When He Stopped Loving Me Chapter 23

Throughout, Sebastian never gave Ethan a single glance, treating him like complete air.

He naturally wrapped his arm around Claire's shoulder, protectively guiding her as they walked side by side toward the exit.

Ethan stood frozen, watching their harmonious departure, watching Claire's gentle smile for Sebastian—one he'd never received. His heart felt crushed by invisible hands, pain nearly stopping his breath!

CLANG—

He unconsciously loosened his grip. That carefully prepared bouquet representing his pathetic attempt at reconciliation dropped to the cold floor.

Passing staff hurried by, mercilessly trampling those delicate petals. In moments, only scattered crimson and broken leaves remained.

Like his belated affection—trampled to dust, yet still refusing to accept death.

Romantic failures made Ethan pour more energy into work, trying to prove himself through professional success, to fill the emptiness and defeat inside.

Soon, a crucial opportunity arose—the city's last prime downtown plot "Cloud Summit" went to public tender.

Ideally located with unlimited potential, every major real estate group competed fiercely.

Pierce Industries was determined to win, pouring enormous resources and effort in. Ethan personally led the strongest team, meticulously polishing the proposal.

However, their greatest competition was Sebastian Hart's Hart Group.

Equally powerful, they proposed an innovative concept—"Art Empowers Commerce"—aiming to perfectly integrate premier art venues, ecological landscapes, and high-end commercial spaces.

Tender day, atmosphere was tense.

Ethan personally led the team, confident in his proposal, believing Pierce had advantages in local resources and market understanding.

But when the evaluation committee announced results, Ethan's confident smile froze instantly!

Winner: Hart Group!

They'd won by an extremely narrow margin! The committee chairman specifically praised Hart's core concept—"Perfect Fusion of Art and Commerce"—calling it visionary and socially valuable, destined to become a new city landmark.

News broke. The industry was shocked.

Pierce Industries had actually lost in their strongest area!

What made Ethan even more uncomfortable: at Hart Group's subsequent celebration, a sharp-nosed reporter directly asked Sebastian: "Mr. Hart, I heard core creative ideas in this winning proposal—regarding art venue layout and public space design—came from valuable suggestions by your girlfriend, renowned pianist Ms. Claire Morrison. Is this true?"

Under spotlights, Sebastian elegantly put his arm around Claire's shoulder, face showing undisguised pride and affection, smiling at cameras, openly admitting: "Yes. Claire is not just my muse. Her unique insights on art and space always inspire me. Many brilliant touches in this proposal indeed benefited from her suggestions."

Claire beside him, wearing tasteful formal wear, makeup impeccable, faced cameras with a slight nod, lips curved in shallow, confident smile, silently confirming Sebastian's statement.

This scene, broadcast live through media, spread across the internet!

It was also a resounding slap across Ethan's face!

He sat in his office watching the screen showing that perfect couple's unlimited glory, face iron-dark, fists clenched deadly tight!

Nails dug deep into palms, bringing sharp pain—nothing compared to the defeat and humiliation in his heart!

He'd always known Claire had talent, but never imagined that after leaving him, her talent not only wasn't buried—it bloomed most magnificently with another man who knew how to appreciate and cherish her!

Even becoming the weapon that defeated his business empire!