A Love Forgotten Novel by Webfic

The lounge was filled with flowers, traditional performances, soft melodies, and even a chess table.

These were all services prepared for high–class female guests. I picked out a flower arrangement I liked and began working on it.

Jocelyn gracefully sauntered over, her cheeks flushed, likely from all the alcohol she’d had at the dinner. I glanced at her briefly and continued arranging the flowers.

She sat beside me, giving me a long, appraising look with a faint smile on her lips. Turning to her, I asked, ” Is there something you need?”

Jocelyn chuckled, her voice coy. “Ms. York, I have to admit, I underestimated you.”

I calmly trimmed the stems, replying flatly, “Ms. Cornell, if you have something to say, just say it.”

She let out a breath before speaking again in a more serious tone. “Ms. York, how does 500 million sound? I can convince Elijah to give it to you if you agree to a divorce.”

I looked up, meeting her eyes. She appeared sincere.

“500 million. That’s quite a lot.” My expression remained impassive. “500 million was the offer five years ago. It’s worth much more now.”

Jocelyn’s face flushed, likely from frustration. She took a deep breath, lowering her voice.

“Ms. York, if this goes to court, it’ll affect Elijah’s career. If his reputation takes a hit, do you think you’ll still be able to get that much from him?”

She leaned in, her words laced with hidden threats. “I’m advising you to take the deal while it’s still good.

It took me a moment to fully grasp her meaning. No wonder Jocelyn was so eager to play the negotiator.

At first, she just wanted to rush me into a divorce, but now she realized that if I truly pursued the financial aspect, Elijah might lose his bid for the Eastside Project.

After all, Linden Group was a large company, and its stock prices would take a hit if the divorce scandal escalated.

Finally, my brain started working in the right direction. I coldly rejected her offer. “Ms. Cornell, I suggest you take your own advice and back off. Whatever happens between Elijah and me is none of your concern. You can stop playing the middleman now.”

Jocelyn’s expression faltered, her face showing clear irritation. She opened her mouth to say something more, but I cut her off, my voice sharp.

“Instead of wasting your breath trying to convince me to leave Elijah for money, why don’t you stay by his side and continue being his precious darling?”

I smirked. “After all, what will you do the next time he publicly refuses to acknowledge you as his ‘true love?”

Jocelyn froze, rage flaring in her eyes. I simply watched her with calm detachment. Her glare was venomous as she stared at me for a long moment.

Then, with a sneer, she spat, “Ms. York, your attitude has certainly changed after that suicide attempt. You’re almost unrecognizable.”

I let out a cold laugh. “Well, when someone’s been through death, they’re bound to come out different.”

Jocelyn let out two harsh laughs of her own. Then, suddenly, she grabbed the scissors from my hand.

I had been holding a large peony flower, not noticing that she was now aiming the sharp blades directly at my face.

Just as I put the flower down, I saw a flash of steel heading toward me. Instinctively, I shoved her away.

“Ah! It hurts!” Jocelyn screamed.

I looked down and saw a bright red gash on her pale arm. Upon hearing her cries, the staff rushed over. I immediately dropped the flower arrangement and distanced myself from her.

As expected, Jocelyn clutched her wound, tears streaming down her face as she glared at me. “Ms. York, I know you hate me, but did you really need to use scissors to try and scar my face?”

I frowned. “I didn’t. Ms. Cornell, is making false accusations one of your special talents?”

Jocelyn continued sobbing, turning to the staff. “It hurts so much. Please, call Mr. Linden.”

The staff hesitated before hurrying off to fetch him. Not long after, Elijah stormed into the room, his face contorted with anger.

Jocelyn ran to him immediately, showing him her wound with tearful e finger at me, his voice seething with rage.

Elijah pointed an accusatory

“Ariana, what the hell is your problem? First, you come here to humiliate me, and now you’re trying to hurt Jo?”

I had long grown used to this kind of baseless accusation. With an icy tone, I responded, “Mr. Linden, are you really going to assume it was me without asking for any facts?”

Elijah’s anger flared even more. “Who else would it be? You’re just jealous that Jo has-” He stopped himself mid–sentence, realizing he’d said too much.

I clapped my hands sarcastically. “Oh, Mr. Linden, still as self–centered as ever! Tell me, what exactly am I supposed to be jealous of when it comes to Ms. Cornell?”