The night air was thick with tension as Devon and Stella sat at the bar, their laughter cutting through the noise like a blade. “What are you staring at? Pour the drink. Come on.
Dig in, Frank,” Devon sneered, his confidence oozing as he toasted to his latest scheme. Across the table, Frank nodded along, but his eyes flickered with unease. Devon leaned in, his voice dropping. “Devon and Stella’s savings aren’t enough to register a company.
He must have used fake info to apply for a bank loan. ” Frank raised an eyebrow. “You know him so well. You’re jealous?
Well, you’d liked him for years. ” Devon’s smile turned cold. “Oh, don’t worry about it. He’s already my past tense.
He’s just a nobody. That’s all. In the future, I will only be with you. ”
The words hung in the air as Vivian entered the dimly lit room, her presence cutting through the haze of smoke and cheap perfume.
Stella spotted her first, her lip curling in disdain. “That is her. It is this woman. Guys, get her.
” Vivian’s eyes widened as several men rose from the shadows, their movements predatory. But before she could react, a voice cut through the chaos. “Vivian, just go. No, we’ll go together.
” Vivian shook her head, her voice trembling. “Go? None of you can leave. Do you know who I am?
” Stella laughed, a hollow sound. “I don’t care. ” Just as the men closed in, a tall figure stepped through the door, his presence commanding. “Oh my, Mr.
Scott. Mr. Scott, I’m so sorry. I didn’t recognize you before.
” The man’s eyes swept over the room, cold and calculating. “What are you waiting for? Drop your weapons. Don’t disrespect Mr.
Scott. ” He turned to Vivian, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur. “Listen up. This is my wife, CEO of the George Group.
Call her Mrs. Scott. ”
Stella’s face paled as she stammered, “Hi, Mrs. Scott.
” Vivian’s gaze was steel. “Who sent you here? ” Stella swallowed hard. “Devon did.
That son of a… He just said that someone was causing trouble for him. He never mentioned it was you. ” Vivian’s jaw tightened.
“You. Enough. I don’t want excuses. You know what to do.
” The man nodded, his voice flat. “Sure. Sure. Let’s go.
”
The scene shifted to a cramped apartment, where Devon paced like a caged animal. Stella sat at the table, her hands shaking as she counted the bills. “Devon, we’re running out of money. We have to spend it more carefully.
” Devon spun around, his face twisted with frustration. “Money this, money that. That’s all you ever talk about. After I get the project from the Scott Group, we’ll make it big.
At that time, we’ll be loaded. ” Stella sighed, her eyes distant. “Hey, how do you think Vivian’s doing? They’re getting beat up for sure.
What a sight to see. ” Devon smirked, a cruel satisfaction flickering across his features. But the satisfaction was short-lived. The next day, Frank stormed into their apartment, his face a mask of fury.
“Devon, you’re quite something. You’ve dealt with her so soon. How did it go? ” Devon’s smile faltered.
“You bastard. How dare you mention it? You’ve ruined my reputation for good. ” Frank’s eyes widened.
“Fra-Frank, I thought we had a deal. ” Devon’s voice was venomous. “You shut the hell up. Mess with the George Group CEO, and you will pay.
Guys, smash everything. ” The sound of shattering glass filled the room as Frank and his men trashed the place. Stella screamed, her hands flying to her mouth. “Why did Frank change his attitude?
What did we do to upset him? ” Devon’s voice was grim. “How should I know? I heard them mentioning the George Group.
Is this related to Vivian? ”
Vivian sat in her office, the city lights glittering below like a sea of broken promises. Her assistant entered, holding a folder. “Vivian, I’m so sick of this.
After she had me fired, she always messes with me. I heard that the George Group is also joining the bidding. This time, we absolutely can’t let them get the opportunity. ” Vivian’s eyes narrowed.
“You’re right. But how should we? ” The assistant leaned in. “I think we should find Colton’s assistant.
Maybe she can put in a few good words for us. ” Vivian nodded slowly, a plan forming in her mind. The next morning, Devon and Stella stood outside a lavish restaurant, their pockets nearly empty. “Devon, this is too expensive.
