LAPDOG HUSBAND IS A TRILLIONAIRE HEIR

Chapter 8:

James smirked, clearly enjoying the show. "A ring," he said lazily.

Katherine didn’t stop and moved closer to Faye and said again, "A cheap, pathetic little ring that just so happens to match one she had."

Faye’s eyes widened slightly.

"A ring? Could it be…?"

She reached instinctively for her hand—but she had lost her ring years ago.

Katherine saw the movement and scoffed. "Oh, don’t even try to deny it! I found the same ring in Yemin’s belongings! What other explanation is there, huh?"

"Let me guess," Katherine continued, her voice full of contempt. "You two have been together behind my back for years, haven’t you?"

James chuckled.

"Honestly," he mused, shaking his head, "I shouldn’t even be surprised. It makes sense, doesn’t it? A loser like Yemin wouldn’t be able to attract anyone with real value. Of course, he’d settle for a woman like this."

Her hand instinctively reached toward her fingers, where something used to be.

She barely whispered, "I… did lose a ring once."

Katherine scoffed. "Oh, please, spare me the act!" She narrowed her eyes, voice dripping with mockery. 

Faye frowned, her voice steadier this time. "But I did have a ring that looked exactly like that."

Yemin’s chest tightened, but his expression remained unreadable.

If Faye was the true owner of the ring…

Then she was the one who had saved him all those years ago.

Not Katherine.

Not the woman he had built up, protected, and married.

The weight of this realization pressed into him like a vice.

He had repaid his debt to the wrong woman.

And the one person who truly deserved his gratitude had been left forgotten.

His fists clenched at his sides, but before he could say anything, a sudden hush fell over the lobby.

The air changed—electric, charged.

The CEO of Ravol Company had just stepped out of the elevator.

Accompanied by a team of bodyguards, the distinguished older man exuded a presence so powerful that conversations halted instantly. The restaurant’s staff straightened. Guests lowered their voices. Even the security team stood at attention.

And at that moment, Yemin’s figure was completely blocked by Katherine and James.

They didn’t even notice him anymore.

Because the moment they saw Ravol Company’s CEO, their eyes lit up with excitement.

James’s entire demeanor shifted—gone was the arrogance, the mockery. Now, he was all flattery and ingratiation.

He stepped forward immediately, his expression full of admiration.

"Chairman Hargrove! It’s an honor to see you here tonight!" James said smoothly, extending his hand with a well-rehearsed business smile. "I’m James Franx. It’s truly a privilege to—"

Katherine quickly followed, stepping forward with a radiant smile.

"Mr. Hargrove, I’m Katherine, CEO of Bennett Enterprises! I had the pleasure of working with your team on the Ravol Company expansion project."

Both of them stood there, eager, hopeful.

They expected recognition.

A handshake. A polite greeting.

Something.

But the CEO barely even looked at them.

Just as the weight of reality began to sink in for James and Katherine, another voice broke the moment.

"Chairman Hargrove, please!"

Everyone turned to see Faye Langford stepping forward, her hands clutching a neatly bound project plan.

She looked determined, yet nervous, her gaze fixed on the CEO of Ravol Company.

"I know this is unexpected," she said quickly, "but I was hoping you could take a look at this. It's a proposal for a partnership that could significantly benefit Ravol Company. Our unique manufacturing process could reduce your production costs by nearly 15% while maintaining premium quality standards."

Her voice wavered slightly, but she stood firm, determined to be heard.

James and Katherine exchanged a glance, then burst into laughter.

"Are you serious?" Katherine scoffed, folding her arms. "Faye, do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound?"

James smirked, his confidence returning now that he had someone else to mock. "You really think the CEO of Ravol Company has time to waste on some bankrupt, second-rate company?"

Katherine rolled her eyes. "Not just bankrupt—a complete failure."

Faye clenched her fists. "I'm not asking for charity.The data speaks for itself—this partnership would create mutual value and—"

"Enough!" Katherine snapped, stepping in front of her. "Do you think anyone here cares? You’re just embarrassing yourself."

She turned to Chairman Hargrove, her expression all polished charm.

"Sir, please don’t waste your time," she said smoothly. "She’s not qualified to do business with Ravol Company. Her company is on the verge of collapse. If you work with her, it’ll just tarnish your brand."

Chairman Hargrove frowned slightly, looking at Faye with new skepticism.

Faye’s heart sank.

She knew her company was struggling, but this project was her last chance. If she lost this opportunity now, she might never get another one.

Just as the CEO was about to wave her away, a deep voice cut through the room.

"She’s not the one who’s unqualified."

Every head turned.

Yemin took a step forward, his cold, sharp gaze locked onto Katherine.

The weight of his presence shifted the air.

James and Katherine froze.

"You," Yemin said smoothly, "are the one who isn’t qualified to do business with Ravol Company."