No Wife, No Life Chapter 83

"When did you two start dating?"

Caden twirled the pen in his hand lazily, looking relaxed, like he was savoring the question.

Harper knew Caden wanted her to answer.

"We only just entered into a relationship."

Harper replied calmly, her eyes serene.

"Really?" One of the shareholders sounded skeptical.

Before Harper could respond, Caden raised an eyebrow and said, "Yeah, we just got together. I've been chasing Ms. Orsini for a while. If it weren't for your questions, she still wouldn't have given me a title. So, I guess I should thank you all."

The shareholders exchanged glances, their expressions uncertain.

Then, the major shareholder began to scold them, accusing them of mixing personal and professional matters, abusing their positions, and harming the company's interests for personal gain.

Harper and Caden didn't argue back; they just listened quietly, like indifferent outsiders.

No one knew how long the scolding lasted when Alex, who had been silent, dropped the pen he was holding.

The sound of the pen hitting the floor wasn't loud, but it made the air around them feel heavy.

The previously chaotic questioning and scolding suddenly stopped.

Alex crossed his arms and finally looked at Harper. "Why?"

Everyone was stunned, except maybe Caden, who understood what he meant.

Why did she choose Caden so soon after her divorce?

How could she move on from a five-year relationship so quickly?

If she genuinely loved him, how could she suddenly cease loving him?

In just a few months, she was already pursuing a new life.

"What?"

Harper was taken aback. She hadn't fully grasped his meaning.

"Because I am profoundly fond of her." Caden said with a playful smile.

In truth, this was all part of his plan. He wanted Harper to fall into his trap bit by bit.

He had orchestrated this situation, leaving Harper no choice but to choose him.

Caden met Alex's sharp gaze, a silent duel between two men, neither willing to back down.

Alex's green eyes grew darker, his expression stern, but he remained silent.

Caden seemed to find it amusing and laughed smugly.

Harper looked up at Alex, questioning, "What do you mean?"

Alex glanced coldly at the smug Caden but said nothing.

Those who knew him well could tell he was in a terrible mood.

His brows were tightly furrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line, and he exuded an oppressive aura.

An older shareholder sitting next to Alex, who had known him since he was young, was surprised.

Alex had always been calm and composed, never showing such emotions.

Was it because of Harper and Caden? It was hard to believe.

Could it be that even Alex had lost his composure because of them?

Alex stared at the pen on the table, noticing the intricate gold-engraved pattern.

This pen was different; the pattern was hand-carved.

He remembered Harper had given it to him.

He picked it up, his long fingers tracing the design, feeling a bittersweet emotion.

Harper had said it was a unique pen, and now he understood why.

The pattern was her own handiwork. But now, this pen seemed to belong to the past.

When he looked up again, he gave Harper a deep, hoarse look.

"Harper, you're suspended." His voice was low.

The major shareholder angrily interjected, "Just a suspension for losing such a big project? We want her fired."

"Halting the project was a joint decision between Caden and me. It has nothing to do with Harper."

Alex stood up, his tone filled with impatience and annoyance. "There's no need to discuss this further. Meeting adjourned."

His tone was decisive, leaving no room for argument.

Harper sat in her chair, looking tired. "What do we do next?"

This was her first suspension since joining the Lavien Group.

She didn't take it too seriously. She had faced bigger challenges before and had managed to overcome them.

But she couldn't predict what would happen next.

"How about we go on a vacation together?"

Caden suggested with a mischievous smile. "Since we've confirmed our relationship, shouldn't we do what couples do?"

He reached out and grabbed her hand.

This time, Harper didn't pull away.

"Caden, do you want me to do more intimate things with you while I'm still carrying Alex's child? Is that what you want?" she asked, looking at him steadily.

Caden's expression froze for a moment.

He knew she was warning him.

Their relationship wasn't based on love but on circumstances.

They were forced together by the shareholders. They had to fight back.

Did she really love him? No, she didn't.

So, they were more like partners than lovers.

"Tomorrow is my birthday. What will you get me?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Alright, I'll prepare a birthday gift for you," Harper said softly, her tone soothing.

Alex had left his phone in the conference room, or perhaps he had intentionally left it there.

He returned just in time to hear Harper say she would prepare a birthday gift for Caden.

He stood at the door, his movements halted.

He glanced at Caden, who was holding Harper's hand, his tone more coaxing and playful.

"I don't want anything special, just a pen like Alex's. But I want it in black, not gold."

So, Caden had noticed that the pen was a gift from Harper to Alex.

Harper believed that only handmade gifts were sincere, and the pattern on the pen was her own carving.

"How did you know?"

Harper was surprised. She had to admit, his observation was sharp.

The pen had a rose pattern, Harper's favorite flower, symbolizing her tough nature.

She had carved it herself, hoping that when Alex held the pen, it would feel like holding her.

But Alex probably never understood her intention.