The Red Rose of Manhattan Chapter 21

Deep autumn. Plane tree leaves fell everywhere, spreading golden poetry.

Lily, wrapped in a soft cashmere shawl, sat by the sun-drenched floor-to-ceiling window, reading through a newly delivered screenplay.

Ryan sat cross-legged on the carpet with his laptop handling business, occasionally glancing up at her, his gaze tender.

The peaceful, warm atmosphere was broken by a news alert on the tablet.

[BREAKING! Prominent businessman Marcus Sterling arrested for massive embezzlement and tax evasion!]

[Sterling Industries stock crashes, declares bankruptcy!]

[Deep Dive: Behind Sterling's collapse—signs of precision targeting by mysterious capital forces!]

A series of bold headlines, shocking.

Lily's finger scrolling through the screen paused slightly, her gaze landing on the accompanying photo—

Marcus surrounded by reporters, his once-proud face now panicked and pathetic, shining handcuffs glaring on his wrists.

Her face showed no emotion, as if watching a complete stranger.

Ryan set down his computer, walked to her side, naturally putting his arm around her shoulders, asking quietly: "You okay?"

Lily shook her head, managing a faint smile: "Why wouldn't I be?" Her tone was terrifyingly calm.

Over the next few days, news about the Sterling family continued fermenting.

Linda tried to flee abroad with the last bit of transferred assets but was caught by waiting police at the airport.

And Serena, after losing her father's protection, her family's bankruptcy, her mother's imprisonment, completely collapsed under the multiple blows.

She tried to find Ethan, fantasizing he'd remember old times and help, but was coldly stopped by Ethan's assistant outside Frost headquarters. She never even saw his face.

The man she'd considered her greatest support delivered the most fatal blow.

Soon, tabloids reported that Serena had suffered a mental breakdown and been committed to a psychiatric hospital in the suburbs.

Paparazzi photos showed her in a hospital gown, eyes vacant and empty, completely different from her once-gentle image.

Good and evil are rewarded in the end; heaven's way is fair.

Lily closed the news page, stood, and walked to the window, gazing into the distance.

Sunset painted the sky gorgeous orange-red, warm and peaceful.

Ryan embraced her from behind, chin resting gently on top of her head, his voice low and firm: "It's all over, Lily."

Lily leaned into his warm embrace, softly humming agreement.

Yes. All over.

The tangled hatred, the bitter resentment—with the Sterling family's collapse and Serena's fate—finally dissipated completely.

Her heart was calm as a peaceful lake, like autumn sky washed clean, clear and vast.

She'd truly said goodbye to that past filled with betrayal and hurt.

The annual International Film Festival awards became a global focus.

On the red carpet, stars sparkled, flashbulbs popping continuously.

Lily wore a custom gown made from antique lace from Ryan's family collection, the train flowing elegantly like a swan. She walked the red carpet on Ryan's arm with composed grace.

Three years had refined her, shedding some youthful defiance, adding mature feminine confidence and elegance. Every glance, every smile was captivating, destroying countless camera memories.

Ryan wore a classic black tux, handsome and distinguished, looking at Lily with undisguised love and pride. They were the most watched couple of the evening and strong contenders for Best Actress.

In New York, Frost Enterprises' executive suite.

Ethan sat alone before the floor-to-ceiling windows without turning on lights. Only the TV screen's glow illuminated his gaunt, haggard profile in the darkness.

The screen broadcast the film festival live. When the camera caught Lily and Ryan in close-up, his pupils contracted sharply, his heart squeezed by an invisible hand, bringing suffocating pain.

He watched her confident, composed smile on the red carpet, watched the intimate, tacit interaction between her and Ryan, watched the camera capture Ryan's overflowing devotion when looking at her... Complex emotions—extreme pain, unwillingness, and a trace of pride even he despised—nearly tore him apart.

He hurt because the man beside her wasn't him.

He felt proud because she was so brilliant—a woman he'd once possessed.

He felt unwilling—why was he the one who lost her?

The award results were announced. Lily won Best Actress for a film deeply interpreting human complexity!

When her name was called, the entire audience stood applauding.

Under the spotlight, she slowly walked onstage, accepting the heavy trophy from the presenter, eyes misting but smile radiant.

She gave a brief acceptance speech, thanking the director and crew. Finally, her gaze found Ryan in the audience, voice gentle but firm: "Lastly, I want to especially thank someone—my love, Ryan Chase. Thank you for always being beside me, giving me support and strength. This trophy belongs to both of us."

The camera immediately focused on Ryan. He stood, moved to tears, blowing her a kiss from across the room. The entire room erupted in good-natured laughter and thunderous applause.

Ethan abruptly shut off the TV.

In the darkness, he gasped for air like a dying fish.

No.

He couldn't just watch her fall into someone else's arms.

He had to do something.