Chapter 23 Chapter 23 " That's right ! You and Mr. Quinn have been together for three years now . It's about time , isn't it ? " another chimed in . They all knew about her relationship with Mason . He'd picked her up from the office more than once . Vivian's hands stilled . " No , " she said , her voice calm . " We broke up . There won't be a wedding . We're over . " The sudden announcement left her colleagues speechless . But they were tactful enough not to press the issue . " Well , out with the old , in with the new , " one of them said cheerfully . " You'll meet someone better . " " I think so too , " Vivian said , smiling brightly . Just then , their boss , Richard Wood , a middle - aged man in a gray shirt , rushed in , wiping sweat from his brow . " Everyone , listen up ! I have an announcement . " " A major corporation wants to acquire Dynastis , " he said , his voice trembling with excitement . " As you all know , we're a small company , barely staying afloat . This deal could change everything . It's the opportunity of a lifetime . So … who wants to take the lead on this ? " " Mr. Wood , what company is it ? " someone asked . " The international SIE Corporation , " answered Richard . A collective gasp went through the room . " SIE ? The global top - five conglomerate ? Mr. Wood , are you sure you're not dreaming ? " one of the staffs exclaimed . " I think I'm the one who's dreaming , " the secretary said , her usually stoic expression completely shattered . " But it's true . They're coming to the office this afternoon . " " Is this for real ? Should we go home and change ? " someone added . " Yes ! I need to do my makeup ! " another agreed . " I need a haircut ! " the third also chriped . Vivian was just as stunned as everyone else . How could this tiny company be acquired by a giant like SIE ? She was confused . " No need , " Richard said . " They're just doing a preliminary visit . The actual negotiation will happen at a hotel . I need to choose someone to go with me . " Everyone immediately looked down , including Vivian . But Richard's eyes were fixed on her . In terms of looks , talent , and work ethic , no one came close . " Vivian . You're coming with me , " said Richard . " Go home , change into something nice . We're meeting the people from SIE . " " Me ? " Vivian stammered , still reeling from the shock . " Mr. Wood , are you sure I can handle it ? " " You can . You're the perfect fit , " he said . Her beauty alone was enough to elevate the company's image . Hiring her had been a stroke of genius . Vivian nodded , a new sense of determination filling her . She would not fail . Chloe , meanwhile , was seething . The memory of Vivian's insults fueled her rage . She was punching her pillow , her face a mask of ugly fury . But when Mason walked in , she immediately composed herself , shifting her expression to one of heartbreaking vulnerability . " Mason , you're finally here , " she whispered . " You didn't answer my calls , you didn't reply to my texts … I thought you'd abandoned me . If you want to end things , just tell me . Please , don't just give me the silent treatment . I can't bear it . " Mason's heart ached with guilt . He rushed to her side , pulling her into his arms . " Chloe , what are you talking about ? I would never do that . I was at my grandparents ' house all night . You know their health isn't good . Lean't be on my phone when I'm with them ." He took her hand and made to slap his own face , " I'm so sorry . If you're still angry , you can hit me ." 1/2 Chapter 23 He was lying , of course . It was the first time he had ever lied to her , and he believed it was all Vivian's fault . If she hadn't been so unreasonable , he wouldn't have to deceive the woman he loved . Chloe snatched her hand back as if she'd been burned . " No , Mason , I believe you . Don't be like that . I've always been afraid I'm a burden to you … I'm sorry . I was just so scared that you would all leave me . " Seeing her so fragile , so full of love for him , Mason's guilt deepened . " Chloe , what nonsense are you talking about ? You are the love of my life . I will never leave you . " " Really ? " Chloe nodded , sniffling . " But Mason , I can't be with you forever . I'm not worthy of you . You and Vivian … you're the ones who should be together . " At the mention of Vivian's name , a surge of anger went through Mason . Vivian had dared to defy him , and still hadn't come to him to apologize . " Don't mention her to me , " he snapped . " I'm going to end the engagement and marry you ." Chloe's eyes lit up , but she quickly masked her elation . " Mason , you don't have to do that . I saved your life because I wanted to , not because I expected anything in return . Marrying Vivian is what's best for your family . " Mason stroked her hair , his heart aching . To him , Chloe was such a good person . She had sacrificed her health for him . He couldn't betray her . " Stop talking nonsense . I love you . My relationship with Vivian was just an arrangement . " Chloe coughed , her face paling . " Mason , just hearing you say that is enough for me . I never dared to dream of anything more … " Her coughing fit grew more violent , and Mason panicked , calling for a doctor . " She didn't do the blood transfusion this month yet , right ? " the doctor examined Chloe's condition and asked . But then , Chloe's sister , Lily Zalton , who was also a nurse , rushed in . " Mason , are you trying to kill my sister ? " she shrieked , her voice echoing down the hall . " She's lying in this bed because of you ! If it weren't for her , you wouldn't even be standing here ! All she needs is a little blood each month , and you can't even provide that ? You're just an ungrateful bastard planning to throw her away ! " Chloe struggled to sit up . " Lily , don't say that about Mason ! He has his reasons ! If you say one more bad thing about him , I'll be really angry ! " Lily just looked at Mason with disgust . " Chloe is too kind . Do you really think anyone else would treat you with such selfless devotion ? Search your conscience , Mason . She doesn't even want to be your wife , she just wants you to be happy . And this is how you repay her ? "