The first time Clara met Ryan, he had been too timid to say a single word. He only kept his head lowered the entire time.
The second time she saw him was at school, when he was being bullied by a group of boys. Clara had been the one who stepped in and pulled them apart.
Back then, Ryan once told Clara that she had been the only light in his world, the person who gave hope to a boy born into a declining family business.
In those days, Ryan always followed quietly behind her, his calm eyes filled with admiration.
He never dared raise his voice at Clara. Even speaking a little too loudly would make him blame himself afterward.
No matter how difficult or unpredictable Clara's temper could be, Ryan had never shown even the slightest resentment.
When Clara once said she wanted to see roses made of snow in the middle of winter, Ryan dragged himself outside despite running such a high fever he could barely stand, just to make them for her.
When Clara wanted to go skydiving, Ryan jumped with her even though he was terrified of heights.
But somewhere along the way, Ryan changed. He became reckless, indulgent... and slowly forgot the person he used to be.
After saying that, Ryan finally released Clara's wrist and calmly adjusted his suit jacket.
In the blink of an eye, he returned to that composed, self-assured version of himself, standing confidently in the center of the ballroom.
Then he gave Lily a subtle look.
Lily nodded obediently, though the smug satisfaction in her eyes was impossible to miss. She glanced at Clara before turning toward the surrounding guests.
"My apologies, everyone. Ms. Hayes and Mr. Brooks had a small misunderstanding just now. Sorry for interrupting the evening. Everything's been resolved, so please continue enjoying yourselves."
Clara let out a cold laugh, her gaze sharp and indifferent.
"Who gave you permission to speak for me? I said get out."
Unable to bear the tension any longer, someone stepped forward to calm Clara down.
"Ms. Hayes, you love Mr. Brooks so much. Don't ruin your relationship over a moment of anger. Whatever the problem is, you two can talk it out. There's really no need to take things this far..."
Clara glanced at the man trying to persuade her and let out a quiet sigh.
He wasn't wrong. Once upon a time, Clara truly had loved Ryan deeply.
Ever since she was young, Richard had always told her that the key to a happy marriage was finding a man who was loyal and devoted.
And when Clara met Ryan, she had fallen for him completely.
She loved the quiet restraint in him. The unwavering devotion he once seemed to have.
But all of it... had been fake.
"There's no problem between us."
Clara cut him off calmly. She looked directly at Ryan, her emotions already carefully restrained, her tone so composed it sounded as though she were speaking to a complete stranger.
"Mr. Brooks, I don't believe your company meets the entry requirements for this event."
Hearing that, Lily spoke up immediately in a wounded voice.
"Ms. Hayes, if my presence is upsetting you, then I'll leave. But there's no reason for you to insult Mr. Brooks or Brooks Group like this!"
Clara almost laughed as she looked at Lily.
The only reason Brooks Group had ever been allowed into events like this was because Clara herself had permitted it.
And now, simply stating the truth was somehow considered an insult.
Some people, once placed too high above the ground, truly forgot what they originally were.
"I'm not insulting anyone. Your qualifications simply don't meet the standard. I'm only stating facts."
Ryan practically roared in anger.
"Clara! What the hell is wrong with you? If you insist on acting like this, then don't ever beg me to attend another event for you again! And forget about marrying me!"
The moment Lily heard those words, satisfaction flashed openly across her face.
For the first time, she felt as though she had finally stepped over Clara and crushed her beneath her feet.
She waited eagerly for Clara to break down, to beg, to humiliate herself in front of everyone gathered there.
But Clara merely lifted her champagne glass and took a slow sip, her expression perfectly calm.
"Of course I won't marry you. And one more thing. Hayes Group will also be reclaiming every outstanding debt Brooks Group has owed us over the years."
