Chapter 159
Chapter 159
Cedric was all brawn and no brains, and his grudge against the Sinclair family was basically public knowledge now. So when Edward Sinclair tried to team up, Cedric was ready to turn him down–until he caught wird that Charles might be putting a piece of his land up for sale.
People had been gossiping about that land for ages, everyone curious about what kind of building Charles was planning to put up.
But Charles hadn’t started any construction at all. Some thought he was dissatisfied with the current government zoning, waiting for the next round of changes, and rumors swirled that he’d gotten insider info ahead of time–which was why he could afford to play the long game.
When Edward met with Cedric, he dangled that land as bait.
“Cedric, didn’t you ask about that plot before?” Edward pressed.
Cedric’s expression darkened. Back when Vivian and Charles got along, he’d asked Charles about the land, but Charles just played the old fox–always dodging the topic and never actually considering a sale.
That just made even more people think Charles had some insider info.
Now that Vivian was out of the picture, the CEO position was up for grabs, and Grandpa Jonathan had already started talks with Grady.
Cedric’s eyes burned with resentment at the thought. If he could get his hands on that land, maybe Grandpa Jonathan would actually consider him for the job.
He was just a little less scheming than Grady’s kids, that was all.
Edward caught the look in Cedric’s eyes and smirked. “You know everyone’s watching Charles put that land up for sale. Any idea why he’s doing it?”
Cedric scoffed, leaning back in his chair. ‘If I didn’t know the reason for this, I’d have been wasting all these years in the business, he thought.
Word around the industry was that Charles had fallen out with the Andrade manor. The shipping routes to Drakeland got messy, and he’d already sunk three billion yuan into fixing things, with another two billion needed soon. For a company that size, cash flow is everything–if their reserves drop below a certain threshold, every project in the company is on the edge.
That’s why Charles had no choice but to put the land up for sale–he needed the cash, urgently.
Everyone’s been watching Charles scramble to handle all the trouble the Andrade manor stirred up, so news about the land brought plenty of companies circling.
Otherwise, who’d risk chasing after something even Charles doesn’t want?
Just goes to show, Charles is still too green–if he had more experience dealing with someone like Grandpa Jonathan, he wouldn’t have ended up in this mess.
11:19 Sat, Oct 4
Chapter 159
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155 Vabcher
Edward leaned in close, his voice low. “Looks like you’re already aware there are a few other companies competing for this land. But I can let you in on the lowest price…”
That’s some serious sincerity.
Cedric’s eyes flickered, a sly grin forming. “Go on, what is it you want from me?”
“Easy. The Sinclair family’s black sheep is about to come home, and the kid they exiled overseas looks set to return too. Raventon’s territory is in your hands now–I want both of them gone. Make sure neither of them ever sets foot in this country again.”
For Cedric, that was nothing. Taking out people was his bread and butter.
But with Grady’s passing, things were still calm in Raventon–for now, anyway, since word hadn’t reached them yet. Once the news hit, he’d have to dash over and put out whatever chaos was about to break loose. But looking at Vivian’s situation, resentment was boiling inside him–he just couldn’t stand the thought of walking
away.
He drew a slow breath, clenching his fists. ‘I have to help Vivian take the CEO seat–no matter what.’
“Alright, I’ll take care of it. But you have to do me a favor in return. Vivian absolutely hates Yolanda–and since you’re a Sinclair, I bet you know how to get rid of her without anyone ever finding out. I can’t go after her myself right now; the timing’s just wrong.”
Yolanda’s fate didn’t bother Edward in the slightest. He let out a quiet chuckle. “Deal.”
Yolanda knew deep down that ever since Edward handed her that bottle of pills, he’d never planned for her to walk away in one piece.
If anything happened to Charles, Edward would pin it all on her.
Now that Edward was teaming up with Cedric, she figured she could play the same game–reach out to someone else in the Andrade manor and turn the tables on Cedric.
Cedric still wanted her dead; she had to take him down first.
She pulled out her phone and started scrolling through Twitter, looking for any clues. With so many contacts, it didn’t take long to figure out where Quentin Andrade was.
