You Can’t Have Your Love and My Money Too

1 At the wedding, as the officiant called out, "You may now kiss the bride," Professor Davies’s student suddenly stood up, interrupting the ceremony. She announced that Selene, his research assistant, was getting married tomorrow, a decision made because Professor Davies had broken her heart. Professor Davies's eyes changed instantly. He dropped the wedding ring and sprinted down the aisle. I snatched the microphone, yelling after his retreating figure, "If you walk out today, we are done for good." He faltered, just for a second, but then got in his car and drove off without a backward glance. I stood on the stage and smiled. Professor Davies, there's no such thing as having your cake and eating it too. You chose your love; don't blame me for taking your career. I should have realized it much earlier. That day, as we lay entwined, at the peak of intimacy, his throat rumbled as he whispered "Selene." In that moment, I knew he had feelings for his young research assistant. Afterwards, still breathless, I gave him one last chance, asking if he wanted to get married the next day. He rejected it without a second thought, saying he had to accompany Selene abroad for a closed-door research project. I told him: either stay, or the engagement is off. There was no third option. Allergic to alcohol, he drank all night. He woke up the next day, eyes bloodshot, saying he wouldn't go. But from then on, he started secretly drinking, ending up in the ER for stomach pumping again and again. Now, he had finally chosen her. ... One minute after Professor Davies left, the murmurs from the audience erupted into a chorus of whispers and pointed fingers. "Professor Davies just ditched his bride and eloped with his mistress. Isn't that a public slap in the face for the Sterling family?" "I can't believe even a powerful socialite like Ms. Scarlett Sterling could be jilted!" "Guess even someone as level-headed as Professor Davies couldn't handle her high-maintenance attitude!" The gossip filled my ears. Professor and Mrs. Davies's faces were paler than mine. "Scarlett, what happened today is completely Frank's fault. Don't worry, tonight we'll tie him up and bring him back to consummate the marriage!" "Mr. Davies, aren't you shameless?" My mom scoffed, stepping forward to shield me. "Today, Frank didn't just disrespect my daughter; he openly defied the entire Sterling family!" My dad and brother stood, their expressions icy, radiating an overwhelming pressure. Mrs. Davies, pale, pleaded with me. "Scarlett, Frank was just seduced by that vixen! You know he's always been upright; he'd never act like this before!" "Before?" I scoffed, savoring the word. Professor Davies was a renowned university professor, usually quiet and somewhat awkward. He wouldn't even send a cash gift on holidays, let alone celebrate various festivals. Whenever I brought it up, he'd brush me off impatiently: "Scarlett, those holidays are a waste of time and energy. I don't have the patience for that." So, I made excuses for him again and again in front of my parents and friends. But on my birthday, when he forgot again, his seemingly clueless student, Selene, posted on social media. [So grateful to my beloved mentor for the 99th gift!] The picture showed a bed laden with various designer bags, cosmetics, and jewelry—Hermès, Chanel, the works. Total value in the millions. That night, Professor Davies, to make amends, initiated intimacy. But he didn't know that the name he cried out in passion exposed his true beloved. Afterward, he seized the opportunity to suggest going abroad with Selene for a three-year research project. That day, I finally saw clearly: Professor Davies wasn't incapable of love; he simply wasn't willing to love me. I slapped away Mrs. Davies's clutching hand. My voice was calm. "From today on, my engagement to Professor Davies is off." If he wouldn't love, then no one would. "Off?!" Mr. Davies bellowed, then, remembering something, forced a smile. "Scarlett, then you'll still agree to help me with the funding issues for my company, won't you?" Before I could speak, my brother sneered. "Mr. Davies, you've got some nerve. The engagement's off, so of course, all other agreements are null and void!" Mr. and Mrs. Davies's faces turned ashen. Only our two families knew that Professor Davies's company was facing a severe funding crisis. This "marriage" was more of a strategic merger for him to save his family's business. Too bad he blew it. As I turned to leave, Mr. Davies, not giving up, rushed in front of me, his face contorted. "Scarlett, don't worry, I'll give you an explanation tonight!" I didn't think much of it. Back