Novel 543
Chapter 1283
Ronald excused himself to the restroom.
Predictably, Isaac followed close behind. He was puzzled, "The Malone family is already eating out of your hand. Why push it to this extent?"
Ronald turned on the faucet, letting the cold water slip through his fingers, "I couldn't care less about what the Malones have."
"Even without the Malone family, I wouldn't let Kari be mistreated."
A look of admiration crossed Isaac's handsome face as if he had an epiphany, "If you're ever interested, you're welcome to join forces with me anytime." Ronald's knack for business was undeniable.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
Even Isaac was looking to poach him.
Sadly...
Ronald's aspirations lay elsewhere.
"Kari and Mrs. Salter are very close. I think it's best our relationship remains purely personal."
Mixing business with personal affairs only leads to trouble down the line.
Kari cared about Brittany.
He wasn't interested in financial entanglements.
Isaac caught on to Ronald's intent, a touch of regret in his voice, "If you ever need a hand with anything, just give me a call."
After that dinner, Kari started helping Brittany plan her wedding.
She was pregnant but didn't slow down on the wedding preparations.
Ronald watched her buzz around Brittany, feeling a twinge of jealousy.
"You really enjoy planning her wedding that much?"
Late at night, he wrapped his arms around Kari's waist, kissing her neck reluctantly.
Kari was drenched in sweat.
She could sense Ronald's discontent.
She turned around, locking eyes with him, and said clearly, "Brittany means a lot to me."
"When I was at my lowest, Brittany gave me a job opportunity. She taught me so much..."
Brittany held a special place in her heart.
She was framed and couldn't even get her diploma.
If Brittany hadn't given her a chance at Bri-jeweled Studio, she wouldn't have everything she has now, let alone manage to survive.
Kari's words were straightforward.
Ronald felt a pang of guilt, "I'm sorry."
He had been absent for those ten years.
He couldn't let anyone know about his relationship with Kari.
He didn't want Kari to be discovered by the Malone family.
So, for those ten years, he couldn't appear or offer her the help she needed most.
By that alone, he was forever at a disadvantage.
Kari meant no blame, she took his hand, intertwining their fingers, and said slowly:
"Brittany is like family to me."
"You're my love, my rock for life."
"I'm looking forward to our wedding too."
Ronald's mood brightened at her words, tightening his embrace, deeply inhaling her scent, "So am I."
On the eve of Brittany's wedding, Kari, along with Hannah, returned to the studio.
Now, Bri-jeweled Studio had become a famous jewelry brand in the country, grown significantly in scale.
Kari looked around the studio, overwhelmed with emotion.
"Brittany, we really did it."
When
wanted started the studio, they wanted the world to know about
Bri-jeweled Studio. Indeed, they had achieved it.
Brittany had just had her baby, so she couldn't drink.
"How about a walk by the river?"
The trio packed up, with Kari ordering from their favorite barbecue spot.
They found a flat, open space by the river to sit down.
The barbecue arrived, tasting just like old times.
The riverside offered a stunning
view, with shimmering waters and
hint of spring in the air, engulfit
them.
After some drinks, Hannah dozed off to the side.
Kari, worried she might catch a cold, draped her jacket over her.
Brittany, with laughter in her eyes, turned to Kari, "Thank you, Kari."
The studio had grown so much, largely thanks to Kari's hard work. Brittany had given her shares and dividends, but it hardly seemed enough to express her gratitude.
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Kari shook her head, lifting her drink, "Brittany, I should be the one thanking you."
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be where I am today."
They clinked glasses, "To the future."