Chapter 3 Chapter 3 The next day, Gregory couldn't wait to hold the press conference. I sat in my office, watching the news footage expressionlessly. Gregory's eyes were bloodshot, his face pallid, his entire being haggard. Ashley sat quietly beside him, looking wronged beyond measure. "First, I sincerely apologize to all friends concerned about this matter." His voice carried deliberate tremors. "For five years, I've been repaying an old debt, constantly kowtowing to the Su family!" "A single contract carelessly decided my entire life." His voice remained hoarse throughout, demeanor desolate. Only when mentioning Ashley did his lips curve slightly: "Only Ashley cares what I truly want." He turned away, Adam's apple bobbing twice. "I admit Maria is indeed an exceptional businesswoman. The Jackson group's success owes much to her." Yet his tone turned razor-sharp the next instant: "But she micromanages which clients I meet daily, which restaurants I book." "Even my gala attire and wristwatch-she arranges everything in advance." "I feel like a mindless puppet, living entirely under a woman's shadow." Ashley timely looped her arm through his, tearfully facing the cameras: "Gregory just wants to live authentically. I couldn't bear seeing him suffer like this." "Maria... I'm sorry. Please show mercy and let us go." Camera flashes erupted below as journalists frantically snapped pictures. Live stream comments instantly exploded, flooding the entire screen with curses: [OMG! The heir actually lives like a caged bird!] 0.0 % 12:31 288 Vouchers Chapter 3 [Death to Maria the control freak! That psycho abusing her power belongs in hell!] [Support Patrick Jackson's rebellion! True love conquers all!] Finally, Gregory announced establishing a new company, severing all ties with the Perez Group. "I'll rebuild my enterprise through my own path." "It'll be arduous, but with Ashley... and our child..." "...every struggle feels worthwhile." Post-press conference, the internet erupted. Opportunists piled on, making me the target. Perez Group headquarters flooded with media calls while long-term clients hinted at contract termination. All desperate to distance themselves from controversy. Staring at Gregory's hypocritical face on screen, nausea overwhelmed me. Piercing hatred surged through my veins. I wiped the cold dampness from my face and picked up the phone. "Notify legal. Conference room in five minutes." The assistant hesitated: "Maria... is there really no way back?" I gave a cold laugh, my voice terrifyingly calm: "What's done is done." "I'll ruin that bastard couple!" 59.5% 1288 Vouchers 12:31