Chapter 103 

Charles’s eyes widened slightly. “She really went through with it?” 

Vincent nodded. “No hesitation.” 

Arnold picked up the envelope, his fingers brushing over the smooth paper. He opened it and skimmed through the contents, his expression unreadable. 

He had expected this. He had known it was coming. 

And yet, as he read over her signature at the bottom, something about it felt strangely final. 

He closed the folder and set it down. 

“There’s more property and shares involved than I expected,” Arnold said evenly. “It’ll take time to process everything.” 

Vincent shrugged. “That’s your part to handle. Let me know when it’s done.” 

Charles, who had been silently observing, shook his head in disbelief. “I really thought she’d hold out longer.” 

Vincent exhaled. “No. She’s already let go.” 

Arnold said nothing. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the papers for a long moment before finally moving them to the side. 

There was work to do. 

Meanwhile, across the city, at Starline Studio, the office phone was ringing non–stop. 

Employees rushed back and forth, trying to keep up with the flood of calls. 

One assistant groaned as she picked up the phone yet again. “Hello, Starline Studio-” 

Before she could finish, another line rang. Then another. 

The phones were practically overheating. 

The ringing phones barely paused between calls. 

12:19 0 

Chapter 101 

Employees at Starline Studio scurried back and forth, answering inquiries, arranging meetings, and managing the overwhelming influx of interest in studio’s latest project. 

A high–end fashion brand–was still in its early stages, yet the industry had already caught wind of it. 

Investors, designers, and businessmen alike were eager to get involved, turning the office into a battlefield of negotiations. 

Nora sat at her desk, flipping through fabric samples while Leo stood beside her, reviewing the initial brand strategy. Despite the surrounding chaos, they both remained focused. 

Another phone rang. Without looking up, Leo gestured at it. “Can you get that?” 

Nora reached for the receiver, pressing it to her ear. “Star Studio, this is Nora speaking.” 

The voice on the other end hesitated for a second, as if caught off guard. Then, a familiar tone came through. 

“Nora?” 

She froze. Her fingers tightened slightly around the receiver. “Cole?” 

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The name alone stirred up memories–some sharp, some bitter. 

Cole, on the other end, recovered first. “I wasn’t expecting you to pick up.” His voice was smooth, professional, but there was something in his tone that suggested mild discomfort. 

“Neither was 1,” Nora admitted, her voice steady despite the surprise. 

Cole cleared his throat. “I’m calling to discuss a potential partnership.” 

Just as Nora was about to respond, the phone was abruptly pulled from her hand. 

Leo took the receiver, his expression impassive. His voice, however, carried an edge of cool detachment. “Whatever you need to discuss, you can talk to me.” 

There was a beat of silence before Cole let out a light chuckle. “I see. Well, I was hoping to explore ant investment opportunity with your new brand.” 

Leo leaned against the desk, his tone polite but distant. “We appreciate the interest. What exactly are you proposing?” 

“I’ll be in town for business,” Cole explained. “I thought we could meet for dinner and discuss investment possibilities.” 

Leo didn’t hesitate. Unfortunately, my schedule is full. If I find the time, I’ll contact you.” 

12:19 

Chapter 103 

Cole was undeterred. “I understand. I’ll be available whenever it’s convenient for you. 

Leo ended the call with a brief farewell and set the receiver down. His expression remained unreadable. 

but Nora could sense the underlying intention in his response. 

He had been deliberately cold, creating distance–not for himself, but for her. 

Nora glanced at him, feeling a small warmth settle in her chest. He hadn’t needed to shield her from anyone’s presence, but he had. It was a subtle gesture, he did it considering all the aggression that Nora received due to Cold and Charles.. 

She didn’t say anything, but when Leo turned back to the documents, her gaze lingered on him at moment longer. 

Their conversation about the project resumed, but before long, another unfamiliar number flashed on Leo’s phone screen. 

He answered, his voice maintaining its usual calm professionalism. “Leo speaking.” 

The voice on the other end introduced himself. “Clark. I believe you know my daughter, Linda.” 

Leo’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes darkened slightly at the name. 

“I do,” he replied neutrally. “What can I do for you?” 

Clark wasted no time. “I’d like to discuss a potential collaboration between Starline Studio and my firm. I think we can create a profitable opportunity together.” 

12-19