Rebirth: A Second chance at life-Chapter 26: Veronica knows Dr. Lia?

At the same time, a luxurious Bentley glided to a stop in front of the restaurant, its polished chrome gleaming under the streetlights. The door swung open, revealing a man with a chiseled jawline, sharp features, and a demeanor as cold as the night air. Dressed in a perfectly tailored German suit, his presence commanded attention. Alexander stepped out, his gaze as calculated as ever, his expression unreadable.

Arm in arm with Veronica, they made their way inside, their footsteps silent against the polished floors. The couple approached a reserved table, and Veronica, adorned in a strapless evening dress with heavy, cakey makeup, smiled weakly at him. "Thank you so much for taking me here, Mr. Brown," she said, her voice laced with both gratitude and a hint of vulnerability.

"I’ve been feeling down these past two days, and I truly appreciate your decision to give our Smith Group another chance. I’m so grateful you didn’t sever the alliance because of my sister." She paused, her gaze faltering, as if the weight of her words was catching up to her.

Veronica’s face shifted, her eyes welling with tears, and she sniffed, fighting to maintain composure. "My sister is pitiful," she continued, her voice trembling. "She never meant to be rude, and I... I hope you can forgive her. She’s not clinging to you anymore, I promise. I know what she did... it’s unforgivable, but—" Her words faltered, and the tears that had threatened to spill now gathered at the corners of her eyes.

Hearing her name, a cold, almost tangible chill emanated from Alexander. His features hardened, and a flicker of disgust flashed in his eyes. "She doesn’t deserve my forgiveness, nor any sympathy," he spat, his voice laced with disdain. With a sharp scoff, he waved off the conversation as if it were a trivial matter, his gaze turning cold and distant.

Veronica, though outwardly concerned, hid her true emotions behind a carefully crafted mask. She frowned deeply, nodding her head in mock agreement, her gaze cast downward. But in the privacy of her own thoughts, a malicious smirk tugged at the corners of her lips. You can beat me, Aurora, she sneered inwardly, but I’ve taken everything from you—especially Alexander. The thought sent a dark thrill through her, and a vicious smile curled at the edges of Veronica’s mouth, as if savoring the victory she had claimed.

Veronica couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s events and the reason she had accompanied Alexander. Today wasn’t just any business meeting—it was a pivotal one. He was set to meet a top executive from one of the five largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, a powerhouse looking to expand its operations in the domestic market. Securing this partnership would elevate both the Smith and Brown families to unprecedented heights.

For Veronica, this wasn’t just about professional success; it was deeply personal. She needed to stand out, to prove herself indispensable to Alexander. Only then could she hope to earn the coveted title of Mrs. Brown. Thank God she was fluent in Arabic, a skill few expected from someone without Arab roots. She prided herself on her linguistic prowess, knowing that today it would be her key to shining in front of Alexander and their prestigious client.

As they arrived at the elegantly appointed private dining room, Alexander extended his hand toward the client with effortless charm.

"Good evening, Mr. Ebeid. I hope you’re enjoying your time here in our country," he said smoothly in his native English.

Catching his subtle cue, Veronica translated the greeting into Arabic with flawless fluency, her tone warm yet respectful.

Mr. Ebeid’s eyes lit up with surprise and delight. "Haha! I must say, I’m truly impressed. I never imagined hearing such impeccable Arabic from someone who isn’t Arab. It speaks volumes about your respect for our culture, Mr. Brown. Please, join me for a hearty meal, and afterward, we’ll discuss business."

They took their seats around the table, the atmosphere gradually easing as rich aromas filled the air. Plates of traditional delicacies were served, and light conversation flowed before the inevitable shift toward serious matters.

"Mr. Brown," Mr. Ebeid began thoughtfully, "are you confident about the drug you intend to produce? I understand that Dr. Lia is part of your team now. She’s a genius in her field. I once offered 100 billion to secure her services, but I never even received a response. You must have extraordinary talent to win her over."

Veronica translated the statement smoothly, her voice betraying no hint of surprise despite the astronomical figure mentioned. Alexander’s expression faltered for a fleeting second before he regained his composure.

"We won’t disappoint you, Mr. Ebeid," he assured confidently.

The negotiation wrapped up successfully, with the terms clear and timelines agreed upon. "I’ll be delighted to collaborate with you, Mr. Brown," Mr. Ebeid said with finality, "but I expect results within three months."

They exchanged polite farewells, and as Mr. Ebeid departed, Alexander turned to Veronica.

"Ms. Smith," he said in a tone that brooked no argument, "contact Dr. Lia and arrange for her to visit Brown Group headquarters tomorrow at 10 a.m. I’m prepared to negotiate whatever terms are necessary to secure her cooperation."

Despite the rapid thudding of her heart, Veronica masked her unease with a professional nod. "Of course, Mr. Brown," she replied smoothly.

As they stepped toward the entrance, Veronica’s eyes narrowed at a familiar figure. Aurora stood there, closely flanked by a man. The sight immediately ignited a swirl of thoughts in Veronica’s mind.

Si..sis...! Veronica deliberately lowered her voice to a whisper and feigned surprised to see her. Directed by her gaze Alexander saw his ex-wife talking to another man.

Alexander’s gaze turned cold, his expression unreadable as he regarded Aurora. For a fleeting moment, something flickered in his eyes—an emotion too fleeting to grasp before it disappeared entirely.

Lost in his own thoughts, he failed to notice the subtle shift in Veronica’s demeanor—the way her fingers curled slightly, the tremor in her breath. Her usual composure wavered, cracks forming in the perfect mask she wore.

How is she alive?

Veronica’s nails dug into her palm as she watched Aurora, her mind racing. I haven’t been able to contact the hitman since yesterday... A cold chill crept up her spine. Did they fail?

Her jaw tightened, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. This was supposed to be over. Aurora should have been gone by now—erased. And yet, she stood there, unscathed, untouched by the death Veronica had so meticulously planned for her.

Veronica bit her lip, her pulse hammering. No... this can’t be happening. If the hitman had failed, then what? Had Aurora somehow outmaneuvered her? Or worse—had she seen this coming all along?

No... this can’t be! Veronica’s thoughts spiraled, her chest tightening with frustration. She’s dumb and stupid—there’s no way she could have seen through my plan.

It had to be the hooligans. Those good-for-nothing scoundrels must have betrayed me and run off with my money! The idea sent a wave of fury through her, but also relief—yes, that had to be it. There was no other explanation.

Thinking this, she exhaled a breath she hadn’t even realized she was holding, her grip loosening slightly.

But what is she doing here? Veronica’s eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping in. Is she here to pester Alexander again? This bitch!

Her gaze darkened as she watched Aurora move with an elegance that hadn’t been there before. And now she’s trying to hook up with another man? Flaunting herself like this?

The idea wasn’t far-fetched. Aurora had a reputation for conveniently appearing wherever Alexander went.

A scoff threatened to escape her lips, but she held it back, choosing instead to sneer inwardly. Pathetic. Does she really think changing her appearance will make her desirable? fгeewebnovёl.com

Yet, despite her scorn, a bitter taste lingered in her mouth.