Chapter 133
Chapter!"
Giffard echoed the sentiment. "Congratulations to you, Millie, on reclaiming your independence! Good riddance to dead weight!"
Sheridan also added his heartfelt support, saying,"This is truly magnificent! At last, all your suffering has reached its end. Congratulations,Millie!"
Charles continued with growing excitement, "Let's gather for dinner tonight. I'll secure our reservations!Such a momentous occasion deserves a fitting celebration!"
Millie absorbed her friends' heartfelt congratulatory messages, feeling genuine warmth spreading through her chest, and typed several grateful responses.
After some time passed, she set her phone aside and prepared to drive away from the courthouse.
However, at that exact moment, she noticed a familiar figure positioned beside her vehicle.
She couldn't determine how long he had maintained his vigil there, but when he observed her glancing upward, he raised his hand to signal her.
The figure turned out to be Myron.
What possible reason could he have for lingering beside her car?
Millie found his presence peculiar and unsettling.She reflected on their history; beyond their previous confrontations in the competitive corporate world,she maintained virtually no personal relationship with Myron.
Even their business interactions had occurred while she represented Brandon's interests.
Beyond her existence as Millie, another identity that had crossed paths with him was Serena.
However, Serena maintained her anonymity behind a mask, and Myron had attended the live performance solely because of his siblings' involvement.
These rapid-fire thoughts blazed through her consciousness in a single heartbeat before she lowered her car window and offered Myron a carefully composed smile.
"Mr. Elliott, is there something specific you require assistance with?" Millie inquired with practiced politeness.
Myron observed Millie's seemingly clueless expression and discovered it rather entertaining.
"Care to have a conversation?" Myron suggested with a casual chuckle thatdidn't quite reach his eyes.
Millie remained uncertain about Myron's true intentions behind this unexpected encounter.
Throughout Crobert's sophisticated social landscape, three enormously influential families wielded unprecedented power-the Watsons, the Evans, and the Elliotts.
The Watson dynasty, commanded by Brandon's iron fist, had undergone a complete strategic metamorphosis that enabled them to systematically outmaneuver their two primary rivals.
The Evans empire and the Elliott corporation remained locked in an intensely competitive struggle for second place.
However, these two powerful dynasties had adopted completely contrasting philosophies when grooming their future leaders.
The Evans household embraced a ruthless competitive framework, with Charles and his brothers engaging in fierce, relentless battles to determine the ultimate successor.
The Elliott dynasty, in stark contrast, had orchestrated their three siblings to collaborate harmoniously while expanding and fortifying the Elliott Group's foundations.
Yet Millie understood that the surface dynamics masked far more complex undercurrents.
Although Jayceon projected an image of guileless simplicity, his birth into such rarefied social strata meant he could never truly remain naive about the world's darker machinations.
The Elliott empire, which specialized in precious gemstones and exclusive luxury merchandise,wielded considerable influence throughout Crobert's business landscape. As heirs to this legacy, both Adriana and Jayceon possessed formidable capabilities that commanded respect.
Anyone capable of compelling both Jayceon_ and Adriana to demonstrate such unwavering deference must possess power that demanded serious consideration.
Traditionally,Elliott family matters received resolution through Jayceon and Adriana's combined efforts,while Myron maintained an almost enigmatic presence in the shadows.
The business community knew only scattered details about him-his twenty-nine years of life, his extended period roaming abroad, and his recent return to assume direct control of the Elliott Group's operations.
Weighing these intricate considerations, Millie concluded that gathering intelligence should take priority and responded, "Perhaps we could arrange this for another occasion?"
Myron's enigmatic smile remained firmly in place as he countered, "Would you be willing to spare just a few precious moments for me?"
He allowed a deliberate pause to settle between them before adding, "Millie, or perhaps I should address you as Serena?"
Millie's cheerful expression crystallized into momentary stillness before she expertly restored her composed facade.
"Mr. Elliott, you must be mistaken," Millie responded with practiced grace. "Although I've indeed heard whispers recently about this Serena-she seems to have quite remarkable vocal talents?"
Myron declined her deflection with a gentle shake of his head, his smile never wavering. "There exists no confusion whatsoever. From the moment I accompanied Jayceon to that particular event and saw your performance, I've been aware of your true identity.Subsequently, I invested considerable effort into thorough investigation, and during the third live show, I attended once more to solidify my conclusions.Do I have to continue?"
He continued to regard her with that same disarming smile,radiating an aura of effortless sophistication.
However, Millie refused to underestimate the danger he represented.
His ability to articulate such precise details served as irrefutable proof that he had indeed confirmed her carefully guarded secret identity.
Millie recognized that avoiding this conversation today would prove impossible.
She offered a resigned nod. "Very well then."
"Let's continue our discussion over coffee," Myron suggested with refined politeness. "I happen to know a nice place."
Millie acknowledged his proposal,emerged from her vehicle, and followed Myron toward a nearby coffeehouse that exuded both seclusion and sophisticated elegance.
"Good morning,Mr.Elliott."
"Mr. Elliott, what a pleasant surprise!"
Patrons throughout the establishment offered.Myron warm,respectful greetings.
Their recognition of his presence was unmistakably evident.
Myron responded to their acknowledgments with gracious nods of appreciation.
Millie, her mind buzzing with countless questions,trailed silently behind Myron's confident stride.
Eventually, the pair arrived at an impeccably appointed private chamber.
After their carefully selected coffees had been expertly served, the chamber door closed with a soft,decisive click.
"Mr. Elliott, what sparked this sudden fascination with my affairs? And what motivated you to conduct such thorough investigations into my background?"The coffee's rich fragrance permeated the intimate space,delicate steam spiraling upward as Millie fixed her gaze on Myron and posed her pointed inquiry.
Myron refrained from providing an immediate response, instead savoring a contemplative sip of his expertly prepared coffee.
"Our paths have crossed on numerous occasions,though you consistently remained positioned at Brandon's side during those encounters," Myron observed with measured deliberation.
Millie confirmed his observation with a subtle nod.That assessment was undeniably accurate.
He pressed forward with his explanation. "I always believed Brandon possessed extraordinary fortune in securing your devotion. I must confess... I consistently harbored envy toward him."
Millie studied his expression intently, struggling to decipher the deeper meaning behind his unexpected confession.
" also attended that prestigious charity auction,"Myron continued with growing intensity. "That evening, Serena's masterful technique in escalating the bidding war represented a brilliant demonstration of strategic thinking, which immediately captured my intense curiosity. However, when I learned that Serena was reportedly Charles' romantic partner, l experienced genuine disappointment but chose not to pursue the matter further until Jayceon convinced me to witness Serena's live performance. Her performance revealed certain inconsistencies that troubled me, and subsequently, as I just explained, I did some digging and then confirmed your carefully concealed identity."
So the charity auction had served as the catalyst for his investigation.
Millie lowered her gaze slightly, processing this revelation with growing unease.
"So, what specific purpose brought you to seek me out today, Mr. Elliott?" she inquired with cautious directness.
"Please, simply address me as Myron," he responded, his smile radiating unexpected warmth."First, allow me to offer my/sincere congratulations on your successful divorce proceedings. And secondly, would you consider accepting my proposal of marriage?"