No Wife, No Life Chapter 196

Mark chuckled softly. "I'm Mark, Jeremy's adopted son and Kaitlyn's brother."

At the mention of Kaitlyn, Emily's expression darkened. She still remembered the humiliation Kaitlyn had put her through, a memory that still stung.

"I don't know you, and I don't care why you're here. I have no connection with Kaitlyn either. Please, Mr. Lavien, get out of the car. I have things to do."

"You're not even gonna ask why I'm here before you kick me out? Whether I'm a friend or foe? I thought Ms. Orsini wouldn't be so foolish." Mark leaned closer to Emily, lowering his voice.

"What is it that Ms. Orsini truly desires? Power or money? Surely, you don't expect true love from Alex."

"You value the position of Alex's wife so much because you want to change your status. Have you never thought about achieving that on your own, without relying on Alex? You could reach such heights by yourself if you choose to cooperate with me."

Mark's voice carried a hint of temptation.

Emily's heart skipped a beat. Of course, she had thought about it, but could she really do it on her own?

After all, she wasn't Harper. She didn't have that kind of capability or intelligence.

"Mr. Lavien, are you joking?" Emily's gaze was sharp as she stared at him.

"Since you came to find me, you must have done your research. You should know I'm not a good person. I won't let you go until I achieve my goal." She spoke without reservation.

"I know I don't have much value for Mr. Lavien to consider. You know I'm just an art student with no noble background and none of Harper's exceptional genes or superior intelligence."

"I don't see how I could be of any value to you."

Mark's smile brightened.

"Ms. Orsini, you're underestimating yourself. Your status is not ordinary. You are Alex's benefactor, aren't you?"

He wanted to go after Alex. Emily was stunned for a moment, then her eyes widened as she realized.

"What exactly do you want?" Emily's voice rose, filled with urgency.

"Don't rush."

Mark leaned back in his seat, exuding a lazy demeanor.

"If you truly want to change your status, you must become stronger. You are your own greatest asset."

"The Lavien Group is a top-tier company. If you can secure the Lavien Group, you'll be the biggest contributor and naturally become one of the top executives."

"I told you, your status is special. You are Alex's benefactor. Even if he doesn't love you, won't give you a title, or make you his wife, he will give you the position you want."

"You can temporarily ascend to a senior executive position, overseeing all within the Lavien Group, thus becoming my eyes."

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Emily's eyes widened in disbelief.

Mark pursed his lips and continued, "Alex would rather have been alone for life than have been with you. Don't you hate him for that? Quinn mocks you. Don't you hate that?"

"Emily, you need to make the right choice."

Emily remained silent, her eyes downcast, seemingly struggling.

"My patience is limited. You'd better give me an answer soon." Mark didn't give her more time to think. With that, Mark opened the car door, ready to leave.

At that moment, Emily called out to him, "I agree to cooperate with you."

Mark turned back to look at her. "You've made the right decision."

...

Two months flew by, and the FusionX Company R&D department was finally up and running.

Harper, who had been keeping tabs on the FusionX Company R&D department, had been eating at the company cafeteria lately.

She had just gotten her meal and was about to dig in when she heard a commotion.

Following the noise, she saw an assistant pushing Caden's wheelchair over.

Harper was about to get up to greet him when she saw someone rushing towards Caden, nearly knocking over his wheelchair. The tomato soup in her hand spilled all over him, and the tray clattered to the ground.

The entire cafeteria fell silent.

Harper raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued.

The person who collided into Caden's arms was a stunningly beautiful woman. Harper remembered distinctly; she was one of Manuel's subordinates and was rumored to have recently grown close to Neal.

Was this a coincidence or a deliberate setup?

Everyone was watching the two of them, sneaking glances at Harper to see her reaction.

Everyone knew Caden was Harper's boyfriend.

Harper set down her utensils, her expression indifferent, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Elikin. I didn't mean to. I was lost in thought! How much is this suit? I'll pay for it!"

The woman handed her folder to the assistant and quickly pulled out tissues to wipe Caden's clothes.

Caden's face was dark, but he maintained his composure and manners. "No need to pay. Just be more careful next time."

"I'm really sorry, Mr. Elikin!" The woman bowed deeply, her cheeks flushed.

At this point, several mid-level managers had gathered around, asking if Caden was burned and if he needed to go to the hospital.

Harper didn't react, as if nothing had happened.

Of course, she was concerned about Caden, but she also wanted to see how he would handle this unexpected encounter.

Caden looked annoyed. He pushed away the woman wiping his suit and glanced at Harper.

He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to call her over to him, but realizing his current disheveled state, he ultimately remained silent.

From a distance, he waved at Harper and signaled his assistant to push the wheelchair away.

Only then did Harper pick up her soup bowl, gently blowing on it before taking a sip, her expression thoughtful.

Suddenly, her phone on the table buzzed.

She set down the bowl and saw a message from Caden: [I'm in your office.]

Harper felt a bit annoyed, so she didn't reply immediately. She finished her meal slowly before taking the elevator to the top floor.

"Have you been waiting long?" She pushed open the door and walked in, asking casually.

Caden didn't respond. He had already changed his clothes.

Seeing her, the assistant took away the untouched food containers from the table.

Harper glanced at them, noticing they were from Sapphire Dining Room, a private dining service.

He had come to wait for her to have lunch together.

"You haven't eaten yet?" Harper sat down across from him, her tone cold.

Seeing her lack of concern, Caden's heart sank.

He had been drenched in soup, and everyone had shown concern except Harper, who had watched indifferently. Even after he messaged her, she hadn't hurried over.

The atmosphere in the office grew tense.

Harper stood up and walked over, asking slowly, "How was the soup?"

"What soup?" Caden was taken aback.

Harper asked, "Tomato soup. Was the woman who brought you the soup pretty?"