Chapter 241

Simon Chase knew Oliver Knight inside out.

After years of rivalry over the same woman, he'd even investigated what brand of underwear the man preferred.

When news broke that Vanessa Knight had finally called off her engagement to this scumbag, Simon immediately flew back from abroad.

To his surprise, his goddess actually accepted his long-standing courtship.

Now that he'd won her heart, it was only natural to exact revenge on her behalf.

He planned to establish an entertainment company solely to poach Oliver's business.

Of course, Oliver recognized the Chase name.

Sebastian Chase was a legend in the capital's business circles, having broken into the top ten wealthiest individuals before turning thirty-five.

More terrifyingly, the Chase family's influence ran unfathomably deep.

Never in his wildest dreams had Oliver imagined this pretty-faced rival would turn out to be Sebastian's younger brother.

Oliver's complexion turned ashen.

After he'd dumped Vanessa, she'd actually climbed her way into the Chase family?

What stung most was realizing Simon was several years Vanessa's junior.

Forcing a smile, Oliver managed, "So it's young master Chase. I've heard much about you."

Simon's grin turned razor-sharp. "Actually, I should thank you, Mr. Knight. Had you not let go, I'd never have gotten together with Vanessa."

"I've pursued her for twelve years straight. We're getting married this winter."

"You simply must attend our wedding banquet."

He knew exactly how to twist the knife.

The more Oliver suffered, the happier he'd be.

Serves the bastard right for not appreciating Vanessa's worth.

He'd already informed his family—in a few days, he'd formally propose at the Knight residence.

Vanessa barely suppressed an eye roll.

When had she agreed to a winter wedding?

Still, she'd play along to bolster her boyfriend's ego in front of this trash.

Her lips curved into a dazzling smile. "Yes, Oliver, you really must come."

That radiant expression pierced Oliver's eyes like shards of glass.

They were marrying so soon?

An inexplicable sense of loss flooded his chest.

His strained smile remained. "Certainly."

Logically, he should be relieved—Vanessa would finally stop pestering him.

Then why did his heart ache so violently?

Simon had no patience for further pleasantries. "We'll leave you to your guests, Mr. Knight."

Oliver nodded mechanically. "Of course."

Watching Vanessa's retreating figure, a dark thought suddenly surfaced.

If only he'd...

Lily Green clung to Oliver's arm, her smile brittle.

She'd never expected Vanessa—that aging has-been—to land such an exceptional man after being discarded.

Life wasn't fair.

Seeing Oliver stare after Vanessa triggered alarm bells.

"Oliver, my feet hurt," she whined. "Let's sit down."

Oliver snapped back to reality. "Fine."

Her delicate act used to charm him. Now it grated on his nerves.

Elsewhere, Hunter Wilde got summoned by his brother for networking.

Fiona Von and Felix Von finally noticed the resemblance between the brothers.

Recalling their names, Fiona's pulse quickened.

No wonder Hunter's background proved untraceable—he was a Wilde.

She warned her brother in hushed tones: "Stay away from Hunter from now on."

Though spoiled, Felix wasn't stupid.

The Wilde family operated on a level far beyond their reach.

Still, he muttered defiantly, "As long as he leaves me alone, I won't bother him."

Fiona rolled her eyes. "Even if he provokes you, swallow your pride."

"Why should I?" Felix bristled. "The Von and Gould families aren't pushovers."

Her idiot brother might actually give her an aneurysm.

The Wildes could crush their family like ants.

"Still angling for your inheritance?" she hissed. "Gould Group's stock crash already cost us millions."

"One more scandal, and grandfather might replace you as heir."

Recent Gould misfortunes had torpedoed multiple major projects.

Working at Gould Corporation now, Fiona barely kept her head above water.

Felix's expression darkened.

The patriarch had been furious over the failed ventures lately.

Another screw-up could...

"Fine, I'll behave," he conceded grudgingly.

Fiona nodded approvingly. "Now go apologize to Hunter for injuring his arm last time."

"What?" Felix exploded. "Apologize to him? Never!"

He stormed off before she could respond.

No way would he humiliate himself publicly.

Fiona stamped her foot in frustration.

That useless brat!

But she wouldn't waste this opportunity.

Her inquiries confirmed Hunter's identity.

Hugo Wilde had brought his brother specifically to introduce him to their social circle.

The youngest Wilde—the family's most pampered prince.

This status instantly elevated Hunter in everyone's eyes.

Fiona freshened her makeup. Spotting Hunter alone, she immediately approached.