We barely have any savings now. We need to spend it carefully. ” Devon waved her off. “What do you know?
As long as it pleases Colton’s assistant, it’s worth every penny. What’s more, if we’re short on cash, just take out a loan. ” Stella hesitated. “Why don’t you take out a loan?
” Devon’s voice was smooth. “What’s mine is yours. What’s the difference? ” Stella sighed.
“But… ” Devon cut her off, his voice softening. “Come on, sweetheart. Once I make it big, I’ll definitely marry you.
I’ll make you the happiest bride in the world. ” Stella’s face lit up. “Devon, you’re amazing. ”
A woman in a mask and hat approached their table.
Devon stood, his hands outstretched. “You must be Mr. Scott’s assistant. Nice to meet you.
” The woman’s voice was muffled. “Well, why are you wearing this? ” Devon laughed nervously. “Well, I’ve been having allergies.
Only Mr. Scott’s assistant could have such presence, even through a mask. We got to impress her to get the project. ” Stella chimed in.
“Absolutely. Your style is so fashionable. ” The woman’s voice was cold. “I’m not here to listen to your nonsense.
” Devon panicked. “Hey, wait. We want to participate in the Scott Group’s bidding. ” The woman paused.
“The bidding? We want you to put in a few good words for us. Of course, we’ll make it worthwhile. ” Devon slid an envelope across the table.
“You guys really went all out this time. Once we get the project, we will… ” The woman pocketed the envelope, her voice flat. “All right, I get it.
Take care. ” As she walked away, Stella frowned. “Why does her figure look so familiar? ” Devon dismissed it.
“She agreed so easily. The project is already in the bag. Vivian, just you wait. ”
Back at the George Group office, Vivian pulled off the mask and hat.
Her assistant smiled. “How did it go? As we expected, Devon tried to bribe your assistant for this opportunity. I didn’t expect him to fall for it so easily.
” Vivian’s smile was cold. “What about you? ” The assistant’s expression darkened. “I have found out that Devon faked company assets to get the funds and dodged taxes.
He has broken the law. ” Vivian leaned back in her chair, satisfaction flickering in her eyes. “Devon, you’re finished this time. ”
The bidding day arrived, and the room was packed with executives and power players.
A murmur rippled through the crowd as a tall, distinguished man entered. “Look, he is the famous Mr. Harrison. He is so impressive.
Let’s see what he will do this time. ” The Harrison Group representative took his seat, his confidence palpable. But then, another figure walked in, and the room went silent. “It’s Miss George.
The George Group’s market value has been doubled recently. ” Vivian walked in, her posture regal. Devon’s face twisted with anger. “Vivian.
Excuse me for a moment. ” He approached her, his voice low and venomous. “Hey, isn’t this Vivian? How dare you come to the bidding?
” Vivian smiled sweetly. “Well, if it isn’t Devon. You lost a bet and ran around nakedly last time, didn’t you? ” Devon’s face reddened.
“Don’t get cocky, Vivian. Devon used to run the George Group for you. Now that you are on your own, what can you possibly do? If you ask me, you’d better quit now.
” Stella stepped forward, her voice dripping with contempt. “Well, I’ll just shut up, you homewrecker. ” Vivian turned to Stella, her voice steady. “You.
I am a legal representative now. A legal representative will bear liability. If Devon commits a crime, you will go to prison, too. ” Stella’s face paled.
“What? What’s that supposed to mean? ” Vivian’s smile was icy. “Stella, do you think Devon is doing you a favor?
” Devon stepped in, his voice desperate. “Don’t listen to this crazy woman. Baby, I made you the legal representative because you mean everything to me. She must be jealous of you.
” Stella’s eyes darted between them, her confidence wavering. “Did you hear that? He loves me, not you. Vivian, I’m telling you, just get out of here.
Stop clinging to Devon. What a pathetic fool. ” Vivian laughed. “I know that you’re causing trouble because you’re jealous of Devon.
