Ditching Me for His 'Soulmate'? His Loss. Next Stop: My New Life novel Chapter 109

Chapter 2

Once the report concluded, I quietly issued a few brief instructions to my assistant before lifting my gaze with a warm smile.

“The annual company raffle is about to kick off! Let’s find out what exciting surprise Mr. Lukas Clark has prepared for us this year.”

Applause erupted around the room as Lukas Clark adjusted his suit jacket, his confident smile shining under the bright lights. He stepped forward smoothly, ready to take center stage.

After handing out several of the usual prizes—everyday essentials like Dyson hair dryers, luxury cosmetic sets, and the latest designer handbags—it was time for the highlight: the grand prize reserved exclusively for the female employees.

In past years, these gifts had been practical and appreciated, but never quite this extravagant.

This year, however, when Lukas drew a red card from the box, his smile faltered unexpectedly. He gripped the microphone tightly, hesitating, and glanced toward me with a flicker of uncertainty.

“What could possibly be the prize that has Mr. Lukas Clark so taken aback?” I teased softly, stepping forward to take the card from his hand.

Reading the words aloud, my voice brightened with enthusiasm. “Mr. Lukas Clark has generously decided to gift every female employee in the company a Van Cleef & Arpels high-end jade necklace!”

Lukas’s expression darkened noticeably, though I only smiled wider in response.

“Farah White has contributed so much to this company, and every woman here works tirelessly and deserves recognition. Mr. Clark wouldn’t play favorites, would he?”

No sooner had I finished speaking than the doors to the venue swung open. A wave of female sales staff, all dressed in crisp matching uniforms, entered carrying open jewelry boxes. One by one, they handed out the exquisite jade necklaces, their faces glowing with pride.

Each necklace was worth over two hundred thousand dollars.

With more than three hundred female employees present, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd, quickly followed by enthusiastic applause and waves of heartfelt gratitude directed at me.

I responded with a gentle smile. “No need to thank me—thank Farah White. She set the tone for tonight.”

The message was clear, and the crowd, sharp as ever, immediately caught the underlying meaning.

Moments later, a flood of mocking and disdainful glances zeroed in on Farah White, who sat frozen in the audience. Her face paled, and with tears welling up, she hurriedly fled, wiping her cheeks as she disappeared from view.

On stage, Lukas Clark found himself trapped in an awkward predicament. He struggled to find words to refuse the gift, ultimately gritting his teeth and signing a lengthy payment order for the store manager in reluctant acceptance.

By the time the event wrapped up, the night had grown late and the room emptied.

Leaving behind the glare of the spotlight and the lingering eyes of the crowd, I ignored the pleading look in Lukas’s eyes. Wrapping my fox fur coat snugly around me, I strode purposefully toward the parking lot.

Opening the door to my Maybach, I was immediately hit by a cloying scent of perfume. My eyes caught sight of chip crumbs scattered across the passenger seat and a half-empty cup of milk tea marked with a lipstick stain resting beside it. My brows knitted tightly in irritation.

“Why haven’t you returned from the event? Why aren’t you answering my calls?”

On the other end, Farah’s trembling, tearful voice came through, soft and fragile.

“Mr. Clark, it’s all my fault for upsetting Ms. Davis. I don’t have the courage to come back…”

“I tried to return the necklace, but the store said it’s a custom piece and won’t accept returns.”

“I was sitting by the roadside crying when some troublemakers started bothering me. I had to hide inside a store, but they’re still outside, blocking me.”

“I’m so scared, Mr. Clark. What should I do?”

Her voice quivered, sounding like a frightened little animal trembling with fear.

Hearing her distress, Lukas’s brow furrowed deeply with concern, worry etched across his face.

“Where exactly are you? I’m coming right away.”

He ended the call and immediately turned toward the door, ready to rush to her side.