Chapter 244 The Drama Persists
Chapter 244 The Drama Persists
Yvette let her eyes wander across the crowd, and then paused–just briefly–on Ruby.
The message was clear. She didn’t care which of Ruby’s sons she c set her sights on. In her mind, Ruby had no right to stand in her way.
Ruby didn’t blink.
She stayed cool, like none of this had anything to do with her.
But Yvette couldn’t stop staring at the way Eric held Alice. His arm around her shoulder felt like a knife to the chest.
Before she came, her family company’s overseas branch had already fallen apart.
Their funds were cut off.
And if the press got wind of this by morning, their stock would plummet without a break.
They needed a partner. Someone solid.
The Nolans were the obvious choice.
Yvette had spent years relying on her family’s strength, using that power to crush whoever stood in her
way.
But she always did it from behind the curtain.
She never dirtied her hands.
So she still had room to move.
She had thought this through.
If she could tie herself to the Nolans, if she made that bond unbreakable, her family might survive this.
She had even tried to scare Alice into stepping aside.
But Alice hadn’t budged. She didn’t flinch, didn’t fold. Instead, she leaned into Eric even harder, making her point in front of everyone.
That’s when it hit Yvette.
This had nothing to do with Alice.
It was Eric.
He still held a grudge.
He was still bitter over how she’d left three years ago without saying a word.
And now, Yvette didn’t have time to wait for him to come around.
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She closed her eyes and took a breath. When she opened them, her voice was low but steady
“Yes.”
This time, she didn’t look at Eric. She turned to Michael.
“Mike,” she said, “I know you’re still mad at me, but I-”
Her words fell apart. Her thoughts spun in every direction. She had no idea what to say next.
Michael froze. His eyes stretched wide.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold it right there, girl. What the fuck are you talking about?!
He’d always been the playful type. He’d dated around, flirted freely.
And not one of those women had ever pulled something like this.
And definitely not Yvette.
He had always known she was off–limits–not just because of the Martinez name, but because of her history with Eric.
Everyone knew about that. Ruby would never let him touch this situation.
Not without dragging him into the mud.
Yet somehow, here it was. Right in front of him.
He hadn’t ducked it after all.
Irene was stunned too.
If this had stayed about Eric, she could’ve stepped in. She might’ve even pushed for Alice to step aside.
The media was already here. She could’ve gone public with her support for Eric leaving his wife. She would’ve done it.
But now?
She exhaled deeply, shoulders heavy.
Yvette had spoken. And she’d done it in front of every camera.
There was no going back.
She couldn’t change her story now.
Not after that bold move. Not after those promises.
“Yvette,” Irene said softly, her voice low with effort, “you really went through a lot for this.”
“Mike is the one who hasn’t taken any action. That’s the problem.”
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Then a cold voice cut through the space.
“Ruby.”
Ruby stepped forward. Her tone stayed level, but her face had gone dark.
“Irene, I know what you’re doing,” she said, her voice tight. “But this is their mess. Let them deal with it
Irene’s face held firm.
“This time, Yvette made the first move.”
“What are we supposed to do, just let her stand there and get nothing back?”
She turned to Michael. “Mike?”
Michael jerked slightly, like the word hit him in the back.
“Huh?”
Irene took a deep breath and forced her voice to stay calm. “Tell us the truth. What are you really thinking?”
Michael looked like he had a mouth full of gravel. His eyes darted to Ruby, searching for help.
And Ruby’s face said everything.
She didn’t want him to say a word.
Yvette finally opened her mouth.
“Mike, I acted out of line today. I’m sorry.”
As soon as the words left her lips, she let the bouquet slip from her fingers.
It hit the ground without a sound, but the gesture spoke volumes.
She already had a plan. Marriage wasn’t really her goal–not with Michael. This whole scene was meant to force Ruby into a corner.
If nothing else, it would pressure the Nolans into offering something valuable in return.
All that mattered was saving the Martinezes. If they could survive this financial storm, they still had a shot at rising back to power in Mapleford.
“I’m leaving,” Yvette said, her voice thick with emotion.
She turned slowly, her dress swishing against the floor as she lifted the hem.
Her eyes glistened with tears, and every step she took felt heavy with loss.
Her face held the perfect look of heartbreak–enough to stir sympathy from anyone watching.
The reporters couldn’t hold back anymore.
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“Mr. Michael, even if you don’t like her, say something!”
“Standing there silent? That’s just cruel.
“She’s standing out here in the open, willing to face it all, and you won’t even give her a little kindnes
Michael’s jaw clenched.
He blinked hard and looked away for a moment. This was unreal.
Why was he being dragged into something he had no part in?
He knew better than anyone that marrying someone like Yvette would be a disaster.
The moment they got married, she’d probably cheat without a second thought. The wornan was trouble. Always had been.
But he was trapped now.
So he forced himself to speak. “Ms. Martinez, I’m grateful for how much you care.
“But I know I’m not good enough for you.
“I don’t want to stand in your way.
“I’m sorry.”
He let out a long breath and lowered his eyes.
“I really am.”
Yvette’s cheeks were streaked with tears. She gave a small shake of her head.
“You don’t need to say sorry.
“Falling out of love … It’s not something anyone can help.”
And with that, she turned and ran off into the distance.
Half of the reporters rushed after her, their cameras bouncing as they chased the shot.
The others stayed, trying to press Michael for more, but Ruby stepped in fast.
Her expression was cold, her voice even colder.
