She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 543

"If my memory serves me right... the last time we shared a meal, I made myself perfectly clear."

"I told you... I broke off the engagement with Ms. Bennett not just because I despise arranged marriages, but because I already have someone I love. That woman... is more important to me than my own life."

"It took everything I had to find her, and I am currently doing everything in my power to win her over."

"I value the ties between our families, but as for Ms. Bennett and me... there is absolutely zero chance."

"I invited you and your daughter here tonight to say this to your faces, to prevent any further misunderstandings down the line."

Hearing Preston repeat the exact words he had spoken to them during their last dinner, Callum and Chloe felt a sudden spike of panic.

"In other words... knowing full well that the woman I love is more important to me than my own life, Ms. Bennett still played mind games to sabotage my relationship."

Preston spoke with a slow, deliberate drawl, taking another sip of tea before fixing Elara's parents with a glare as sharp as a newly forged blade.

"I hope you understand... costing the Bennett family billions of dollars was me showing mercy. If there is a next time..."

Preston let the sentence hang ominously.

Elara was trembling with rage, biting her lip until it turned pale.

But she didn't dare say a word.

Speaking out of turn now would only make the situation exponentially worse.

As the Bennett heiress, it killed her to be manipulated by Preston like this.

Yet, whether in the boardroom or in the game of love, the Bennett family was entirely at his mercy.

She vaguely remembered that four years ago, the Whitmore family's market value and net worth had only been double that of her own family's.

But ever since Preston had been brought back into the fold, the Whitmore empire had expanded more than tenfold in just a few short years.

And Preston was the driving force behind that meteoric rise.

If anything, he was profoundly relieved that Preston and his girlfriend hadn't broken up.

If that stupid photo had actually ended their relationship, Callum couldn't even fathom the kind of scorched-earth retaliation Preston would have unleashed.

"Come on, Elara. Apologize to Preston."

Callum shoved a teacup into Elara's hand, signaling her to offer a toast of apology.

Elara despised the idea.

But she had no choice but to obey.

She was the architect of this disaster, and the crosshairs were firmly locked on her.

Gritting her teeth, Elara raised the cup.