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."