Chapter 5
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“Sir! Please calm down, sir!”
Wayne Hill was scared out of his wits, yet he steeled himself to hand over the phone displaying the live rebroadcast of Carter Group’s press
conference.
*
“Esteemed members of the press, I, David Carter, have a personal announcement to make formally today.”
M
He paused slightly, locking eyes with the camera as if piercing through the screen to target someone: “Regarding the engagement with Samantha Rodriguez–it was merely an old arrangement between elders. No formal contract ever existed, nor was it ever my intention. It’s void effective immediately.”
The room erupted in gasps!
David remained unflinching, his tone even carrying a trace of… amusement?
“As for last night’s unexpected incident with Ms. Donna Rodriguez…”
He deliberately paused, capturing everyone’s attention before declaring with resonant clarity: “Someone dared scheme against us. Yet that remains the most beautiful mistake I, David Carter, have ever made.”
Tilting his chin slightly, his gaze grew intense and profound as he enunciated each word:
“From this moment forward, I, David Carter, will formally, publicly, and unreservedly pursue Ms. Donna Rodriguez.
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Whatever obstacles lie ahead,”
his lips curved into an arrogant certainty, “I will have her.”
A reporter blurted, “But Mr. Carter, isn’t Ms. Donna Rodriguez legally married to the head of Clark Group? Isn’t this unethical?”
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David scoffed. “Ah, what you don’t know is Edward Clark orchestrated a charade at the Civil Registry three years ago. His lawful wife is Samantha Rodriguez now.”
“Donna, who loved him deeply, was deceived all along with a forged marriage certificate.”
“Henceforth, the Carters stand opposed to the Clarks. Those who harmed
ters, State will regret being born.” Donna and schemed against
me
Edward’s phone shattered violently against the floor!
David… not only publicly renounced his engagement to Samantha!
He even… even had the audacity to openly declare he’d pursue his wife!
This was broadcast globally. Donna… she must have
Ruined… everything’s ruined…
Donna’s POV
seen it.
I’d abandoned my past and returned to the Historic City Center, reopening “Vintage Timepiece Store” at Old Street’s end–where Grandpa had worked his whole life.
I’d always dreamed of continuing his legacy someday.
Though delayed far too long, I’d finally done it.
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Peering through Grandpa’s magnifying glass, I focused on delicately adjusting an antique pocket watch.
The door chime tinkled as the florist next door peeked in.
“Donna dear, your TV’s on! Did you see that assault news?”
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“Do you know these people on TV? I kept hearing your name from that shop…”
I glanced up.
Breaking news footage looped on screen:
[Heir to Carter Empire Caught Assaulting Man in Viral Video]
The footage showed David Carter punching Edward Clark onto the airport floor, blood streaming from his nose.
Samantha Rodriguez shrieked, attempting to flee before bodyguards forced her onto shards of glass.
Narrator’s voiceover: “It’s reported that the Carter Group has terminated all cooperation with the Clark Group. Edward Clark is under investigation for embezzlement…”
“Allegedly, while married to the eldest Miss Rodriguez and maintaining their relationship, Edward secretly obtained a marriage certificate with her younger sister. Bigamy charges are now imminent.”
“As for Mr. Carter, he’s been stationed in New Zealand since his engagement to the second Miss Rodriguez, with no substantive marital relationship established…
I switched off the TV, smiling faintly as I continued adjusting the gear, casually answering Granny.
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“Granny, these people on TV have nothing to do with me.”
Yet beneath the watch face lay a nine–week pregnancy ultrasound report.
I’d clearly taken birth control pills.
Never imagined I’d still end up pregnant…
Three nights ago at closing time, I’d found a black envelope at my doorstep.
Inside were David Carter’s obsidian credit card and a note.
[Donna, you’ve been quite the challenge to track down.]
[I know about the pregnancy. I want that child. Name your terms.]
[I’m unmarried, you’re unattached. The title of Mrs. Carter remains yours whenever you’re ready.]
I truly want no further ties to that past.
Yet I can’t bring myself to abort this little wonder.
Lost in turmoil, my mind wandered at work until breaking news snapped me back to attention.
[Clark Group implicated in financial fraud… Edward Clark exposed for funding mistresses through embezzled funds…]
