Chapter 241

Elliot Cole knew Owen Archer inside out.

After years of rivalry over the same woman, he'd even investigated what brand of underwear the man preferred.

When news broke that Vivienne Archer had finally called off her engagement to this scumbag, Elliot immediately flew back from abroad.

To his surprise, his goddess actually accepted his long-standing courtship.

Now that he'd won her heart, it was only natural to exact revenge on her behalf.

He planned to establish an entertainment company solely to poach Owen's business.

Of course, Owen recognized the Cole name.

Alexander Cole was a legend in the capital's business circles, having broken into the top ten wealthiest individuals before turning thirty-five.

More terrifyingly, the Cole family's influence ran unfathomably deep.

Never in his wildest dreams had Owen imagined this pretty-faced rival would turn out to be Alexander's younger brother.

Owen's complexion turned ashen.

After he'd dumped Vivienne, she'd actually climbed her way into the Cole family?

What stung most was realizing Elliot was several years Vivienne's junior.

Forcing a smile, Owen managed, "So it's young master Cole. I've heard much about you."

Elliot's grin turned razor-sharp. "Actually, I should thank you, Mr. Archer. Had you not let go, I'd never have gotten together with Vivienne."

"I've pursued her for twelve years straight. We're getting married this winter."

"You simply must attend our wedding banquet."

He knew exactly how to twist the knife.

The more Owen suffered, the happier he'd be.

Serves the bastard right for not appreciating Vivienne's worth.

He'd already informed his family—in a few days, he'd formally propose at the Archer residence.

Vivienne barely suppressed an eye roll.

When had she agreed to a winter wedding?

Still, she'd play along to bolster her boyfriend's ego in front of this trash.

Her lips curved into a dazzling smile. "Yes, Owen, you really must come."

That radiant expression pierced Owen's eyes like shards of glass.

They were marrying so soon?

An inexplicable sense of loss flooded his chest.

His strained smile remained. "Certainly."

Logically, he should be relieved—Vivienne would finally stop pestering him.

Then why did his heart ache so violently?

Elliot had no patience for further pleasantries. "We'll leave you to your guests, Mr. Archer."

Owen nodded mechanically. "Of course."

Watching Vivienne's retreating figure, a dark thought suddenly surfaced.

If only he'd...

Serena Blake clung to Owen's arm, her smile brittle.

She'd never expected Vivienne—that aging has-been—to land such an exceptional man after being discarded.

Life wasn't fair.

Seeing Owen stare after Vivienne triggered alarm bells.

"Owen, my feet hurt," she whined. "Let's sit down."

Owen snapped back to reality. "Fine."

Her delicate act used to charm him. Now it grated on his nerves.

Elsewhere, Roman Vale got summoned by his brother for networking.

Celine Valmont and Julian Valmont finally noticed the resemblance between the brothers.

Recalling their names, Celine's pulse quickened.

No wonder Roman's background proved untraceable—he was a Vale.

She warned her brother in hushed tones: "Stay away from Roman from now on."

Though spoiled, Julian wasn't stupid.

The Vale family operated on a level far beyond their reach.

Still, he muttered defiantly, "As long as he leaves me alone, I won't bother him."

Celine rolled her eyes. "Even if he provokes you, swallow your pride."

"Why should I?" Julian bristled. "The Valmont and Whitmore families aren't pushovers."

Her idiot brother might actually give her an aneurysm.

The Vales could crush their family like ants.

"Still angling for your inheritance?" she hissed. "Whitmore Group's stock crash already cost us millions."

"One more scandal, and grandfather might replace you as heir."

Recent Whitmore misfortunes had torpedoed multiple major projects.

Working at Whitmore Group now, Celine barely kept her head above water.

Julian's expression darkened.

The patriarch had been furious over the failed ventures lately.

Another screw-up could...

"Fine, I'll behave," he conceded grudgingly.

Celine nodded approvingly. "Now go apologize to Roman for injuring his arm last time."

"What?" Julian exploded. "Apologize to him? Never!"

He stormed off before she could respond.

No way would he humiliate himself publicly.

Celine stamped her foot in frustration.

That useless brat!

But she wouldn't waste this opportunity.

Her inquiries confirmed Roman's identity.

Conrad Vale had brought his brother specifically to introduce him to their social circle.

The youngest Vale—the family's most pampered prince.

This status instantly elevated Roman in everyone's eyes.

Celine freshened her makeup. Spotting Roman alone, she immediately approached.