Chapter: 26 Recognition dawned on Charles, a flicker of understanding brightening his face. A small, secretive smile touched Millie's lips. "I'm looking forward to their faces when the truth comes out."Curiosity tugged at him. "So this is your way of getting even?"Rather than answer right away, Millie wrapped her hands around the coffee cup. Bitterness rose with the steam, swirling quietly inside her. Her voice, when it came, was soft but clear. "No, not at all.".r. Peace was all she wantedjust a clean break. "My only wish was to sever all ties, start over, and focus on what love," she said, gaze drifting toward the trees swaying in the wind outside. "But they've insisted on playing games. If that's the case, might as well play along."A thoughtful silence settled between them, and Charles features grew more complicated with every word. Once, the Bennett family had been the toast of Crobert, and these rich kidsCharles and Millie includedran in the same circles. Their friendship had roots stretching all the way back to childhood. In those days, Millie was the dazzling heiress, the unreachable dream for half the city's eligible bachelors. Fortunes changed swiftly, though, and after the Bennett family's downfall, most people had all but forgotten Millie ever existed. Society never promised fairness... Reminders of the past often slipped into Charles thoughts. He turned away, making sure Millie could not read his expression. He finally broke the silence, saying, "Sometimes a divorce is the best outcome."A quiet look of relief appeared in Millie's eyes as she faced him. "I appreciate your honesty, and everything else."Charles answered with a knowing smile, "It works out for both sides." Those words rang true..n. Power struggles had become the Evans family's daily routine. All three Evans brothers set their sights on the Evans Group, each one determined to seize control. Only the one with the sharpest edge would claim victory in the end. Their conversation drifted on a little longer. Charles promised he would keep Millie and Brandon's soon-to-be divorce a secret, and then he excused himself to return to his business calls..m. They would discuss details of her joining the show Heavenly Melody in another time. For a while, Millie stayed behind. The warmth of her coffee lingered in her hands as she watched the wind dance through the leaves outside. Time slipped by until she heard footsteps drawing near. First came the familiar outline. Brandon's presence seemed to fill the room even before he spoke. She recognized him instantly, so she slipped her mask back on and turned away, hoping to shield herself.