Chapter 237

Sarah's POV

My finger hovered over the screen, a chill creeping up my spine. My heart skipped a beat.

"Is money all you care about?" Howard's message stung like ice against my skin.

I stared at the text, my hands trembling slightly. No one had ever questioned my motivations so directly. Especially not Howard-the carefully selected target, the man who could solve my financial problems forever.

I bit my lower lip hard, my left hand unconsciously tugging at a strand of hair, a small habit I'd developed during moments of anxiety. What had I done wrong? I was merely showing him how Robert still valued me,enough to remarry me. This should have made Howard see how desirable I was,how worthy.

"That's not it at all!" I typed frantically, my fingertips creating a rapid staccato against the screen. He'd completely misunderstood me.

"Isn't it?" His reply came with unexpected swiftness. "Then why tell me about other men being generous with you, willing to spend money on you?

I jumped to my feet, pacing to the other side of the room and back again.My breathing quickened as I felt my pulse throbbing at my temples.Howard couldn't slip through my fingers like this. He was Manhattan's most valuable bachelor, even wealthier than Philip.

I sank back onto the sofa,fingers hovering over the keyboard. How could I explain this ina way that would salvage the situation? Every word needed careful consideration.

"I just wanted you to know I'm important to men, unlike Annie who can't inspire men to spend money on her," I finally typed.

After sending it. I stared at the screen, unconsciously gnawing at my right thumbnail. This feeling was so foreign-me, Sarah Johnson, usually the one controlling the conversation, now anxious waiting for a man's response.

Finally.a message appeared:

"Rather than constantly trying to get my attention, perhaps you should focus on improving your relationship with Philip."

I jolted backward as if physically pushed by those words. My stomach tightened, a sour taste rising in mythroat. This wasn't the expected response. Usually, men displayed obvious jealousy and possessiveness when hearing about another man's interest in me. Why wasn't Howard following the usual script?

"Otherwise, Philip will eventually choose Annie over you."

My fingers slid weakly across the screen, my phone dropping onto my lap.My vision blurred momentarily before I blinked hard,taking deep breaths to steady myself.

Rising from the sofa, I walked to the window, arms wrapped tightly around myself. Outside, Manhattan's lights twinkled, the illuminated windows in high-rises looking like cold eyes staring back at me. Among those lights was a building owned by Howard Technologies.So close,yet so far away.

Philip choosing Annie over me? The thought accelerated my heartbeat.Philip had never truly forgotten Annie. Several times when I'd entered his study unexpectedly, I'd caught him holding that photograph of himself with Annie and Brian, his expression softer than I'd ever seen directed at me. But I'd always told myself that as long as Annie continued to reject him.I had a chance.

I picked up my phone from where it had fallen on the sofa, as Howard continued:

"You keep saying Philip doesn't spend money on Annie because he doesn't think she's important."

"So think about it..."

"If he truly had to choose, would Philip pick you or Annie?"

My nails dug deep into my palm, leaving four crescent-shaped marks.My throat tightened, my heart beating heavily in my chest. Thisquestion was like a key, unlocking fears I'd deliberately locked away.

"Right now, Annie is the one rejecting Philip, which is why Philip has time for you."

"But what if..."

"What if one day Annie's attitude softens? Don't you think Philip would abandon you without hesitation to return to her?"

I walked to the mirror, staring at my reflection. My carefully applied makeup now looked like a thin mask covering my real fears. I closed my eyes,remembering how Philip's voice changed whenever he mentioned Annie. That tenderness and nostalgia wwere something he never had when looking at me.

My hand slid across the mirror's surface, as if trying to erase these unwelcome truths. The fact was Philip had never truly given up on Annie.and I was just... a replacement?

An unprecedented feeling of powerlessness washed over me. My knees weakened, and I slid down against the wall to the floor. Usually, I could control my interactions with men, knowing when to appear vulnerable and when to seem strong. But Howard seemed to see through every strategy.

"Isn't that humiliating for you?" Howard's question struck directly at my pride.

A sudden surge of anger heated my cheeks. I grabbed my phone,fingers flying across the screen:

"Don't talk to me like that. You're hurting me."

After sending it, I stared intently at the screen. waiting for the small dots indicating he was typing. Waiting for an apology, or at least some comforting words.

However, the screen maintaineda terrible silence. Minutes stretched into eternity, with no response from Howard. No apology,no explanation,nothing.

I stood up,pacing again. The room suddenly felt too small, the air too thin.I opened the balcony door, letting the cold night air rush in, clearing my head slightly.

I racked my brain reviewing our conversation, searching for what had gone wrong. The old Howard had always maintained a restrained yet polite attitude, elegantly keeping his distance without seeming cold.Today he seemed like a completely different person.

I pressed my fingertips against my temples, thoughts racing. Perhaps...had I unknowingly revealed too much about my relationships with other men? Most successful men during the pursuit phase prefer someone without complicated emotional entanglements. Especially elite men like Howard-they need reliable partners, not women who might bring negative publicity.

I took a deep breath, tucking my disheveled hair behind my ear. No,I couldn't give up like this. Howard was the most ideal target I'd encountered-wealth. status, power, plus Lucy's guardianship. If I could become his wife, I'd not only forever escape financial worries but also secure the position in Manhattan high society I'd always dreamed of.

I returned to the bedroom, standing before the closet. Inside hung several expensive dresses, all giftsfrom Philip. I gently stroked a silk dress,contemplating my next move.

Perhaps my approach was wrong. Maybe Howard didn't like the image of a woman pursued by multiple men. He seemed to appreciate loyalty and determination, just like himself. I needed to change tactics. Instead of flaunting how other men pursued me, I should demonstrate what I could bring Howard-understanding,support,and loyalty.

I walked back to the bed, picking up my phone for one last look. The screen still showed no new messages. I placed it on the nightstand and lay down,staring at the ceiling.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow I would approach Howard with an entirely new strategy. I would show him I wasn't just a pretty face, but a woman who could understand ad support him. I would carefully hide my desire for his wealth, even though that was my most genuine goal.

Whatever disguise it took, I would win Howard Thompson.