The Red Rose of Manhattan Chapter 19

That cold rain seemed to soak through Ethan's entire body but couldn't extinguish the fire of unwillingness and regret burning in his heart.

He returned home in a daze, locking himself in his room for days, seeing no one, handling no business, just staring out at the gray sky, chain-smoking, expensive Persian rugs covered in ash.

Lily's words "means nothing" echoed like a curse in his ears.

Her indifferent gaze—looking at him like a stranger—was like a dull blade sawing at his heart. He couldn't accept it!

Couldn't accept her cutting him completely out of her life!

Couldn't accept another man standing beside her!

This first failed attempt at reconciliation didn't wake him up—it triggered deeper obsession and need for control.

Something Ethan Frost wanted, he'd never failed to get!

Before, he was confused, deceived. Now he'd seen clearly, woken up—she had to come back to him!

A nearly insane thought took root in his mind—

He had to create opportunities, make her need him, make her unable to ignore him!

He immediately called his chief assistant, his voice hoarse from sleepless nights and alcohol but brooking no argument: "Use every resource. Find out Lily's next most important business deal! Whatever it takes, I want in!"

His efficient assistant quickly reported back: Lily's team was in final negotiations with a century-old luxury jewelry brand for a global ambassadorship—a career-defining move.

Ethan's eyes flashed with ruthless determination. This was it.

He immediately had Frost Enterprises officially approach the brand with an extremely generous partnership proposal—borderline "loss leader"—with one condition:

Postpone finalizing with Miss Sterling.

Frost Enterprises' power and influence spoke for itself, especially in the Asian market.

Facing such massive profit potential and pressure, the brand's leadership wavered. The next day's scheduled signing was suddenly postponed for "further evaluation."

When the news reached Lily's team, the atmosphere turned tense.

Her manager frowned with concern, looking at Lily.

Lily wore comfortable loungewear, practicing lines from an upcoming film in front of her mirror. Hearing the news, she just frowned slightly, then smiled mockingly.

"Of course it's his style." She set down her script, eyes cold. "Think this will make me bow down?"

Ryan was lounging on the couch playing a mobile game. Hearing this, he put down his phone, walked over, draped an arm over her shoulders, his tone carrying usual swagger and confidence: "Relax. I've got this. Ethan Frost's reach isn't that long."

The crucial video conference reconvened in a tense atmosphere.

On the large screens in the brand's headquarters appeared Lily's team, Ryan's team, and—expected yet jarring—Ethan.

Ethan appeared impeccably dressed in a custom suit in his office overlooking New York's CBD, massive windows and bustling cityscape behind him.

He tried to maintain his usual cold authority, but the bloodshot eyes and barely concealed exhaustion and agitation in his expression betrayed his inner turmoil.

The meeting began. The brand's CEO carefully mentioned Frost Enterprises' "more strategic partnership possibilities," implying hesitation.

Ethan spoke on cue, his voice carrying deliberately manufactured superiority: "Frost is very optimistic about your brand's development and believes our partnership would be mutually beneficial. As for the ambassador selection, I believe it requires more careful consideration to ensure the image aligns perfectly with the brand's core values."

His words, though indirect, clearly targeted Lily, suggesting her "qualifications" or "image" might be insufficient for such responsibility.

The meeting atmosphere dropped to freezing.

Just then, Ryan's lazy voice cut in, dripping with unconcealed mockery: "Well, well, Mr. Frost, long time. Your domestic business not keeping you busy enough? Got time to meddle in European fashion world ambassador selections?"

His figure appeared on the split screen beside Lily, wearing a casual shirt but radiating aristocratic elegance and defiance. He looked directly at the brand CEO, his tone turning serious and forceful: "Charles, Lily's image, professionalism, and market influence speak for themselves. The Chase Foundation has always been one of your brand's most important arts sponsors, and I personally greatly admire your brand philosophy. I believe choosing Miss Sterling as global ambassador is absolutely the right decision. As for certain outside interference..."

He paused, gaze sharply sweeping Ethan on the other screen, enunciating clearly: "Business has rules. Don't bring petty personal feelings and tactics to the table. It's ugly. Lily got where she is through her own talent and hard work. She doesn't need anyone's charity, and she won't accept conditions with strings attached!"

Ryan's words slapped across Ethan's face like a ringing blow, shocking the brand as well.

The Chase family's European roots and influence far exceeded what Frost could match short-term.

Then Lily spoke calmly.

She switched to fluent French, composed and articulate, discussing the brand's century of history, craftsmanship aesthetics, and core spirit with deep understanding. She combined her personal experience and future development to present highly constructive endorsement promotion concepts.