Fake Vows & Forbidden Flames

Chapter 17: A Knot in the Heart

“She signed?” Keith’s voice tightened as Tristan Tang’s words registered.

He frowned deeply, a strange unease settling in his chest. “Just like that? No demands?”

“None, sir. She signed without even reading the agreement—took less than a minute,” Tristan replied.

Keith grunted, ending the call and shutting off his phone.

The emptiness lingered, unexplained. Why hadn’t she hesitated? Why no plea, no negotiation—nothing?

For the next two days, Keith stayed away, while Yunying dominated office chatter.

Jade pestered Dora nonstop about the deal’s perks.

“The bonus could be $100k—half our department’s quarterly quota! Should we treat Manager Qin to karaoke? He loves that!”

Dora stood up abruptly. “Restroom.” Before leaving, she fixed Jade with a sharp look. “Even a sure thing slips away if you rush it.

This deal is high-stakes—mess up, and we’ll be the scapegoats. Cool your jets.”

Jade deflated, realizing her impulsivity. When Dora returned, her colleague looked dejected. Guilt twinged—Dora remembered being young and starry-eyed too, before life’s curveballs.

“Manager said there’s a farewell party tonight for Mr. Dell—he’s leaving and might introduce a key client,” Jade mumbled, then added nervously, “You won’t tell him about my idea, right?”

Dora smiled. “What idea? I didn’t hear a thing.” As Jade skipped off, her phone rang—it was Mr. Dell, confirming he’d be at the party.

Little did she know, the night would bring more surprises than just a farewell.