Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 573

Half past ten arrived.

A slender figure materialized before me, right on cue. I looked up, and my gaze instantly grew heavy.

Karina stood there, clad in a pale lavender trench coat, a cream turtleneck sweater peeking from underneath, making her face appear even smaller. She carried a Leiber rose handbag, its dazzling jewels somewhat at odds with her otherwise understated attire and makeup.

"Surprised to see me?" Karina sat down across from me, gently placing her purse on the table, her voice dripping with elegance.

"So, you're the famous Mayer?" I was indeed taken aback but quickly regained my composure, responding with a detached smile, "Let's talk."

Karina signaled the waiter and ordered a glass of tap water.

I quietly sipped my champagne, not initiating any further conversation. If Karina was the one holding the patent, perhaps it was time to halt the research project.

But my mom once told me, this project had been in the plans for a long time. Lucas's last decision before he passed was to kickstart this project. It wasn't just about the money; it was about fulfilling Lucas's last wish.

I didn't readily mention giving up on the partnership, not until my champagne was half gone. That's when Karina couldn't hold back any longer, "Why so silent? Your company wants my patent formula, shouldn't you be showing some sincerity?"

"What kind of sincerity are you looking for?" I smirked, my tone laden with light mockery, "Helping you become Mrs. Whitmore, perhaps?"

At my words, Karina's face stiffened, betraying her discomfort. After all, her actions were indeed aimed at marrying Neil.

Her supposed death years ago and returning with another's child as the Whitmore heir were all part of the same scheme.

Neil had an intoxicating allure, akin to a poppy flower, dangerous yet irresistible. Had I not experienced death once, I might still be lost in that obsession.

Whether it was Bonnie or Karina, it seemed all they lacked was a second chance at life.

"Irene, I'm here for a genuine partnership. I only want a licensing fee, there's no need to bring Neil into this. He treats me like a plague now, won't even see me," Karina's smile carried a hint of spite, "Probably all for you. You're quite something."

My expression hardened, "Let's not drag me into this. You know what you've done. If I were a man, I wouldn't want you either. Who would want someone so scheming by their side?"

"All my schemes were for love," Karina retorted boldly, as if love justified all actions, making every wrongdoing forgivable.

It's astonishing how wild one's imagination can run. I remained seated, simply lifting my gaze to meet hers.

"Irene, don't be too smug. I will prove Hiram is Neil's son. He'll regret his actions today. As for you, you're undeserving. Only someone as promiscuous as you would entangle with her ex-husband's best friend," Karina continued her tirade.

She then grabbed the glass of water, presumably to throw it at me.

But I anticipated her move, catching her wrist as she lifted the glass, swiftly redirecting the water onto her face instead. She closed her eyes, then slowly opened them in disbelief.

Taking the glass from her hand and placing it back on the table, I said, "What right do you have to splash me? That was for Hiram. Karina, consider our company's partnership with you officially terminated. Take care of yourself."

With that, I stood to leave.

"Really? Your company, well, it wasn’t exactly yours a year ago, was it? I did my homework, that's Lucas's show, and he's been in touch ages ago. This project? We've sunk a truckload of time and dough into it, and all it needs is my say-so. You back out now, and sure, I'm out a few bucks, but your loss? That’s gonna sting a helluva lot more, and it’s not just you. You’ve got a whole lineup of partners tangled in this mess. How you gonna square that away?"

Karina stopped me in my tracks, oozing confidence. "And that recipe? That’s my ace in the hole, sweetheart. Nobody can touch that. So, you’re gonna gamble with your family’s empire just to get even with me? Huh, I thought you were a big shot, but mixing business with personal grudges? That’s amateur hour, darling. I expected more from you."