26 Feeling Conflicted

In the spacious and neatly arranged office, a man sat with a serious expression. His fingers swiftly flipped through page after page of financial reports, ensuring that every transaction was proceeding as planned. Lincoln Stuard never let his guard down when it came to overseeing his company—especially when he knew that certain parties were waiting for the right moment to bring him down.

A soft knock echoed at the door. Nathan Cole, his personal secretary, entered, holding a clipboard with the day's agenda.

"Sir, your schedule for tomorrow is ready," he reported. "You are scheduled to attend the National Business Proposal Competition at Theodore University as a guest judge."

Lincoln let out a long sigh without lifting his eyes from the documents in his hands. "I'm not interested. You go in my place!"

Nathan frowned slightly, surprised. "But didn't you want to scout young talents for future recruitment? Why the sudden change of heart?"

Lincoln finally closed his file and looked at Nathan with sharp eyes. "You can take my place. No one knows my face there. Just go and pretend to be me."

Nathan exhaled. "But what about the judging process? I'm not an expert at evaluating business proposals."

Leaning back in his chair, Lincoln looked unbothered.

"I'll watch the live broadcast. You just have to announce the winner according to my instructions."

Nathan thought for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, then."

However, he didn't leave immediately. His gaze remained fixed on Lincoln, full of concern.

"Are you okay?" he asked cautiously.

Lincoln was silent for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh.

"No. I'm never truly okay." His voice was cold.

"My aunt and cousins won’t stop until they’ve destroyed this company. It's only a matter of time before they launch their next scheme."

Nathan looked at him sympathetically, then hesitated before saying, "Perhaps you should consider getting married and having an heir. If you have a legitimate successor, they won’t be able to claim rights over your wealth."

Lincoln narrowed his eyes, a small, almost cynical smile playing on his lips.

"I understand what you're implying, Nathan. But building a family isn’t that simple for me."

"Any woman who knows I’m Lincoln Stuard would choose me for my wealth. And once again, I'd feel betrayed if she left and took my money with her," Lincoln stated.

"Sir! Are you sure Miss Maria ran away after receiving money from Madam Victoria?"

"Of course! Who would refuse money?" Lincoln replied.

"But, sir, doesn’t that seem odd?"

"What do you mean?"

"Did you meet her in person?"

"No! But my aunt told me that—! Wait! You’re right! I never actually saw Maria!"

"So you trusted her?"

"I tried looking for Maria everywhere! But I couldn't find her!"

"And?"

"I thought she was deliberately avoiding me!"

Nathan looked at Lincoln with a serious expression.

"Sir, are you sure she was avoiding you... or was she actually avoiding your aunt?"

Lincoln fell silent for a moment, the words echoing in his mind.

"What do you mean?"

Nathan sighed. "If Maria only wanted money, she should be living comfortably somewhere, not disappearing without a trace. Isn't that strange?"

Lincoln clenched his jaw, a sign that his thoughts were beginning to waver.

"I've searched for her everywhere. If she wanted to be found, she would have shown up by now. But she never did."

"Or maybe someone made sure she couldn't be found?" Nathan probed.

Lincoln shook his head, his tone turning cold. "I don’t want to be trapped in the past, Nathan. Maria is no longer part of my life, and I’m sure she has a family of her own now. Maybe with another man. I won’t waste my time searching for someone who no longer wants me."

Nathan studied him closely, trying to detect any trace of doubt in Lincoln’s words. But the man was too stubborn, too convinced of his own conclusion.

"Then, there's no point in arguing with you, Sir." Nathan finally gave up, letting out a long sigh. "I just want you to consider everything from a different perspective."

Lincoln didn’t reply. His eyes returned to the report in front of him, as if the conversation had never happened. Nathan left, but Lincoln watched the man with a sigh.

"If only you knew, I had already found Maria before you even told me to," Lincoln muttered with sad eyes.

***

The long-awaited day had finally arrived. The Annual Business Proposal Competition for aspiring entrepreneurs was set to take place today. Since the night before, Calvin had been practicing in front of the mirror, repeating his presentation over and over until every word was perfectly ingrained in his mind. His confidence had grown thanks to Bastian’s advice a few days ago, making him believe he could perform at his best today.

Wearing the best outfit he owned—a crisp white shirt and a simple blazer—Calvin stepped forward with determination. Upon arriving at campus, the atmosphere was already bustling. Theodore University was hosting the national-level business proposal competition, attracting students from various universities. Each participant had their own supporters, making the event lively. Some journalists had even arrived to capture the special moments.

However, before he could head to the faculty’s auditorium where the competition was being held, a voice stopped him.

"Calvin!"

He turned around to see Julia standing not far from him. She looked hesitant but eventually gathered the courage to approach him.

"What is it?" Calvin asked in a flat tone.

Julia bit her lip before saying, "I… I want to apologize for what happened at the dance party."

Calvin raised an eyebrow, then smirked sarcastically.

"Oh? So now you want to apologize?"

Julia nodded. "I truly regret it, Calvin. I realized everything I did was wrong. I want us to be friends… honestly."

Calvin crossed his arms over his chest.

"Really? And what about the bet? Are you enjoying your new car?"

Julia flinched, her face turning slightly red with guilt. She knew Calvin wouldn't forget the humiliation so easily.

"I canceled the bet," Julia finally admitted. "I know it was wrong. I… I really regret it. I just want you to know that I genuinely consider you a friend now."

Calvin let out a short chuckle. "A friend, huh?"

Julia nodded.

"Alright," Calvin continued in a sarcastic tone. "Then, as a friend, when can I get a ride in your new car?"

Julia fell silent, her face flushing. Calvin’s words were clearly a jab.

"There’s no need," Calvin said before Julia could respond. His gaze was sharp. "I don’t need sympathy or friendship that comes out of pity. Or is this just another trap? Did you place another bet with someone?"

Julia shook her head quickly, her eyes slightly teary. "No! I mean it, Calvin. I truly regret it."

Calvin let out a quiet scoff. "You know, Julia? Apologies are easy to say but hard to prove."

Julia bit her lip, unable to reply.

"If you really regret it," Calvin continued, his voice calmer but still firm, "Prove it with actions, not just words."

With that, Calvin walked away toward the auditorium without looking back. Julia could only watch his retreating figure, her heart feeling heavy.