The moment the door shut, Jovan glanced back and flashed me a smug, triumphant smile.
Once they were gone, I drew out the envelope I had prepared in advance and handed it to the model.
“Thank you for your hard work. The payment is doubled.”
She accepted the money, then leaned in slightly, a faint trace of perfume drifting toward me.
“Louis, if you ever need anything in the future, you can always call me.”
As the ward door closed behind her, I exhaled slowly.
The sunlight outside spilled in just right, and I greedily breathed in the disinfectant-scented air; this was the scent of being alive.
In my previous life, it was in this very ward that I, suffering from amnesia, signed the marriage contract and later handed the shares of the Briones Corporation into Eliana’s hands.
This time, I would never make that mistake again.
Suddenly, my phone vibrated. I pressed the answer button.
“Louis,” my mother’s voice came with a careful tone, “today, the Ramsey family from Sierra Vista came to visit. They wish to form a marriage alliance with us. Would you like to reconsider?”
My fingers tightened around the phone.
In my previous life, she had brought up the same proposal, and I had rejected it without hesitation.
“Mom knows your heart is always with that Eliana, but a forced melon is never sweet. I still hope you can find someone better.”
“Who said I like Eliana?” I let out a soft chuckle. “Mom, all these years I’ve competed with her only for the sake of company interests.”
On the other end, my mother sounded taken aback.
“I agree to the marriage alliance with the Ramsey family.” My tone remained steady. “They value discipline and uphold strict family values; they are the most suitable partner.”
“Really?” My mother’s tone instantly lightened. “The Ramsey family’s eldest daughter may have a colder nature, but she’s still far better than that Eliana! I’ll go tell your father at once!”
When the call ended, I stayed still, my gaze fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought.
The Ramsey family was undeniably the better choice, an old-money lineage with deep roots in Sierra Vista. More crucially, in my past life, the Ramsey Group had been the sole company to stand by Briones Corporation, even when the Andersons tried to strangle it.
Before my mother’s birthday, I went alone to a prestigious auction. As soon as I stepped through the doors, I caught sight of Eliana’s hand entwined with Jovan’s, the two of them leaning close, their intimacy plain for all to see.
Jovan’s eyes landed on my custom-tailored suit, and for an instant, jealousy flashed across his face.
“Interesting,” Eliana arched a brow, her gaze sharp. “So now you’re trailing people?”
“Don’t flatter yourself, it’s only a coincidence.” I turned to walk away, but she seized my wrist.
“There’s a limit to playing hard to get.” Her voice was a cold whisper. “Do you think this will make me notice you?”
I brushed her hand aside. “Eliana, you give yourself far too much credit.”
As the auction began, Jovan bid against me on every item I favored.
Eliana, however, was even more brazen; she tripled the price in a single breath.
“Five million!” Her eyes locked on mine in challenge. “Louis, still want to bid?”
Gasps rippled through the room.
That antique vase was worth barely two million.
I lowered my paddle with quiet finality and stood, ready to leave.
A message flashed onto my phone.
[If you want to be the Anderson family’s son-in-law, you’d better learn to bow your head. In your current state, you’re not even worthy of being my lover.]
I stared at the screen for two seconds before blocking the number for good.
I hadn’t expected that three days later, I would cross paths with Eliana again at the mall.
Jovan’s eyes lit up the moment he saw the leather shoes in my hands.
Eliana caught on instantly. “Jovan, want them? I’ll buy them for you.”
The store clerk stepped forward, her tone apologetic. “Miss, I’m very sorry. This pair was reserved by Mr. Briones three months ago; it’s the only pair of this limited edition in the entire city…”
“I said.” Eliana’s voice suddenly rose, her eyes slicing toward the clerk, “I want these shoes right now.”
