Lina wondered if she should inform Kaden. She had just finished four meetings after Altantis, each one taking thirty minutes. Now, Lina was in the car ride being taken to the restaurant she agreed on. She refused to let the ball be in his court, for he could''ve done something to her.


    Lina almostughed and cried at the realization—she no longer trusted Antis. The boy that held her hand in secondary school, the one that beat her bullies up, the one that reassured her it was going to be okay, this friend she grew up cherishing… stabbed her in the back.


    Lina shakily exhaled at the thought. The memories of her youth were bitter-sweet. She wished she could relive those moments one more time. Was it to change the course of things? Was it to see it happen before her eyes again?


    "Director, are you alright?" Este''s warm voice filled the vehicle air. She nced up at the sound of her Boss''s sharp breathing. She saw Lina''s crumbled expression.


    The woman suddenly appeared quite pitiful.


    Lina shook her head. "I am fine."


    Lina returned her attention out the window. Every good moment will eventuallye to an end, just as the bad will pass as well. She could do nothing, but cherish the memories they''ve spent together.


    Lina was not going back on her decision. She was going to sever ties with Antis.


    "The documents I mentioned earlier, did you prepare them?" Lina vaguely asked.


    "Yes, ourwyers had it drafted and faxed to me. It''s right here," Este replied, revealing the mani envelope on herp.


    Lina nodded her head. It was time they both moved on—starting with him.


    - - - - -


    "Lina!"


    It took every cell in Lina''s body to not freeze. She was just giving her name to the hostess when Antis waved at her from the other end of the restaurant. Instantly, she pulled out her phone to text Kaden. Everyone was watching their interaction. She''d rather let him know first, before the media and the gossip informed Kaden.


    That was what made Lina and Kaden so different from each other—she was not cruel. She knew the pain of finding out the truth from another person. She didn''t want him to go through that kind of suffering and betrayal. She just hoped one day, he''d do the same.


    "I have your favorite drink ready," Antis warmly told her as they walked to their private table, but then, she saw a table to the side that had a view of the window, but was also not so secluded in the sense that people could see what they were doing.


    "Is that table avable?" Lina asked the manager, who paused and nced.


    "N-no—"


    "Whoever reserved the table, let them sit at ours. Our original reservation is much better and has a longer wait," Lina informed the manager. It wasn''t a loss for the restaurant, but an immense gain for the unknown customer.


    "And keep the tables around it empty," Lina said, ncing at the name cards. "If theye, treat them to the spa just a hallway down, put it on my tab."


    Before Antis could say something, Lina beelined for that table near the windows. She could sightsee better, but also, left nothing to the imagination. High society was present, and they wanted something to gossip about. Too bad, she''ll leave everything on the table.


    Lina ensured no one would hear their conversation. It was why she intentionally ensured all of the surrounding tables were empty. They were in the limelight, but no one would be able to hear them.


    "You have the aura of a Chairwoman, you know? It is a shame you didn''t be one," Antis muttered whilst he took a seat.


    Lina ignored hisment. She nced at the wine menu, gouged which suited their courses, and ordered it on the spot, so that the waiter would leave them alone.


    "And you order like an old-money heiress," Antis drylymented.


    Lina raised a brow.


    "New money likes to order the biggest, oldest, and most expensive bottle. But you, Lina, grew up in wealth that has never dried up through generations—in fact, it exponentially grew. You know to order wine by regions, years, and vineyards," Antis fondly pointed out.


    "As much as you try to deny it, you were raised since birth to be the center of society," Antis stated.


    Lina said nothing. The waiter returned, poured them a ss, and let them be.


    "Antis," Lina suddenly said.


    Antis blinked. She had his full attention, that was for sure. He lifted the wine cup to his mouth, drinking it.


    "Sign this." Lina slid the documents across the table. She got right to the point, for she didn''t have too much time to waste.


    Lina knew what she wanted and she was going to get it no matter what.


    Antis took one nce at the contract name and choked on his wine. She wasn''t fazed. As he coughed and pounded on his chest, she stared at him with an aloof expression.


    "Tissue?" Lina offered him.


    "Let''s talk about… this," Antis heaved out, still trying to get the alcohol out of his lungs. It went down the wrong pipe and the liquor didn''t help.


    "There is nothing to talk about. You sign your name on the dotted line and that''s it," Lina told him coldly.


    "Lina—"


    "Sign."


    Antis narrowed his eyes. "No."


    Lina didn''t even say anything else. She rose to her feet, took her bag, and turned on her heels. Immediately, he grabbed for her, but she sidestepped his attempt. Revealing an indifferent expression, she kept their distance.


    "See you in court then, Mr. Medeor."


    "You will never win this case," Antis suddenly said. "You will have to go to Wraith to argue this out."


    "Good thing we''re in Ritan where my husband has half the country''s politicians in his pockets," Lina mused.


    "Your husband?" Antis spat out almost in disgust. "You do not mean that man who gave you amnesia!"


    "You''re causing a scene. Stop being so emotional," Lina said with a roll of her eyes. She turned to depart, but he just had to open his fat mouth again.


    "I saved you."


    Oh, that hit a nerve.