PopularNovelChapter 177
Ralph patiently advised Stephen. "Samuel is a legitimate businessman. He's never been exposed to this kind of
bloodshed. Even if you assign bodyguards, they can't protect him and his family every second of the day. You've
seen it yourself. The Yates are the first to suffer in this war between you and James."
Stephen's dark eyes were as deep and unreadable as an abyss. His Adam's apple bobbed, and a faint redness
rimmed his eyes.
"Grandpa, do you really think James will believe | broke up with Tessa?"
"That's why you can't just pretend; you have to make it real. Tessa is too pure- hearted to fake it. If you tell her
it's only for show, she'll give it away in an instant. Stephen, if you're going to do this, do it the right way. Make a
clean break."
A flicker of pain crossed Stephen's face. "I promised her I'd never do anything to hurt her."
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"This isn't hurting her. You're protecting her."
"James went after the Yates family because he knows Tessa is my weakness. | don't believe that breaking up with
her will convince him we're truly over."
Ralph shook his head. "No, he'll believe it. You're the only heir of the Jacobson family and successor to the
Jacobson Corporation. With your status, no one would ever think you're the type to be devoted to just one
woman. Men like you are expected to be fickle."
Stephen let out a bitter laugh. "Grandpa, givestime. Letthink about it."
Ralph patted him on the shoulder and said solemnly, "I can wait, Stephen. The Yates family can't."
Stephen closed his eyes, his chest rising and falling as if suppressing his emotions.
Ralph sighed. "If you truly love Tessa, can't you just win her back once you've dealt with James?"
Stephen's voice was low and hoarse, a trace of confusion flickering in his eyes. Ralph had never seen him in a
dazed state like this before.
"What if she doesn't want to be withanymore?"
Ralph had no answer to that. He understood Stephen's concerns, but there was nothing he could promise him.
People's hearts changed. Who could say for sure hers wouldn't?
Besides, Stephen was the one initiating the breakup. Tessa had no reason to wait for him.
Stephen had to be ruthless. Only then would Tessa truly give up, and only then could they fool James.
However, if he went too far and shattered Tessa's heart, why would Tessa want to accept him again?
It was an impossible dilemma.
Ralph thought for a moment before speaking solemnly. "If you really don't want to break up with Tessa then be
honest. Ask her to go along with the act. But only do it if you're certain she can play the role convincingly and
not let anyone pry the truth out of her. She must also not put herself or her family at risk."
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Stephen remained silent. That wouldn't work.
Tessa had never been good at hiding her feelings. If she hadn't completely let go, her eyes would give her away
the moment she saw him. Anyone paying attention would see right through her.
Ralph stood up. "Think it through carefully. I'll return to Rivertown to call off the engagement with the Yates
family. You have until tomorrow to make up your mind. Tomorrow night, I'll go with you to the hospital to
apologize to Samuel."
Stephen lowered his gaze, his expression unreadable. A quiet sorrow settled over him.
Sensing that Stephen needed space, Ralph said nothing more and turned to head upstairs.
The hall was eerily silent. The windows and doors were shut tight, sealing off even the faintest breeze.
Stephen felt suffocated. He tugged at his collar, his chest tightening with a dull, persistent ache. Outside, the
winter sunlight streamed in through the glass, casting his lone shadow onto the polished floor.
He was a lonely man.
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