Me? Jealous of him? You are the only person who thinks he’s special. ” Devon’s voice rose.
“Vivian, I’m telling you, you had better quit this bidding now. Mr. Scott appreciates Devon a lot. ” Vivian shook her head.
“You clueless idiots. ” Stella stepped forward, her voice shaking with rage. “Vivian, I’m warning you. This is the Scott Group’s bidding event.
It’s not your playground. Just get lost now. ” Vivian turned to leave, but Stella grabbed her arm. “Get your hands off me.
How dare you do this? I’m a married woman. Let’s go. ”
The crowd parted as Colton Scott entered, his presence commanding.
“Who dares to cause trouble here? Am I late? ” The room fell silent. Devon’s eyes widened.
“No. Isn’t this Vivian’s kept man? Why is he here? ” Colton’s gaze swept over Devon, cold and unimpressed.
“Well, Mr. Scott, nice to see you. I have studied your commercial cases several times. They’re absolutely brilliant.
They are the definition of corporate takeovers. ” Stella chimed in, her voice sycophantic. “That’s right. Devon admires you so much.
He always tells me that you are a socially responsible entrepreneur. ” Colton’s voice was flat. “Who are you? ” Devon’s confidence faltered.
“Hey, don’t you remember? It’s me, Devon Harrison from the Harrison Group. We even played golf once. ” Stella added, “Devon has graduated from a top university.
You won’t regret working with him. ” Colton’s eyes were steel. “I’m not. Just now, I heard someone causing trouble here.
Who was it? ” Stella pointed at Vivian, her voice triumphant. “It’s her. That’s right.
This woman was slandering you and the Scott Group. Plus, she was disrupting the event. This shameless woman should be thrown out. ” Colton’s expression darkened.
“How dare you disrespect her? What’s more, the Harrison Group is already on the blacklist. You can leave now. ” Devon’s voice was desperate.
“Mr. Scott, but… ” Colton cut him off. “Don’t call me Mr.
Scott. I’m only his assistant. ” The room erupted in whispers. “What?
Why didn’t you say that earlier? ” Devon stammered. “You didn’t give me a chance. ” Stella’s voice was sharp.
“That’s not right, Devon. Mr. Scott’s assistant is clearly a woman. ” Colton smirked.
“Haven’t you recognized me yet? ” Devon’s face went pale. “It’s you? Vivian, how dare you impersonate Mr.
Scott’s assistant? ” Colton’s voice was calm. “She didn’t impersonate anyone. We are talking here.
” Stella’s voice was shrill. “Just shut up, you kept man. ” Colton’s eyes narrowed. “How dare you disrespect Mr.
Scott? ” Devon laughed. “Who the hell is this kept man? ” Colton’s voice was cold.
“He is Colton Scott, CEO of the group. ” Devon’s face contorted with disbelief. “I don’t believe it. You…
You guys must be all fake. That’s right. I have Mr. Scott’s number.
Should I call him right now and make him expel you? ” Colton smiled. “Go ahead. Call him.
I will wait for you. ” Devon dialed, his hands shaking. “At this point, you are still so stubborn. ” Then, Colton’s phone rang.
He answered, his voice calm. “Hello. I heard that you want to kick me out. I heard that you want to kick me out.
” The color drained from Devon’s face. “Mr. Mr. Scott?
This is impossible. He’s just Vivian’s kept man. How could he be Mr. Scott?
” Colton’s smile was cold. “Kept man? You’re really ignorant. But, I do like the gift you prepared for me.
Thanks a lot. ” Devon turned to Vivian, his voice a snarl. “Vivian, how dare you trick me? ” Stella’s face was white.
“Devon, we spent all our money on the gift. What do we do now? ” Colton’s voice was flat. “The Harrison Group’s registered capital is very suspicious.
The Scott Group won’t work with you. You can go now. ” Devon’s voice was desperate. “This Mr.
Scott, all of this was this woman’s fault. You can’t believe her. ” Stella added, “That’s right, Mr. Scott.
That woman is nothing but trouble. ” Colton’s voice was heavy with finality. “Vivian is my wife. She’s the person I trust most.
