After I Become the CEO, My Heiress Ex Proposed to Me

Chapter 4

Tears stung my eyes, blurring everything in front of me. I bit down hard on my lower lip to keep from breaking down.

For a second—just a second—I saw a flicker of doubt in Sophia Reynolds' eyes.

But then Justin Chambers gave her a subtle nod.

And just like that, she stood firmly by his side.

"Vincent Wilson," Justin said, shaking his head with mock sympathy,

"I get that you're bitter. But letting jealousy twist you like this? That's just sad."

My hands curled into fists, nails digging into my palms until I felt the sting of broken skin.

Sophia stepped toward me, hesitant—like she might say something—

But Justin yanked her back.

"He hired thugs to threaten me," he said, voice trembling. "Said they'd smash my hand if I didn't keep quiet."

He rolled up his sleeve, revealing a mess of old scars.

"If Sophia hadn't shown up when she did," he added dramatically, "I'd never be able to hold a paintbrush again."

Sophia gasped. Her fingers trembled as she reached out to touch the wounds.

"Vincent," she whispered, voice breaking, "I can't believe you'd do something like this."

I laughed—cold, bitter, hollow.

"Damn, Justin. You should've gone into acting."

"Stop!" Sophia snapped.

"Justin doesn't lie. Not like you—how many times have you bad-mouthed him behind his back?"

The reporters surged forward. Cameras flashed. Questions were hurled like stones.

Someone shoved me, hard. I stumbled back.

And all I could see was Sophia, shielding Justin with her body as they turned and walked away.

Then her voice cut through the chaos, sharp and public:

"Effective immediately, the brand is terminating all collaborations with Vincent Wilson. We have zero tolerance for plagiarism."

A second later, a cup of ice water splashed down over my head.

Then came the sound of objects—paper programs, bottles—being thrown.

I didn't flinch.

I just stood there, water dripping from my hair, soaking into my collar.

After that day, everything crumbled.

My graduation project was thrown out.

Every job offer vanished.

Every bridge burned.

I packed my bags and left the city.

The memory faded as Yvonne Walters spoke up beside me.

"Vincent… Sophia's coming. Will you talk to her?"

I glanced at my watch.

"No need," I said, voice steady.

"My wife's waiting for me."