home, I made a bonfire of all the academic papers and gifts Professor Davies had ever given me. I used to think he was just unromantic, cherishing his perfunctory academic papers as if they were treasures. After the fire died down, a message popped up on my phone. Selene had posted on social media again, bragging profusely. [Finally got a taste of my crush's meat!] The accompanying picture showed red teeth marks on a man's chest, leaving nothing to the imagination. I smiled, taking a screenshot. The next second, Professor Davies's call came in. "Scarlett, running out on the wedding today was wrong of me, but Selene is my student. I can't just ignore her if she does something foolish." I laughed. "Foolish? What's her marriage got to do with you, Professor Davies? You publicly humiliated me today; you should have expected the consequences." My words choked Professor Davies. An impatient voice came through the phone. "Are you done with your tantrum? I've already told you we're completely innocent. If your mind is dirty, fine, but to maliciously frame and spread rumors? Scarlett, how did you become like this?" "Alright, my dad has already lectured me. Go handle the investment matter quickly. I'll be back once I've had a talk with Selene." Listening to his feigned righteousness, I found it laughable. He was the one who claimed to be reserved, asking for my understanding, then turned around and joked with his female student. He was the one who used work as an excuse to ignore my birthday, yet painstakingly prepared exquisite gifts for his student. He was the one who, for the happiness of someone else, demanded I be humiliated at my own wedding. I had given him countless chances to choose. But he chose to publicly abandon me at the altar, shaming me. I had loved him, but no more. I almost blocked and deleted his number, but the call hadn't ended. Selene's provocative voice came through. "Professor, who has a better figure, me or your fiancée?" "...You." I raised an eyebrow, quietly starting a recording. Then I contacted the private investigator staked out at Professor Davies's villa. "Tonight, record their every position, every move, from start to finish." Professor Davies, you can come back, but you'll find no one at your side. Indeed, at 5 AM, Professor Davies was forced by his father to return to my house. The moment he walked in, he dumped several large boxes of cosmetics and gift sets at my feet. "Scarlett Sterling! How long are you going to push my dad? Just because of a few boxes of cosmetics, you're going to take it out on the company? Using your position for personal vendettas—you weren't like this before!" "You're not getting any younger. What's wrong with using more?" His words stung, deliberately twisting a knife into me. I scoffed, stepping forward and tearing open his shirt, revealing the teeth marks underneath. Professor Davies froze. "Selene's cat bit me..." I sneered, remembering how Professor Davies had deliberately hidden his identity as the eldest son of the Davies family when he pursued me. I was moved by his seemingly naive approach to courtship. Later, when he claimed to be aloof, pouring his heart into research and disdaining money, it was I who funded him from behind the scenes. I even brought in friends from my circle to invest and support him. With a few dismissive words, he had painted me as nothing but a jealous, petty woman. His phone rang. He answered, then hastily left. Before he did, he warned me. "Scarlett Sterling, if you still want me to marry you, behave yourself, don't cause trouble. Hurry up and deal with the company's issues. I don't have time for your drama." Three minutes later, Selene posted on social media again. [Tamed my crush like a dog, he comes running whenever I call.] My eyes flickered. I turned and sent a message to the exclusive group chat for heirs and heiresses of high-society families in the capital. "All funding for Professor Davies's lab, halt it immediately." Replies flooded in instantly: "Scarlett, copy that." He wants to help Selene reach new heights? I'll make sure he does. But without basic funding, how long could they really last? What I didn't expect was the commotion outside the company the next afternoon. My assistant ran in, drenched in sweat. "Ms. Sterling, it's bad! Professor Davies brought several students and lab personnel to the company, demanding an explanation!" I narrowed my eyes. Through the transparent skylight, I clearly saw a dozen people holding banners that read: [Capitalist Scarlett Sterling, stop hijacking scientific research!] [Capitalists out of the investment world!] ... I suppressed the thumping in my chest and gave the security guards