"I discussed it with Lambert. Since the project is already Martha's, the final public test will be held at Martha. Does this arrangement work for you, Mia?" Tiffany asked as she placed the documents on the table. They were of little consequence; the important documents had already been taken by Gene last time.
Mia glanced at the thick folder on the table, smiled meaningfully, and narrowed her eyes slightly before replying, "Of course, it's fine."
"Then I'll stay here with you. Lambert, you can head back to the company. How about we start the public test right away? If all goes well, the product could be launched tomorrow. The Wenshte Group was also planning to launch tomorrow," Tiffany said, her tone full of concern, as if she couldn't see how indifferent Mia was.
Lambert said nothing and stood up from the sofa, walking briskly towards Mia. He couldn't stand seeing another man show interest in his woman.
"I need to talk to you," he said gently as he reached her side, but his tone still carried an air of authority.
"Lambert, what right do you have to order Mia around like that?" Daniel asked, jumping off the desk and glaring at him.
Between them stood Mia, like a barrier. They were as if sworn enemies, unable to tolerate the sight of each other.
Tiffany hurriedly stood up, shouting "Let's talk this out," as she rushed to Lambert's side, as if claiming her territory, and casually linked her arm with his, pretending to mediate. "Lambert, Dr. Daniel and Mia are old friends. They should look out for each other. We were in the wrong with Mia before, so it's normal for him to scold her a little."
She was a perfect example of a flawless white lotus. Tiffany's methods had certainly improved compared to two years ago when she was still Hannah, but she still relied on lowly tactics to charm men.
"Changing names and identities, the woman who once would stop at nothing to marry Gu Jonathan has now transformed into Lambert's right-hand woman. Do you really think your dark history no longer exists? It seems that online bullying can't teach you, this shameless woman, to mend your ways. The project was assigned to Lambert. What are you making a fuss about?" Daniel shouted at Tiffany.
Tiffany put on an innocent expression, acting as though she had no idea where the trouble was coming from. "Lambert, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come."
"I'm the one responsible for the project, not her. If you have any dissatisfaction, take it out on me, not her. She's just a woman," Lambert defended Tiffany, unable to tolerate Daniel's domineering behavior around Mia.
What he didn't realize was that his words were deeply hurtful to Mia. She had been by his side for so long, married and pregnant for him, yet he had never once stood up for her like this. And now, a woman like Tiffany, what right did she have?
"Dr. Daniel, Lambert is not in the wrong. I am the one at fault. I shouldn't have shown up here. But after all, Mia is my family, and some things need to be clarified. This is a matter for the Garcia Family. It's really not appropriate for you to get involved," Tiffany said, with a green tea act she had perfected, thinking that all men, like Lambert, were blind to her tactics, and that they could manipulate Daniel the same way.
"I can be involved in anything concerning her. It was your Garcia Family and the Wenshte Family that abandoned her when she was on the brink of death. Now that you see her back on her feet and in charge of Martha Corporation, you're suddenly interested, envious, and trying to curry favor?" Daniel argued, not feeling an ounce of sympathy for Tiffany.
Mia stayed silent, observing Lambert and Tiffany, almost like watching clowns on stage. She felt only amusement, with no other emotions.
"Daniel, you better watch your tone. Don't think you can act however you want just because we're in Mia's office," Lambert said, unable to bear hearing such words that would deeply upset Mia. He had searched for her for two years in a crazed frenzy.
He hadn't even attended his grandfather's funeral, leaving everything to the servants, and had personally driven in the rain for three days to find her. Even if she didn't know, he wouldn't allow anyone to easily dismiss his efforts.
No one could trivialize his care for Mia—not even her life-saver.
"How long are you going to keep arguing?" Lambert defended Tiffany, and she stepped in to defend Daniel. They each had people they needed to protect and care for.
Perhaps this was the most appropriate way they interacted.
Mia withdrew her mocking smile, her cold eyes now directed at Lambert. "You remember this is my office? Then why are you trying to show off here? Leave your people and materials behind, and you can go now."
"Mia, we're not divorced. You're still my legal wife," Lambert retorted, frustrated, pushing Tiffany aside, grabbing Mia from the sofa, and holding her tightly in his arms, unwilling to let go.
"Lambert, let go of her. You're the last person who has the right to touch her," Daniel yelled, clenching his fists and throwing a punch at Lambert's face.
Tiffany gritted her teeth and immediately stepped in front of Lambert. Daniel's punch landed directly on her head, causing a ringing in her ears. She rubbed her head, feeling some regret. This damn battle for dominance had nothing to do with her. She just wanted to make Mia's life miserable.
"What are you doing?" Lambert pulled Tiffany in front of him, inspecting her for injuries. Once satisfied she wasn't hurt, he relaxed.
"Daniel, you better apologize to her."
The words "apologize" seemed too familiar coming from his lips. Back when Tiffany had bullied Mia, he'd forced Tiffany to apologize to her in his own way.
"Ha," Mia couldn't help but let out a cold laugh, mocking, "You forgot how cruel you were to her, forcing her to kneel at my feet and apologize? Back then, you were convinced she was a wicked woman. You never expected that one day, you'd say the same words for her, did you?"
"It's not what you think. I'm not asking you to apologize," Lambert quickly explained.
But Mia didn't want to hear it. She stood behind Daniel, her sharp gaze, as cold as a blade, directed entirely at Tiffany. She didn't speak, but her presence alone was enough to create a huge pressure, making Tiffany's spine feel cold.
Tiffany dared not provoke Mia further and hurriedly spoke to smooth things over. "I'm fine, really. I wasn't hurt. Dr. Daniel just lost his temper for a moment. It's okay, no big deal."
Even though Tiffany's words seemed sincere, trying to calm the undercurrent of tension, they only sounded like she was fanning the flames, making the conflict worse.
The more Mia defended Daniel, the more Lambert refused to back down. After a long stand-off, he finally said firmly, "I'm telling you, apologize to her."