You had a chance with her, but you blew it. How dare you hurt her? Both of you, just get lost. I don’t want to see you again.
”
Devon and Stella stumbled out of the building, their world crumbling around them. “It’s impossible. This is impossible. How could Vivian get everything she wants?
” Devon’s voice was a broken whisper. Stella’s face was a mask of rage. “Devon, you’ve brought this on yourself. ” Just as they reached the street, Vivian appeared, flanked by police officers.
“Vivian! Oh, don’t rush. I even hired a lawyer for you. The Harrison Group is reported for falsifying capital and loan fraud.
Who is the legal representative here? ” The officer stepped forward. “It’s Stella Owen. ” Stella’s face went white.
“This has nothing to do with me. ” The officer’s voice was firm. “Ms. Owen, I’m afraid that you need to come with me.
” Stella turned on Devon, her voice a shriek. “Devon, you said you’d handle everything. ” Devon’s face was cold. “Sweetie, I can’t stop here.
Stella, I’m sorry. But don’t you get it? He’s been lying to you. ” Stella’s eyes filled with tears.
“Devon, you bastard! I’ll kill you! ” Devon smiled, his voice hollow. “Don’t worry.
When I get the money, I’ll bail you out. ” Stella’s voice was desperate. “Really? Of course it’s real.
When have I ever lied to you? ” The officer pulled her away. “Let’s go, Ms. Owen.
” Stella’s voice faded into the distance. “Devon, I’ll wait for you. ” Devon turned to Vivian, his voice a snarl. “Vivian, just you wait.
You’re going to pay for this. ” Vivian watched him go, her expression unreadable. Her assistant whispered, “Stella is such an idiot. Forget about them.
Vivian, congratulations on winning the bid. ” Vivian’s smile was tired. “Seriously? You didn’t pull any strings for this, did you?
” The assistant shook her head. “After our rigorous review, the George Group won with advanced plan and competitive pricing. You win fair and square. Let’s congratulate her.
”
The weeks that followed were a blur of triumph and emptiness. Then, the phone rang. It was the bank. Devon stood at the counter, his voice desperate.
“Sir, how can I help you today? ” The clerk’s tone was cold. “I need a business loan. Sorry, sir.
Your credit score is too low for a loan. ” Devon’s face reddened. “What are you talking about? I graduated from a top school and work in a listed company.
How could my credit score be low? ” The clerk sighed. “I’m sorry. Your bank accounts have been frozen.
” Devon’s voice rose. “It’s impossible. You must have made a mistake. I need a loan.
Give me the money. ” The clerk’s voice was firm. “Sir, please calm down. Security!
Security! ” Devon was escorted out, his face a mask of fury. “You! Hey, let go of me.
Let go of me. ”
Stella met him outside, her face etched with worry. “Devon, how did it go? Did you get the loan?
” Devon’s voice was bitter. “It’s all Vivian’s fault. That ruined my credit score. Forget the loan.
Even my bank accounts are frozen. ” Stella’s face went pale. “Oh, no. How will I pay my gambling debts then?
” Devon’s eyes narrowed. “What? Gambling debts? ” Stella’s voice was desperate.
“Devon, you must help me. The loan sharks will chop my hands off. You can’t just let them kill me. ” Devon’s voice was cold.
“Right. Just beg Vivian. She’s soft-hearted. She’ll help us out.
” Stella shook her head. “I’ll never give in to her. Asking her for help? Don’t even think about it.
” Devon’s voice was sharp. “The loan sharks are in my door. Please help me out. ”
Later that day, Vivian stood at her office window, the city lights glittering below.
Stella burst in, her face drawn. “Vivian, I’m here to beg for your forgiveness. ” Vivian’s voice was flat. “You must show me some sincerity first.
” Stella’s voice was desperate. “I’ll do anything for you, whether it’s running the company or handling family affairs. I swear that you’ll be my only woman. I’ll be devoted to you.
” Vivian’s smile was cold. “Do you want me, or do you want my money? ” Stella’s voice was too quick. “Of course I want you.
