Chapter 109
Chapter Title: The Unspoken Truth
Myra took a deep breath. The thought of the noble and handsome man sent a ripple of panic through her, but she quickly regained her composure. “Miss Bridgers, if you truly care for Director Hart, you should win his heart through your own merits. If he loves you, no one else can take that place.”
Belle’s face shifted in reaction to Myra’s words. The memory of what Tony had said earlier seemed to crystallize in her mind. She thought bitterly, We both know that Tony loves the woman in front of me. Isn’t she just telling me that Tony loves her and no one else can claim his favor?
“Myra…” For the first time, Belle felt a surge of hatred deep within her. I’ve finally found the man I love, yet he doesn’t even spare me a glance, all because of the woman standing before me… The thought twisted inside her, and she looked at Myra with a strange humility she hadn’t known before. Softening her tone, she asked, “Tell me—what would it take for you to leave him?”
Myra’s expression grew more complicated. She bypassed Belle and walked ahead, replying, “I’ve already told you—I never sought to win Director Hart’s favor.”
How could I ever play his game? A bitter smile tugged at Myra’s lips, but Belle didn’t see it. All she saw was Myra’s form retreating into the dressing room, as her tears fell once more.
When Myra exited Wilson Golf Club, she found Tony waiting by his black Maybach. He gestured for her to get in, and though her thoughts were clouded with what Belle had said, she walked over, opened the car door, and slid into the seat.
Before she could fasten her seatbelt, Tony leaned toward her, but she quickly grasped the belt and gave him a polite smile. “I’ll do it myself, Director Hart.”
Tony narrowed his eyes, studying her for a moment before pulling back and returning to the driver’s seat. He started the car, an unspoken tension lingering between them. The journey was marked by an unsettling silence. Tony’s phone rang several times, but he dismissed the calls without answering.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, Myra stepped out of the car and immediately felt the comforting presence of Elliot, who had been waiting outside. He took her hand and pulled her a few steps away. In a hushed voice, he asked, “Miss Stark, did Tony go on a blind date just now?”
Myra, relieved to see Elliot, instinctively pulled her hand free of his grasp. “Yeah,” she replied, her mind still racing.
That’s what Tony said, but judging by Belle’s expression, their date didn’t go as planned.
She couldn’t help the faint smile that tugged at her lips despite herself.
Elliot, however, felt a knot form in his stomach. Wait, why does Myra seem so… pleased about Tony going on a date with someone else? His thoughts spiraled. Could it be that she has no feelings for him at all?
Soon, Tony arrived and joined them. The three of them entered the VIP room of the hotel, and Elliot, as if sensing the tension, sat next to Myra but seemed to blend into the background.
As Tony settled in next to Myra, he turned to her and asked casually, “You were about to discuss something with me, weren’t you?”
Myra snapped out of her thoughts at his words, her gaze locking with his. The intense depth in his eyes made her realize that he likely knew everything about what had happened with Chase Group. Even Belle knows about it, she thought.
With a forced smile, Myra spoke. “Director Hart, you must have heard that Chase Group’s trade secrets were stolen. All evidence is pointing to me. Sean is accusing me of leaking information to the Hart Group. I believe only the Hart Group can clear my name…”
The room fell silent.
Tony reached for his cigarette, then stopped as his eyes met Myra’s hopeful gaze. He set the cigarette down, tapping his fingers on the table instead. “Yes, I’ve heard.”
Myra’s voice became strained as she tried to hold on to her composure. “Well then…”
Tony didn’t rush to respond. Instead, he spoke slowly. “It’s true that someone from Chase Group disclosed the information to us, which is how we managed to liquidate the properties in Hilliville.”
Myra’s heart skipped a beat. It’s Lyla… She was certain now that Lyla was behind all of this.
But Tony’s next words sent a cold shiver down her spine. “However, I’m sure you realize that the Hart Group cannot help you with this, Miss Stark.”
Her heart sank. She’d already suspected as much. Helping her would only entangle the Hart Group in a far messier situation. Still, when Tony had invited her to golf earlier, she had foolishly hoped there might be another way—some plan of his that could turn things around.
But Tony’s gaze remained steady, giving her no hope.
She swallowed hard, asking, “Is there truly no other way?”
Tony shook his head. “Not this time. Not for now, at least.”
Myra exhaled sharply, forcing a calm smile. “I won’t push you, Director Hart. You’ve already done more than enough for me.”
She realized that she had no right to ask him for more. Why would he help me at all?
Elliot, sitting nearby, almost blurted out, I’m sure Tony would immediately offer to help if you agreed to be with him… But he wisely held his tongue. He didn’t dare speak that thought aloud—not with Tony sitting right there.
The atmosphere between the three of them grew even more strained.
Myra barely touched her food, finishing her meal quickly under the excuse of having something urgent to attend to. She left without a word, her thin frame disappearing into the night.
Elliot glanced at Tony, who was watching Myra leave. His gaze softened for a moment before he nudged Tony’s shoulder. “You were so cold to her, Tony. Don’t you think Mrs. Hart will be upset?”
Tony didn’t immediately respond. He stopped eating, pushed his chair back, and stood. “Do you think I want to see her upset?”
Elliot quickly corrected himself. “Of course not! But… should we move forward with the next step? From what I can tell, Chase Group’s shares have tanked. Some people might be so desperate that they’ll end it all.”
He chuckled, his mind already racing ahead. I’ve avenged Mrs. Hart, in a way.
Tony’s lips twitched into a brief, strained smile, but he didn’t respond right away. His brow furrowed as though lost in thought. Finally, after a long pause, he asked, “Will everything go according to plan?”
“Of course!” Elliot replied confidently. “Our plans are foolproof, especially this time.”
But what Elliot didn’t know was that Tony wasn’t thinking about their plan. Instead, his thoughts were consumed with Myra. He had been rejected by her too many times and now feared he might lose her for good.