The meeting went on for a full two hours before it finally ended. Once it was over, the hosts had set up a dinner for everyone right at the hotel, so people started heading straight to the restaurant. On the way, folks split into small groups, chatting and laughing together.
Mila was trying to make a good impression on Marina, so while Daron was busy chatting with other business folks, she took the chance to walk over and strike up a conversation. “Hey Marina, why don’t we sit together at dinner?
Marina just nodded slightly, not turning Mila down. Looking at her, Mila’s smile grew as she lowered her voice, “Winnie really messed up this time. She got mixed up with the wrong people and dragged you into all that drama. My dad already gave her a serious scolding.”
Marina didn’t respond, just walked on quietly. Seeing this, Mila smiled and continued, “Marina, I’m not saying all this because I want you to forgive her. It’s perfectly fine if you don’t want to.”
Marina just hummed softly, and Mila’s smile returned as she spoke to Marina in a gentle tone, “Marina, honestly, in my eyes, you’re just like my little sister.
“I still remember when you were little, always trailing behind Elnora wherever she went.”
Hearing that, Marina pressed her lips together and stayed silent. A flicker of disappointment and a hint of guilt crossed Mila’s eyes.
“I know what happened between me and Zack wasn’t right,” Mila said quietly, “But people like us don’t get to choose a lot of things in life. Marina, everything is up to fate, and we barely have a say in it.”
Marina looked up at Mila and replied calmly, “Mila, honestly, nobody really cares about that.” She believed only those with a guilty conscience couldn’t let it go.
Hearing her remark, Mila’s face froze for a second at Marina’s words, then she gave a helpless smile. “Yeah, you’re right. No one really cares about all that anymore. Zack and I are married now, and your sister’s with the Campbell family. It’s all water under the bridge.”
Marina looked away from Mila, her expression calm and indifferent. She didn’t say anything. But honestly, Mila wished everyone would let it go already. She hoped nobody would ever bring up those old stories again.
But deep down, she was torn. Part of her wanted it all to be forgotten, but another part wished people would talk about it so she could clear her name. She wanted everyone to know she hadn’t become Mrs. Clark by getting between Zack and Elnora.
Noticing Marina wasn’t exactly friendly, Mila quickly tried to change the subject. “Marina, I haven’t been in touch with your sister for a while. I heard she was sick, and I’ve honestly been worried, but I didn’t think it was my place to check on her.
Then, she asked, “Is she feeling better now?”
Marina nodded, her voice was calm. “Her husband’s family has been really good to her. She’s got a top–notch medical team. Some of the best in the world. She’s already recovering.”
Hearing this, Mila’s frown finally eased, and the tension in her eyes melted away. “That’s great to hear,” Mila said softly, “Even if we’re not friends anymore, I still wish her peace of mind and good health.”
Marina looked at Mila, searching her face for any sign of insincerity. But Mila’s expression was genuine.
Seeing Marina sizing her up, Mila gave a low chuckle. “Marina, you can question my motives for anything else, but when it comes to wanting your sister to live well, I really mean it.”
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Chapter 475
55 vouchers
As long as Elnora was still around, she wouldn’t turn into Zack’s forever dream girl. After all, how could anyone alive ever win against someone who’s already gone?
That was exactly why Mila wanted Elnora to keep living. Only if Elnora stayed alive would Zack get to see her age and lose her looks, just like Mila herself. If Elnora passed away, Zack would always remember her as the perfect, never–changing, and never–fading beauty. This was Mila’s own agenda.
Marina didn’t really want to get into her sister’s situation with Mila any more than necessary. Once they stepped into the restaurant, she found herself a spot and sat down. Mila quickly sat down right next to her.
Noticing Marina wasn’t keen on talking about Elnora, Mila quickly switched gears with a smile. “Marina, are you and Daron about to tie the knot?”
Only a handful of people knew that Marina and Daron had already gotten their marriage licenses. Harris had personally called Mila’s father not long ago, telling him to keep Winnie in line because of what happened to Marina.
That was when Mila realized there was something different between Marina and Daron. After all, Harris had personally chosen Marina to be Daron’s wife.
Since the Finley family had weathered their storm, things had finally settled down. Even though Marina had once made a scene at the Zamora family, trying to break off the engagement, when it came to business, those old grudges didn’t matter at
all.
That was exactly why Mila was so eager to be on Marina’s good side at that moment. If she wanted to keep her place in the Gill family, she couldn’t afford to cross Daron.
She and Elnora both went to school with Daron. With that connection, if she managed to stay on Marina’s good side, Daron would be less likely to say no if she ever needed a favor. After all, when things were roughest for the Finley family, Daron didn’t just stand by.
Marina shot Mila a curious look and asked quietly, “Why do you ask?”
‘It’s all because of that idiot Winnie. After she messed up, Harris called my family and demanded answers.” Mila said, “He said if anything like this happens again, he’s not letting it slide. He’s really got your back on this.”
Marina hadn’t expected there was this much going on behind the scenes. She could imagine how pissed Harris must’ve been when he saw all that news.
Marina rubbed her temples, feeling a flush of embarrassment as she thought about how she’d once thrown a fit trying to call off her engagement to Daron, only to end up wasting so many years on a guy like Lavern.
Seeing Marina stay silent, Mila already knew the answer. She glanced over at Daron. He was talking to Jasper.
Jasper was clearly different from Daron. Even though Jasper was technically in charge of the Zamora Group, he couldn’t hold a candle to Daron’s presence. He always seemed to shrink a little in front of him.
Perhaps it was because he noticed Marina had already taken her seat, but Daron wrapped up his conversation with Jasper and made his way over to her.
At that moment, Mila glanced over at Winnie, who was clearly on the lookout for a chance to get close to Daron. And sure enough, just as Daron was about to reach the table, Winnie managed to slip in and catch him for a conversation.
“Daron, I just want to explain what happened online the other day,” Winnie said, her voice a little shaky. “I didn’t know…”
Before she could get another word out, Daron shut her down with a wave of his hand. “Not interested. Save it. I don’t need your explanation.”
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Chapter 475
POM
Winnie bit her lip. Her face turned pale at Daron’s ruthless response. Meanwhile, Daron didn’t bother with Wine at all. He just walked straight over and took the seat next to Marina.
After sitting down, he glanced at Mila, and Mila flashed him a smile and greeted him first. “Theron, congratulations”
Daron frowned a little at her words, his eyes landing on Marina. But Marina just shook her head slightly. She didn’t say a word to Mila. But Mila still figured it out.
It wasn’t that they were about to get married. They’d already tied the knot. Daron knew all about what went down between Mila and Zack. After they got married, he pretty much stopped talking to them.
So, when Mila congratulated him, Daron just nodded politely, didn’t even bother to make small talk. One cold see he was on guard. He carefully observed her. He didn’t want Mila cozying up to Marina.
E
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.
