Chapter 2

Staring at her retreating back, the last shred of hope in my heart vanished.

I waved my hand, shattering the champagne tower, glass raining down everywhere.

My voice was chillingly cold as I warned:

"If you leave now, the Hayes Group and the Vance family will be locked in an endless war!"

Serena's steps faltered, her eyes instantly bloodshot.

"I'm sorry, but I can't betray my own heart. I'll make it up to you later."

In just half an hour,

News of the Vance heiress running off for love dominated every media headline.

【LOL, seriously? Who talks like that anymore? Straight out of a cheesy romance novel! He totally deserved to be dumped!】

【To act so arrogantly in public, imagine how despicable he must be behind the scenes. They should investigate the Hayes family!】

【Cheers to Serena Vance! Women shouldn't be sacrifices in arranged marriages!】

In an instant, the Hayes Group became the talk of the town, a laughing stock discussed over coffee.

Meanwhile, Serena Vance, who orchestrated it all, was painted by public opinion as a brave new-age woman pursuing true love.

I scrolled through the screen, my face devoid of emotion.

Until I saw Serena Vance's latest "apology statement":

【Though this decision deeply hurt Mr. Hayes, I simply couldn't accept a marriage without love, to sink into a numb existence for the rest of my life… All fault lies with me. Please don't blame Mr. Hayes.】

Attached was a photo of her with swollen, red eyes.

Especially glaring was the cheap silver ring on her ring finger.

It clearly wasn't the engagement ring I'd given her.

Then, Liam Miller added fuel to the fire of public opinion:

【Serena has been so guilty, she's lost so much weight. You can't force love. We'll still be friends.】

I actually laughed, a bitter, furious sound.

If she had been honest before the wedding, I would have let her go and wished her well.

But she didn't.

She chose this moment, in front of everyone, with the city's elite gathered.

To trample the Hayes Group's dignity into the ground!

And now she expects public opinion to force me to forgive her?

Dream on!

"Immediately inform everyone: withdraw all investments from Vance Corp, terminate all collaborations."

"Furthermore, use all resources to support Vance Corp's competitors."

"If I don't drive the Vance family into bankruptcy, I don't deserve the Hayes name!"

My assistant, Mark, broke out in a cold sweat, cautiously advising:

"Mr. Hayes, public opinion is very unfavorable to us right now. Making a move at this moment might..."

I cut him off sharply:

"Afraid of what?"

"An ungrateful serpent who repays kindness with malice — shouldn't they be taught a lesson?"

"This is a perfect opportunity to make an example of the Vance family. Let's see who dares to challenge the Hayes Group again!"

I rubbed my throbbing temples.

Scene after scene of the past flooded my mind, unbidden.

Years ago, Old Mr. Vance had suddenly passed away, and his illegitimate son aggressively seized the family assets.

Serena Vance had knelt in the pouring rain for an entire day and night, just to beg me to save the Vance family.

"Mr. Hayes, if you save the Vance family, I'll do anything for you for the rest of my life!"

I softened for a moment and proposed an arranged marriage.

She agreed without hesitation.

After our engagement, I fulfilled my promise.

Not only did I help her reclaim her company, send that illegitimate son to prison, but I also personally taught her how to run the business.

I nurtured Vance Corp from a small company into a prominent group in the city.

But gradually, things changed between us.

She started resisting my closeness, rejecting my arrangements, and longing for so-called "pure love."

Until Liam Miller, that swimming coach, appeared.

She poured all her passion and affection onto him without reservation.

Actually, half a month ago, I had given her one last chance.

"Serena Vance, if you still want to get married, know your boundaries."

But she only smiled dismissively:

"We're just ordinary coach and student. It's your own mind that's dirty, seeing everything as tainted."

"Mr. Hayes, could it be that *you're* guilty of cheating and that's why you're constantly suspicious of me?"

My voice sank completely:

"If you cross the line, I'll take back everything I've given you."

She trembled violently, her tone finally softening:

"You misunderstood. There's nothing going on between Liam and me."

"I won't see him again."

In that moment, I actually believed that we could go back to how things were.

Sadly, she ultimately betrayed my last shred of trust.

Since that's the case, don't blame me for being ruthless!

The next morning, Serena Vance, accompanied by a large group of reporters, burst into my office.

The moment she entered, she started weeping, tears streaming down her face: