Chapter 356
I paused, then couldnât help but throw in a bit of sarcasm. âYou know, I never realized how tolerant you were.â
That night, in front of everyone, I kissed Gregory. I mightâve had one too many drinks, but it happened. Given Bryantâs âmy way or the highwayâ attitude, I figured thatâd be the last time heâd ever want to see me.
When I finished speaking, though, it wasnât Bryantâs voice that answered but a commotion from the center of the banquet hall
Lilliana slipped into an eyeâcatching white designer dress and stood at the center with a microphone, appearing a little shy. Yet, her eyes were fiercely searching for someone.
She was looking for Gregory.
Lilliana started, âSince I left my grandparents and parents, Iâve, um, Iâve been through a lot and faced many judgments. But, clinging to just a few happy memories, Iâve managed to keep going,â she said, her voice cracking slightly, tears welling up.
âIâve also been lucky. My family and Greg never stopped looking for me. This morning, my grandmother asked me what I wished for, and I couldnât think of anything because being back with the Myers family was already more than I could ask for. But now, I know what!
want.â
âI wish to be worthy of Gregâs years of waiting, to marry him and become his wife.â Her voice trailed off, shy and quiet.
Who would not love a story where the lovers finally got together?
The whole room erupted in cheers, and some guys started clapping loudly.
Ramonaâs eyes welled up with tears, seeming to accept the reality and feeling a surge of affection for Lilliana. Gregoryâs gaze was hard to read, sharp and inscrutable.
Bryant stood beside me, and his voice was icy cold. âSo, youâd rather be blindly stubborn than get back with me?â
His mocking tone was unmistakable. But then again, neither he nor Gregory was ever the dilemma I faced. Nor, as he suggested, would I choose Gregory to avoid him.
I couldnât help but smirk. âDonât worry, Mr. Ferguson. Iâve learned to spot a bad deal. I wonât be tripping over the same stone twice.â
His eyes darkened, almost laughing in disbelief. âYouâre calling me a bad deal?â
âArenât you?â I asked, my voice calm.
Bryantâs lips curved into a mocking smile. âNot long divorced and already so bold.â
âBryant,â I straightened up with my voice soft but firm. âI always hoped we could part ways gracefully. Even now, after the divorce, itâd be nice not to see each other awkwardly.â
I never knew I could be so rational before him without a hint of bitterness.
âYou can hope for anything from me.â He regained his bossy demeanor. âExcept for that. Thatâs impossible.â
I offered, âWhat if I trade my 10% stake in Ferguson Group for it?â
The Ferguson Groupâs stock had been rising, not yet reaching the astronomical growth York predicted but clearly on an upward trajectory. To anyone paying attention, the Ferguson Group was on a different level. My 10% was worth a fortune.
Bryant paused, his gaze darkening. âYouâre threatening me?â
I sneered. âYou could say that!â
I would give up those shares for cutting ties with the past. If Bryant disagreed, Iâd sell the shares to someone else. With the 10% stake, anyone could sway big decisions at the Ferguson Groupâs shareholder meetings. Bryant wouldnât let those shares fall into someone