Quentin was Vivian’s cousin, and the only one among the younger generation of the Andrade family with a real position of power.
He had an older brother, but Quentin wasn’t interested in the CEO seat at the Andrade Group. Still, he wouldn’t just sit back and watch it go to someone like Cedric–a hothead who didn’t know the first thing about running a company. No, Quentin would definitely step in.
Three nights later, Yolanda found out Quentin would be at a hotel that evening. She didn’t waste a second- she hopped in her car and headed straight there.
But she didn’t expect to run into Simone and Ian in the lobby.
11:20 Sat, Oct 4
Chapter 159
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Surprise flickered across her face, but it was Simone who spoke first. “Yolanda, what are you doing here?
Yolanda was scrambling for an excuse when Jan jumped in. “I asked Ms. Grant to come. Ms. Sinclair, I’m a little nervous.”
The hotel was luxurious and exceptionally discreet–an exclusive business club favored by celebrities and politicians who valued their privacy.
Simone instantly broke into a smile.
“Honestly, I thought you were the cool, unflappable type. But relax! The directors saw your highlight reel and specifically asked me to bring you. Come on, there are tons of directors here tonight—you’ll be fine.”
Ian nodded, eyes landing on Yolanda. “Ms. Sinclair, mind if I steal Ms. Grant for a quick chat?”
Simone got it–since lan was working with Yolanda, she just gave a little nod and headed into the elevator first.
Ian glanced around, then motioned Yolanda to follow him, sneaking off together to a quiet spot behind a large potted plant in the hotel courtyard.
“Ms. Grant, you didn’t come here just to see me, did you?” Ian asked, his voice low.
Yolanda pinched his cheek playfully, then ran her fingers over his earring. “I’m here to see someone.”
Ian let out a playful snort, hands looping around her waist as if measuring it. “So, when are you done tonight? Can I steal you for a while after?”
Yolanda glanced down at her phone. “Sure. I’ll be home before ten.”
Ian’s eyes sparkled, and he swept in, cupping her cheeks to kiss her. “Then I’m heading upstairs first.”
Yolanda nodded. When she reached the elevator, it was already gone.
She took out a pale lipstick and freshened up her look, using the shiny wall as her mirror.
Just then, Leo spoke up behind her. “Don’t tell me you heard Joelle Monroe was having her welcome party here tonight and came on purpose?”
‘Joelle Monroe’s actually back in the country?‘ Yolanda mused.
‘She really keeps her timing tight,‘ Yolanda thought.
11:20 Sat, Oct 4
Chapter 160
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
Part 1: The Discovery of BetrayalYolanda Grant’s marriage was built on patience, sacrifice, and quiet endurance — but that illusion shattered in one night. It was late when she arrived at a dark, empty alley after receiving a mysterious message with an address. At first, she thought it was a misunderstanding. After all, her husband Charles Sinclair — a man of wealth, power, and refined taste — would never lower himself to something so vulgar. But when she saw him holding a young woman in his arms, kissing and touching her like a man possessed, every ounce of denial drained from her. Charles, the proud and disciplined businessman, was cheating — and in a filthy alleyway, no less.Part 2: The Scene of HumiliationFrom the safety of her car, Yolanda watched as the scene unfolded. The woman clinging to Charles was frail, trembling, and emotional, like a flower blooming in the mud. The surroundings — the stained floor, damp walls, and suffocating darkness — mocked everything Charles had always claimed to be. This wasn’t just infidelity; it was degradation. Yolanda’s mind swirled with disbelief. Her husband, who obsessed over class and perfection, had become a man of impulse and dirt. She didn’t confront him or make a scene; she didn’t even cry. Instead, she leaned back in her seat, numb, realizing that her marriage was already over in spirit.Part 3: Two Years of DevotionAs she sat there, flashes of the past flooded her mind. Two years of marriage — two years of her trying to please him in every way. She had known from the start that Charles didn’t love her. On their wedding day, he had made it painfully clear that his heart already belonged to another woman. Still, Yolanda married him out of hope, out of love, out of the foolish belief that devotion could melt even the coldest heart. She gave up her career, her ambitions, and her independence, just to prove she was worthy of him. She