Chapter 108
Chapter Title: A Clash of Hearts
Tony released his grip on Myra’s arm, his attention drifting over to where Belle stood, isolated and clearly upset. The sight of her—chewing on her lip, eyes glistening with unshed tears—sent a pang of something unfamiliar through Myra. She couldn’t explain why, but it felt like a rush of disappointment as Tony began walking toward Belle.
Myra shook her head and turned her focus back to her golf swing, trying to block out the scene. She focused on the motion, just as Tony had taught her. Stay composed. Don’t let distractions take you off course, she reminded herself.
Belle, however, wasn’t content to stay quiet. As Tony approached her, she looked up at him, eyes red-rimmed, and asked in a voice laced with vulnerability, “Tony, is that woman… your girlfriend?”
The question hit Myra in a way she hadn’t expected. She wasn’t sure why it stung, but it did. She couldn’t bring herself to look at them directly as Belle continued, chewing her lip like a sad puppy. She was clearly hurt, and that was enough to make Myra’s heart tighten.
Belle’s voice quivered as she tried to make sense of things. “I thought… I thought Tony and I were going to be together. But you…” Her eyes flickered to Myra, still practicing her swing from a distance, and it was obvious she wasn’t happy about it. “What does she have that I don’t?”
Tony’s reaction was calm, almost detached. He didn’t respond immediately, instead reaching for the pack of cigarettes he had been holding off on earlier. He lit one, the flicker of the flame illuminating his chiseled features, before exhaling a cloud of smoke. He was unfazed, but his words, when they came, were blunt.
“She’s not,” Tony answered, his tone casual.
Belle looked up, her brows furrowing slightly. “She’s not?”
Tony took another drag from his cigarette, his gaze sweeping to where Myra was still struggling to perfect her form. There was a quiet tenderness in his eyes, but the words he spoke next would leave Belle reeling.
“But she will be.”
The words hit Belle like a slap to the face. She looked at Myra, her mind racing. How could a woman like her—ordinary, just a simple office worker—compete with Belle? Myra wasn’t from an influential family, didn’t have the prestigious background, and didn’t have the kind of social standing Belle was used to.
“Why?” Belle cried out, her tears spilling uncontrollably now. “Why her? What does she have that I don’t? I have more than she could ever dream of. I’ve been abroad, I have family connections, and I’m… I’m not ugly!” She wiped at her eyes, her hands trembling in frustration. “Why her, Tony?”
Tony leaned in closer, the smoke from his cigarette swirling around him. He seemed lost in thought for a moment before he replied, his voice softer than before.
“She doesn’t have to be perfect,” he said, the words weighted with something deep and unspoken. “She already is. As long as I’m with her, that’s enough.”
Belle’s face crumpled in shock. The tenderness in Tony’s voice shook her. It was something she hadn’t expected, and it hurt more than anything. She took a step back, tears continuing to fall, her hands fisted in frustration.
“You’ll regret choosing her over me, Tony!” she shouted through her tears, her voice cracking. She turned and stormed off, disappearing into the restroom before Tony could respond.
Tony didn’t look after her. Instead, he dropped his cigarette into the bin with a casual flick, his face unreadable. His gaze shifted back to Myra, his eyes softening as he watched her, a rare gentleness filling his expression. There was no doubt in his mind now—Myra was the one he wanted.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, breaking the moment. He answered, his face hardening as a familiar voice filled his ear.
“Tony, have you confirmed your relationship with Myra at Wilson Golf Club?” Elliot’s voice crackled with urgency.
Tony looked around, scanning the area. “You don’t have to look around, Tony. There are plenty of people who saw the scene earlier,” Elliot continued, a note of panic creeping into his voice. “What’s going on? Myra still hasn’t divorced. She’s been labeled as ‘your woman’ after the Hilliville Project leak. Is this really the right time for this?”
Tony raised a brow. “Why not?”
Elliot choked on his words, momentarily speechless. It was rare for Tony to be so blunt, especially on such a delicate matter. Elliot hesitated before answering, “What if those two—Sean and his people—cause trouble for her again?”
Tony’s expression hardened, and he responded flatly, “Isn’t that why you’re here?”
The implication was clear, and Elliot fell silent, realization dawning on him. Tony wasn’t just dismissing his concern; he was relying on him to handle whatever came next. Elliot swallowed the lump in his throat, suddenly feeling the weight of Tony’s trust.
After ending the call, Tony went to a nearby lounge, retrieving a towel for Myra. It was already nearing noon, and the warmth of the day had started to make her sweat.
He approached her, the cool towel brushing her forehead. Myra flinched at the sudden touch but didn’t pull away. As he gently wiped away the sweat, she attempted to grab the towel from him, but Tony swiftly passed it to an employee instead.
“Elliot wants to meet you for lunch,” he said, a casual note in his voice.
Myra paused, surprised by the sudden request. “Elliot? Why?”
Tony seemed to read her thoughts and added, “We can talk about your matter at lunch as well.”
Myra thought about it for a moment before nodding. She didn’t have anything pressing to do now that her visit to Chase Group had fallen through, and the opportunity to speak with Elliot might be useful.
The two of them made their way to the changing rooms to freshen up. As Myra was about to leave, she was stopped by Belle, who was waiting near the exit. Her appearance was disheveled, her makeup smeared, and the intensity in her gaze sent a chill through Myra.
“Myra Stark?” Belle sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.
Myra’s unease grew, sensing Belle’s hostility. She turned slightly, her expression neutral as she answered, “Yes, that’s me.”
Belle’s cold laugh echoed in the room. “I’ve looked into you. You’re the daughter of the Stark family. And you married Sean Chase of the Chase family. Today, the Chase family announced that you leaked confidential documents from Chase Group to Hart Group.”
Myra stiffened at the mention of the leak, the topic still fresh and raw. Belle’s words were pointed, meant to provoke her. She clenched her jaw, trying to remain composed.
“Miss Bridgers,” she said with a hint of irritation in her voice, “can you get to the point?”
Belle’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Leave Tony. With your status, you don’t deserve him—not after what you’ve done. He’s not someone you can take advantage of.”
Myra’s mind raced. Belle was threatening her, playing up her status and connections, as if she could drive Myra away with her words. But Myra wasn’t going to let her intimidation work.
“I believe you’ve misunderstood us, Miss Bridgers,” Myra said coolly, not allowing herself to show any weakness. “I have no intention of taking advantage of Director Hart, and I’ve never wanted anything more with him. As for the Chase Group’s confidential information, if you don’t know the full story, I suggest you stay quiet. And one more thing about Director Hart—”