Vivian, it must be hard for you to run the company. Let me come back and help you. ” Vivian shook her head. “The George Group was built by my father.
My husband and I run it now. It’s none of your business. ” Stella’s voice cracked. “Vivian, if you don’t help me, I’ll be done for.
” Vivian’s voice was final. “You’re a grown-up. You can work for a living. ” Stella’s voice rose.
“Vivian, but… ” Vivian turned away. “Just get lost. ”
That night, Devon’s rage festered.
He drove through the dark streets, his mind a whirlwind of hate. He saw Vivian’s car ahead and floored the accelerator. The impact was deafening. Metal screamed against metal.
Vivian’s car spun off the road and flipped. Devon’s hands shook on the wheel, his breath ragged. He got out, his footsteps echoing in the silence. He saw Vivian’s body in the wreckage, her hand twitching.
He pulled out a knife, his heart pounding. Then he saw her eyes flutter open. “Vivian? ” She whispered, “Sorry about that, but I’m still alive.
” Devon’s face contorted. “How is that possible? ” Vivian’s voice was weak but steady. “Stop looking.
The person lying there is your father, Jace Harrison. ” Devon froze, his blood running cold. He turned and saw his father’s crumpled form in the passenger seat. “You did this on purpose?
” Vivian’s smile was faint. “You’ve brought this on yourself. Colton would be thrilled if he knew about this. ” Devon’s scream echoed through the night.
The next day, Jace’s funeral was a somber affair. Colton walked in, his face grim. “Jace? I’ve already fired you.
” Devon’s voice was desperate. “Vivian, I came here to apologize for Devon. He’s young and impulsive. Please forgive him.
” Vivian’s voice was cold. “Who do you think you are? Just because I respected you, you think you can boss me around? After all, we’ve known each other for years.
So, that gives you the right to steal from me? Get out. You’re trespassing my property. Don’t make me call the security.
” Jace’s voice was weak. “All right. All right. I’ll go.
Vivian… ” Vivian turned away. “Just go to hell. ”
Devon stood at the edge of the grave, his hands shaking.
He pulled out a document, his voice a whisper. “All of these cars are so expensive. Once I sell this car, everything will be fine. I’ll call Devin right now.
No. No way. I don’t believe it. ” Then, his phone buzzed.
It was a message: the car was his father’s, and the signature was forged. He was broke. His voice rose to a scream. “Vivian!
You killed my dad. You hit his car and you stabbed him. ” Vivian’s voice was calm. “This has nothing to do with me.
If you hadn’t kicked us out, we wouldn’t end up like this. Devin, you’ve brought this upon yourself. The law will bring you to justice. ” Devon’s voice was a snarl.
“I don’t care. Today you must die. ” He lunged at her, but Colton stepped in front of her. The knife plunged into his chest.
“Doc, can you help? Just stay alive. Be good. I’ll always love you.
Colton. ” Devon’s face was a mask of horror as police sirens filled the air. “Devin Harrison, you’re under arrest for murder. ”
Vivian knelt beside Colton, her tears falling onto his face.
“Colton. Doc, how is he doing? Colton, please wake up, okay? As long as you wake up, I’ll do anything you say.
I won’t be selfish anymore. ” Colton’s eyes fluttered open. “Vivian. Vivian.
” Vivian’s voice broke. “Oh. How could you mistake me for someone else? ” Colton’s voice was weak.
“Vivian, just let go. ” Vivian’s voice was fierce. “No. I love you.
I love you. I’ll never leave you again. ” Colton winced. “You’re pressing on my wound.
” Vivian laughed through her tears. “Oh. I had this horrible dream just now. It’s a world without you.
” Colton smiled. “It’s all over now. From now on, the baby and I will always be with you. ” Vivian’s eyes widened.
“Baby? Colton. You’re going to be a father. ” Colton’s hands trembled.
“Let me hear it. It’s not big enough. The baby said he’ll come out soon. ” Vivian’s smile was radiant through her tears.
“You’re lying. Colton, I’ll always be with you. “
