Chapter 5

Seeing the deep resentment burning in Casey's eyes, I couldn't help but scoff. "We never signed a contract, so this investment was never legal to begin with." Casey froze. It was her idea not to sign a contract. Now, she was reaping what she had sown—she had to bear the consequences herself. She pointed at me and parted her lips, yet no sound came out for a good while. When Casey's phone rang once again, she took a deep breath and rushed back to her company to deal with damage control. My colleague, Arthur Morrison, stepped in after she left. He carefully asked, "Did you actually have a fight with her?" "I broke up with her," I replied. Arthur clearly did not believe me. He advised, "You shouldn't be saying these things when you're about to get married soon. After all, couples will always make up after they fight." I merely smiled and didn't explain further. I would prove it through my actions. … It was past 10:00 pm by the time I got off work and went home, yet my parents were still waiting in the living room. They both looked serious, and I couldn't figure out what they were talking about. The moment they saw me, they fell silent with their lips pressed. I went to the kitchen and fetched them some water. I softly said, "Mom, Dad, if you have any questions, just ask." I was certain they would have heard about what happened with Casey. My dad, Kevin Ranford, tentatively asked, "I heard that you stopped investing in Newton Group. Is that true?" I hummed in reply while maintaining my composure. After their initial shock, my mom, Eliza Graham, continued, "I've even heard that you're also planning to break off the engagement?" I nodded once again before taking a sip of my water. I smiled softly before calmly replying, "Yeah, I realized we're not a great match." Mom involuntarily reached out a hand to touch my forehead. She muttered, "You don't have a fever, do you?" I removed her hand and placed it in my palm. Softly, I asked, "Aren't you guys happy I broke off the engagement with her?" Both Mom and Dad had an intriguing look on their faces. "Oh, Jace." Mom said thoughtfully, "I know you loved her, but you're scaring me now. What took over you?" My parents had never liked Casey. They'd often warned me to be careful, as they could tell her feelings for me weren't that sincere. We'd fought so often that our family bond was hanging by a thread. In my past life, I was gradually blinded by her honeyed words. I ended up discarding all my sense of judgment and surrendered my family's company over to her. When I was no longer of use, Casey cast me aside without hesitation, got married to Andrew, and paraded their love before my eyes. In my past life, I even went to plead with Casey for my parents' sake. However, she merely replied, "Your family is just getting what you all deserved!" Loving her was the punishment I brought upon myself. Now, my parents were still well and alive before me. Seeing that they still hadn't started worrying about me that much, an indescribable joy welled up within me. At that moment, Mom was looking at me worriedly. I patted the back of her hand and softly said, "It's getting late now, Mom. You should go get some rest for now. Don't worry. I'm serious this time." As soon as I got back into my room, I commissioned a private investigator to follow Casey. There was no way she and Andrew had just met recently. I started recounting details I'd never paid attention to in the past. There were times Casey would claim that she was going on a business trip and left for a few days. She would return looking radiant every time, even sparing me her rare kindness at times. Sometimes, she'd be overjoyed over receiving some small gifts. She had never worn the high-end jewelry I bought for her, yet she adored the cheap trinkets she received. … The private investigator sent something to my phone early the next morning. It was a high-definition video. "Let's get together, Andrew. Don't leave anymore." Casey was drunk in the video, her gaze hazy as she slumped against Andrew, who hesitated for a moment before kissing her. Just as things were about to get intense, she suddenly sobered up. Leaning against his chest, she said softly, "Now's not the time yet. I can't have Jace pick up on anything. You just have to endure for a little longer, Andrew." Andrew gently carded his fingers through Casey's long hair. His gaze softened as he looked at her. "Alright. I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes." They looked like a pair of lovers, while I seemed like the bastard who got between them. Anger flashed across my face. It was clear from this conversation that they'd been in contact all along. Casey had been cheating behind my back from the start. I had intended to take my revenge slowly, but I couldn't contain my hatred after seeing and hearing what they said. My face paled as I gripped my phone tightly. It turned out that Casey had approached me with a purpose from the start. I was a fool to think that she was in love with me and that I could touch her with my sincerity. Since she wanted to be heartless, I would play this game with the two of them!