The highest praise from the international culinary titan finally broke the suffocating tension in the ballroom. Olivia Hayes felt her heart, which had been hanging by a thread, finally plummet back into place.

She smoothed her expression instantly, wearing a mask of polished confidence. "Mr. Robertson, I am delighted that you are satisfied! Chef Ethan’s artistry is a testament to the Hayes Group’s dedication to creating the world’s finest dining experiences."

She leaned in slightly. "Regarding the five-billion-dollar strategic partnership we discussed, I trust this settles the matter?"

Alfred Robertson gave a slow, measured nod.

Olivia signaled with a sharp, practiced gesture, and Joy Bailey immediately stepped forward with a folder. "This is the letter of intent for our partnership with the Hayes Group..."

"Wait."

Ethan Spencer cut her off.

"I am deeply grateful for your recognition of my craft, Mr. Robertson. However, I stand here today representing my own professional integrity—not the Hayes Group."

"What?"

Olivia’s voice spiked, the blood draining from her face.

Mr. Robertson arched a brow, a glimmer of sharp interest dancing in his icy blue eyes. "And what sort of partnership did you wish to discuss with me, Mr. Spencer?"

A smirk played on Ethan’s lips. He turned slightly, his gaze drifting toward the ballroom entrance.

A radiant, elegant figure stepped through the doors.

Grace Ellis. Her arrival acted like a magnet, pulling the gaze of every guest in the room.

Olivia’s features froze. She stared in disbelief as Grace glided across the floor and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ethan.

Ethan spoke, each word like an icicle piercing Olivia’s chest: "The partnership I wish to propose is a full-scale strategic alliance between your upcoming ultra-luxury hotel projects in the Asia-Pacific region and The Gilded Table Group."

He looked directly at Olivia, his expression devoid of warmth. "I have been fired by the Hayes Group. I am now the Executive Chef for The Gilded Table."

A high-pitched ringing flooded Olivia’s ears, and the room began to blur at the edges. She stared at Ethan, unable to process the rest of his pitch regarding the group's logistics.

So, this was it. Ethan hadn't returned to South City for her. He had returned to personally push her—and the entire Hayes Group—into the abyss. He was helping her greatest rival, forcing her to watch her own failure in real-time, deliberately turning the knife in her heart.

The sudden, brutal reality caused her to sway, her legs nearly giving out beneath her. Every ounce of hope, every desperate romantic projection, morphed into a cruel, mocking joke.

"Ethan, you can't do this," she whispered, her voice trembling. "If you’re willing to come back, the kitchen is yours. I... I really need you. Please, don’t do this."

"Don't do this to me, Ethan."

Beyond the shock lay a hollow, agonizing ache. It wasn't just the loss of the deal; she realized, with terrifying clarity, that she didn't want to lose him. Why had everything spiraled into this?

The man before her watched her unraveling with a dark, impenetrable gaze. There wasn't a flicker of sympathy, not even a trace of lingering affection.

He turned his back on her, signaling for the Robertson Enterprises team to follow him to a private suite to continue their discussion.

Olivia felt as though a piece of her heart had been carved out, leaving a gaping, freezing void. A draft of cold air seemed to rush inside her, numbing her entire body.

Deep into the night, at a secluded villa overlooking the river, Ethan leaned against the doorframe, watching the shadows stretch.

Olivia stood alone in the biting night wind, her voice raspy and broken.

"Ethan..."

Ethan’s tone was laced with sharp, rhythmic mockery. "I stole your business and humiliated you in front of the entire industry. What’s the matter, Ms. Hayes? Here to settle the score?"

Olivia shook her head frantically. "No, Ethan! I came to find you. It was all my fault. I was arrogant, I took your love and your sacrifices for granted, and I ignored how much I was hurting you."

She choked back a sob. "I regret it all. I love you, Ethan. I’ve always loved you. Don't leave me, please. Give me one more chance—I’ll do anything to make it right!"