Chapter 182
Tony must have felt Sean’s eyes on him. When he turned casually, he was met by a pair of somber eyes. Smirking, he said, “You left in a hurry last time, so I didn’t get the chance to congratulate you, Director Chase. I heard you and Miss Fisher are getting married next month. I hope you live a long and happy life together.”
Those words struck Sean like a sharp dagger. His lips moved stiffly. “Thank you, Director Hart.” He quickly turned his head away, his jaw tightening as if he were suppressing his anger.
Tony’s smile remained faint, but his eyes were cold.
Shortly after, the conference reached its peak. Tony was the last to speak after Sean finished his turn. When he walked up to the stage, the crowd erupted in energy, almost as if they were about to rip the roof off the auditorium.
The students in the audience fired a flurry of questions, ranging from Tony’s school days to the challenges he faced early in his career, and the secret behind the Hart Group’s success.
A student stood up excitedly, clearly prepared for the moment. “Mr. Tony, it’s well-known that the Hartwell Group’s expansion in the United States is booming. If things keep progressing at this rate, the Hart Group might be overshadowed within five years. Why did you choose to divide the shares and develop the business in Bradfort City?”
Tony’s face remained as calm as ever. His presence, both in his tailored Italian suit and his sharp demeanor, made him seem untouchable. His years of experience had given him a kind of poise that could only be earned with time.
“This question…” Tony’s lips curled into a faint smile, and a softness appeared in his eyes. “Because the woman I love was born here, and she loves it here, so I am willing to stay for her.”
The crowd fell silent for a moment before erupting into cheers. The students had not expected one of the most eligible bachelors, long rumored to be single, to suddenly announce his relationship so publicly. It was sweet, almost like a fairytale.
Someone in the crowd noticed the ring on his left hand, shining faintly under the lights. It was a subtle detail, but impossible to ignore.
“Are you engaged, Director Hart?” someone asked eagerly.
Tony glanced down at the ring, then casually scanned the front row. His lips curled into a knowing smile. “The wedding day isn’t too far away.”
The crowd gasped. Whispers filled the room as everyone exchanged surprised glances.
The host, sensing the shift in focus, hurried to the stage. “We don’t have much time left, everyone. This will be the last question. Let’s make it count!”
Sean’s expression darkened as he watched Tony speak with such elegance, his words clearly meant to make an impact.
‘The wedding day isn’t far away?’ Sean’s mind buzzed with irritation. He sneered inwardly. He had already seen enough.
Just as he was about to leave, a male student suddenly stood up, asking a question that seemed to hit closer to home than the others. “Mr. Tony, the latest news this morning claimed that you’ve acquired close to sixty percent of real estate in Hilliville and are planning to revive the city. Is this true?”
Sean froze mid-step, his pulse quickening. His eyes shifted to Tony, who was still on stage. The air around them seemed to thicken.
Tony’s gaze flicked toward Sean, and for a moment, their eyes locked. The corners of his lips curved into a smug smile as he answered, “It’s true.”
The words hung in the air, sharp and deliberate. Tony’s eyes lingered on Sean for just a beat longer, almost like he was mocking him. Sean felt a tightness in his chest, a feeling he couldn’t quite explain. Something about the way Tony spoke, the smile that never quite reached his eyes—it felt like a silent challenge.
A sense of unease washed over Sean, and as the crowd erupted into applause, he found himself staring blankly ahead. The pieces were falling into place, but there was something he couldn’t quite grasp.
After the conference, Tony made his way off the stage with quiet grace, but Sean couldn’t tear his eyes away from him. The words ‘It’s true’ echoed in his mind.
The event moved on. The school’s representative began his speech, but Sean barely registered it. His focus was on Tony, who sat nearby, texting casually on his phone, his head slightly bent.
Sean’s gaze narrowed when he saw Tony type the words, “my dear” in a message. It was clear who it was for. The image of Tony, always so composed, now texting with a soft expression, made Sean’s stomach churn.
Suddenly, Tony’s phone vibrated, and a picture popped up on the screen. It was of a man and woman sharing an intimate kiss. The woman’s eyes were wide, surprised yet affectionate.
Sean’s heart sank as he saw the picture. His hands clenched at his sides, and the pain in his chest grew sharper. His mind raced, but his thoughts felt jumbled. What had he seen? What was happening?
Tony turned then, catching Sean’s gaze. His smile was lazy, casual. “My girlfriend is a bit clingy,” he said nonchalantly, his voice low and almost playful. “She texts and calls me even when we’re apart for just a short time.”
Without waiting for a response, Tony answered the call, his voice carrying briefly through the noise of the auditorium. “I’m in the auditorium. Yes, I know you miss me. Didn’t I say I would pick you up at noon? Be good. Let’s go eat seafood for lunch if that’s what you want. Don’t make a fuss; I’ll be done soon. You don’t have to come here… Okay, then. It’s your university. Come by. Leo also has something else to do anyway.”
Sean stood still, rooted to the spot. He felt a pang in his chest as Tony spoke, and his face grew pale. The conversation, so intimate, so carefree, was like a knife in his side.
When Tony hung up, he glanced at Sean again, a faint touch of reluctance in his gaze. “She’s young and can be needy. Sorry about that, Director Chase.”
The words, spoken so smoothly, sent a ripple of anger through Sean. He didn’t reply, his face ashen, and simply turned to leave.
Outside the auditorium, Myra had just finished her own work and was puzzled by Tony’s abrupt hang-up. She had been left without a chance to speak, her words caught in her throat. Still, she heard the final part of his message—he wanted her to pick him up at the university.
There wasn’t much work left for her on a Saturday, so after quickly wrapping things up, she decided to head to him.
But just as she was about to leave, Cameron called.
When Myra arrived at his office, she found Kris walking out with a sharp expression on her face. Myra’s eyes flicked to Kris, who shot her a glare full of resentment, but kept her composure as she left.
With a small smirk, Myra knocked on Cameron’s office door and entered. He sat in his executive chair, eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought.
As he saw her, his gaze softened. He tapped his cigarette lightly against the ashtray, then asked casually, “Myra, how are preparations going for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Project? Are you confident?”
Although Myra held a deep disdain for Cameron, she always kept a professional attitude. “The draft was done very well previously. I’ve only adjusted some of the details. I can’t say I’m confident, but I’ll do my best and hope for good luck.”
He nodded, putting out his cigarette. Standing up, he looked at her with a softness in his eyes. “I trust your work, Myra.” He hesitated for a moment before continuing. “I know you’re at odds with Rachel and Kris. Initially, I wanted you to come back home because it’s your true harbor, but since you’re unwilling, I can’t force you. I heard you’re living in Ocean Blue Residence now, and it’s far from the Stark Group. After giving it some thought, I want to offer you that villa in Cape District. It would make it more convenient for you to get to work. What do you think?”