The next morning, as soon as I walked into the company, a figure ran up to me and dropped to her knees in front of me. "I'm sorry, Lyss. It's all my fault. Please don't fire Kean and the others.

"If you don't like me, I'll leave! They've worked here for so many years. I know how much they've done for the company.

"This is the necklace Kean bought for me. I'll give it to you. I'll never compete with you again!"

Eliana clutched the hem of my skirt tightly. The employees around us started whispering.

"This is too much! Ms. Morcant and Mr. Strathmore practically kept this company afloat these past few years. Now that she's back, she wants to kick them out?"

"Does she really think she's all that special just because she's rich? If Keanu leaves, I'm quitting too! I'm not staying here just to end up getting tossed aside like trash!"

Their accusations made my cheeks burn with humiliation.

I was about to call my grandfather's assistant when someone shoved me hard from behind. I lost my balance and hit the ground with a loud thud. The impact knocked the air out of me, and a sharp, metallic taste filled my mouth.

"Elysia Morcant! It's just a necklace! If you want the money, I'll return it. Why can't you leave Ellie alone?" Keanu gritted out.

I tried to get up, but Julian kicked me in the stomach before I could. Pain shot through my body, and the blood I'd been holding back spilled from my lips.

"I've had enough of you! If I ever see you bullying Ellie again, it won't end with just one kick!" he snarled.

Zayn held Julian back before he could kick me again. "Drop the act! Julian didn't even kick you that hard. You were the one who bullied Ellie first, so don't pin this on us.

"If you get down on your knees and apologize to Ellie now, we'll let bygones be bygones and even come back to work."

I closed my eyes, swallowed the blood in my throat, and felt tears of humiliation roll down my cheeks. For a moment, I actually considered giving in.

Just then, gasps rippled from the entrance. Keanu immediately helped me up. "This all started because of you. I'm sure you know what to do. Don't let Mr. Morcant Senior hear about this, or I won't be showing up at our wedding."

His threat echoed in my ear, and a bitter smile tugged at my lips. He would get what he wanted soon enough. Since he liked Eliana that much, I'd give them my blessing.

By the time my grandfather arrived, I had already straightened myself up. He shot them a displeased look, while I silently followed behind him with my head lowered.

For the past month, I'd practically been living at the company, attempting to get the hang of everything as fast as I could. Before I knew it, the night of the company banquet—where my engagement was to be officially announced—had arrived.

After a month of absence, Keanu and his two friends finally decided to grace me with their presence.

"It has been a whole month since we last saw Mr. Strathmore. I thought he had left for greener pastures."

"If he ever does, I suggest you start making plans too. Did you know that he was the one who landed the company's biggest deal last month? It resulted in a profit of more than 100 million dollars!

"He's so young, yet he's already that capable. If he leaves, and the company falls into the hands of that heir from the countryside, we're done for!"

I sneered. Zayn noticed it and reminded me, "Don't start. It took us a whole month to calm Keanu down. If you hurt Ellie's feelings again, I won't be able to save you from whatever happens next."

I noticed the knowing look in Keanu's eyes and felt a wave of disgust. So, I made up an excuse and went to the restroom.

I hadn't expected to run into Eliana there. The moment she saw me, she smiled. Then, she bent over and started groaning in pain.

I was perplexed until a sharp slap cracked across my face. My cheek stung, and when I looked up, I found Keanu glaring at me furiously. "I knew you were up to no good!"

"K-Kean, our baby…" Blood started pooling beneath Eliana.

Julian's eyes were bloodshot as he struck me hard across the face. "You heartless bitch! Don't marry her, Keanu! She's definitely going to ruin you one day!"

Without sparing me a glance, Zayn hurriedly stopped the two livid men. "Let's rush Ellie to the hospital first!"

Before leaving, Keanu took one last look at me. "I'm giving you one last chance. If you can't accept Ellie, it's over between us.

"I'm sure you can find another man, but don't say I didn't warn you. Not everyone is as capable or restrained as I am. If you encounter someone ruthless, they'll chew you up until there's nothing left of you!

"I suggest that you think long and hard about how you're going to apologize to Ellie this time. If she doesn't forgive you, our wedding will be postponed indefinitely."

I didn't miss the triumphant glint in Eliana's eyes. I smiled as well, remembering that it was the day my engagement would be announced.

After touching up my makeup, I returned to the banquet. The moment I walked in, I could feel everyone's strange looks on me.

"I just saw Mr. Strathmore leaving with a woman in his arms. Isn't Mr. Morcant Senior going to announce their engagement tonight?"

"I guess that's not happening anymore. Mr. Strathmore hasn't even shown up to work this past month. For all we know, Mr. Morcant Senior might've already appointed a new heir."