Chapter 3

3、

As I stepped out of the Vance Group building, my phone buzzed with a bank notification.

Exactly five hundred thousand dollars had been deposited.

A second later, my phone rang. It was Evelyn Sterling, the CEO of Sterling Heights.

"Silas, did you get the money?"

I replied softly, "Yes. Thank you, Ms. Sterling."

She let out a light chuckle.

"No need for thanks. Now that you've taken my money, you belong to me."

Even though I knew she was joking, my ears turned slightly red.

"Don't worry, Ms. Sterling. I'll be at the office on time."

Evelyn gave a soft hum of approval before asking curiously.

"I've reached out to you so many times before, and you always refused. You said you wanted to stick by Elena until the end. Why the change of heart?"

I smiled bitterly at myself.

"I just woke up. I realized some people aren't worth sacrificing everything for."

Compared to Sterling Heights, Elena's company was just a small workshop.

Any sane person would know which company to choose.

Evelyn had offered me terms that most people could only dream of.

Yet, for the sake of 'true love,' I had turned her down ten times.

Maybe it was my blind devotion that made Elena think she could humiliate me without consequences.

Even a third-rate intern who knew nothing but how to flirt had dared to walk all over me.

Looking back, I felt like an absolute fool.

After hanging up, I went straight to the hospital to pay the deposit for Maya's surgery.

Once the paperwork was done, I headed home.

When I opened the front door, I was shocked to see Elena using sign language to chat with my sister.

For a moment, I thought I was hallucinating.

Elena saw me standing there and acted as if nothing had happened. She walked over and affectionately took my arm.

Her voice was sweet, completely different from her arrogance in the office earlier.

"Silas, why are you so late? Maya's painting skills are getting so good."

"I told the housekeeper to cook a big dinner tonight. It's been so long since we've eaten as a family."

In our five years of marriage, Elena had always viewed my sister as a burden. She hated Maya from the bottom of her heart.

She usually couldn't even stand to look at her, let alone eat with her.

Now, she was suddenly playing the doting sister-in-law.

There was definitely a catch.

I pulled my arm away and glared at her.

"What are you really after?"

"Elena, I'm warning you. Whatever you're planning, leave Maya out of it, or I swear I'll make you regret it."

My coldness made her smile vanish instantly. A flash of irritation crossed her eyes.

She suppressed her anger and tried to sound gentle again.

"Honey, are you still mad about what happened? I was just teasing you."

"As soon as the East Side Project launch is over tomorrow, I'll have accounting send you your bonus, okay?"

The moment she said that, I knew exactly what she wanted.

I was the lead on the East Side project. I knew every detail of the plan.

The launch tomorrow would be attended by high-ranking officials and major partners.

Without me, the presentation would be a total disaster.

I let out a cold laugh.

"Ms. Vance, I've resigned. Your company's problems are none of my business."

Elena couldn't maintain the facade any longer. She hissed at me.

"Silas Thorne, I've already lowered myself to come here and talk to you. Don't push your luck."

"Don't think you're the only person in the world who can handle this project."

I looked at her with a fake smile.

"Vance Group is full of talent. I'm sure you'll find a great replacement."

Elena's face turned pale with fury.

"Silas, don't you dare regret this!"

I nodded calmly.

"My only regret is helping you build your company. Quitting is the best decision I've ever made."