried pace, his gaze icy and proud. Occasionally, he’d nod in agreement with those around him.
Marina glanced at the people surrounding him. They were the same network of connections Lavern used to cultivate.
Back then, Lavern had to carefully visit these VIPs with gifts in hand, but now they were all crowding around Daron, eager to
win his favor.
Daron seemed to notice her too. He looked up and met her gaze his lips curling into a subtle, barely–there smile.
Marina gave him a subtle nod and a quick smile which just enough to acknowledge him, then headed inside the private
room.
With perfect understanding, neither of them let their gaze linge on the other, so much so that Daron’s entourage didn’t even notice Marina slip by.
Yesenia glanced out, caught sight of Daron and his group, and a icker of surprise crossed her eyes. She hurried after Marina into the private room.
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“Those folks back there…” Yesenia started.
Marina just nodded, already knowing what Yesenia was about to sk.
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After a deep breath, Yesenia lowered her voice. “Marina, are you eally okay with Zamora Group taking over Ross Group?”
“No turning back now. Why wouldn’t I be? Maybe this is exactly what Ross Group needs,” Marina said calmly as she took her
seat.
Yesenia’s eyes were full of shock. Seeing how calm and collected Marina was, she sat down too, her voice tinged with melancholy.
“I just can’t let go as easily as you do,” Yesenia admitted.
When I took over Wonder Group, it was nearly bankrupt.
I brought it back from the edge all by myself, pouring my heart and soul into it day and night.
If some big company tried to buy out Wonder Group, there’s no way I could handle it as calmly as you do, Marina.
Marina gave a faint smile and spoke softly.
“That’s just how it is for Ross Group. This was always its fate. If it managed to catch Mr. Zamora’s eye and become part of Zamora Group, then it’s already found its true worth,” she said.
Yesenia looked confused, feeling like Marina was saying the whole point of Ross Group was to end up as a piece of Zamora Group.
Marina didn’t bother explaining further, just kept smiling, clearly in a good mood.
Yesenia let it go and smiled too, raising her glass to clink it gently against Marina’s.
“Thanks to you, I finally got in with Mr. Zamora. If Wonder Group really turns things around, I’ll never forget your help,” Yesenia said.
Marina replied, “I’ll remember that, Ms. Ray.”
With that, she raised her glass and clinked it gently against Yesema’s.
After dinner, Yesenia offered to drive Marina home.
But Marina needed to drive her own car from Daron’s private garage, so she waved Yesenia off.
Seeing Marina was set on it, Yesenia didn’t insist.
As Yesenia’s car disappeared down the street, Marina was about pull out her phone to order a ride when Daron’s driver approached her, bowing slightly. “Ms. Finley, Mr. Zamora would like you to wait for him in the car. He has something to discuss with you after the dinner.”
“Ms. Finley, Mr. Zamora would like you to wait for him in the ca He has something to discuss with you after the dinner.”
Marina gave a small nod and slipped into Daron’s car, following the driver inside.
Daron’s business dinner wasn’t over yet.
Marina had been waiting in the car for more than half an hour already.
She’d been busy with paperwork all through lunch and hadn’t had any rest.
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Now, sitting in the cramped car, drowsiness crept up on her. Mana couldn’t fight it anymore–she leaned back and dozed
off.
The dinner was over.
Daron stepped out of the restaurant.
The driver quickly pulled the car up to the entrance.
The man standing next to Daron was perceptive–once the car stopped, he didn’t wait for the driver to get out and open the door. Instead, he quickly moved over and opened the back door for Daron himself.
“Mr. Zamora, you…” he started.
But before he could finish, to his surprise, he spotted a woman in the back seat of Daron’s car.
She was leaning back against the seat, her face turned toward the window, clearly fast asleep.
He quickly gestured for silence, whispering to Daron, “Mr. Zamora, please get in.”
“Mr. Zamora, please get in.”
Others also caught sight of the woman in the back seat from different angles.
She was dressed in a sleek black suit, the skirt tailored to the perfect length, showing off one slim, straight leg.
Her face was lost in the shadows of the car, making it hard to make out her features.
Her long hair fell carelessly over her shoulders, and just from he presence, you could tell she was something special.
Seeing her completely still, Daron figured she was asleep. He bent down, blocking everyone else’s view, making sure no one could sneak a look at her.
Marina sensed someone getting closer, so she blinked awake and turned her head.
With the window still down, Daron leaned in and gently cradled her face in his hands.
Her drowsiness vanished in an instant when his stunning face appeared right in front of her. Marina was wide awake now.
Marina swallowed, a little flustered, and whispered, “What’s wrong?”
Daron wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his embrace, his voice deep and protective. “Someone’s watching us.”
Marina was startled for a moment, then quickly buried her faceh Daron’s chest.
She’d crossed paths with those people outside plenty of times back when she was attending events with Lavern.
If they recognized her, there’s no telling what kind of trouble orumors would end up reaching Lavern,
When her head bumped into his chest, Daron felt a sudden rus of warmth in his heart. He glanced down at her slightly messy hair and couldn’t help but smile to himself.
He gave her hair a gentle, unnoticed kiss, then turned to the people still standing outside the car window, sounding a bit helpless.
“My girlfriend’s been waiting too long and now she’s a little mad Sorry, I’ll head home tonight. Next time, I’ll be the host and invite everyone out,” he said.
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Everyone smiled in understanding and said their goodbyes.

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.