Chapter 190 Choices
Luckily, Anne rushed in and kicked off the livestream without much delay. Aria had already posted the announcement on the platform earlier, so a bunch of people were waiting. But since we started way later than planned, a lot of folks were pretty ticked off, and the complaints started rolling in. Of course, there were also plenty of people just there for the drama.
Anne started the live stream, her eyes all red and teary, her voice all choked up as she dramatically explained how her screw-up led to Edward misunderstanding me. I just followed the script we had prepared. Anne was so convincing that I almost bought into her story myself, making me doubt the whole charade.
I kept my eyes glued to the teleprompter, delivering my lines with as much emotion as I could muster, terrified of messing up and setting Anne off. To me, this whole livestream felt like a pointless circus, and I just wanted it to be over so I could talk to Edward about the divorce.
Once I finished my part, I was done. No matter what happened between Anne and me after this, at least for now, the audience thought we had patched things up.
But I didn't leave right away. I stayed on camera, watching Anne's and Aria's performances. To my surprise, Aria was a natural, showing so much affection for Anne that it was almost believable. As the stream went on, she even hugged Anne and cried, making it all look super touching. I regretted not studying the script more; maybe I could've done a better job.
Just as I was getting lost in the spectacle, Edward suddenly barged into the frame, making the already cramped screen even more crowded. I knew his appearance meant the stream was wrapping up, and I felt a wave of relief. But then Edward pulled us all into a big group hug, declaring, "We are one loving family."
The comments section exploded. Some people were shocked by the sudden reunion, while others joked about the over-the-top plot twist. We knew it was all just a show to calm things down, but seeing all the comments and excitement, I realized the stream had done its job.
After Edward let go, we all smiled and waved at the camera, saying goodbye to the viewers. As soon as the stream ended, I let out a huge sigh of relief. It was time to have that divorce talk with Edward.
Even though the livestream had left me on edge and exhausted, I felt strangely awake and exhilarated.
I broke the silence first. "Edward, that livestream was just a quick fix. We both know it didn't solve anything. I still think we should go ahead with the divorce; it's the best thing for both of us."
Edward was quiet for a bit, then looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Didn't we just say? We are a loving family."
Seeing that stubborn look on his face, I knew today's talk wasn't going to go my way. I walked past him, opened the door, and left the office.
Suddenly, Edward called out behind me, "Tomorrow, I'll send someone to discuss the division of property with you."
I was taken aback by his sudden change of heart but quickly left. As soon as I stepped out, Lila rushed over and gave me a big hug. "Diana, you've worked so hard," she said, her voice full of comfort and pity.
I just shook my head and walked with her towards the stairwell. The moment we stepped outside, a cold wind hit us, making me shiver. Right then, David's pink sports car pulled up in front of us.
Before I could react, Lila dashed off, saying, "Diana, I have some work to do at the firm and can't take you home. David will take you back."
With that, she hopped into her car. I wasn't sure if Lila was really busy or if she had set this up with David, but she left me standing there at the Howard Group office building.
David got out of the car, walked up to me, struck a cool pose, and said, "Come on, I'll take you home."
I was a bit surprised and asked, "Why are you here?"
David, back to his usual carefree self, smiled and said, "Lila's busy with work, so I, the free labor, have to be your driver."
With that, I got into the car without any fuss, muttering, "What's there to be busy with so late at night?"
David heard me and sighed. "Diana, handing Stellar Legal Advisors over to Lila might not have been the best move."
I rolled my eyes and asked, "Why do you say that?"
David started the car and sighed again. "I supported the firm because I believed in Nolan's skills and connections. When Edward took over, with the Howard Group's resources, it did well. But Lila, she's still too young." He was being polite, but it was clear he doubted Lila's abilities.
I pressed on, "You doubt Lila's ability?"
David laughed. "Is there any doubt? Just look at the firm's scale; can't you see?"
I sighed. He had a point. Since Lila took over, the firm had been shrinking. But Lila was working harder than ever. I couldn't help but wonder if putting her in charge was the right call.
David glanced at me and broke the silence. "Diana, I know you value friendship, but business isn't just about passion."
Images of Lila staying up late to review files and running around to build connections flashed through my mind.
I clenched the hem of my clothes and retorted, "She's still young, and she has room to grow. I believe she can make a transformation."
David snorted. "The business world is ruthless and won't wait for her to grow slowly. Many big clients have already been poached by competitors. If this continues, Stellar Legal Advisors will have to close down."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
