When He Stopped Loving Me Chapter 19

"Mr. Pierce," she spoke, voice cool as mountain spring water, each word clearly striking Ethan's nearly collapsed nerves. "Please restrain yourself."

She paused, gaze sweeping past him to pale-faced Rachel, that mocking curve deepening slightly:

"We stopped having anything to discuss when you threw me and our unformed child from the fifth floor."

With that, she didn't spare him another glance, naturally taking Sebastian's waiting arm again. They walked side by side, composed, into the crowd's depths, leaving behind a matched yet decisive silhouette.

Ethan stood frozen, arm still extended as if grasping her, fingertips holding only cold emptiness.

Surrounding suppressed snickers, sympathetic or scornful gazes—like countless needles densely piercing him.

He looked at Rachel beside him, face twisted with rage and humiliation, then at Claire's retreating, brilliant figure...

The crushing contrast and complete defeat felt like an abyss swallowing him whole.

That charity gala was like a fuse, completely igniting Ethan's years of suppressed panic and unwillingness.

Claire's dazzling appearance and the seemingly perfect man beside her were poisoned thorns lodged deep in his heart, torturing him day and night without cease.

Returning to the company, the first thing he did was mobilize every available resource and method, sparing no cost to investigate Sebastian Hart.

Investigation results soon landed on his desk, detailed to an alarming degree.

Sebastian Hart, born to aristocratic family with deep legacy, business spanning finance, art, luxury goods—his wealth and influence matching Pierce Industries.

Oxford graduate with dual PhDs in Economics and Art History. Not just a successful business leader but also an internationally renowned art collector and connoisseur with excellent reputation in elite circles.

Most importantly, his romantic history was clean as fresh snow—never any public scandals or messy relationships. A true top-tier bachelor.

The report's final note: According to reliable sources, Mr. Hart has pursued Ms. Claire Morrison ardently and sincerely, with great dedication. And Ms. Morrison... seems receptive, their recent interactions frequent and relationship intimate.

SLAM!

Ethan threw the investigation report on his desk, the expensive hardwood surface showing a shallow dent! His chest heaved violently, breathing rapid, unprecedented panic washing over him like icy water!

Background, looks, ability, wealth... this man matched him in everything, even surpassed him in some areas!

And his obvious treasuring and pursuit of Claire was like a mirror reflecting Ethan's own foolishness and wretchedness!

Claire wasn't rejecting him... Had she already... accepted someone else?

This thought gnawed at his sanity like a venomous snake!

He couldn't imagine that woman who'd once had eyes only for him falling into another man's embrace! That man holding her, kissing her, possessing her...

No! Impossible!

Ethan roared, irritably yanking his tie, trying to banish those suffocating imagines.

He drove home in a daze. Just entering, he heard shrill crying and scolding.

In the living room, Rachel was raging at a young nanny because the woman had slightly scorched one of her expensive silk nightgowns.

Her words were vicious, even raising her hand to strike. Their three-year-old son huddled in a corner, wailing.

This chaotic, undignified scene formed a bitterly ironic contrast with Claire's composed elegance at the gala!

Ethan's accumulated rage and irritation exploded instantly!

"Enough!" He roared, voice carrying uncontrollable disgust. "Rachel! What tantrum are you throwing now?! All you do is abuse servants—what else can you do?!"