I casually waved my hand at Hayden. “Mr. Cobb, I think you’ve got it backward. It’s not about whether your family will let me off the hook, it’s about whether I will let you off the hook.”
The words had barely left my mouth before his ever–loyal secretary jumped to defend him. “You arrogant little tramp! How dare you talk to Mr. Cobb like that? Are you tired of living?”
With a wave of her hand, a group of well–trained bodyguards quickly surrounded me, blocking off every exit.}
But just as the tension was about to explode, a firm, commanding voice rang out in the distance. “Stand down now!“}
Seconds later, a dignified middle–aged man hurried over, his face filled with panic and sweat.
“Miss Riley… I’m so sorry you were frightened!“}
He took one look at the scene before him and instantly understood what was happening. Without even glancing at his son, he walked straight over and gave me a deep bow.”
“This is all my fault for not raising my son properly. Please, Miss Riley, don’t hold this against us.”>
I quickly reached out to steady him, a faint smile playing on my lips.
“Mr. Cobb, there’s no need to be so formal. Just half an hour ago, I called off the engagement with your son. From now on, we go our separate ways. I have nothing more to do with your family.”
Edric opened his mouth to say something, but after seeing the look on my face, he held back and instead, he turned and unleashed his fury on his son.
With a loud smack, his palm landed across Hayden’s face, leaving a clear red imprint.
“You idiot! Do you even realize what you’ve done?!“}
Hayden looked stunned, clutching his cheek as he stared at his father in disbelief.
“Dad? Why’d you hit me? All I did was try to pursue my own happiness. I didn’t want to marry a pretty face with no substance. Is that such a crime?”
Even so, his words didn’t anger me because I’d heard worse.
“Wanting to be happy isn’t wrong,” I said calmly. “But the way you went about it? That’s the part I take issue with.”
Hayden’s eyes darkened with rage, as if he’d already forgotten that slap just moments ago.”
“Veronica, stop pretending to be some high–and–mighty victim. Why can’t I break off the engagement? I’m my family’s heir, future CEO of Cobb Group. And you? You’re just some civil servant a little
government backing.”
Civil servant? Well, technically not wrong. We all serve the people, after all.
But Edric clearly didn’t agree.
He’d just managed to catch his breath after rushing in, only to be set off again by his son’s clueless arrogance. His whole body trembled with rage.
“Hayden, shut your mouth! I don’t care what kind of excuse you have. Apologize to Miss Riley. Now! If you keep acting like a spoiled brat, don’t blame me when I disown you on the spot!“}
His words were sharp and powerful, loud enough that everyone in the room heard them crystal clear.
The once–arrogant Gillian looked completely stunned.
She probably still couldn’t figure out why someone my age could earn such reverence from someone like Edric.
“Mr. Cobb,” she tried to reason, “this woman clearly looks down on your family. Your son was just trying to save face. Why get so worked up? Sure, she might have some connections, but this is New York, No matter what, your family’s image still needs to be protected!“} Some of the nearby staff nodded in agreement with her words.
But Edric wasn’t swayed.
