Chapter 17 It’s Mariana
Maggie effortlessly saw through Latoya’s transparent schemes. Latoya always put on a facade of propriety around men, but Maggie had no need to do so.
“Evidence stares you in the face. If you can’t even tell the truth from lies, I suppose this company is doomed in three days.”
Maggie’s words cut like a knife.
“The Jimenez Group will never go bankrupt.”
Latoya looped her arm through Cristofer’s, casting a puzzled glance at Maryanne. How did she manage to gather evidence to clear her name?
But it no longer mattered. The accusation of Maryanne stealing the company’s new product had already been clandestinely posted online by Latoya’s allies. Her aim was to destroy Maryanne.
Certain secrets were meant to remain hidden from Maryanne.
Cristofer was hers.
Maryanne gazed at Cristofer’s handsome features, her voice steady. “Mr. Jimenez, can you vindicate me now?”
Before Cristofer could respond, Maggie shot him a furious look. “Mr. Jimenez, you’ve crossed the line. Ms. Nielsen is innocent, yet you vilified her online, If you can do this, don’t blame us for resorting to drastic measures.”
Cristofer’s brow furrowed as he wondered who could have posted it so swiftly.
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Chapter 17 It’s Mariana
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Latoya’s eyes glinted with malevolence. She thought, “Maryanne, we’ll see how long Leandro can shield you.”
Maryanne picked up her phone.
“Maryanne from the Jimenez Group stole the company’s new product, developed over six months.”
Below, a torrent of condemning comments poured in, too painful to read.
Maryanne’s beautiful eyes turned frigid. She looked at Cristofer with icy disdain. She had already broken up with him, yet he still wouldn’t let her go.
Her heart ached so intensely she could barely breathe.
“Cristofer, you truly are heartless.” A bitter smile graced her lips. What had she ever done wrong?
Even after the divorce, his cruelty towards her persisted.
Cristofer gazed into her eyes–once vibrant, now as lifeless as a stagnant pond—and felt a sudden, violent urge to destroy, his heart a tempest of agitation.
She had shuttered her heart, determined to erase him from her soul, and he knew her too well.
An inexplicable panic seized him, yet the memory of her betrayal instantly hardened his heart once more.
Rodrigo’s death made forgiveness utterly impossible.
“Maggie, post what Mariana has done online. If the Jimenez Group is framing me, then I am prepared to fight until the very end.”
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Chapter 17 It’s Manana
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With that, Maryanne turned and left.
Maggie forwarded the video to Geovanni and let Geovanni handle the fallout.
Maggie met Cristofer’s gaze, her smile laced with venomous mockery. “Mr. Jimenez, your intellect is as barren as a desert, utterly devoid of wisdom. I truly wonder how your group managed to achieve such remarkable growth over the past few years?”
Maryanne had played a significant part in it, indeed.
Cristofer’s back stiffened, his fingers clenched into white–knuckled fists, his dark eyes swirling with a destructive storm capable of obliterating everything.
Maggie sneered, then followed Maryanne out.
Cristofer turned his dark, almost playful gaze onto Mariana. “Mariana, the video is authentic. Report to the police station.”
The color drained from Mariana’s face in shock. But thinking of her family, she whispered to Cristofer, “Mr. Jimenez, I am so sorry.”
Then, she went to turn herself in.
Latoya’s smile vanished, replaced by dawning dread. Their meticulously crafted plan had been shattered by Maryanne.
What were they to do now?
If Cristofer investigated, he would inevitably trace it back to them.
Latoya looked at him, her expression fraught with sorrow. “Cristofer, without the new product, what becomes of us? Will it cripple your company? This was a project you’ve poured half a year into preparing.”
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Chapter 17 It’s Mariana
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A dangerous smile touched Cristofer’s handsome face, subtle yet promising unseen peril.
Always proud and capable, he declared, “My new product isn’t so easily acquired. That person will pay the price.”
Latoya felt a prickle of unease, uncertain of her next move.
Cristofer watched Maryanne’s retreating back. She had shed her gentleness and transformed into someone as distant and untouchable as a brewing storm.
Just as Maryanne prepared to enter the car, Esteban suddenly appeared, blocking her way.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.