Chapter 1144
Chapter 1144:
Trudy’s stare didn’t waver. She could tell he hadn’t met Millie yet, but he planned to. The thought made her chest tighten with irritation.
“I’ve heard the rumors about you and Millie,” she said plainly.
“Do you like her p>
Charles didn’t avoid the question.
“I used to like her,” he said sincerely.
“No use denying it. But she never felt the same way. First it was Brandon, and now she’s marrying Myron. Trudy, there was never anything between us; it’s just business p>
“Really?” Trudy’s lips pressed into a thin line.
“Then why did I hear that during the Yaroslav Technology funding round, the second she messaged you, you sent her money and resources right away p>
Charles gave a soft, helpless laugh. She was clearly jealous, and he couldn’t help finding it endearing.
“Don’t be mad,” he said gently.
“Millie’s been my lucky charm. My reputation in the Evans family only solidified after working with her on Heavenly Melody. She’s smart and efficient and helps me make money, so of course I value her. And Myron—he is not someone I want to cross. I’m not stupid. Only an idiot would walk away from a profitable opportunity p>
“Trudy, what I feel for you is real,” he added earnestly, leaning toward her.
“I only started seeing you after I’d gotten over Millie p>
But Trudy wasn’t convinced. All she heard was him going on and on about Millie—her brilliance, her help, her importance in his life.
“And this deal with the Elliott Group,” she said, narrowing her eyes, “that’s because of Millie too, isn’t it p>
“She did have some influence,” Charles admitted reluctantly.
“Myron didn’t think much of me before, and the Elliott Group only agreed to work with me because of Millie p>
“Millie, Millie, always Millie!” Trudy snapped, anger flaring.
𝓥𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓭:
“Can’t you do anything without her p>
Charles sighed and dragged a hand through his hair in frustration. He could see exactly why Trudy was angry. But he really had let go of whatever feelings he’d once had for Millie.
Alexia had warned him before that hanging on to an old crush would be unfair to any woman who came after, and she’d been right. With Trudy, everything was different. His intentions were real, his affection sincere.
But Millie was still his best friend and the reason he’d made it this far. Only a fool would throw away an opportunity like that. Without her help and without the Elliott Group’s support, he wouldn’t last a week in the ruthless power games within the Evans family. They’d tear him apart before he even knew it.
After thinking for a bit, he chose his words carefully.
“Trudy, you’re my girlfriend,” he said firmly.
“Millie is just a tool for business p>
He hated saying it like that, but if it would calm her down, he’d take the hit.
“Think of her like an ATM. Would you fall in love with an ATM?” he added.
“She makes the money, and we’re the ones enjoying it. Isn’t that wonderful p>
But Trudy wasn’t smiling. To her, it sounded like another excuse, another way of protecting Millie.
“Fine,” she said coldly.
“Then pick—her or me p>
Charles didn’t hesitate for a second.
“You, of course! You’re my girlfriend p>
“Good,” Trudy said sharply.
“Then stop seeing her. No calls, no texts, no contact at all p>
His heart sank. That was a problem. He’d actually been planning to take Trudy to meet Millie that same night.