Lynn paused at the sight of me, then stuck out her tongue at Lorenzo playfully.

"Sorry, I forgot to knock again," she said.

Lorenzo smiled fondly, patting her head. "It's fine, but what's up this time?"

"It's lunchtime," she replied. "I heard of a good French restaurant. Will you take me there?"

He agreed without hesitation, forgetting I still had unsaid words.

Before leaving, he suddenly turned back. "Stella, it's noon. Wanna join us for lunch?"

I paused, dazed, trying to recall when we had lunch together the last time.

Ever since Lynn showed up, it felt like his world revolved around her.

I snapped out of it and declined, "It's fine. You two go ahead."

It was time to end things with him.

After leaving the company, I walked straight to the parking lot.

Once I got in the car, I checked my phone and realized I had been crying without noticing.

Wiping my tears away quickly, I took a deep breath and called home.

"Sweetie, what's up? Why are you calling me out of the blue?" asked my mother.

I held back the sobs in my voice. "Mom, I've decided. I'm ready for an arranged marriage anytime."

"Really?" Deborah Mason's voice was filled with surprise.

But then, she sighed, "I know you've been with Lorenzo for seven years, but he's never wanted to marry you. We don't have forever to wait. When youth is gone, he won't want you anymore."

She paused, then gently advised me, "But still, I hope you're not acting out of impulse. Marriage is a big deal. Don't rush into it."

I couldn't hold back my tears. "Mom, I understand. I'm not rushing. I'll listen to you this time."

The call ended, and it took me a while to calm down.

I touched up my makeup and drove off.

The pinned location turned out to be a French restaurant, and I frowned, hoping I wouldn't meet those I didn't want to see.

As soon as I entered the lobby, Lynn's voice came from behind me.

She looked at me with a smug smile. "Stella, what a small world! You're here, too. Lorenzo invited you, but you turned him down. Now you're secretly following us, huh? You're not doing this on purpose to make Lorenzo uncomfortable, are you?"

I remained silent, not interested in her game.

Just as I frowned, my phone buzzed.

On the screen was the number of the private room. Coincidentally, it was right next to where Lorenzo was.

"Stella Mason!" Lynn called out, jogging to block my way. "These days, the company has been preparing for the IPO. Lorenzo has been so busy. Can you stop bothering him? Let him have some peace."

She rambled on, "And aren't you over thirty already? Most people at your age are married with kids. Instead of bothering Lorenzo all the time, why not think about how you're going to live the rest of your life?"

I'd be a fool if I couldn't tell she was provoking me.

I stopped in my tracks, my gaze calm but with a hint of disdain. "Is this how you speak to company leaders? Even if I'm no longer working at the company, I'm still a shareholder. Who are you to talk to me like that? Besides, this is between me and Lorenzo. When did it become your business?"

My aggressive aura made Lynn flinch.

She didn't expect I could be so fierce.

She bit her lip and talked back, "I'm just speaking the truth. If you can't even handle these straightforward facts, how can you be a shareholder in the company?"

She paused, glancing at me, then continued, "I've known Lorenzo since we were kids. We grew up together. He has always said he'll marry only me. Why can't I have a say?"

Her eyes flicked to something behind me.

Before I could respond, she put on a pitiful expression. "I'm just thinking about the company. If you're still not happy with me, then fire me."

"Who is gonna fire you with me here?" Lorenzo walked out of the private room, his presence cold.

He shot me an icy glance. "Lynn is just a young girl, far from home working here. Can you ease up on that high-and-mighty attitude of yours and not take it out on her? If you've got issues or aren't happy about something, you can take it up with me. Don't make Lynn the target!"

I felt a surge of frustration. He didn't even ask; he just assumed I was the bad person.

I closed my eyes, forced myself to swallow the bitterness, and let out a deep breath. "Aren't you even going to ask why I want to fire her?"

I expected him to at least ask and try to understand, but instead, he scoffed, "With that bossy attitude of yours, what's there to ask? Lynn is timid, and she's had a tough life. She came here all alone, and I'm the only family she has. I won't let you hurt her."

Lynn tugged at his sleeve and bit her lip. "Please, don't fight with Stella. You two worked hard to build this company. If she wants to fire me, I'm sure she has her reasons. No one's ever liked me since I was a kid. I've gotten used to it. I'll resign tomorrow. I don't want to trouble you anymore."

"No way, I won't allow it!" Lorenzo said, his eyes flickering with pity.

I caught it, realizing everything Lynn said earlier was true.

Lorenzo glared at me, his voice cold and sharp. "You should apologize to Lynn!"

I stared at him in disbelief. "Why should I? I didn't do anything wrong."

He grabbed my wrist, pulling me forcefully in front of Lynn.

I lost my balance and stumbled, kneeling on the floor in humiliation, but he didn't relent.

"Hurry up and apologize to Lynn," he demanded. "My patience is limited. Don't make me use force."

I looked up and met his cold, emotionless gaze.

I couldn't understand how someone who once made promises to me could change so easily.

For another woman, he could be so ruthless with me.

"Given in. Lorenzo will be harsh with you for my sake," Lynn whispered with a smug smile.

I shut my eyes, refusing to utter a sound, but Lorenzo's hand slowly rested on my hair.

In that instant, I could feel the excruciating pain as he yanked my hair up. It felt like my scalp was being pulled off.

Just then, a voice came, "What a temper! Treating your partner like that."

A figure emerged from the next room, standing in front of me.

He grabbed Lorenzo's hand and looked at me, taking in my sorry state.