Chapter 22 Let's Cooperate
Selena's POV
That afternoon, I was working on a new jewelry design, inspired by the "Lucifer" iris in my greenhouse.
Anna knocked and walked in, looking a bit strange.
"Miss, there's a visitor at the door."
"Who?" I didn't even look up. "If it's that idiot Taisia, just have the security throw her out."
"He says his name is Myrdal Carter, and he wants to talk to you about... a collaboration."
My hand stopped mid-sketch.
Myrdal? He still has the nerve to come here? To talk about collaboration?
This is the funniest joke of the century.
I put down my pen and leaned back in my chair, easily imagining what he must look like right now.
Suit and tie, hair perfectly slicked back, forcing that self-important elite smile onto his face, but his eyes must be full of anxiety and desperation.
"Tell him to get lost." I had no interest in seeing him.
"He says... if you won't see him, he'll wait at the door." Anna's tone was a bit awkward.
I frowned.
Did he really think that just pestering me would make me soften?
"Fine," I stood up. "I'll go see him. I'm curious what tricks he's got left to play."
I walked out of the main house and sure enough, saw that familiar figure at the farm's main gate.
He was leaning against a Mercedes. When he saw me coming out, his eyes lit up instantly.
He hurried toward me, his face wearing exactly the fake smile I'd expected.
"Selena, you're finally willing to see me."
He looked much more haggard, with obvious dark circles under his eyes, but he was still trying hard to maintain his dignity.
I crossed my arms and stood three steps away from him, looking at him coldly.
"What do you want?"
My coldness made his smile freeze for a moment, but he quickly recovered.
"Selena, I know you're still mad at me. But can we not talk about personal feelings first? I'm here to discuss business with you."
He pulled out a document from his briefcase and held it out to me. "I know the Hart family has been looking for investment projects in new energy. This is our Carter Group's latest project proposal. I think we have great potential for cooperation."
Looking at that proposal, I almost laughed out loud.
Who does he think he is?
Does he think Carter Group is still some business giant that can go toe-to-toe with my family?
A company that can't even pay a nine-figure penalty and is on the verge of bankruptcy—what right does it have to talk about cooperation with the Hart family?
Is he treating me like an idiot like Taisia?
"Myrdal," I looked at him, leaning in slightly, saying each word deliberately, "Do you really think I would collaborate with a company that can barely pay its employees?"
My words were like a bucket of ice water, drenching him from head to toe.
His expression cracked inch by inch, and his voice grew heavy.
"I know what you want, Selena. You don't have to be so difficult."
I looked at that handsome face that used to make me soften, met those eyes full of fake affection, and now I only wanted to sneer.
"You just want me back, don't you? I promise you, as long as you're willing to invest, I'll break off my engagement with Taisia immediately and start over with you."
I couldn't help it—I laughed.
He still thinks that everything I've done is just playing hard to get to win him back?
He thinks I care about his marriage, about that position as Mrs. Carter that's already been tainted by Taisia?
"Myrdal," I interrupted him, "you disgust me."
He froze in place, looking at me in disbelief.
"Sel... Selena, what do you mean? We loved each other."
"Loved each other?" I sneered. "Your so-called love—is that pointing at my nose and calling me vicious over a few of Taisia's tears? Is that not saying a single word to keep me when I was kicked out of my home? Myrdal, do you even deserve to talk about love?"
I moved toward him step by step. He didn't dare look me in the eye.
"You don't need a lover. You need a tool to solve your problems, to let you continue living your comfortable life. I used to be that tool, and now you want me to keep being your tool, right?"
He couldn't say a word.
Looking at him like this, I didn't even feel like bothering with him anymore.
"Get lost." I pointed at the gate. "Before I call security, disappear from my sight immediately."
"No! Selena, you can't do this to me!" He suddenly went crazy, rushing forward to grab me. "I can't live without you! The company can't survive without you!"
I frowned, about to kick him away.
Just then, a harsh engine roar approached from the distance.
A black, extremely aggressive-looking SUV, like a wild beast, pulled a beautiful drift and stopped steadily beside us.
The door opened, and a tall man jumped down from the driver's seat.
He wore a simple black T-shirt and cargo pants, military boots on his feet, with neat short hair and healthy tan skin.
His features were as chiseled as a sculpture, his jawline sharp and tight, his eyes as keen as an eagle's.
I was stunned for a moment.
This person... I'd seen him in the family photo albums at home.
It was my brother who'd been overseas, in charge of the family's core business—Ethan Hart.
We'd only met a few times on video calls. This was the first time seeing him in person.
He didn't look at me. His gaze went straight to Myrdal, who was gripping my arm tightly.
His eyes instantly went ice-cold.
"Let her go."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable pressure.
Myrdal was startled and instinctively let go.
Ethan walked to my side, looked me up and down, and after confirming I was okay, looked back at Myrdal.
"What are you supposed to be? You dare touch my sister?"
Myrdal was stunned by the question, then reacted with a flash of anger: "Who are you? This is between me and Selena, none of your business!"
"None of my business?" Ethan looked like he'd heard the biggest joke ever. He sneered, then let out a loud whistle.
The next second, from the other end of the farm came fierce barking.
Two Rottweilers, bigger than calves, shot out from the lawn like black lightning, charging straight toward us.
They bared their teeth, throats rumbling with deep growls, saliva dripping from their sharp fangs.
Myrdal's body went rigid.
Just before the two Rottweilers could reach him, he dove into his car.
The two dogs chased to his car, barking and biting at the door frantically, making loud banging sounds.
The whole world went quiet.
Ethan turned his head to look at me. In those sharp eyes, a hint of a smile finally appeared.
"You're Selena?" His voice was much softer than before. "Prettier than in the photos. I'm Ethan."
He extended his hand. "Welcome home, little sister."