Chapter 884: Chapter 884



“Professor!” Dulce exclaimed, a note of desperation in her voice.

“Dulce, just accept her conditions.” Dulce’s heart sank.

The chief engineer added, “You were set to go abroad anyway. This is a rare chance, not just anyone gets this.”

“Even you?” Dulce’s voice cracked, laughter tinged with bitterness escaping her as tears started to form. The conflict with Fiona had barely started, yet she felt overwhelmingly cornered. Who else had Fiona manipulated? Johnny, her professor, the chief engineer—who would be next?

“Fiona, what have you done to them?” Dulce demanded, seeking to understand the depth of Fiona’s influence.

Fiona’s smile was icy, her fingers clenched tightly beneath the table, nails nearly piercing her palm. “Due to Crowell’s actions, my son met a tragic end, which stirred significant public uproar. Influential figures from various sectors approached me—ranging from aerospace to finance, labor, and even the Women’s Federation. Unearthing minor infractions within these departments isn’t a challenge.”

Dulce’s mind raced, recalling her professor’s dubious tax maneuvers with shell companies and the chief engineer’s history of accepting kickbacks. She and Johnny were the only ones innocent.

Dulce scoffed. “It’s clear you’ll stop at nothing to separate Michael and me.”

“I’m acting in your best interest,” Fiona replied coolly. “He was merely captivated by novelty when he turned to you. Even without my interference, it’s only a matter of time before he leaves you.”

Fiona leaned in, her voice low and deliberate. “Lacey will always hold the paramount place in his heart. Test it if you don’t believe me.”

Dulce fell silent, Fiona’s accusations stirring a tumult within her. Despite this, she always managed to sidestep things that unsettled her. She offered a wry smile. “Even at my age, I’ve learned there’s more to life than love. Haven’t you figured that out yet?”

Fiona’s reaction was instant, her arm crashing down on the table. “What did you just say?”

“I’m more curious about who really leaked the blueprints,” Dulce retorted calmly.

Fiona’s tone turned icy. “Are you frightened?”

It was clear they were not on the same page. Dulce eyed the chief engineer and the professor, her suspicion about their involvement growing.

“Do you really think you can drive me away like this?” she challenged.

“I’m not forcing you.” Fiona leaned forward, her hands flat against the table. “I’m giving you a friendly warning. Walk away now while I’m still allowing it. I won’t be so accommodating next time.”

Dulce sighed deeply, smoothed her hair back, and settled more comfortably into her chair, her left leg crossing over her right. “It’s a shame, really. If you’d been this determined earlier, perhaps your son would still be here.”

The provocation was too much for Fiona. The glass of water in her hand splashed across Dulce’s face.

Water droplets clung to Dulce’s nose, but she merely took out a tissue and dabbed her face dry, her composure unshaken.

“So you do remember your son. I thought all you cared about was Michael.”

Fiona dismissed her with a sneer. “Spare me your nonsense. I’ve made my position clear. You have three days to decide. Leave the country or stay and see the consequences unfold around you. The choice is yours.” Clicking her heels authoritatively, she headed to the door, the professor and chief engineer following her.

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