Chapter 4

Chloe's POV

At 2:00 PM.

Summer arrived at my office right on time with her camera crew.

She was wearing a sleek professional blazer today, with flawless makeup. She looked both innocent and professional.

Liam was right behind her.

"Miss Vance, sorry to disturb you," Summer smiled sweetly.

I ignored her, pointing to the seat opposite me. "Let's begin."

The cameras were set up.

The red recording light turned on.

The smile on Summer's face vanished, replaced by a sharp, professional mask.

"Miss Vance, rumors say that the Vance Group's recent growth relies heavily on the support of the Hudson Group. Is this true?"

The very first question was a direct attack.

I remained calm. "The Vance Group and the Hudson Group share a standard, mutually beneficial business partnership."

"Is that so?" Summer flipped through her tablet. "But according to my sources, over sixty percent of your profits over the past three years came from projects outsourced by the Hudson Group. Doesn't that count as dependency?"

I frowned slightly.

This data was a trade secret. How could a digital reporter like Summer access it?

I instinctively looked at Liam, who was standing behind the camera.

Liam avoided my eyes.

I understood.

Liam had handed her my company's financial data just so she could humiliate me.

"Miss Evans, I don't care where you got your fabricated data," my voice grew cold. "If you only came here today to audit my company's finances, this interview is over."

"Please don't be angry, Miss Vance. I am just seeking the truth." Summer blinked innocently, throwing an even sharper question.

"Since the Vance Group is so dependent on the Hudsons, rumors say you used underhanded tactics to force Mr. Hudson into this marriage. How do you respond to that?"

The air in the office froze instantly.

Even the cameraman gasped.

This wasn't an interview. This was a public execution.

My fingers clenched tightly.

My nails dug into my palms. The pain kept me focused.

Looking at Summer's smug, provocative face, I suddenly smiled.

"Miss Evans, you claim you never lie. Do you dare to look into that camera and say you have absolutely no personal motive behind these questions today?"

Summer's face stiffened.

"I... of course I don't! I am just asking on behalf of the public!"

"The public isn't that interested in my private life." I stood up, looking down at her. "The only people interested are those hiding in the shadows, desperately plotting to steal the title of Mrs. Hudson."

"You!" Summer's eyes welled with tears instantly.

"Chloe!"

Liam strode over, pulling Summer behind his back.

He glared at me, looking like he wanted to tear me apart.

"Have you lost your mind? Summer is just doing a standard interview!"

"A standard interview?" I pointed at the camera. "A standard interview asks if I forced you into marriage? Liam, do you dare deny that you authorized these questions?"

Exposed, Liam's face turned an ugly shade of red.

"So what if I did? Did she say anything wrong? If your grandfather hadn't used his deathbed wish to force my grandfather into this arrangement, do you think I would ever marry you?"

Those words felt like a dagger driving straight into my heart.

I looked at Liam.

For three years.

For his sake, I had swallowed my pride and learned how to be the perfect fiancée.

I thought even a cold stone could be warmed up.

But a stone is just a stone.

"Fine," I nodded, my voice incredibly calm. "Since you feel so victimized, we don't have to get married."

Liam froze.

He obviously didn't expect me to say that.

After all, in his eyes, I loved him so desperately that I had no dignity left. How could I ever call off the wedding?

"Don't try to threaten me with calling off the wedding," Liam sneered. "Do you think I'm scared?"

"I am not threatening you." I sat back down and pressed the intercom on my desk. "Security, escort these intruders out."

"Chloe, how dare you!"

"Watch me." I looked up, my eyes as cold as ice. "Liam, take your woman and get the hell out of my company."