Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 197

"Happy now?" Emilia asked, her smile edged with mockery.

Chloe understood exactly what Emilia meant. Fury burned in her chest; she wanted nothing more than to snap back, but Tyler held her firmly in place.

"Chloe, that's enough," Tyler said, frowning.

If this scene continued any further, the entire event would be ruined beyond repair.

Chloe knew that too. The last thing she wanted was for Tyler to find out that she'd just cornered Emilia about Cerulion.

All she could do was glare at Emilia, who still wore that infuriating, taunting smile.

Hatred simmered inside her.

"It was just an accident," Chloe finally managed, forcing a tight-lipped smile, each word squeezed through clenched teeth.

"These things happen at tastings," she said, trying to sound casual.

Emilia looked at Chloe for a moment, then turned to leave.

"Emilia," Tyler called, reaching for her hand.

Emilia yanked her arm away, her movement sharp and unyielding.

"Next time, if you plan to bring Vivienne to an event, have the decency to warn me first."

She spoke slowly, each word deliberate, her eyes fixed on him. "I don't want to share a room with a mistress. It makes me feel…"

Her gaze flickered coldly to Vivienne.

"Disgusted."

"Emilia!" Tyler's voice was tight with warning, anger barely restrained.

But the next moment, Emilia's icy stare met his. With a single, cutting glance, she shut him out completely and strode away, her gown trailing behind, head held high.

Tyler stood there, fists clenched, watching her walk away with effortless poise.

He narrowed his eyes, then glanced down at Chloe, who was now pretending to be absorbed with cleaning off her dress.

By now, they'd left the main hall and were backstage, trying to compose themselves.

So Chloe dropped her gaze and mumbled, "I told her I'd be joining The Erickson Group's finance department. The one they set up after merging with the Dennis family."

She left out the part about Cerulion, and the threats—downplaying everything, pretending it was just about a job.

"Tell me the truth," Tyler's voice was cold and sharp.

Chloe's eyes reddened, tears springing up.

"Fine! I told her that, with my Ivy League master's in finance, I'm more than qualified to manage that department. So what?"

"What gives her the right to treat me like this?"

"Throwing wine at me—at a public event?"

"What does she take me for? What does she think she is?"

"She knew everyone was watching, and she still humiliated me!"

Chloe still avoided any mention of Cerulion or the bet—those were things she'd never dare confess. All she could do was amplify her outrage, pretend she was the victim, and let herself cry.