Chapter 93 Bitter Revelations
CHAPTER NINTEY THREE
Valenticia’s POV~
The memory of the dinner that I had with Stefan stayed in my mind for days, like a bright spot I couldn’t shake. We had talked so easily at Luigi’s, laughing over old stories and business wins, and his smile felt real, like the Stefan I knew from years ago. It sparked a quiet hope in me that maybe our history wasn’t completely gone, that we could at least be friends again.
I caught myself replaying his words, “Glad we did this, means a lot,” and wondering if there was room for more. But I pushed it down, reminding myself it was just a business dinner to celebrate the deal, nothing else. Still, the warmth lingered, and I held onto it as I went through my routine, balancing work at Clawford Enterprises with plans to bring Nana home from the hospital.
The signing event for the sensor deal came a few days later, and I arrived at the downtown conference center feeling focused. The room was big, with long tables covered in white cloths and a podium up front. Teams from Clawford and Helix filled the space, chatting and shaking hands. I wore a navy blazer and skirt, my hair tied back, and carried a folder with the final contract. Lena met me at the door, her tablet glowing with notes. “Everything’s set, Valenticia,” she said. “Press is here, and the board’s ready to sign.”
“Great,” I said, scanning the room. “Let’s make this quick and clean.” My team gathered around, Mark from sales giving me a thumbs-up. “Numbers look solid,” he said. “This deal’s huge.”
I nodded, feeling proud. The sensor supply for Helix’s tech line would push Clawford’s profits up and keep us growing. Stefan’s team stood across the room, and I spotted him talking to his VP, Rachel. He looked sharp in a gray suit, his expression all business. Our eyes met briefly, and he gave a small nod. I returned it, keeping my face neutral, but that spark from dinner flickered again. Maybe this deal could be a new start for us, even if just professional.
The event started with opening remarks. Rachel spoke first, thanking everyone for the collaboration. “Helix is thrilled to partner with Clawford,” she said. “This deal sets a new standard for tech innovation.” Applause followed, and I stepped up next, keeping my words short. “Clawford’s proud to supply the sensors,” I said. “Together, we’re building something big.” More applause, and we moved to the signing table.
As we sat to sign, Stefan leaned over. “Good speech,” he said quietly. “Short and to the point.”
“Thanks,” I replied, smiling a bit. “Yours wasn’t bad either.” It felt easy, like at dinner, and for a moment, I let myself hope we could keep this friendly, respectful, and maybe more someday.
We signed the contracts, our pens scratching paper, and cameras flashing from the press section. Everyone clapped, and teams mingled, grabbing coffee and pastries from a side table. I was talking to Mark about next steps when Stefan approached, his face serious. “Valenticia, can we talk for a second?” he said, gesturing to a quieter corner near the windows.
I nodded, curious but cautious. “Sure, what’s up?” My heart sped up a little, thinking maybe he wanted to talk about dinner, about us. We stepped away from the crowd, and I noticed his hands fidgeting, not his usual calm self.
“Before we announce more,” he said, his voice low, “there’s something personal I need to share.”
I tilted my head, confused. “Personal? Here?” My stomach tightened, sensing something big. Then I saw her—Natasha, walking over from the Helix team, her red dress standing out in the room. She stopped next to Stefan, her hand slipping into his, and I noticed a ring glinting on her finger. My breath caught, and I felt my face freeze, trying to hide the shock. Natasha smiled at me, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
Stefan cleared his throat, looking at me like he could see my discomfort. “Valenticia, Natasha, my fiancée,” he said. “We got engaged last week. It makes sense for our lives, our companies. I wanted you to hear it from me.”
The warmth from dinner vanished, replaced by a cold ache in my chest. Fiancée? Last week? My mind raced back to Luigi’s, his laugh, the way he looked at me like old times. Had it all been fake? Just business? I forced a smile, my lips tight. “Congratulations,” I said, my voice steady despite the hurt. “That’s… great news.”
Natasha nodded, her grip on Stefan’s hand tightening. “Thank you,” she said. “We’re excited. It’s a big step.”
Stefan kept his eyes on me, like he was waiting for more. “I didn’t want it to catch you off guard,” he said. “After our history, I owed you that.”
I swallowed hard, keeping my face calm. “Appreciate it,” I said. “Really happy for you both.” But inside, I had numerous questions to ask. Why now? Why, after dinner, when he make me think there was something left? Was he playing me, or was this real? The ache grew, mixing with anger at myself for hoping, for letting that spark trick me.
“I should get back,” I said, stepping back. “Lots to wrap up.” I turned before he could say more, walking toward my team. My hands shook a little, and I shoved them in my pockets. Lena caught my eye, frowning. “You okay?” she whispered.
“Fine,” I lied, grabbing a coffee to keep busy. “Just need to focus on the deal.” She didn’t push, but her look said she wasn’t fooled.
The rest of the event blurred. We posed for photos, shook more hands, and answered press questions about the partnership. “How’s it feel to close this deal?” a reporter asked me.
“Proud,” I said, forcing enthusiasm. “It’s a win for both companies.” Stefan stood nearby, with Natasha at his side, and I avoided looking at them. My chest felt tight, like I couldn’t breathe deep enough. I kept smiling, nodding, playing my part, but all I could think about was that ring, her hand in his, and the dinner that meant nothing now.
As the event wound down, teams started leaving. I stayed to the end, thanking everyone, making sure Clawford looked strong. Stefan approached one last time, alone this time. “Val, can we talk later?” he asked, his voice soft. “Just to clear the air?”
I shook my head, keeping my tone polite. “No need, Stefan. We’re good. Congrats again.” I walked away, joining Mark and Lena by the door. “Let’s go,” I said. “Paperwork’s waiting.”
In the car, I stared out the window, the city lights blurring past. The deal was done, a huge step for Clawford. Nana was coming home soon, and I’d focus on her, on family. But Stefan’s words kept replaying in my mind, fiancée, makes sense, our lives. Had he meant dinner as a goodbye? Or was it all a game to keep me close for the deal? I didn’t know, and it hurt to care. I thought of Nana, her strength, Mom’s legacy. They were my anchor now, not him.
The applause from the event faded in my mind as I drove home. I gripped the wheel, focusing on the road, on the future I could control.