Chapter 15 Exhortation

Lucia, who was full of evil intent, was making Tiffany very exasperated. She sipped the juice. “Have you ever considered that the person who is unwilling to divorce is not me, but Mortimer?” Lucia burst into laughter, not holding back her disdain for Tiffany. “Your looks barely make the cut. The differences between our families are huge. Why would Mortimer fall for you? Besides, do you know how much I’ve done for him?” Lucia held up her fingers, like an army officer counting her achievements. “When I was young, I hired four tutors to teach me so that I could go to Mortimer’s school. When I got older, I heard that he was going to succeed his family business, but was met with a few obstacles. So I begged my father to support him, and I learned all kinds of formalities. I even took out two of my ribs to maintain my figure! Can you do all this for him?” Lucia’s head was held high, obviously proud of all her sacrifices. Tiffany was speechless. She already thought Mortimer was insane, but she didn’t think that the people around him would be even more so. She shook her head in embarrassment. “It’s true that I can’t hurt myself for a man like that…... But now, I’d really like to ask you something. What has he done for you?” Lucia’s exquisite face immediately froze. “When in love, one must make an effort. A woman like you wouldn’t know what true love is!” “You’re wrong. True love is when both parties make an effort. All that you’ve done is one-sided. On top of that, he already has another woman in his heart.” Tiffany had accidentally revealed Mortimer’s secret. She felt a little guilty. On the off chance that Mortimer found out, she would meet a terrible fate. Luckily, Lucia didn’t take her words seriously. She mocked, “And this woman you’re talking about, that’s you, isn’t it? Don’t flatter yourself. He would never fall for you!” Seeing Lucia’s look of certainty, Tiffany implored boldly, “What if it isn’t me? What if it’s someone else?” Lucia was even more certain. “I’ve always observed Mortimer. Besides you, he has never come into contact with another woman.” Tiffany was stunned. She felt that Lucia wasn’t lying. What could the explanation be for what she’d seen in Mortimer’s laptop that day? Just what was real, and what was fake? Tiffany didn’t speak for a long time. Lucia was a little uneasy. “What did you mean by that question? Have you seen Mortimer with another woman?” “N… No.” Tiffany didn’t want to cause trouble and denied it. Lucia sighed in relief. “I knew he wouldn’t change.” Although Tiffany and Lucia were not friends, and could actually be considered enemies, Tiffany felt pity for the way Lucia got so worried about someone who didn’t love her. She said seriously, “You have such a good education and family background. You can absolutely create an empire for yourself. Why do you want to waste your efforts on Mortimer?” Tiffany meant well, but Lucia interpreted it for another meaning. Lucia glared at her coldly. “You don’t need to lie to me with these flowery words. I won’t take the bait. No matter what you do, you can’t make my love for Mortimer waver!” Seeing that she didn’t take her words to heart, Tiffany didn’t wish to pointlessly argue anymore. “Alright. You can steer your own life. But I must tell you that the final say of this marriage isn’t in my hands. So you don’t have to waste your time with me anymore.” Tiffany’s words were unpleasant, but they were sincere. At the thought of the recent passing of Tiffany’s father, along with the enormous debt, the malicious intent that Lucia harbored towards Tiffany began to dissipate. Lucia stirred the coffee. “You haven’t graduated from college, have you?” “That’s right. Do you know me very well?” “You’re my rival. Of course I’ve performed extensive research on you.” Lucia was suddenly a little kinder. She warned, “You’re just a woman. You can’t handle that debt your father left you. If you choose to give up, your life would be much easier.” Tiffany wasn’t a fool. She knew that it was easier to give up than to shut up and persevere. Even Juliana felt that there was no more need for NC company to continue operating. But once she thought of her father’s memento, Tiffany felt as if hot oil had burned her heart. The glasses were empty. Lucia called the waitress over for the bill. “I hope that Mortimer doesn’t hear of our meeting today.” Tiffany smiled and nodded. “I concur.” Lucia raised an eyebrow and put on her shades. “You’re still fairly decent. But I won’t be grateful to you because of this. One day, I will take your place and become Mortimer’s wife!” In the afternoon, Tiffany collected the report at the hospital. What made her happy was that both she and her child were in good condition. The doctor said that she only needed to keep herself healthy and come back for routine check-ups. She desperately wanted to share this good news with the people around her, but when she took out her phone, she realized that she didn’t have a single friend to share the secret with. She clutched the phone, standing in a daze at the door to the villa. Suddenly, there was a vibration in her palm. Angus’ name appeared on the screen. “Hello? Tiffany, I’ve already contacted a few bosses. They…” Angus sighed on the other end, “The company’s debt is just too much. The new product hasn’t been produced yet, either. They don’t want to risk investing in us.” Tiffany’s heart sunk into a deep trench. But she knew that she was now the backbone of NC company. If she faltered, the company would no longer have any hope. Hence, she put on a happy face and acted tough. With a breezy tone, she told Angus, “It’s alright. These aren’t the only investors around. Tomorrow I’ll contact the other people.” “Alright.” Angus continued, “I’ve listed the houses your father left behind for sale. Do you have a place to stay?” “Don’t worry about me. I’ve rented a house with a good environment.” “Then I shall be at ease.” Hanging up the phone, Tiffany looked up at the dark, laden sky. A bone-chilling breeze blew past, messing up her long, golden hair. In a bystander’s eyes, she was Mrs. Campbell, someone who didn’t have to worry about anything. But no one knew that her reality was a torturous hell. She wished for someone with whom she could share her burdens and a shoulder for her to rest on when she felt weak.