downstairs the order to let them in. Ten seconds later, a dozen people stormed into my office. The moment Selene saw me, she dropped to her knees, crying hysterically and slapping herself, wailing. "Ms. Sterling, I know you've always disliked me. You can have anyone hit me or curse me, even disfigure me, but you can't instigate others to get jealous and withdraw funding!" "If you're unhappy, just slap me yourself!" The sound of slapping echoed through the room. Professor Davies suddenly rushed from behind, tenderly pulling the woman to her feet. "Selene, stand tall! This has nothing to do with you!" Then he glared at me, his voice chilling. "Scarlett Sterling, your withdrawal of funding is a matter of national importance, not a toy for you capitalists!" I remained silent, coolly observing the unfolding drama. After Professor Davies spoke, the students and researchers behind him, fueled by his words, were agitated. Some grabbed their phones, live-streaming directly into my face, yelling indignantly. "Folks, live broadcast of a capitalist hindering scientific progress! Bullying students!" Others, carrying red paint, ambushed me from behind, deliberately splashing me. I was drenched, the sticky paint spreading over my limbs. Selene, not giving up, knelt before me again. She tore off the bandage on her face for the camera. The horrifying scar was revealed for a moment, making everyone gasp. I looked down at her with disdain. "Ms. Sterling, please let us go! I know everything started because of me. Whatever you say, I'm willing to do!" Then, she crawled closer to me on her knees and whispered, "Scarlett Sterling, so what if your parents are the richest people in the capital? Professor Davies despises elites like you the most!" "He'll only be mine. You can't take him away." The next second, she dramatically pulled out a hidden knife and stabbed herself in the abdomen. Warm blood splattered across my face. Selene's eyes widened in terror, her trembling finger pointing at me. Everyone was startled by the sudden turn of events, and they all pointed at me, yelling. "Murder! The capitalist is a murderer!" Professor Davies's face was as black as thunder. He shoved me aside with a fierce push, picking up Selene and roaring, "Call 911!" I stared coldly at the woman's triumphant smirk, my hands unconsciously clenching. After Selene was taken away by the ambulance, Professor Davies approached me, his face dark. "Are you satisfied now that you've killed her?" The crowd stirred again, a new wave of angry accusations aimed at me, followed by furious smashing of objects. As the situation spiraled out of control, I curled my lips into an amused smile. "You're saying I deliberately murdered her? How about we check the security footage and confront each other publicly? If I really killed Selene, I'm willing to go to jail." At my words, the angry shouts from the crowd slowly subsided. In the live stream, the initial skepticism from viewers had begun. [No way, you guys are being swayed by public opinion. I don't think this woman would be stupid enough to kill someone, right?] [Can't say for sure, what if?] [I also think this woman wouldn't be that dumb. On the contrary, that woman just now seemed a bit unstable.] Professor Davies stared intently at me, his brows deeply furrowed. "Scarlett Sterling, you're the CEO of Sterling Corp. It's possible you deliberately tampered with the surveillance footage." "Selene is my student. If you want to harm her, you'll have to go through me first." With that, he didn't give up. He pulled out his phone, flipped the camera, and with bloodshot eyes, accused me. "Scarlett Sterling is my fiancée. During this time, she's certainly, out of childish jealousy, caused harm to many people. As her fiancée, I apologize, but I won't play favorites. I clarify here that everything she did to my student, Selene, is true." "As for her disruption of research funding and attempted murder, I will not defend her in court." Having said that, Professor Davies decisively ended the live stream and left with his group. Someone wanted to turn back and insult me, but he was forcefully led away. I stood silently. My assistant nervously swallowed. "Ms. Sterling, less than a minute after the live stream ended, Sterling Corp's stock plummeted ten points." I suppressed the turmoil in my heart. "Contact the PR department. Prepare a swift clarification." However, my clarification couldn't catch up with the speed of Professor Davies and Selene's slander. Tabloids relentlessly edited videos, maliciously portraying me as a murderer and a fund-withdrawer. My social media accounts were besieged by trolls and haters. Keyboard warriors even sent me razor