cared for him like a nurse for her patient — cooking his meals, planning his wardrobe, and tending to every detail of his life. And in return, she got nothing but distance and silence.Part 4: The Breaking PointNow, watching him entwined with another woman, everything she had built inside her — the patience, the sacrifice, the illusion — collapsed. The man she had once called her husband had become unrecognizable. He had torn off his noble mask and revealed himself as nothing more than a beast driven by desire. Yolanda felt like she’d been slapped, her dignity shattered into pieces. But instead of screaming or crying, she felt an eerie calm. Her pain was too deep to express. All she could think was: This marriage must end.Part 5: Charles’s UneaseWhile Yolanda drove home, Charles suddenly sensed that something was wrong. The headlights of a passing car illuminated his face, and a chill ran down his spine. He didn’t know whose car it was, but unease stirred in his chest. The girl in his arms whimpered for his attention, but his mind was already elsewhere. Straightening his clothes, he pulled away coldly. “That’s enough for tonight,” he said flatly. “The company’s got big projects. I can’t afford divorce rumors right now.” His words revealed not love, but calculation — every move guided by image and control. The girl, blinded by her feelings, agreed softly, claiming she would wait. But to Charles, it was just another temporary indulgence.Part 6: The Return HomeWhen Yolanda returned home, the villa felt colder than ever. She had just come out of the shower when Charles entered the bedroom, carrying his jacket. He looked as immaculate as always — tall, handsome, commanding — but tonight, his arrogance seemed cruel. On his pristine white shirt, Yolanda noticed a faint smear of pink lip gloss. She had never worn lip gloss; she hated its stickiness. That small, shiny mark told her everything she needed to know. As she dried her hair, she kept her expression neutral, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing her pain.Part 7: The Cold ConversationCharles glanced at her and asked casually, “When did you get back?”“This afternoon,” she replied.He loosened his tie, unbuttoning his shirt as if nothing had happened. “I was out playing golf tonight,” he added. The lie rolled off his tongue effortlessly. Through the reflection in the window, Yolanda saw the dirt on his back — proof that golf wasn’t the only game he’d been playing. With quiet fury, she shot back, “Then I guess you scored plenty of holes. Congrats.”Her sarcasm caught him off guard. For the first time, he frowned, slightly unsettled. He wasn’t used to this tone from her — the woman who once worshiped him now sounded indifferent, almost mocking.Part 8: His Cruel ArroganceInstead of apologizing, Charles smirked and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Are you mad? I told you when we got married that I didn’t love you. If you’re that unhappy, find someone else to cheat with.” His words cut through her like a blade. It wasn’t just betrayal anymore — it was humiliation. He treated her heartbreak as an inconvenience, as if her pain were irrelevant. Inside, Yolanda’s chest felt like it was being strangled with wire, every breath searing. Yet she stayed silent. Her quietness, once a sign of love, now turned into armor.Part 9: The Memory of InnocenceIn that moment, Yolanda’s mind drifted back to when she first met Charles. She was young, freshly adopted into the Grant family, and he was already the picture of perfection — disciplined, confident, untouchable. Back then, she looked at him with admiration and love. To her, he was everything she aspired to be. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that this same man would someday make her feel worthless. All those years of love, of marriage, of giving — they now felt like a cruel joke.Part 10: A New Beginning Hidden in the Word “Fine”Charles chuckled when she finally said, “Fine.” To him, it was just another empty threat, another outburst that would fade with time. He kissed her cheek, confident that her love would keep her shackled to him forever. What he didn’t realize was that this time, “Fine” wasn’t surrender — it was goodbye. Behind her calm eyes, Yolanda had already made her decision. The love that once bound her had turned to ash, and from that ash, something new was forming — strength.Chapter 1 ends with Yolanda’s quiet determination to take back her life. She won’t cry or beg anymore. This time, she’ll walk away — not as a broken wife, but as a woman reborn through betrayal.
