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Chapter 7
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Chapter 7
As reporters closed in on Howard, I quietly slipped out of the press conference.
I blocked Howard’s number and transferred my 20% stake in the Caldwell Group to another partner.
From that moment on, I had no further ties to Howard.
I returned to San Diego and took the reins of the Riley Group.
My father, having aged a bit, observed the chaos of my recent days and found his blood pressure rising.
“Let me give you some advice, go meet that Bax family boy. With my health…”
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“Dad, the doctor said you’ll be discharged tomorrow. Can you stop the act?”
I cut him off, irritated at his incessant talk of matchmaking.
Nonetheless, the two families found a way to arrange a meeting between Nelson and me.
Nelson, the heir to San Diego’s fortune, had already taken over the family business at a young age and was remarkably humble and courteous.
Meeting Nelson opened my eyes to the dynamics of the San Diego business scene.
His keen business acumen impressed me, and we enjoyed a lively conversation.
Even if the blind date didn’t lead anywhere,
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I figured I could still benefit from this commercial genius.
However, just as we were laughing and chatting, an unwelcome guest appeared.
It was Howard, looking gaunt and worn, as if he had lost a significant amount of weight.
“Sally, it’s been a while. How have you been?”
I remained silent, instinctively wanting to stand up and leave.
“Ex–boyfriend?”
Nelson glanced at Howard, a hint of amusement in his voice.
I nodded slightly, not wanting to elaborate.
“Sally, I was wrong. Can you give me another
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chance?”
“Didn’t you see I already have a boyfriend?”
I gestured toward Nelson, who conveniently wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
“Sally, I know I hurt you, but we once loved each other so deeply. Have you forgotten?”
“Sir, now that you’ve broken up, it would be best not to harass my girlfriend. It’s quite rude.”
Nelson’s voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable firmness.
Howard stiffened, watching the closeness between Nelson and me, his eyes flashing with a hint of anguish.
“No, Sally, you’re the best person in this
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world to me. I know you’re just angry at me.”
“You might not be able to accept me right now, but I will prove my change through my actions and earnestly make amends for my past mistakes.”
I sighed and turned to Nelson.
“I’ll talk with him for a bit. You can head back.”
Nelson gently ruffled my hair.
“I’ll be in the car. Call me if you need anything.”
I nodded, watching as he walked away.
Suddenly, Howard reached out and
embraced me. I pushed him away forcefully.
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“What are you doing, Howard?”
“Sally, I love you!”
“I don’t love you anymore. From the moment you announced our broken engagement, there was no possibility for us.”
I shouted at Howard, releasing the pent–up anger that had built inside me.
His eyes were bloodshot as he grasped my hand, softly sobbing.
“Sally, how did we end up like this?”
Chapter 8
