Chapter 193

Sarah's POV

I stared anxiously at my phone screen, waiting for a response. It had been about thirty minutes since Robert had replied. "I was in a meeting, didn't see your message."

When he asked, "Are you sure you're willing to provide me with financial support?" I already had a plan forming in my mind. This was the perfect opportunity to regain control over Robert while simultaneously creating more chances to connect with Howard.

My phone suddenly chimed with a notification-a banking alert. Transfer complete.

I gasped sharply, the coffee spoon slipping from my fingers and splashing into the cup, sending small brown droplets onto my sleeve. God,that was half of my assets! Watching my bank balance plummet sent my heart pounding like a drum. All that money...just gone?

I grabbed a napkin to dab at my sleeve, my thoughts a jumbled mess.Why did I do something so risky? Had I lost my mind? But then again,sometimes you have to make bold moves. What's gambling without stakes?I poured myself another cup of coffee, took a deep breath, and my fingers steadied themselves. This was a necessary cost. If I wanted Robert to have a change of heart, if I wanted to establish a connection with Howard, this money was an essential bargaining chip.

I quickly sent Robert a mnessage: "I've transferred the money. Check if you've received it."

His reply came swiftly and irritatingly brief: "Received."

"Is that all?" I couldn't help throwing my spoon into the sink with a sharp clatter.God,how had I never noticed how cold this man could be? Just a simple "received" and that's it? I clenched my teeth,muttering to myself in the empty kitchen. "You used to do anything for a smile from me.and now I give you half my fortune and get two words in return."

I stared at my phone screen, gently tapping the table. This money served multiple purposes: it could help me regain Robert's trust, give me a new reason to approach Howard, and most importantly. if Robert truly loved me. he would likely return the money-the best proof of his genuine feelings.

I admit, part of me was worried-what if he actually kept the money? But 1 quickly reassured myself: Robert knows my character; he understands I wouldn't easily make such a significant sacrifice. If he kept it, that still meant our relationship had a chance for reconciliation.

I took a deep breath and leaned back in my chair. This wasn't a foolish decision, regardless of the outcome. If Robert refused, I would appear incredibly generous; if he accepted, it would increase his sense of indebtedness to me; if he returned the money, it would prove his feelings for me remained. A win-win-win strategy.

I leaned forward, resting my head on the table, my face contorted with displeasure.

I calculated various possibilities in my mind: if Robert's project succeeded,even if my plans with Howard failed to materialize, even if Philip abandoned me completely, I would still maintain financial security.This was an insurance strategy while also a way to rebuild connections. After all.relationships with money involved are typically harder to sever.

At that moment, my phone chimed again with a message from Robert:"

Having regrets?"

My heart raced. This was exactly what I'd been hoping for-he still cared about my feelings. My fingers quiekly typed "Yes," but I deleted it before sending. Appearing too eager would weaken my position. I needed to maintain composure and control.

While I hesitated. Robert sent another message: "I can transfer the money back to you."

My eyes lit up! He was offering to return it voluntarily! I could barely contain the wild joy inside me, almost laughing out loud. Wasn't this exactly what I'd been hoping for? Robert still had feelings for me!

But immediately, my expression cooled. No, accepting too quickly would undo everything. This game had only just begun, and I needed to stay level-headed.

I grabbed a tissue to wipe strawberry juice from my hands and continued waiting.

Robert sent another message: "We were once married, you should know me. You don't need to lie to me. If you don't want to give me money, there's no need to force yourself."

Listen to how considerate he sounds. I grinned. Sure enough, with just a little teasing, an honest man reveals his true heart.

After brief consideration, I calmly replied: "It's not necessary."

I pressed send and continued cutting my fruit, though my heart was racing. I could almost picture Robert's expression upon seeing this message-he would certainly be shocked.

My phone chimed again. Robert pressed further: "If you don't take it back now,you won't have a chance to change your mind. As you know. I'm starting a business. Once I invest your money in the company, if the project fails. I won't be able to pay you back even if I wanted to."

My hand froze midair, the freshly washed apple rolling onto the table. God.half of my assets! What if it all went down the drain? My nails unconsciously dug into my palm. But then I remembered this game was always high-risk, high-reward. Even if it failed,I still had my own work,my talent. my newly secured publishing contract-one bigger than Annie Baker's.

I arranged the cut fruit on a plate, picked up my phone, thought for a moment, and sent Howard a message: "Are you familiar with the project Robert is working on?"

This simple message was like a fishing line, with bait carefully placed,just waiting for Howard to take it. It would not only help me understand the true prospects of Robert's project but also lay groundwork for further communication with Howard.

I bit into an apple slice, leaning against the kitchen counter,gazing at Manhattan's night view through the window.

Sarah Johnson,you've placed your bet. Now it's time to wait and see how this game unfolds. Whatever the result, at least I'm no longer the passive party.