Chapter 108 The Watson–Mayer Deal

Chapter 108 The Watson–Mayer Deal
Hearing Julian speak up for her, Cora jumped right in.
“Yes, exactly! They requested both husband and wife attend…”

For freedom, she could sacrifice dignity. They’d been play-acting marriage for so long—what was one more performance?

She slipped her hand through Julian’s arm and leaned closer, all warmth and soft smiles.
“I worked on that deal too. I want to be there to celebrate! Grandma, Jule will take care of me—you trust him, don’t you? I promise I’ll be careful!”

It was the first time she’d ever used that lilting, half-teasing tone with him.
Julian’s eyes darkened, dropping briefly to where her arm pressed against him. She really has filled out…

“Yes,” he murmured, voice low. “I’ll see to everything.”
His gaze lingered—long enough for the old matriarch to catch it and hide a knowing smile.

“All right,” Mrs. Watson said finally. “But you’ll take extra assistants and bodyguards. And, Cora, don’t think I don’t know you’ve been dismissing your security detail just to get some peace. Try that again and I’ll confine you at home!”

Cora practically saluted. “Yes, Grandma, I won’t do it again!”
Julian added smoothly, “If it makes you feel better, I’ll keep her with me everywhere. You can rest easy.”
Cora nodded along like an obedient student.

Mrs. Watson sighed, pleased. “Good. You’re about to be a father, Jule—start acting like one.”

—

When they left the hospital, Julian was in rare spirits. Instead of going home, he took her shopping.
Only, when they arrived, he refused to let her walk the mall; he had the floor manager bring everything to them instead.

Baby clothes. Baby bottles. Baby furniture.

Cora blinked. “You’re… buying baby stuff already?”

A faint flush touched Julian’s ears.
It hit him then—he was acting like a complete rookie father.

Cora couldn’t hold it in and burst out laughing. The mighty Mr. Watson, reduced to a giddy dad-to-be.
For once, he looked almost human.

And after that day, he really did start to feel more… grounded.
Less like an untouchable CEO, more like a man who laughed, got flustered, and—sometimes—made a fool of himself.

Their home relaxed. Their staff relaxed.
For two whole days, peace finally settled over the Watson estate.

Then came the big day.

Julian signed the final contract with Liam Mayer—live-streamed across the nation.
It was a multi-billion-dollar alliance, the kind that would shape industries.

Everyone assumed the politically backed Mayer Group would come out on top.
But when the deal’s structure became public, the shock was immediate.

The true victor was Watson Group.

Julian had secured control over every critical choke point along the supply chain.
If the Mayers tried to play games, Watson could collapse their entire operation overnight.

It was ruthless. Brilliant. Classic Julian.

Business media hailed it as the clash of a new generation’s titans—and the winner was clear.
Julian Watson had just claimed his crown.

While the nation buzzed, something quieter was happening elsewhere.

In a freshly painted office in N City, Matt sat among piles of ruined paperwork and silent phones.
His new company—gone.
Two days. That’s all it had taken.

He stared at the chaos, numb.
No. This can’t be real.

Employees had already packed up. One lingered just long enough to bow awkwardly.
“I’m sorry, sir. I’m leaving. Take care.”

“You too?” Matt’s voice cracked. “You told me this deal was a sure thing!”

The man’s expression faltered. “I did. But you signed off. And… the new owner wants us out today.”

Matt collapsed into his chair, pale and shaking. Two days ago, everything was fine. Now—ashes.

His phone rang. The screen flashed a name he didn’t want to see. Dina.

He almost ignored it—then, against his better judgment, answered.

“Matt,” Dina’s voice purred, sharp under the sweetness. “Now do you believe me? Your company didn’t just fall apart. It was taken apart. And tell me—who else in N City could do that but Watson Group?”

Matt froze. “You mean… Julian did this? Because of Cora? No! Even for him, that’d cost—”

Dina’s laugh sliced through him. “Cost? Don’t be ridiculous. Didn’t you watch today’s news? Even the Mayer family couldn’t touch him. And you think you matter? Please. You were never anything but a speck.”

Her words hit like ice water.
He remembered—his first investment, the startup seed money… had come from selling Cora’s ring and gifts.

Cora.

Dina’s voice turned silky again. “So. Are you ready to work with me? She betrayed you, Matt. She betrayed both of us. Once a nobody, now Mrs. Watson. Don’t you want payback?”

Matt hesitated. “But… we don’t have proof she was behind it.”

Dina chuckled darkly. “Proof? You don’t need proof. You just need her sympathy. Go to her. Tell her you’re desperate, ruined, that you need Julian’s mercy. She’ll pity you—she always does. One word from her, and maybe Julian will spare you.”

Her tone turned mocking. “Or are you really content to go from city golden boy to broke loser overnight?”

Matt clenched his jaw. “You’re right. I’ll go find her. She won’t ignore me. Thank you, Dina—you’re the only one who still cares.”

When he hung up, Dina’s grin turned feral.

Perfect.

All she needed was for Cora to meet him.
Once that happened, no matter what Cora said or didn’t say, the story would write itself—and Julian would never see her the same way again.

“Cora,” she whispered to the empty room, eyes cold. “If I can’t have it, neither can you.”

—

At that moment, Cora was lounging on the terrace, basking in the sun.

Her phone started ringing—nonstop.

Winny approached, frowning. “Mrs. Watson, this number’s called three times already. Should I answer?”

Cora reached for it lazily. “I’ll take it.”

The moment the line connected, her expression hardened.