Chapter 83: Anne’s unique apology

Words : 1261 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 83: Anne’s unique apology "He can’t even afford a single item from the auction. What’s the point of attending a charity event like this when he doesn’t even have enough money? Top of Form Bottom of Form Denis’s grip on Anne’s wrist tightened abruptly, his sudden outburst cutting off Tania before she could speak further. He said that deliberately to make Tania believe that he wanted to humiliate Augustine in public. His eyes burned with frustration, but beneath the anger, there was something else—he didn’t wish Tania to see that he still wanted Anne back. "If he is here just to build connections and do business, tell him to come to my office. I might be generous enough to help him. But let’s be clear—he won’t survive in this city if he goes against me. That’s a fact, and you know it." His voice was thick with condescension as he leaned in slightly. "If he wants a chance, tell him to come and beg me. As his cousin, I might consider helping him." Anne knew Denis’s words weren’t just empty threats. He held enough power to make things difficult for Augustine, to create obstacles in his path. But she also knew Augustine was not someone to be underestimated. He had managed to win the favor of the Sphere Group, securing his position as CEO in a company they had recently acquired. There was no way he could have climbed so high, so quickly, without having built solid connections with the global business giant while he was abroad. She trusted him. She believed in his capabilities. A calm, knowing smile played on her lips as she twisted her wrist against Denis’s grip. "He doesn’t need your favor," she said firmly, her confidence unwavering. "It’s you who will come to him." Anne knew the truth. She had seen the way he had been strategizing, trying to find a way to partner with the Sphere Group ever since the words had spread about the conglomerate expanding into the city. She had prepared the draft for the business proposal herself. Denis’s entire demeanor darkened, his anger igniting into an uncontrollable inferno. He had lost all sense of restraint, completely forgetting where he was or who was watching. His eyes burned with frustration as he clenched Anne’s wrist even tighter. "Being delusional won’t do you any good," he growled. "I’ll show you exactly who I am—and where Augustine truly stands in front of me." He yanked her closer and lowered his head, intending to kiss her. Just then, a sharp voice cut through the air like a blade. "What the hell do you think you’re doing?" The loud voice attracted the nearby guests, and their heads turned, curious and startled by the sudden outburst. Denis froze. His eyes snapped to the source of the voice and saw Gustave approaching with a plate of pastries in his hand. His hold loosened just enough for Anne to shove him away and take a step back. Gustave moved over to him, and his expression softened slightly. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. "I brought some pastries, hoping you’d like them. But when I came back, you were gone. I’ve been looking for you all over." Gustave’s gaze remained locked on Denis, his jaw set in a hard line. Every fiber of his being wanted to knock the smug arrogance off the man’s face, to make him regret ever laying a hand on Anne. But he forced himself to remain still. One moment of lost control, and all the meticulous planning his boss had done could come crashing down. He couldn’t let that happen—not over someone like Denis. Anne pressed her lips together, adjusting the folds of her dress, trying to compose herself. "I’m fine," she muttered, her shoulders tensing. The encounter had drained her, leaving her weary. More than anything, she just wanted to leave. Meanwhile, Tania stood still, her fists clenched at her sides. Resentment, hatred, and jealousy twisted in her gut like a venomous snake. The humiliation of watching Denis grab Anne and trying to kiss her burned inside her. She wanted nothing more than to claw at Anne’s face, to strike her down in front of everyone. But too many eyes were already on them. Any reckless move now would only make her look worse. Instead, she swallowed her rage and stepped closer to Denis, slipping her hand around his arm in a desperate attempt to calm him. "Denis," she murmured, "people are watching." But Denis wasn’t listening. His fury was beyond reason now. With a sharp motion, he shoved Tania’s hand away, his burning glare locked onto Gustave. Gustave, unfazed, turned his attention back to Anne. His voice was steady, controlled. "Didn’t you say you were hungry? Let’s go there." Anne nodded slightly and moved to follow him. But before they could take another step, Denis’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Stop right there. Where are you going without apologizing to Tania?" The murmur of the surrounding guests grew louder, eyes flickering between the tense figures at the center of the commotion. Anne turned back to face Denis with disbelief. "Say sorry to her," he demanded. "And I’ll let go of this matter." She could sense the hidden threat beneath those words. If she didn’t comply, he would make things difficult for her, for Augustine. But Anne wouldn’t bow down to threats—especially not when she wasn’t in the wrong. Her eyes drifted to the wine glass in her hand. A wicked idea flashed through her mind. "Alright. I’ll apologize to her." Denis smirked, satisfied. He had forced her into submission. But his triumph was short-lived. In one swift motion, Anne flung the wine straight at Tania. A gasp rippled through the crowd as the crimson liquid splashed across Tania’s silver gown, staining it instantly. Tania recoiled, her eyes widening in shock. "You crazy bitch!" she screeched, staring down at the ruined dress. Denis stood frozen, utterly stunned. He had expected resistance, but not this. "Oops," Anne said with mock regret. "My hand just slipped." Denis’s face twisted with fury, his hand trembling as he lifted a finger to point at her. "You—" Before he could finish, Gustave stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Anne like an immovable wall. "Step back." His voice was like ice. Denis’s pupils constricted, his face turning a dangerous shade of red. His rage simmered, barely held in check. "Who the hell do you think you are?" he spat. "You are nothing but a dog wagging its tail behind Augustine. Don’t think for a second that you can cross me." But Gustave stood his ground, unfazed, as if Denis’s attempt to humiliate him had no effect whatsoever. "Mr. Beaumont, I suggest you remember where you are," he said coolly. "Enough of a scene has already been made, and as you can see, people are watching." Denis’s gaze flickered around the room. Only now did he truly register the curious and judgmental stares of the guests, some whispering among themselves, others simply observing with barely concealed amusement. "The mayor will be coming soon to start the auction," Gustave continued. "So I advise you not to create any more trouble." A flicker of realization crossed Denis’s face. Letting his anger take over now would only tarnish his image further. He stepped back, forcing himself to reign in his fury. "This is not over," he muttered darkly with warning before turning around and striding off. Tania, still fuming and humiliated, almost ran to match his steps.

Chapter 83: Anne’s unique apology

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