Chapter 426 Different Values
Just when we were drowning in work, Jeffrey showed up.
He strolled into my office, his polished shoes clicking crisply against the floor. A warm smile played on his lips, and every step oozed confidence.
I heard the noise and looked up from the mountain of paperwork. My tired eyes scanned the doorway.
His perfectly tailored suit was a stark contrast to my exhausted state, making it seem like he came from another world.
I looked at Jeffrey, noticing the slight upward curve of his mouth, forming a seemingly perfect smile.
At first glance, it appeared full of concern for me, as if he was genuinely worried about my well-being. But when my gaze met his eyes, I saw a depth and flicker of light that hinted at something elusive, something I couldn't quite grasp.
"Diana," Jeffrey began, his tone deliberately softened, as if soothing a distressed child. "I heard you've been overworking yourself because of Edward."
He shook his head gently, and I caught a fleeting hint of regret in his eyes. "Look at you, you've lost weight and seem so tired."
As he spoke, he took a step toward me, reaching out as if to comfort me.
But halfway through, he seemed to remember something and stopped, his hand suspended in mid-air.
"He's not worth all this effort. You're running yourself ragged for him, but what have you really gained?"
Each word he spoke was like a fine needle, silently and precisely piercing my heart.
I had been suppressing my anger, but Jeffrey's hypocritical words ignited my emotions completely.
I stood up abruptly, glaring at him, and demanded loudly, "Jeffrey, what's the deal with those photos and recordings of us? How did they end up with Fiona? What are you plotting?"
As I spoke, my hands clenched into fists, my body trembling with anger, each word squeezed out through gritted teeth.
A flash of panic crossed Jeffrey's face, but he quickly regained his composure.
He spread his hands wide, adopting an innocent expression, his voice filled with the urgency of someone falsely accused. "Diana, you've got it all wrong. I would never do something like that."
He shook his head quickly, his voice earnest. "I genuinely admire you, and I couldn't help but record our time together. But I swear, I never gave those to anyone!"
I glared at him, my eyes full of disdain and suspicion, my chest heaving with fury.
"Jeffrey, stop pretending," I retorted loudly, my voice trembling with emotion. "Do you think you can get away with this?"
I stepped closer, so close we could feel each other's rapid breaths. I stared unflinchingly into his eyes, trying to see through his facade.
Jeffrey kept denying it, his face still wearing that sincere mask, trying to convince me to work with him.
He shifted slightly, changing his angle, and spoke again, his voice gentle but firm. "Diana, calm down and think about it. We could create so much value together. Those photos have nothing to do with me. Let's not miss out on this opportunity because of a misunderstanding."
He reached out quickly, trying to grab my arm, but I jerked away, avoiding his touch.
Seeing that I wasn't swayed, Jeffrey continued to approach slowly, his eyes fixed on me, as if trying to catch any sign of hesitation in my expression.
"Be with me, Diana! With your abilities, we could achieve great things together. I can give you a better life—luxury goods, a mansion, it's all within reach. You deserve all of this. Think about it, no more worrying about trivial work, chauffeured in luxury cars, surrounded by the elite. This is the life you deserve."
As he spoke, he reached out, his hand moving toward my shoulder with an inappropriate intent. I instinctively stepped aside, feeling a wave of disgust.
I clenched the fabric of my clothes, my nails digging into my palms.
Despite Jeffrey's seemingly sincere words, I refused to believe a single one.
I suppressed the revulsion rising within me and glared at Jeffrey. "Jeffrey, do you think material things can sway me? Don't forget, I come from a wealthy family too. I'm a self-made entrepreneur, and I've seen it all. I built my career on my own abilities and relentless effort, not for superficial enjoyment. Your pitch won't work on me."
I lifted my chin slightly, my tone dripping with undisguised contempt.
Jeffrey was infuriated, his face darkening instantly. He gritted his teeth, his words squeezed out through clenched jaws.
"What do you know? You think I'm like you, aimlessly squandering family wealth? In our social circle, luxury goods and mansions are just the basics, the entry-level for socializing. You can't understand the significance behind it."
He raised his head slightly, snorting in an attempt to mask his inner turmoil with arrogance.
I couldn't help but laugh coldly at his words, responding sharply, "Don't use your social circle as a shield. I grew up in luxury too, but I know what my goals are. I understand that wealth's value lies in creation, not in flaunting or satisfying vanity. You think piling up material things can elevate your status, but it's just because you're empty inside. We may both come from privileged backgrounds, but our values are worlds apart, like two roads that will never meet."
I crossed my arms, leaning forward slightly, staring him down without fear, my disdain evident.
After a brief pause, I locked eyes with Jeffrey, a mocking smile slowly forming on my lips. "Instead of wasting your breath on me, why don't you go back to Anne? She'd love those luxury goods and mansions. She'd follow you blindly for them. You two are a perfect match."
I emphasized Anne's name, deliberately tearing away his facade.
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