The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 231

The cheering in the Industry Research Department was so loud it threatened to blow the roof off.

Ethan slapped Lavinia hard on the shoulder. "Way to go, Lavinia! Total victory! You have to take us out for drinks tonight!"

Her shoulder went numb from the hit, and she dodged with a laugh. "Absolutely, it's on me."

"Did you guys see how furious Sigrid looked when she left the conference room?" someone asked, walking in from the hallway.

"Oh, I saw," another voice chimed in. "More than furious. She was literally shaking."

"Serves her right. That manipulative hypocrite finally got what was coming to her."

Suddenly, someone shouted, "Come look! Sigrid is leaving with her box!"

With a collective rush, everyone crowded by the window to peer down.

Sure enough, Sigrid was walking out the front doors of Celestial Capital, carrying a cardboard box packed with her belongings.

Inside the box, Lavinia spotted a familiar stuffed bear. Around its neck was a silk scarf. It was the birthday gift she had given Garnett.

A black Bentley was parked at the entrance. The driver stepped out, opened the door for her, and she climbed inside.

It was Lovell, Garnett's personal chauffeur. And the car was Garnett's private ride.

"Wow, the perks of being kept by the CEO," someone said enviously. "Even when you get kicked to the curb, you leave in style."

Lavinia pressed her lips together, keeping her thoughts to herself.

Someone nudged her elbow. Turning, Lavinia saw Jocelyn.

She mouthed the words, *You won.* Lavinia smiled and mouthed back, *Thank you.*

While everyone was distracted by the gossip, Lavinia grabbed her phone, slipped into the breakroom, and dialed Charley.

He picked up on the second ring.

"Charley, Renova's investment proposal was shot down. Sigrid got fired, and Caden Coleman was ousted," she said, the words tumbling out eagerly.

"I know. The news is already making rounds in the industry," his voice came through, smooth and calm.

Lavinia paused. Before she could ask how he knew, he continued.

"Renova Biosciences is being investigated for data fraud, and their clinical trial applications have been rejected. They won't dare come after you now. They'll drop the lawsuit."

Relief washed over her at the news.

"Dinner tonight?" Charley asked.

He handed the device back. "Got it. Keep this buried for now."

Zoey took the phone, hesitating for a moment before speaking.

"Mr. Sheffield, I know you don't want to hurt her. But if this goes to a contentious divorce, we'll have to submit this evidence. We won't be able to keep it from her."

Charley exhaled softly through his nose, a sound almost like a sigh.

"That's why we keep it buried and try other methods first," he said.

Zoey nodded. "Understood. I'll get back to work."

She turned and left the office.

Charley stared at the closed door for a beat before turning back to the window, his gaze lost in the sprawling city below.

***

After the celebratory dinner with her colleagues, Lavinia took a cab home alone.

The taxi pulled up to the end of her street. She stepped out and walked down the quiet sidewalk, her steps light, a soft melody humming on her lips.