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Chapter_70
A Mere Shield
Ivanna urged us to eat when the food arrived, her tone light but firm. “No matter how big the problem is, you two must fill your stomachs before solving it. Chlo, I haven’t seen you in a few days, and you’re already as thin as a toothpick.” I realized her comment was aimed at making Matthew feel even more guilty, reminding him of the toll his actions had taken on me.
Matthew stole a glance at me, his expression a mix of guilt and apprehension, before he started serving me food. Ivanna continued her subtle attacks, knowing exactly how to target Matthew’s weak spots. “Matthew, you must find a way to stop things from escalating. This problem will affect Chlo and the company’s reputation.”
Matthew’s discomfort was evident as he shifted in his seat. “I considered that, but…” He glanced at me again, his voice faltering. “But I’m afraid Chlo won’t be happy.”
Ivanna didn’t let up. “I don’t give a damn! You knew cheating would crush her, but you did it anyway. Why didn’t you think about her feelings then?”
The guilt on Matthew’s face was almost palpable as he gritted his teeth, unable to retort. Ivanna’s words were landing hard, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Matthew was finally facing the consequences of his actions.
Then Ivanna turned to me, her tone softening slightly. “Chlo, you need to start telling me things. Are we even best friends? The most urgent thing is to stop this situation from worsening.”
Her words, though genuine, carried a weight. She wasn’t just worried about me; she was worried about how the situation could spiral out of control. Matthew, who had been trying to shift the conversation, looked to her for advice.
Ivanna didn’t wait for him to speak. “Hey, share your thoughts. It’s better to have more minds turning. We need a quick solution. Although I’m an outsider, I don’t want to see you two like this.”
Matthew, clearly frustrated but desperate, grabbed my hand and held it tightly. “Chlo, I want us to make an announcement together to dispel the rumors.”
I stared at him, my heart pounding with anger and disbelief. I cursed him inwardly. He was still trying to use me as his shield, even in this humiliating situation. You’ve got some nerve! Haven’t you humiliated me enough?!
I yanked my hand away, my voice cold. “What am I to you?”
“Chlo, don’t be hasty. Let’s discuss this properly and develop a win-win situation.” Ivanna intervened, her calm demeanor meant to temper the tension. “In this situation, you must consider the bigger picture.”
Matthew nodded repeatedly, clearly trying to calm the storm. His face was flushed with embarrassment, but he was still clinging to the hope that I would back him. “Chlo, she’s right. ATL Empire has already dropped us from their project. I looked into it, and the other company they dropped has more experience in projects like these. Our most significant advantage is the thermally broken steel windows patent. We still have a chance for Tanum Corporation, but we won’t get another one if we miss it, honey.”
His words didn’t sit well with me. The urgency was clear, but the audacity of his request had me boiling. Ivanna’s intervention had shifted the atmosphere from one of raw emotion to cold strategy, and I couldn’t help but admire her quick thinking. Despite the twisted nature of the situation, she was offering a way forward.
Matthew, however, was still trying to manipulate the narrative, still trying to make me his shield. Despite his cunning, I knew his defenses were the weakest now.