“Are you sure you don’t want to read the contents of the file you’re signing first, to see what it’s about?”
Seeing Darwin so casually signing each sheet of paper that Adrian had just handed over made Darius laugh. Whether it was because he was genuinely indifferent or had already resigned himself, Darwin certainly appeared to be someone who no longer cared.
Maybe he was just tired. Or Darwin might be doing this because he had other plans in mind.
“What else needs to be read, Pa?” Darwin said in a flat tone. “Oh, sorry for being presumptuous. I mean Mr. Damian Ashborne,” the man quickly corrected himself. “There’s clearly the notary’s name written at the top corner of the paper. That means I’ve just signed the divorce papers, right? So why bother reading anything else? It’s not going to change anything.”
Darius nodded. Now, he could conclude that Darwin was either lazy or exhausted to deal with it. Instead of taking the opportunity to read carefully, he chose to ignore it.
“It might not be about the divorce. Aren’t you afraid that the letter might contain the Infinix Group, which I’ve still taken over even though you’ve left Veronica?”
Darwin smiled faintly. There was no sign of worry on his face.
“I believe someone like Mr. Darius would never break a promise.”
Darius laughed again. Nodding for the umpteenth time, he responded to his future son-in-law’s words.
“Alright, if you’re sure. I’ll assume you agree with everything written in that document.”
Darwin remained still. He no longer cared about what his future father-in-law would do. What mattered most was that the Infinix Group’s status would be secure, and all the employees who depended on it for their livelihoods wouldn’t lose their jobs.
Losing Veronica didn’t matter to him. What was important was that everyone, Darius, Veronica, his father, and all his cousins, knew that he had tried his best to prove that he was sincerely willing to return to Veronica. If in the end he failed and even his request for a second chance was not approved, there was nothing more he could do.
“Adrian…” Darius then called his assistant, who had been standing behind him all this time. “Summon Veronica and tell her to come in.”
“Yes, sir,” Adrian nodded immediately. The man in his early forties promptly carried out what Darius had instructed.
A minute later, Veronica entered the room with Adrian. Darius waved his hand, signaling his daughter to sit next to Darwin.
“What’s going on, Pa?” Veronica asked. She certainly wanted to know why she had been suddenly called to appear.
Meanwhile, Darius appeared relaxed, smiling as he explained the purpose and reason for summoning his daughter.
“Daddy is sure you already know about the choice I offered to Darwin, right?”
Veronica nodded. Previously, Darius had already explained it. Darwin had also explained it to her during their previous meeting.
“Daddy asked Darwin to choose between Veronica or the Infinix Group, right?”
“Yes,” Darius nodded. “And aren’t you curious about what your husband chose?”
Veronica was silent for a moment. She turned and gazed directly at Darwin.
“What did you choose, Win?”
Darwin also turned to look at her. With a deep, soft voice, he answered Veronica’s question.
“Ve… I’m sorry if my choice disappoints you. I…”
“He chose the Infinix Group over you, dear,” Darius interjected deliberately. “It’s pretty clear, isn’t it? If you really meant something to Darwin, it would show.”
“Not like that, Ve,” Darwin defended himself, shaking his head. He wasn’t going to accept being cornered like this. Of course, he had carefully considered all the decisions he had made, and what Darius said was 100% untrue. “I chose the Infinix Group for various reasons.”
“Reasons!” Darius retorted. It seemed like he was enjoying disturbing Darwin, who was trying to explain to Veronica. “However, if he chose you, everything I have would automatically become his too, including the Infinix Group. After all, he’s your husband. Besides, only someone abnormal would reject Veronica, who clearly has everything.”
Darwin chuckled dryly. Somehow, he felt amused by what Darius had just said.
“Mr. Darius, I apologize. This also involves my dignity. I love your daughter and want to be her partner again wholeheartedly. It’s not about taking advantage or exploiting her wealth. That’s not my goal. Even if I choose Veronica, I don’t expect to lead the company you’ve built. Why would I? I already have the Infinix Group, which my parents and I have been developing since childhood, and it’s thriving.”
“Without my help, the Infinix Group would have gone bankrupt,” Darius sneered.
“That’s because I haven’t been involved yet, right? Don’t turn a blind eye; everyone knows that under my leadership, the Infinix Group has been steadily improving. In fact, hasn’t the financial injection from the Vortex Group already been fully repaid?”
After talking at length, Darwin then turned back to Veronica. He looked closely at his wife and spoke softly. He also hoped that this time his father-in-law wouldn’t interrupt or disturb him while he explained to his wife.
“I apologize for choosing the Infinix Group, Ve. It’s not because I don’t love you. I swear, I love you sincerely from the bottom of my heart. But the circumstances forced me to choose the Infinix Group. I can’t just be happy with you. Meanwhile, the employees who have been loyal to my family’s company all this time will be replaced by the staff provided by the Vortex Group. No, I can’t be that heartless, Ve.”
“Alright, Veronica…” Darius said after Darwin had been silent for a while. Apparently, Darius couldn’t resist getting involved. “Don’t think about it anymore. It’s better if you just sign the documents I’ve prepared. After all, Darwin has already signed every page. So now it’s your turn.”
Veronica sighed once. She looked at her father. Without saying a word, she reached for the pen that Adrian offered and began signing each page that her father had prepared.
“Since both of you have signed the available documents, you can leave now. Thank you very much for your time and cooperation.”
Veronica didn’t speak at all. She nodded and then got up, leaving the room first. A few minutes later, Darwin followed suit.
As they passed each other in front of the room, Darwin hurriedly approached Veronica. He intended to explain to his wife again to avoid any misunderstandings.
“Ve… I…”
“Enough, it’s okay,” she replied quickly. She smiled and then looked back at Darwin. “You don’t need to explain. Like I said before, whatever you choose, I believe it’s the best decision you’ve carefully thought through.”
Veronica then gave him a brief hug. Afterward, she left Darwin standing there, still silent.