Chapter 50
Tony remained silent as he led Myra to the car, his side profile cold and unyielding. Myra couldn’t help but wonder what had transpired upstairs with Old Master Hart, but she guessed it hadn’t gone well. Tony didn’t offer any explanation. His grip on her hand stayed firm, and the tension between them grew with each step.
When they reached the car, Leo swiftly opened the door for them. Tony let Myra climb into the backseat first, following behind without releasing her hand. Once inside, Myra dared a glance at him. His lips were tightly pressed, his face clouded with a deep frown that only made his expression appear darker. Yet, in that moment, it seemed he had forgotten the hold he had on her.
“Director Hart…” Myra spoke his name tentatively, concern edging her voice. Only then did Tony seem to notice. His eyes flickered to their joined hands, and with a slight narrowing of his eyes, he slowly let go.
Myra let out a quiet sigh of relief. The car’s atmosphere was still heavy, but soon they arrived at the Chase Residence. She thanked Tony softly before stepping out of the car. After a few steps, she hesitated and turned back to knock on the window on Tony’s side. Her heart skipped a beat as she met his profound gaze, but she quickly murmured, “I’m still very grateful for everything, Director Hart. Also… don’t stay too upset. I’m sure your family only wants what’s best for you.”
With that, she turned away and made her way toward the mansion. Behind her, Leo let out an internal sigh. Even though he hadn’t been in the study just now, he knew his boss well. From the way Tony had dragged Myra out earlier, it was clear to him that Tony’s grim expression was all an act.
“Miss Stark is no match for Director Hart,” Leo thought to himself. “He’s a master at pretending.”
As soon as Myra entered the Chase Residence, Eve rushed over with a worried look on her face. “You’re finally back, Myra!”
“What’s wrong, Mom?” Myra asked, feeling an overwhelming sense of exhaustion after a long day. She’d been dealing with so much, and now, all she wanted was some peace.
Eve hesitated, clearly torn about something, but she remained silent for a moment. Finally, she spoke. “I’ve been thinking about the Sunny Bay Project… and about what Sasha said.” She hesitated, then added, “Myra, I hope you know how important this project is. But no matter what, you shouldn’t have copied someone else’s work. Lucky for you, Sasha is my niece, and she said she won’t take legal action. But if word gets out, the Chase Group will be in huge trouble.”
Myra froze, her body stiffened at the accusation. She clenched her fists, trying to control the bitter smile that tugged at her lips. “Mom, do you also believe I plagiarized from the Hay Group?”
Her voice held a trace of despair, and Eve’s eyes shifted uneasily. “I didn’t mean that, Myra. I’m just saying that Sasha has agreed not to take any action, but…”
Myra turned away without another word. “I’m tired, Mom. Let’s talk about this tomorrow.”
Eve watched her go, her frown deepening.
Myra walked upstairs, the weight of the conversation still pressing heavily on her. When she entered her room, a blast of cold air greeted her. Home should have been her sanctuary, but instead, it had grown colder with each passing day.
The words Eve had just spoken stung. She never imagined the people closest to her would doubt her so easily. But, strangely, she didn’t feel as devastated as she thought she would. Was she simply becoming numb to it all?
A self-mocking smile curled at the corner of her lips. She thought of Henry, hoping he wouldn’t follow the same painful path she had. Serena was gentle and kind, much like Myra’s own mother. Both of them deserved happiness, but Myra couldn’t help but feel regret. She had never realized how precious the time she spent with others was until it was too late.
The bitterness in her heart lingered, but there was nothing she could do about it now.
The next morning, when Myra entered the office, she was met with whispers and stares. As she stepped into the elevator, it was clear the rumors had already spread. The usual bustle of the office had died down, and people hurried to get out of the elevator the moment she entered.
Tilly was the only one who stepped in after her, offering a reassuring smile.
“Myra, I believe in you, and Director Hart. Since he said he’ll look into this, I’m sure he can clear your name,” Tilly said, trying to lift her spirits.
Myra smiled faintly, her mind still on Tony. She didn’t know why, but for some reason, she trusted him.
Later that morning, Myra received a call from the Hart Group asking her to come over. They had uncovered the truth about the design issue.
As she made her way to the parking lot of Hart Group’s basement, Leo was already waiting for her near the elevator. He quickly led her to a special elevator reserved for the director, bypassing the regular one.