Chapter 141

Philip's POV

I stood by the office window. my thoughts completely consumed by Annie.During my recent visits to Howard Technologies, I'd noticed a subtle hint of worry in her eyes. But today, that concern had vanished entirely,replaced by a lightness and joy I hadn't seen in ages.

I yanked at my tie, trying to ease the suffocating sensation. Just as I drew a deep breath, my phone rang. The caller ID showed Allen Stark, my longtime friend from Wall Street who was now helping me discreetly investigate Howard Thompson.

"Any progress?" I snatched up the phone and strode toward the leather couch at the other end of my office, dropping heavily onto it.

"I still need more time, Philip," Allen's voice sounded somewhat exhausted.

"Thompson is a well-known figure in New York, and his personal information is extremely secure. Even with my connections in financial circles, digging into his past romantic history isn't easy."

My knuckles turned white from gripping the phone too tightly. "Didn't you say you'd already confirmed he has a relationship he can't let go of?"I struggled to control the impatience in my voice.

"It's mostly confirmed, but we still need clearer details." Allen paused. "A friend of mine in the Ivy League alumni association mentioned that Thompson was indeed in love with a woman during his college years,but she disappeared later. We need more evidence to confirm the nature and current status of this relationship."

"Disappeared? What does that mean?" I sat up straight.

"Disappeared in the literal sense. She might have gone abroad, or perhaps changed her identity. Give me a few days, and I'll find more information."

"Alright," I abruptly stood up and walked to the office liquor cabinet,unscrewing a bottle of whiskey with one hand. "But make it quick. This is important to me."

After hanging up. I poured half a glass of whiskey and downed it in one gulp. The burning sensation in my throat made me slightly more clearheaded. I slammed the glass back onto the desk, then leaned against the window frame and closed my eyes.

I couldn't understand how Annie's feelings for me had detached so rapidly.I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to organize my thoughts:

*"Why? She once loved me so much. How could she reach a point where her happiness and sorrows have nothing to do with me in just a few short months?"*

*"Was our six-year marriage really just a torment for her?"*

I pounded my fist against the window frame, forcing myself to face facts I'd been avoiding:

When I spoke to her, my tone was always condescending and arrogant.

Whenever my mother Betty tried to impose "rules" on Annie, I never stood up to defend her.

Since Sarah's return, I'd carefully concealed every interaction between us from Annie.

Whenever Sarah and Annie had any conflict, I almost instinctively assumed Annie was at fault.

These realizations hit me like a punch to the stomach. My attitude toward Annie had been far worse than I was willing to admit. I poured another glass of whiskey, my fingers unconsciously tapping on the rim.

I reluctantly recognized why Annie would be attracted to Howard:

When others challenged her. Howard was always the first to stand up and support her.

That typically cold and distant tech CEO showed endless patience and tenderness toward Annie.

He truly valued her-in stark contrast to my former indifference.

If Howard had always been this good to Annie, perhaps I should gracefully bow out. I drained my glass in one gulp, the alcohol making my thoughts even clearer. No, impossible. Allen's preliminary investigation gave me hope: Howard also had a relationship he couldn't let go. He was likely just using Annie as a temporary substitute.

I dropped heavily back into my chair behind the desk, staring glumly at the computer screen, contemplating my next move. When Howard eventually leaves Annie for his true love, she'll face a second betrayal. The pain then will be deeper than what I caused her. She might never believe in love again. I'can't let that happen.

My phone rang again. I checked the time-only 9 AM. Sarah Johnson's name appeared on the screen. Calling this early? I frowned, hesitating for a second before answering.

"What is it?" I didn't hide the coldness in my voice.

There was silence on the other end for a few seconds. "Last time, didn't you promise to fund the promotion of my comics?" Sarah asked cautiously.

Calling first thing in the morning for money? I felt a surge of irritation but quickly suppressed it. Supporting Sarah's work was part of my plan-when Annie saw how generous I was being toward Sarah,she couldn't help but compare me to Howard. I wanted her to see that even after our divorce. I was still the man who could fulfill others' dreams.

"T'll have the finance department arrange the transfer immediately,"I answered decisively, my fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk.

Sarah noticeably relaxed: "That's great. I'll contact the marketing team as soon as I receive the funds." After a brief pause, she added: "By the way,do you know any companies that make merchandise products?"

"Not at the moment," I said, cradlng the phone between my ear and shoulder while flipping open my calendar to check today's meeting schedule.

"Tve never been involved in this industry before 'and don't know who to approach for merchandise production. This might be somewhat tricky,"she explaïned, her voice carrying an expectant tone, clearly hoping I would solve everything.

"Leave these matters to me," I closed the calendar,responding somewhat absentmindedly. Although I wanted to showcase my support for Sarah in front of Annie, I also hoped Sarah would share some of the workload.considering how busy I was.

"Okay, I'll also look around for contacts," Sarah said, her voice already much more relaxed. "If I can find suitable companies, I'll communicate with them directly."

"Good," I answered, relieved that I wouldn't need to personally handle everything.

"Honestly,without you. I wouldn't know what to do," Sarah said gratefully."Promotion requires money, everything requires money.Without funding,I can't do anything."

I chuckled lightly: "Sarah, we're on the same side now. No need to be so formal."

"Yes!" she responded eagerly.

After hanging up, I tossed my phone down and abruptly stood up, blood pounding in my temples. A thought suddenly struck me: Sarah was merely interested in my money and status, while Annie had once truly loved me. I clenched my fists, stung by this ironic contrast.

I strode to the window. pressing my forehead against the cold glass.Outside, the world continued its busy routine, while my world was collapsing. When I had Annie, I was blind to her value; after losing her,I finally understood her worth. Now, I needed to prove I deserved her.

I spun around and returned to my desk, picked up the phone,and dialed the internal line to the company's finance department.

"Arrange an immediate transfer to Sarah Johnson," I ordered, my voice low and determined. "Then help me contact the heads of several top merchandise production companies. I need to meet with them this afternoon."

After hanging up, I took a deep breath, my gaze falling on a photograph of Annie and Brian on my desk-a picture from when we were still a family. I gently brushed the frame, feeling an unprecedented determination burning within me.

"Allen will find Howard's weakness, and I will bring you back, Annie," I

whispered, like a vow. "Whatever the cost. I'll prove I'm more worthy of your trust and love than he is. Our story isn't over yet."