chapter129
The applause from the audience grew even more enthusiastic.
To outsiders, it seemed as if they were gazing at each other with deep affection, but only the two of them knew the truth: one was full of calculation, the other utterly disgusted with the other.
Damian whispered in Claudine’s ear.
“I told you, as long as you remain ‘Mrs. Barrette,’ everything you once wanted, I will give you in the future!
Claudine, in this world, you won’t find anyone more suitable for you than me. Our marriage is beneficial to us both.”
At that moment, a staff member from the forum organizers brought over champagne.
Damian picked up a champagne flute and placed it in Claudine’s hand.
He raised his glass, holding it slightly lower than Claudine’s.
“Mrs. Barrette, to a pleasant partnership!
From now on, let’s live well together!”
Claudine knew that Damian’s performance today was meant to bind them together.
He wanted her to understand that, even if she was capable, Damian’s status could offer her even more!
He said things like “pleasant partnership” and “let’s live well together,” but even now, after witnessing her excellence with his own eyes, he still hadn’t given her the most basic respect!
Just like with this foundation!
He hadn’t even discussed it with her; he just made the decision in front of so many people.
She was forced into it and had no choice but to accept!
She could only play along with him in front of all these people!
He said their marriage was beneficial to both, but he never asked if she still wanted those benefits.
After the meeting ended, several professors came over to discuss some professional topics with Claudine.
Damian stayed by her side. Even though their conversation was full of technical theories he didn’t quite understand, he showed no sign of impatience.
The professors all had a good impression of Damian, thinking he was different from those nouveau riche who only knew how to buy fame.
0.0 %
12:08
chapter129
288 (Vouchers
“I really didn’t expect Mr. Barrette and Claudine to have such a good relationship! Claudine, you must cherish it!”
Claudine just smiled and didn’t respond.
Mitchell, standing nearby, spoke up.
“I think it’s Mr. Barrette who should cherish our Claudine!
You all saw it today-Claudine’s professional ability is among the best of her generation. Given time, she’ll surely be- come a benchmark in the industry!
Mr. Barrette truly has a businessman’s eye for investment, managing to win Claudine over so early, hahaha!”
Mitchell was famous in their circle for being protective, and since everyone knew it was a joke, no one took it seri- ously.
But Damian replied with a serious expression.
“Professor Hutchinson is right. Being Claudine’s husband is truly my honor!”
When Claudine heard those words, her heart tightened slightly.
Of course she knew how utterly false his words were.
And yet, she couldn’t help but take them to heart.
Perhaps it was because that was what she had once longed for the most…
Fortunately!
Fortunately, she had already seen through Damian’s true feelings;
Fortunately, she had made up her mind to separate from Damian;
Fortunately, she had already become completely disillusioned with Damian.
So now, even if her heart wavered a little because of those words, she could immediately bring herself back to her
senses.
She knew that everything Damian said and did was only because she could bring him benefits.
He was desperate to maintain this marriage, but it was never about love!
The professors all said that Claudine had brought honor to the Barrette Group today, and that Damian should reward her well when they got home.
In reality, after the forum ended, Damian accompanied Audrey to the airport.
Audrey said that Darlene had suddenly developed a fever and was crying about a stomachache.
At that moment, Claudine was right beside Damian.
40.3 %
12:08
chapter129
When she heard the news, Claudine’s heart instinctively tightened.
She blurted out, “Could it be indigestion? Her spleen and stomach are weak, so she’s prone to it.”
Audrey was already displeased with Claudine today, and hearing her speak now only deepened her dislike.
1288 ¡Vouchers
“All that talk about weak spleen and stomach is just traditional medicine. In modern medicine, it doesn’t exist at all. If you don’t understand, don’t speak nonsense.
Dami, Darla really needs her parents right now. Let’s go back and be with her.”
Upon hearing that his daughter was ill, Damian became even more anxious and immediately arranged for the earliest flight.
“Yes, we’ll return to Bronzevale tonight. Audrey and I will go back.”
When Audrey heard that Damian had only asked his secretary to book two tickets, the jealousy and dissatisfaction she had felt earlier gradually faded.
As expected, Dami and Claudine were only a couple in name, putting on a show for others.
Only she and Darlene were Dami’s real family.
79.3 %
12:08
