CHAPTER 188
Piper had always believed that Xander's indulgence and leniency toward her over the past two years were signs of his affection. She had even spread rumours about their relationship, convinced that his calm demeanour and willingness to fulfil her demands meant he was in love with her. But now she was realizing that his actions might have been motivated by a promise to someone else.
Desperate, Piper clung to her last hope, pleading, “Xander, if it’s really about her, can you give me and my family another chance? For her sake?”
If not, the Schmidts might face the same fate as the Johnsons.
Piper had been accustomed to a life of luxury and privilege as Xander’s girlfriend and fiancée for the past two years. She enjoyed the high status and indulgence that came with it, but the thought of losing Xander’s support was terrifying.
In their world, prominence meant being celebrated, but a fall from grace could lead to utter disgrace. She had made many enemies over the years, all of whom had held back their resentment due to Xander’s influence. The idea of facing their wrath without his protection filled her with dread.
Just imagining the consequences of her downfall made her face grow pale with fear.
Xander’s patience had worn thin. With swift steps, he moved to his desk and pressed a button on the internal line. When the call connected, he said coldly, “Escort her out, Ronald.”
“Understood, Mr. King,” Ronald replied.
Ronald opened the office door and walked in, standing before Piper with a polite nod.
“Ms. Schmidt, please.”
Piper struggled to accept Xander’s harshness. She had believed that even if Xander had never harboured any feelings for her over the past two years, his regard for Ariana would temper his actions.
“Xander!” She fixed her gaze on him, her voice trembling with frustration. “Are you being this ruthless because of Ariana? Have you completely forgotten your promises to her? How can you let Ariana’s influence cloud your judgment so much that you’d abandon your commitment to ‘her’?”
Her remark seemed to trigger Xander, causing his expression to darken immediately.
“Leave.” Xander’s voice was icy and resolute. “Before I reconsider.”
Piper had never seen Xander like this before and was taken aback. She couldn’t manage another word; her throat felt constricted.
Seeing her reaction, Ronald dropped his courteous facade and firmly grasped Piper’s wrist, pulling her towards the door.
Piper, regaining her composure, began to struggle. “Let go of me! I’m not leaving until I’ve said—”
“Ms. Schmidt!” Ronald cut her off sharply. “I suggest you leave quietly. If you continue to create a scene, the repercussions will go beyond just ending your family’s business dealings with us.”
Piper had never taken Ronald seriously, so she was utterly shocked when he dared to warn her!
“Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to speak to me like that?" Piper retorted, maintaining her arrogant stance as a wealthy, privileged daughter.
“Xander’s just angry right now and isn’t thinking clearly. Once he cools off, I’ll make sure he fires you!”
Ronald, trained to maintain his composure, rarely let anything ruffle him. But at that moment, he couldn’t suppress his amusement.
The situation had spiralled out of control, but Piper remained unrepentant. Her arrogance and ignorance were almost comical.
Ronald had often wondered why his boss tolerated Piper's behaviour, but it became clear only now that it wasn't about Piper at all. Xander had endured her antics solely because of a promise made to someone else.
Piper likely knew that deep down, but she still clung to her delusions, spinning lies she convinced herself were true. It was as if her mind served no other purpose than to maintain her façade.
Having endured her tantrums more times than he could count over the past two years, Ronald was beyond caring. He let a smirk play on his lips and, without a hint of politeness, said, “Time to face reality, Ms. Schmidt. Mr King’s done protecting you after you crossed the line with his wife. Remember Tiana, Mr. King's secretary?”
Tiana Reece had worked in the CEO’s office, known for her striking figure and impeccable style.
Of course, Piper remembered Tiana. She often made life difficult for the woman, warning her not to get too close to Xander. Piper had even feigned complaints to Xander, claiming Tiana was bullying her and subtly suggesting she be fired. Naturally, Xander didn’t take the bait.
“Why are you bringing her up?” Piper asked warily.
Ronald’s smile widened. “Oh, no special reason. I just thought you’d like to know that Tiana was let go a few months back and has vanished from the industry altogether.”
After a brief pause, Ronald’s tone became noticeably lighter. “You see, Tiana’s downfall came because she overstepped and offended Mrs. King. Mr. King had her removed without hesitation.”
“…No… That’s impossible!” Piper shook her head repeatedly in denial. “It can’t be true!”
She had tried countless times to get Tiana removed, only to fail each time. How could Arianna, of all people, manage to sway Xander so easily?
Piper’s thoughts spiralled as she clung to her beliefs. She was convinced that Xander and Arianna didn’t have a genuine relationship. In her mind, Arianna had somehow forced him into marriage. Even now, she was certain Xander’s anger stemmed from being dragged into the scandal, not because of Arianna!
Despite the facts being laid out before her, Piper refused to see the truth. Ronald realized there was no point in arguing further.
