Chapter 123
Chapter Title: A Bold Move
Myra’s face flushed red like the sunset as she reflected on her earlier actions and words. Her embarrassment was almost palpable.
“Tony Hart!” she growled in a low, playful voice, sounding almost like an annoyed kitten.
When Tony saw her flustered expression, a gentle warmth appeared in his cold eyes. He took her hand, which she had intended to pull away, and tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ears. “Fangirling about me early in the morning?” he teased, his voice smooth and mocking.
Myra turned her face further away, her cheeks heating even more. “I just think you’re a fool.”
He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “How so? Do enlighten me.”
She was unsure whether Tony was pretending to be unaware or if he truly didn’t understand, but his smile was too genuine to seem like mockery. Myra shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, the weight of her thoughts pressing on her. She knew they’d have to face numerous challenges if they were to be together, one of which was the formidable Hart family.
“I’m already married and about to be a divorcee. Only you would want a woman like me. There are so many wonderful women in Bradfort City, but you only have eyes for me.”
When Myra spoke, she wasn’t trying to sound miserable; the words came out without bitterness, almost as if she were reflecting on her own situation.
“Who said I can’t fall for a divorced woman?” Tony’s voice grew softer but no less intense. His eyes narrowed with a knowing gleam. “Are you aware of the phrase—‘there’s light at the end of the tunnel’?”
Myra blinked at him, her expression absent as she nodded, not fully comprehending his words.
Tony reached out, caressing her head affectionately, ruffling her hair more than intended. “Don’t you think you’ve had enough bad luck? It’s time to change it.”
She hesitated, his words resonating, yet still unsure. “How do you know my luck will change? What if the bad luck keeps following me?”
Tony smirked playfully. “I know magic.”
Myra’s surprise turned into a hesitant chuckle. It felt almost absurd, but somehow his words brought both amusement and a twinge of sadness.
Before she could respond, Tony pulled her back into his embrace, and in the next moment, his lips captured hers. His kiss was quick and deliberate, marking her skin once again with affection and desire. When he pulled away, his gaze lingered on the fading marks from the previous night. His eyes darkened slightly as he pressed more kisses into the curve of her neck, claiming her once again.
Myra sat up, her heart racing. “I’m going to the Civil Affairs Bureau today,” she said softly, almost as an afterthought.
“You don’t want me to accompany you?” Tony’s voice was quiet, but his concern was evident.
Myra grasped the blanket beneath her tightly, shaking her head. “Maybe not. I don’t want to involve you in this… it’s personal. I don’t want others to look at you differently.”
Tony didn’t press her. Instead, he squeezed her hand gently and responded with calm understanding. “After it’s done, call me. I’ll pick you up.”
After a moment of contemplation, Myra didn’t reject his offer. She needed him, whether she admitted it to herself or not.
Later, when Myra called Eve to let her know her plans, Eve fell silent for a long time before she reluctantly agreed. As much as Eve felt guilty, Myra couldn’t shake the feeling that she was just a hypocrite. She hung up the phone without waiting for further words.
On her way to the Civil Affairs Bureau, Estelle called, her voice filled with fury. She had just heard about Myra’s situation from Shawn, and she couldn’t hold back her anger.
“I curse their future generations to be dirt poor and never find true love! I hope all their businesses fail!” Estelle ranted.
Myra smiled faintly, feeling the warmth of Estelle’s anger on her behalf. It was comforting to know someone cared so deeply.
“I’m on my way to the Civil Affairs Bureau,” Myra replied softly. “I’ll sever all ties with him for good. Wish me luck—it’s time for a change.”
Despite Estelle’s fury, she managed to soften her tone. “Tony found you, and that reassures me. Myra, look carefully at the difference between Tony and Sean. Tony is a good man. Don’t let him go. You’ll regret it if you do.”
Just then, Estelle let out a scream as Shawn’s voice was heard in the background. The phone call turned chaotic, with Myra quietly hanging up, amused yet slightly embarrassed.
As Myra stepped out of the car at the Civil Affairs Bureau, she wasn’t surprised to see Eve and Sean standing together. But it was Lyla, waiting there too, that caught her off guard.
Eve immediately rushed to her. “Thank God you’re fine, Myra,” she said, reaching for Myra’s hand, but the younger woman pulled back.
Eve froze for a moment, the smile faltering. She glanced at Sean, who seemed as detached as ever. The tension was palpable, and Myra couldn’t help but feel the absurdity of it all.
Sean, meanwhile, didn’t expect Myra to walk in so composed. He had anticipated anger, a confrontation, but instead, she was calm—a little too calm. It unnerved him.
“Let’s go in,” he muttered, his voice flat, as if the weight of their past had no hold on him anymore.
Myra gave him a steady look before lifting her head. “I was asking for 20% of the shares from the start. But today, I want half of Hilliville’s land.”