Web Novel
No Wife, No Life Chapter 128
Alex led the way, trailed by several company executives.
Looking up, he saw Harper and Caden close together, their eyes locked in a tender gaze.
Caden was saying something, and Harper's face was alight with a radiant smile.
Suddenly, Alex felt a tightness in his chest.
They had been married for five years. Had Harper ever smiled at him like that?
Actually, Harper had never smiled at Alex like that. Or maybe it was because of Alex that she never smiled like that.
The executives had also noticed Harper.
Regardless, many among these individuals were staunch supporters of Harper. Over the years, she had made significant contributions to the company.
For instance, in the recent collaboration with Luminary Innovations Inc., had it not been for her resolute opposition, the Lavien Group might have faced substantial losses.
Considering Brad could lose several hundred million dollars, if the Lavien Group were to collaborate with Luminary Innovations Inc, the losses could be a hundredfold, which would be a catastrophic blow to the company.
So, these people cheerfully greeted Harper, because they genuinely respected her.
"Ms. Orsini, you're late. If you could join this meeting, we would benefit from your profound insights."
"Yeah, without Ms. Orsini, we feel a bit uneasy."
"How about we show Ms. Orsini the collaboration plan for her advice?"
Everyone was trying to please her, even though she wasn't Alex's secretary.
Harper smiled faintly, put down her cup, stood up, and said gently, "The Lavien Group has Mr. Lavien, Herbert, Quinn, and all of you. My presence at the meeting isn't necessary."
Alex could already guess what she was going to say next.
His face turned stern, a murderous look appearing on his otherwise expressionless face.
"Harper, this isn't the place to talk. Go home and take some time to cool off." He was giving her a chance, telling her not to act impulsively.
"I can grant you leave; take as much time as you need, and then return to the Lavien Group."
At this moment, everyone sensed the tension between the two.
The air grew thick with unease.
Harper pressed her lips together, her smile fading. "I'm very calm right now."
She paused, her eyes lifting to meet Alex's, and said slowly, "Mr. Lavien, I want to resign."
The room fell silent.
The executives exchanged glances, not daring to breathe. No one expected Harper to suddenly mention resigning.
No matter what, Harper's resignation would be a huge loss for the company.
"Harper, you've been with the company for five years." Alex's face was grim, his voice colder than ever.
She indeed had been with the Lavien Group for five years. Hadn't the company treated her well enough? Every time, she received the highest commission on contracts. That was why she quickly bought a villa in the upscale part of Majestic City.
Even if she went to the Elikin Group and Caden offered her more, it wouldn't be much better than the Lavien Group. She'd have to start over. Why bother?
Alex had undeniably valued her highly.
Salary, resources, position—the Lavien Group had given her everything. Why did she still want to resign?
And if she left, who could replace her? Could the Lavien Group remain strong and stable without one of its key pillars?
Everyone was secretly speculating, even Travis and Quinn were taken aback. Having worked closely with Harper for several years and formed strong bonds, they found it difficult to accept such an outcome.
At that moment, Travis reacted quickly, realizing it wasn't appropriate for them to stay. The next step was for Alex and Harper to talk alone.
So, he said, "Should we hold departmental meetings to convey the spirit of the meeting?"
His reminder snapped the executives out of their daze, and they quickly found excuses to leave.
Now, only Alex, Caden, Travis, Quinn, and Harper remained. Their relationships were clear to everyone.
"Harper, I reject your resignation."
Alex's tone was weak, filled with exhaustion. "Take some time to cool off and come back. Your position will remain the same."
Perhaps fearing she would persist with her resignation, Alex was eager to leave.
But Harper stood calmly, watching him leave, and said softly, "Alex, I'm really tired."
He didn't stop.
"Do you really not understand why I want to resign? Herbert's death is connected to you." Her tone was extremely calm.
This time, Alex stopped.
He slowly turned around, his eyes dark and profound, yet inexplicably evasive at this moment.
Harper ignored him and continued. "And Brad's cheating scandal—you destroyed all the evidence, didn't you?"
Her tone grew colder.
"I've worked at the Lavien Group for six years, married to you for five, yet I still can't see through you. I don't understand why you've always been so cruel to me. What did I do wrong?"
"You know who sent Herbert. You also know about Caden's car accident. The person behind it was targeting me. I wanted to find the real culprit and get revenge. But you, you protected them, destroying all the evidence without hesitation."
Her smile was faint, but it sent a chill through the room.
"Tell me, Alex, what do I mean to you? Am I just waiting to be killed next time?"
Alex had no response.
She was right about everything.
She was smart enough to see through all his actions.
"Brad, he tried to ruin my brother's life. He orchestrated the cheating scandal to destroy my brother completely. But you erased all his crimes. You even gave the Wilson family, who bullied and humiliated him, a large sum of money."
Her gaze was icy, like a sword piercing through him.
"So, Alex, tell me, what reason do I have to stay?"
Alex stood frozen, as if turned to stone.
"Why did you keep sabotaging my plans? The people you saved are the ones who hurt me."
Harper pressed her lips together, her face pale. "You called me filthy, but now I should say, you are utterly tainted. Therefore, I am resigning. No, I should have resigned long ago."
Harper spoke slowly, clearly laying out her points, her coldness evident.
The room fell silent again.