Chapter 4

A question mark quickly bounced back from her.

I didn't bother elaborating.

Two days later, the press conference for Sterling Medical's flagship venture kicked off as scheduled.

By the time I arrived, the convention hall was packed to capacity.

A massive LED display was broadcasting Sterling Group’s five-year medical roadmap. Seated below were reporters, hospital executives, major suppliers, and institutional investors.

Julian stood on stage in a sharp charcoal suit, projecting utter poise and authority.

Just like always, he assumed every piece of the puzzle would fall neatly into place according to his design.

As I slipped into the back of the auditorium, I spotted Mia sitting front and center in the VIP row.

She wore an elegant white gown, pinned at the collar with a sapphire brooch Julian had purchased at an auction last winter.

He had told me back then that the brooch was reserved as a gift for a crucial corporate partner.

Turns out, his "crucial partner" was her.

The master of ceremonies chuckled into the mic, "Mr. Sterling, Ms. Montgomery's presence today as our guest of honor... does this hint that wedding bells might soon be ringing for the two of you?"

Playful murmurs and laughter rippled across the room.

Mia ducked her head in feigned modesty.

Julian held the microphone, his eyes scanning the crowd until they locked onto me, standing quietly in the very last row.

His composure cracked for a split second.

I looked back at him, unblinking.

If he had simply stated before the world, "I am already married," if he had offered me even the bare minimum of human decency, I would have walked away from this marriage while leaving Sterling Group a shred of dignity.

Yet after a heartbeat of hesitation, he shifted his eyes away.

"You're all jumping to conclusions," he said smoothly.

"I am currently single. For now, my heart belongs entirely to my work."

The crowd erupted into enthusiastic applause and knowing laughter.

And in that exact instant, the last flickering ember in my heart went out.

The host quickly transitioned to the grand finale.

"And now, please put your hands together as we welcome the executive representative from Vance Capital to the stage to formalize our three-hundred-million-dollar strategic investment!"

The stage lights flared brilliantly.

Julian turned toward the wings, anticipating the arrival of the chairwoman’s chief of staff.

Mia smiled broadly, adjusting her gown as if already auditioning for the role of the undisputed lady of the Sterling empire.

Slowly, I stepped out from the back row.

The click of my stilettos echoed crisply against the polished floor, step by deliberate step.

When Julian saw me walking toward the stage, the color drained from his face.

"Chloe..."

He whispered under his breath, panic flashing in his eyes for the first time.

I paid him no mind.

The host handed me the microphone, her expression slightly puzzled.

"Ms. Vance, we are honored to have you represent Vance Capital for this historic signing."

Taking the mic, I turned to face the blinding lenses of the press.

"Good morning, everyone. I am Chloe Vance."

"Executive Director and Head of the Investment Committee at Vance Capital. And the only granddaughter of our Chairwoman, Victoria Vance."