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.