My hand was suddenly enveloped in a warm grasp., I turned, locking eyes with Ernest, his gaze soft yet firm as he addressed Conrad, his voice deep and compelling,

"I'm not leaving here until everything's officially wrapped up.

" That was just like him., The more someone wanted him gone, the more determined he was to stay, just like before., As I braced myself for Conrad's response, Ernest's grip on my hand tightened, and he added,

"I promised this to Licia.

", The way he said my name, full of promise, gave me goosebumps and instantly soured Conrad's mood. Dustin didn't look happy about it either., Silence fell over us, the air thick and suffocating., I took a deep, silent breath and spoke up,

"Although I'm no longer in charge here and have resigned, there's one company rule I've always remembered: the company's interest comes above all. No one is allowed to compromise it for any reason.

", It was a reminder to Dustin, a nudge that it was his responsibility to bear the consequences if he chose to shield someone else., In the days of old, princes were held to the same laws as commoners. Now, if you wanted to run a company right, you had to lead by example., I laid it out plain and simple, leaving Dustin and Conrad with little to say. And in their minds, even though I was speaking logically, I was obviously siding with Ernest., Their faces were a portrait of displeasure, but that seemed to put an end to the matter., Then, someone else decided to take the fall - Haley., She rushed over, not even minding her condition,

"This was my doing. I should bear the responsibility.

", Conrad's face darkened further, a sure sign of his rage brewing. I could almost feel his urge to throw a punch., For a regular employee, this would have been a death wish., But this was Haley, the woman Conrad would forsake a decade-long relationship and family ties for., I could almost guess what he would say next, a mocking smile tugging at my lips as I prepared to leave with Ernest., Some words, I had grown too tired to hear, too weary to watch him defend Haley., But Conrad surprised me, harshly telling Haley,

"If it's your responsibility, then you bear it. The losses are on you.

", I looked at him incredulously as he turned away, his expression stony. Haley, in shock, watched her face flush then pale., This was unexpected. Conrad, so fiercely protective of his woman, was actually willing to punish her., As he walked away, color started to creep back into Haley's face., She awkwardly turned to Dustin, saying,

"Dustin, I'll speak to finance and cover the losses.

",

"Good,

" Dustin didn't mince words, then added,

"During work, it's Mr. Wagner to you.

", Haley's embarrassment peaked, courtesy of the Wagner brothers., She didn't dare look at me, and frankly, I had no interest in witnessing her discomfort., What was there to see?, After all, she had stolen my fiancé, subjecting me to the ultimate humiliation.,

"Let's go,

" I signaled to Ernest., He hummed in agreement, his hand still firmly in mine as we walked away, not letting go., After a while, I glanced at our intertwined hands,

"We're alone now.

",

"I'm not putting on a show for anyone,

" he instantly understood my hint., Of course, his words also teased me about the times I had embraced him or shown affection merely for Conrad's benefit.,

"Not acting doesn't mean you can just hold my hand whenever,

" I retorted, playfully withdrawing my hand,

"Does Mr. Collins often hold hands with girls just like that?

"

"Only yours,

" he replied, straightforward yet somehow sweet., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.