I Bankrupted Him

The secretary watched James's expression closely and spoke cautiously. "They said our products had severe quality defects, failing to meet partnership standards, and they would pursue liability afterward." At the same time, my legal team knocked on his door. "Design fees and damages of the jewelry are total ten million," the lawyer said, adjusting his glasses with a calm, even tone. Clara fumed, jabbing a finger at the lawyer's nose. "Get out! Ten million? I wouldn't give that wretched bitch a single dollar!" The lawyer stood firm, his smile not reaching his eyes. "If Mr. Sterling refuses to compensate, we'll meet in court. The Monroe Group's legal department will see it through to the end. Mr. Sterling, Ms. Monroe asked me to relay a message. If you've forgotten your roots, the Monroe Group will remind you." Fear flashed in Clara's heart, but she held her ground, refusing to yield. "We're practically family! What family tallies every penny like this? Isn't she just throwing a fit? She's not even married to James yet and already so rude. Is this how the Monroes raise their daughters?" James seemed to snap to life. Right, we were family. Emma was just mad at him. A few sweet words, and it would all blow over. He stumbled out the door, nearly knocking Sarah over, ignoring her protests without a backward glance. James rushed to the Monroe house in a panic, only to learn I had gotten married that very morning. He drove to the Galton estate like a maniac. He yelled downstairs, demanding to see me. What a joke. On my wedding night, who had time for him? Henry wrapped his arms around me contentedly, eagerly displaying himself. "Honey, like what you see?" He leaned over, his hot breath fanning my neck. In the shadows, his eight-pack abs stood out sharply, glowing with an alluring honeyed tone. My throat tightened. I reached up, gripped his neck, and kissed him deeply. We stayed up all night. The next morning, we stepped out hand in hand and bumped right into James, who had waited all night at the door. He looked sleepless, dark circles under his eyes, his usually impeccable clothes rumpled. The instant he saw me, he struggled to his feet. When he glanced at Henry, a malicious glint crossed his vacant eyes. He pointed at Henry, his voice raspy, eyes full of agony. "You're with him just to spite me, right? Emma, you succeeded. Seeing me suffer like this, does it make you happy?" I was utterly speechless. I held up my hand, fingers laced tightly with Henry's. "Are you insane? Or blind?" A successful woman like me had no reason to wrong myself by marrying someone I didn't love over a loser like him. If Henry hadn't pulled out all the stops and chased me shamelessly for six months, I never would have agreed to the marriage license. After testing him for over two years, I decided to make it official. Yet in James's mind, it was all a show for him. James shook his head with a bitter chuckle. "You two never got along as kids. Being with him is just to get back at me. You can't fool me. Why else would you marry him right after I returned? But I can overlook it all. Come back to me, and I'll forgive everything. After all, I love you."