Chapter 8
I couldn’t help but find it amusing when I saw Leo’s attitude take a sharp turn.
But realizing that we were indeed not suited for each other, I decided not to dwell on it.
Shaking my head, I said simply, “Forget it. Let’s leave it at that. Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything to my family about the engagement. If it’s to be canceled, so be it.”
With that, I turned to leave.
However, Leo panicked. He quickly stepped forward, blocking my way.
Gone was his earlier arrogance. His tone now carried a hint of desperation. “Gloria, wait! That was all just a misunderstanding… Can we talk? Please?”
I kept walking, my voice indifferent. “There’s no need.”
“Gloria!” His voice grew frantic as he reached out, trying to grab my sleeve. “I was wrong, alright? Isn’t that enough? Please… give me another chance.”
Ignoring him, I walked straight toward the private jet that had been waiting for me.
…
After all the chaos, I finally returned home.
To my surprise, my usually incredibly busy aunt was sitting in the living room, leisurely sipping tea.
The moment she saw me, she wasted no time grilling me. “So? How did the meeting go? I heard the young man is good-looking, capable, and at the top of his class in both appearance and education. Was he to your liking?”
Recalling Leo’s condescending gaze and arrogant demeanor, I shook my head. “Not quite suitable.”
“Not suitable?” My aunt paused, instantly sensing something was off. “What happened? Did something go wrong?”
I stayed silent, not wanting to elaborate. After all, I had promised Leo to let the matter rest.
But Tony, who was standing nearby, couldn’t keep his mouth shut. He immediately spilled every detail about what had happened at the airport.
When she finished listening, my aunt’s face darkened, and with a sharp clang, she slammed her teacup onto the table.
“So this is the Tanke family, huh?! Back then, they were the ones who groveled at our feet, begging for this engagement as a way to repay the Redwood family for our help in their time of need. And this is how they show their gratitude?!”
Fuming, she sat on the sofa, her anger only growing. Finally, she grabbed her phone and made a call. “This is my order—immediately terminate all collaborations with the Tanke Group. Not a single project stays!”
I frowned slightly. “Aunt, this is Leo’s fault. There’s no need to involve the entire Tanke family…”
“No need?!” she snapped. “I only have one niece. Do you think I’d let you suffer even a moment of humiliation?”
She gave a cold snort and sat down beside me. “Besides, Kane, that old fox, has been using this engagement to flaunt himself everywhere for years. I’ve been turning a blind eye to it, but now they’ve dared to bully you. Do you think I’ll let that slide?”
Seeing how determined she was, I decided not to argue further.
But I hadn’t anticipated the events that would unfold the very next morning.
The business news flashed across the TV.
“Breaking news—the Tanke Group’s stock price plummeted by 30% at market opening today, following sudden announcements from multiple partners terminating collaborations. The group is now facing a severe cash flow crisis…”
As I watched the news unfold, mildly entertained, the doorbell suddenly rang.
When I opened it, I found Kane standing there, his face plastered with a sycophantic smile. Behind him stood Leo, his eyes swollen and red.
Kane rubbed his hands together, his tone ingratiating. “Gloria, I’ve brought Leo here to apologize to you.”
I raised an eyebrow, glancing at the father and son. Before I could say a word, my aunt’s cold voice rang out from behind me.
“Humph. Now you come to apologize? Too late!”
