I was sure Cyril had no idea about my other identity. I had kept it well–hidden, and only Darian knew about it.
This also meant that Cyril giving me shares wasn’t because he wanted to build a business relationship with me, but simply because he wanted to gift them to me.
But… Why was that?
I only posted a video that helped facilitate the collaboration. He secured that deal all because of his business acumen, not because of me. If he gave me ten percent of his company’s shares because of this, it seems a bit far–fetched.
I couldn’t help but look at Cyril with a probing gaze.
He gazed back at me gently, saying nothing, but in his eyes, I seemed to see an overwhelming affection.
For some reason, my heart seemed to be struck directly.
My breath and heartbeat quickened, and I felt as if I were lost in a dream.
I lightly pressed my lips together and couldn’t help but whisper, “Cyril, you’re not drunk, are you?”
Before the words even left my mouth, I already knew the answer.
At this moment, his gaze was clear–there was no sign of drunkenness at all.
Cyril chuckled softly, his eyes curving into a smile as he replied playfully, “What do you think, Aurora?”
When he said my name, his pronunciation was unique, with a slightly fuzzy tone as if he was savoring my name before reluctantly letting it go.
That tone carried an indescribable ambiguity.
Almost instantly, my cheeks flushed, and I couldn’t even look at Cyril’s face in the video, my gaze darting
away.
He chuckled lightly again, then said softly, “Take it, Aurora. It’s the reward you deserve.”
After speaking, he winked at me. “Besides, there’s no relationship stronger than cooperation in this world. Accept my shares, and I believe you’ll work even harder to help me, won’t you?”
The ripples in my heart instantly faded away.
Cyril was right. Only interests could foster trust.
My connection with the Hartman family was already deep, and Cyril couldn’t accept me betraying them to support Cadell. Therefore, binding me with benefits made sense.
After all, our goals were the same. If I refused the shares and caused a rift, it would undoubtedly be disadvantageous for me.
At worst, I could transfer the shares back after everything was over.
With that thought in mind, I nodded gently. “Okay.”
Seeing me agree, Cyril seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and his gaze softened even further.
1/3
Chapter 47 The Unspoken
He didn’t hang up the phone immediately, instead continuing to chat with me about trivial matters, almost
like small talk.
Honestly, I didn’t mind this feeling.
I had always been a bit lonely, especially late at night when nightmares often crept into my mind. Having Cyril
chat with me made me feel a little more at ease.
The video call lasted for over an hour, and it wasn’t until I realized how much time had passed that I was surprised by how long we’d talked.
Even stranger, I didn’t feel impatient at all. It was truly bizarre.
I detached myself from the atmosphere of the conversation and said to Cyril, “It’s getting late. Time to sleep.”
“Alright,” he replied, his tone carrying a hint of reluctance.
I wasn’t sure if it was my imagination, but he seemed to be a little unwilling to end the call.
I hesitated for a moment before hanging up.
Cyril sent me a message saying goodnight, and that concluded our conversation for the day.
There was nothing particularly special said, but it still left me feeling fulfilled.
That night, I actually managed to sleep soundly.
The next morning, when I woke up, the Hartman family had started their public clarifications, but the effect was minimal. Cadell and Lorna’s reputations had already been thoroughly tarnished.
Cadell suddenly remembered something and angrily called me early, “Aurora, is this online mess your doing?”
Of course, it was me, but I wasn’t about to admit it. If I confessed, Cadell would probably bother me for who
knew how long.
So, I pretended to be unaware and said, “What mess? Why are you yelling at me so early in the morning?”
I could hear him breathing heavily on the other end of the line, and I could feel his suppressed anger. “You’re still saying it wasn’t you? Didn’t you upload that video? We were the only ones there!”
He ground his teeth and said to me, “Aurora, do you really have to go this far against me?”
I chuckled lightly. “Cadell, I never intended to go against you. You’ve come to me repeatedly. The video wasn’t even uploaded by me, so why are you looking for me? Besides, it’s not strange for someone to record you doing that disgusting thing in a public garden full of people, is it?”
My tone was casual, and for a moment, Cadell seemed to doubt himself. He restrained his anger and asked, “It really wasn’t you?”
“If you think it was, then sure,” I said, not wanting to engage in any more of this conversation, preparing to
hang up.
It seemed like he realized my intent and quickly stopped me. “Wait, Aurora, I need to talk to you.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What’s the matter? Still trying to threaten me?”
He was caught off guard by my words. “That’s not what I meant. I just think, since we once truly loved each other for so many years, there’s no need for us to completely sever ties over something small, right?”
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Tushe 47 The Unspoken
“Small thing?” I couldn’t help but laugh at his shamelessness. “Are you talking about wanting to secretly
marry Lorna at our wedding, then drugging me on our wedding night and having an affair with her in front of me? Are those small things?”
At my unforgiving reminder, Cadell seemed to finally recall his outrageous behavior back then.
His breath quickened, and he anxiously began to explain, “No, Aurora, I admit I was wrong in those things, but now I’m truly sorry. Why can’t you let it go?”
He seemed to be convinced that I would forgive him. “We had such a good relationship before. Can’t you forgive me just this once? I’ll redo our wedding, and I promise it’ll be even more magnificent than before. I’ll never have anything to do with Lorna again. Will you forgive me then?”
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