In the study, a stand-off was taking place between Berlin and Laura.
Berlin lit a cigarette, "Laura, why did you send everyone away? What is it that you want to talk about?"
"I want to tell you, Berlin, that you're really foolish. If I truly wanted to harm you, I had plenty of opportunities over the last four years. Why would I choose a method that you would doubt?"
Berlin responded, "That's because you never thought I would find out about your affair with Hammer."
"Berlin, do you really care that much about my affair with Hammer? Did you marry me because you loved me? No, it was because I could help manage your business. If you hadn't had that car accident, do you really think you would have wanted a divorce?"
Berlin furrowed his brow. The reason he valued Laura was indeed her abilities.
She was sociable, had extensive connections, and was not lacking in business acumen.
Over the years, she had helped him invest and make quite a fortune.
Their relationship was more of a mutual benefit.
She needed a status to move about in the high society of the Capital.
And he needed someone to help him, he didn't want to be seen as someone who relied on his brother for success.
As for love, he couldn't quite say there was ever love between them.
After all, no matter how well a woman nearing fifty maintains herself, she can't compare to the fresh youth of a twenty-something.
But those young girls didn't have her sharp mind.
Laura continued, "Even if we go our separate ways, as long as we don't split up, there shouldn't be any conflict. Besides, Hammer is your brother's man. Pulling him to my side was also to probe your brother's intentions. On the surface, he loves you as a brother, but he only wants to hand over the family property to Ryder. If Ryder really takes over the company, will there still be a place for you in the Thomas family?"
Berlin scoffed, "So you're saying, you cheating on me is for my own good?"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)