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Chapter 16
“The scandal surrounding Mrs. Sherwood’s escape from the wedding has spiraled out of control,” Zachary reported grimly. “Even with all their connections, the Sherwood family hasn’t been able to contain the situation, especially with the
Goodwin family adding fuel to the fire behind the scenes.”
He hesitated before continuing, “And there’s more. Miss Daisy Jennings has been. desperately trying to reach you. When she couldn’t, combined with the relentless cyberbullying she’s been facing… she attempted suicide by overdose.”
Quentin’s expression darkened, though his voice remained eerily steady. “How is
she?”
“They managed to save her. She’s out of danger now.”
Zachary studied his boss carefully, noting how unusually detached Quentin seemed. This wasn’t the Quentin he knew. In the past, anything concerning Daisy would have sent him rushing to her side, no questions asked. This was the man who had cancelled hundred–million–dollar contracts without hesitation for Daisy’s sake, who had walked out of crucial board meetings at a single text from her.
The same man who had essentially abandoned his own fiancée for her. Yet now, faced with news of Daisy’s suicide attempt, Quentin barely seemed to
react. The contrast was striking.
Remembering his instructions from Mrs. Sherwood senior, Zachary carefully. ventured, “Mr. Sherwood, you’ve been away from headquarters for quite some
time now. There are pressing matters requiring your attention at the group.” He paused before delivering the more difficult news. “The board members are… displeased with recent events. There’s talk of a coordinated effort to force a vote of
no confidence. Given this situation, and with Miss Jennings’s unfortunate incident,
the Dowager Mrs. Sherwood suggests you return home immediately.”
What Zachary didn’t dare relay was Mrs. Sherwood’s actual words: “Stop wasting time on people who don’t matter.”
When Daisy had first entered their lives, everyone in the company’s inner circle had speculated whether Quentin would break off his engagement for her. Hist
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preferential treatment of Daisy had been obvious to anyone with eyes.
Yet in a twist that no one saw coming, it was Fiona – the always–compliant, perfect society bride – who had fled the wedding, abandoning the marriage everyone thought she desperately wanted.
Watching Quentin’s reaction now, Zachary finally understood the truth. This childhood sweetheart, the original Mrs. Sherwood–to–be, was truly irreplaceable in Quentin’s heart. There might be many women like Daisy in his life – beautiful, captivating distractions. But in Quentin’s heart, there would only ever be one Mrs.
Sherwood: Fiona.
Quentin sank deep into thought, the weight of Zachary’s words hanging heavy in
the air.
He knew Zachary wasn’t just being dramatic. The Sherwood family’s position in society had been built through generations of hard work and sacrifice. He couldn’t be the one to bring it all crashing down. Yet returning home now would mean giving up any chance with Fiona forever.
Giving up Fiona? The very thought made his chest tighten. Impossible.
He paced his room like a caged lion, his mind racing through countless scenarios in mere minutes. Losing Daisy would hurt, yes. He’d grieve, he’d miss her. But losing Fiona…
Quentin couldn’t even finish the thought. A life without Fiona wasn’t a life he could imagine, let alone live.
Finally, he made his decision. “Give me two weeks,” he declared firmly.
–
The symmetry wasn’t lost on him two weeks was exactly how long it had taken Fiona to walk away from everything she’d known, leaving with nothing but her dignity. Now he’d use those same two weeks to win her back.
And if he couldn’t…
Quentin’s fists clenched involuntarily. He refused to believe their story was over. The very concept was unacceptable. One thing he knew with absolute certainty: a life without Fiona wasn’t one worth living.
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Like a lovesick teenager, Quentin launched into an old–school romantic pursuit – sending flowers, gifts, anything to catch her attention. The trash bins outside the Lockhart family residence began to look like a luxury boutique’s inventory. Evelyn couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “After all these years, men’s tactics haven’t evolved one bit.”
“It’s not that they haven’t evolved,” Fioma replied with a knowing smile. “It’s that he’s not putting his heart into understanding what really matters.”
Even now, Quentin still hadn’t figured out what she truly wanted. She’d never lacked for material things they’d never impressed her. What she craved was
something pure: genuine love and am unwavering heart.
“Fiona, darling,” Evelyn suggested, “why don’t you come work at my company? It’ll help take your mind off things,, and you can focus on growing professionally
again.”
Fiona’s capabilities had never been in question. She’d been a top student
throughout her academic career. But for Quentin, she’d sacrificed everything – hem chance at further education, promising corporate offers, reducing herself to a nominal position that wasted her brilliant mind.
Now it was time to reclaim her true self.
Fiona looked up, a determined smile lighting her face. “Yes,” she said firmly. “Tid
like that.”
With her characteristic whirlwind efficiency, Evelyn fast–tracked Fiona’s hining process, installing her directly as General Manager. It was time for Fiona to shine
on her own terms.
Fiona quickly proved everyone wrong by becoming the heart and soull of the office It was a far cry from Quentin’s cruel words – “immature,” “boring,” “incompetent.” Now her colleagues saw her for who she really was: charming, fascinating, and incredibly capable.
She earned everyone’s respect effortlessly, with even the most seasoned employees singing praises about her dedication. One day, a work finend couldn’t
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“Fiona, you’re literally a trust fund kid. Why do you push yourself so hard? You’re always the last one to leave the office. Makes us working–class folks look bad!” They laughed, but the question was genuine.
Fiona treated everyone to their favorite bubble teas before responding with a self- deprecating smile. “Because if I don’t work hard, the alternative is getting trapped in marriage, popping out babies, dealing with a monster–in–law, being despised by my husband, and having some homewrecker show up at my doorstep while my whole family looks down on me.”
“Oh my God, Fiona, you’re hilarious!” her colleague burst out laughing. “Someone. as amazing and gorgeous as you? You must have guys lining up around the block! Who would dare treat you like that?”
Fiona just smiled, but her heart clenched. She’d almost ended up living exactly that life. Thank God she’d seen through that man’s facade before the wedding and ran.
What she hadn’t expected was that even after escaping to this new life, Daisy – the
woman who’d tried to steal her fiancé – would still hunt her down to cause trouble.
The confrontation happened early one morning as Fiona was heading to work. Daisy’s sudden appearance nearly made her jump out of her skin. “Well, well, Fiona,” Daisy sneered. “I underestimated you all these years. Running away from your own wedding? Brilliant way to get his attention.”
“Let me tell you something don’t think you’ve won. I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to get him back.”
Daisy’s face was caked with expensive makeup, her nose held high with arrogance. But she’d lost so much weight that she looked like a skeleton wearing a beauty
mask.
Fiona checked her watch, unimpressed. “Move. I have work.”
But Daisy wouldn’t back down. “I’ve always gotten everything I wanted, since
childhood. Everything. Including Quentin!”
“The entire Sherwood family despises you now. Even if you’ve somehow managed to bewitch him, you’ll never truly be accepted as Mrs. Sherwood.”
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“Whatever,” Fiona replied coolly, sliding into her car. “Do me a favor and lure him back to the country soon. I could use some peace and quiet.”
Without sparing Daisy another glance, Fiona drove off to work, leaving her former rival standing in the dust.
