Chapter 7 Ava's Dilemma

Before Mira could finish her sentence, a slap landed on her face, making her stumble and hit the ground.

"Mira, have you forgotten the rules after staying at the Smith Villa for so long?" Harper's voice was icy.

Mira, stunned, clutched her face, her eyes burning with resentment.

Seeing this, Ava jumped up, furious. "Harper, are you out of your mind? Mira's been with our family forever!"

"Mom, Harper's totally disrespecting you!" Aiden chimed in, stirring the pot.

"What? You want a slap too?" Harper raised an eyebrow, a sarcastic grin spreading across her face.

Aiden was livid and looked at Ava, who was trembling with anger and about to explode. Just then, James pushed the door open and entered, his face dark and gloomy.

"What now?" he asked coldly.

Harper, tears in her eyes, spoke up first, "James, your mom packed up all my stuff and put it at the door. Is she trying to kick me out?"

"Harper, don't twist things!" Ava, though fuming, knew Harper still had her uses.

James's eyes scanned the room, complicated emotions flickering before he spoke softly, "Mira, put the luggage back."

Hearing James's firm command, Mira turned, looking at Ava with a troubled expression.

Ava was stunned, her gaze shifting to James, who was staring at Harper with emotions she couldn't decipher.

The room's atmosphere suddenly got tense.

Ava cursed inwardly, 'This Harper really knows how to play her cards! Hasn't James always listened to me? It's all about balance.'

After weighing her options, Ava finally nodded, giving Mira a decisive look.

As she went downstairs, Ava shot Harper a few more glances. That delicate face made her even more uncomfortable.

"Which man hasn't been bewitched by a vixen?" Ava muttered to herself but quickly reassured herself. "But in this house, I still call the shots!"

Harper stood aside, watching Mira pack her luggage with a satisfied smile.

"Harper." James suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, his breath warm on her neck. "Tonight, I'll make you happy."

Harper sneered inwardly but kept her face neutral.

She turned around, hooking her hands around James's neck, her eyes playful. "James, really? How?"

James, intrigued, was about to make a move but was gently pushed away by Harper.

"Wait, I need to get ready." Harper pretended to be shy, lifting her skirt slightly to reveal her long legs. "These years, I have indeed neglected you."

James was taken aback, then smiled. "But you're perfect now." His hands started to wander again.

Harper pretended to be annoyed and pushed him away forcefully. "You must be tired of me. Look at my clothes, they're all from years ago."

James frowned, about to speak, but Harper had already taken out her phone. "James, I want to buy some new clothes!"

James squinted, sensing her game, but eventually smiled indulgently. "Alright, as long as you're happy."

The notification of a successful transfer sounded, and Harper's smile grew even brighter.

"Actually, Mr. Moore approached me today to discuss the resort project." Harper shifted the topic to business.

James's eyes lit up instantly. "We must secure this project!"

The Stellar Group was a big deal in the industry! After chatting with Harper, James was even more impressed with her skills.

"Don't worry. I got this. But tonight, I need to work on a plan, and tomorrow I have to visit the Stellar Group," Harper said, looking a bit worn out.

Seeing this, James immediately let go of her, his eyes full of pity and determination.

"Harper, you've worked hard. Once we nail this project, we'll have a grand wedding, and next year our company will go public," James sweet-talked her.

But this time, Harper wasn't buying it. She gave him a light smile that made him leave awkwardly.

Tonight, he had planned to spend some intimate time with Harper, but how did it turn into a work discussion? Was Harper's mention of work unintentional or deliberate? Never mind, the bigger picture was more important. As long as the Stellar Group project succeeded, everything would be fine.

The next day, as Harper walked into the office, she saw several shiny Chanel boxes on her desk.

Opening them, she found the latest dress styles of the year, absolutely stunning.

"Is Ms. Anderson turning into a fashion blogger?" Colleagues whispered, full of envy.

"No matter how strong a woman is, she still relies on a man," Emily's sour words echoed in the break room.

Emily stood aside, her fists clenched, seething with anger.

A colleague asked, "Emily, your coffee's cold. What are you thinking about?" Emily forced a smile, her mind in turmoil.

At that moment, Harper appeared in a red short dress, so sexy it was hard to look away, elegant yet charming.

Emily's smile froze, and jealousy spread through her like wildfire. "Harper, you look great."

"James just gave it to me last night," Harper said nonchalantly.

Emily turned and left in a huff, her heart filled with hatred.

Harper's smile widened as she opened the surveillance footage, confirming that Emily and James were indeed close, making her frown in disgust.

After backing up the video, Harper had a plan.

James's infidelity had to be accounted for. At least 20% of the Smith Group's shares should be hers. While the momentum was strong, she would cash out and leave.

She also planned to take most of the business partners with her. Over the years, which project hadn't she fought for? With her mind made up, Harper headed straight to the Stellar Group.

At the top floor of the Stellar Group, in the CEO's office area, Pax led the way. "Mr. Moore is busy, please wait a moment."

Harper accepted the tea, appearing calm, but her heart was racing. What would Matthew's attitude be? This battle had just begun.

Two hours later, Harper was about to fall asleep.

Pax, looking apologetic, finally came to invite her in, and she stepped into Matthew's office.

As soon as she entered, what a scene it was!

A beautiful woman was sitting on Matthew's lap, her hands wrapped around his neck, her red lips whispering in his ear.

"Mr. Moore, I'm so sorry. I didn't know Ms. Thomas was here," Harper quickly apologized.

Pax was also startled and quickly closed the door to block out the steamy scene.

"It's okay." Harper chuckled, but inside, she cursed Matthew thoroughly! And he talked about how precious the first time was? It was all for profit, pretending to be an innocent guy.