Chapter 178

Robert's POV

I finally finished reviewing the project documentation and leaned back in mmy chair. Since Howard had decided to hire a few employees for my new venture, my workload had become considerably more manageable.

Just as I took a moment to rest, my phone vibrated and I saw Sarah Johnson's name appear.

"How have you been lately?"

I recalled our last conversation. She had apologized with what seemed like genuine remorse, blaming pregnancy hormones for making her emotional and irrational. When Max got on the phone saying he missed me,my heart softened.I had forgiven her-after all, she was carrying our child.

My partnership with Howard had given me renewed hope. Perhaps this was our chance to rebuild our family? I replied in a gentle tone:

"Doing well, keeping busy."

Sarah's response came almost immediately: "That's good to hear. Do you need anything?"

I felt a touch of warmth at her concern.′′NO,thank you for asking."

She seemed uncertain about my somewhat measured response and tentatively wrote back: "You still sound a bit distant."

Then she continued: "Have you really forgiven me? I truly want to reconcile. Max asks about you every day, wondering when you'll come see him... and," she paused briefly. "I'm carrying your child. Robert. We should start over for our children's sake."

These words triggered a deep sense of responsibility within me. I had indeed forgiven her and wanted to create a stable environment forour children. I honestly replied: "Yes. I have forgiven you. I've just been extremely busy. The new project requires my full attention."

"When you have some free time, could we talk properly? Maybe have lunch together?" she asked, her tone hopeful.

I hesitated, then agreed: "Sure,once things slow down a bit."

Placing my phone down, I tried to refocus on work, but Sarah's words lingered in my thoughts. I genuinely was busy, but I also wanted to repair our relationship. Seeing her take the initiative to make amends gave me a sense of relief. Perhaps we could truly start over for the children?

A few minutes later,, my other phone rang. It was the dedicated phone Howard had given me, used to communicate with Sarah on his behalf.Howard had made it clear that he didn't want direct contact with Sarah,yet needed to stay informed about her activities. So he had me create a private account in his name, through which I would interact with Sarah while pretending to be him.

I picked up that phone andI saw Sarah had sent "Howard" a message: "Busy handling work matters?"

I felt confused. Even as she was expressing her desire to rebuild our family,she was simultaneously reaching out to Howard? Maybe it was just business? After all, Sarah's brand promotion had begun, and she might be seeking Howard's business advice. I decided to respond as Howard to see what she wanted: "Yes, just finished dealing with some paperwork. Did you need something?"

Sarah quickly replied: "Nothing in particular, just thinking about you...I figured you might be working late again. Always pushing yourself so hard.it must be exhausting."

The tone immediately put me on alert. This clearly wasn't a business inquiry, but rather some kind of flirtatious probe. I forced myself to remain calm andI continued: "Company matters are quite demanding."

"You know." Sarah continued, "sometimes I think a successful man like you needs someone who truly understands your pressure. Not just an ordinary partner, but someone who can support you in both work and life."

I felt a wave of discomfort. These words were too familiar-they were exactly what she had once said to me when we were falling in love. Now she was using the same approach with Howard. Still, I controlled my emotions and replied: "Thank you for your concern,but I'm currently with Annie and Lucy."

Sarah's response slowed, as if she was carefully choosing her words: "Oh,that's nice... Annie seems like a decent person."

This was immediately followed by another message: "To be honest though,I'm a bit surprised you two have gotten so close. You and she... are quite different in style."

I frowned, replying: "What do you mean?"

Sarah seemed to have been waiting for this question: "You know, Howard.You're the kind of strong, decisive, successful person who needs a partner who helps you shine. I'm not saying Annie isn't good, just that...her presence is too weak, like a shadow. That's not what you deserve."

My heart rate accelerated. Her words carried hidden meanings, her tone increasingly blatant. Another message came through: "I wonder if you really know about what happened between Annie and Philip? As a friend.I feel I should tell you some things."

I cautiously replied: "What things?"

Sarah answered: "Philip was actually quite terrible to her, often ignoring her feelings. But strangely. Annie never complained,instead becoming dependent on him." After a brief pause, she added: "Personally,I think you need someone who can speak to you as an equal, who understands your ambition, shares your success... not someone who just clings to you."

Everything became crystal clear-Sarah wasn't just smearing Annie,she was trying to seduce Howard. Just minutes ago, she had told me I was her only true love, and now she was attempting to attract another man.

A deep sense of betrayal washed over me, accompanied by an unusual clarity.

She continued sending messages: "If you ever want someone to talk to, or just to relax... I'm always available. We could meet privately, no one would know." Her suggestion couldn't have been more obvious.

She sent another: "I feel there's a special connection between us, Howard.I've feIt it since the first time we met, don't you think?"

I felt a surge of anger, but more than that, disappointment in myself. Just ten minutes earlier, I had been seriously considering rebuilding a family with this woman, trying to make it work "for the children." And now, she was unhesitatingly flirting with another man, even suggesting private while simultaneously disparaging a woman she barely knew.

All the tender feelings I had harbored for Sarah completely froze.She hadn't returned to me for love or family-she saw that my partnership with Howard was gaining momentum and thought I might once again become a valuable "resource."

In that moment. I fully understood why Howard had set up this test. He had seen through Sarah's true nature long ago, while I remained blind to it.Ironically. it was only now that I realized I wasn't the only one being manipulated-she was simultaneously playing me, Philip, and Howard,gauging who could provide her with the greatest benefit.

I forced myself to calm down. I needed to continue playing Howard's role.

I replied:

"I know Annie much better than you think."

Sarah immediately tried to backpedal: "I'm not saying Annie isn't good,Howard. I just think you should know all the circumstances before making decisions. After all, you deserve the best."

"And what is the best?" I countered, "Someone like you? Someone who maintains ambiguous relationships with multiple men while badmouthing others behind their backs?"

Sarah seemed shocked by my directness, quickly becoming defensive:"What are you talking about? I just care about you..."

"Only a fool like Philip would believe your fabricated stories," I replied,"Or did you think everyone would be deceived by your low-quality attempts at sowing discord?"

Sarah immediately became earnest: "Am I wrong in what I said? I really am just looking out for you."

"Why don't you trust me?"

"I'm not lying... I just..."

I put down the phone, no longer responding. I felt an unprecedented emptiness and exhaustion. Ten minutes ago. I had been delighted at the possibility that Sarah might genuinely be remorseful. Now I understood it was all just part of her carefully woven web of lies.

I looked at my own phone, still displaying Sarah's earlier message.Reading those words now. I only felt nauseous: "...you're the only man I've ever truly loved... I hope we can start fresh."

I almost laughed. She could profess "true love" to two different men within minutes of each other. Wasn't this some kind of pathology?

I hesitated, wondering if I should tell her I had seen through everything.But I realized this was exactly what she wanted-to provoke an emotional response, drawing me into her game. No, I wouldn't give her that satisfaction. Complete silence might be the greatest punishment.