blades by mail. On the street, people called me an "academic vampire." All the projects Sterling Corp had previously collaborated on, even contracts that had already passed, were either withdrawn or had their compensation demands inflated. As public opinion spiraled, my brother called. "Scarlett, you've gone too far this time. Professor Davies and his family are bribing major platforms' online trolls and influential lawyers across the city to deny you legal recourse." "They're claiming you maliciously destroyed a major national project, and even some high-ranking officials are asking questions. Those old board members want you to apologize to the Davies family, agree to the marriage, and fix their funding issues." "You..." I took a deep breath, hung up the phone, and unblocked a number I'd previously blacklisted. "Let's meet." Half an hour later, Professor Davies brought me to Selene's hospital room. "Apologize." I lowered my gaze. "I'm sorry." The man's expression softened considerably. He flicked the ash from his cigarette and raised an eyebrow. "Scarlett Sterling, so you can be pushed to the brink too, huh?" "But back then, Selene was just like you are now, even more miserable." I lifted my eyelids. "What do I need to do for you to let me go?" Professor Davies crossed his legs, leaning casually back on the leather sofa, and asked Selene indifferently, "Selene, what do you want?" Selene feigned innocence, biting her index finger. "I... I just hope to clear the air with Ms. Sterling." Professor Davies, however, ruffled her hair with a helpless look. "I know you're timid, so your professor will help you." "Scarlett Sterling, restore the Davies family's funding, tell your rich friends to cancel the withdrawal of research investments, and since Selene's face was disfigured by you, arrange for her skin graft." "Apologize to Selene on all platforms. After you've done all that, I might consider getting married." I scoffed, a laugh devoid of humor, and stared at him intently before turning to leave. That "I'm sorry" was an apology to my past self for being so blind. But he had a lot of nerve. A truly outrageous demand. If I gave it to him, did he even deserve it? Stepping out of the hospital room, I immediately contacted the private investigator to retrieve the recorded videos and photos, and compiled the evidence of his lab's illegal use of materials that my black card account had uncovered earlier. Since he loved it so much, all this evidence would be enough to keep them busy for a lifetime. Having finished up, I walked out of the hospital. The moment I stepped out, a sharp pain shot through the back of my head. My vision went black, and I tumbled backward. When I opened my eyes again, blinding surgical lights shone directly on my face. My body trembled. My hands and feet were tightly bound with iron chains. Professor Davies walked in, his expression cold. "Scarlett Sterling, do you think a hospital is a place you can just come and go as you please? You've had enough time; have you thought it over?" My heart suddenly clenched, a vein throbbing in my forehead. "Professor Davies, if you dare lay a hand on me, you'll regret it for the rest of your life!" The man, holding Selene's hand, approached me. "Selene's face—if it weren't for your meddling and cancellation of funding, how would we have used inferior materials? She wouldn't have been disfigured!" "Do you think an apology will make everything alright?" I gritted my teeth, my blood boiling. "She injured her own face!" But Professor Davies chose to ignore my explanation, coldly instructing the doctor beside him. "Begin. Take the softest layer from her face. I'm worried Selene might reject it." The sharp needle pierced my skin. My pupils constricted, my body trembling uncontrollably from pain and resentment. My screams grew fainter and fainter. Professor Davies then entered, his gaze filled with a feigned guilt as it fell upon my bandaged face. "Scarlett, I will marry you." I gathered all my strength and slapped him. He turned his head, a slight smirk playing on his lips. The next moment, I was violently dragged and shoved into a car. When I emerged, a crowd of reporters, armed with cameras and microphones, swarmed my face. Professor Davies forcefully pressed me onto a seat at a press conference. He spoke in a soft, coaxing tone. "Scarlett, clarify everything, pave the way for Selene's future, and it will all be over." My fists beneath the table trembled. I listened to the reporters below, their eyes glinting, firing off one sharp, damning question after another. A faint smile played on my lips. Professor Davies, do you think you have me cornered? I had been prepared for this...