Chapter 4

Bernard's revenge was exactly what Eugenie had anticipated.

Since she'd decided to rely on herself in this lifetime, she not only couldn't depend on the Grayson family anymore, but she also needed to protect the Williams family assets. This minor setback meant nothing to Eugenie.

She calmly pivoted her strategy, not only avoiding losses but actually increasing her profits, which earned her a certain reputation within the Williams family.

Eugenie could feel it—she was gradually changing the Williams family's fate of being swallowed up as they had been in her previous life.

While she was thriving, Bernard wasn't faring so well.

The trending topic about #Bernard's erectile dysfunction# had been quickly suppressed, but it remained like a thorn, constantly reminding him that Eugenie had outmaneuvered him.

It was a glaring humiliation.

Now every day when Bernard came to the office, he could feel everyone's mocking glances.

"Still no response from Eugenie?" Bernard asked irritably, putting down his pen.

"Keep tracking her movements. Whatever she tries to do, make sure she fails—until she comes begging to me personally."

Aiden hesitated. "Mr. Grayson..."

"Just say it."

Aiden's voice dropped even lower. "Ms. Medici says your actions constitute malicious competition, and if you intercept any more of her business deals, she'll send a cease and desist letter."

Bernard stood up, fuming. "Eugenie! How dare she?"

That day, Bernard canceled his date with Allegra and personally drove to confront Eugenie outside her building. "Eugenie, come down and see me now, or I'll make you and the Medici family regret it."

Eugenie raised an eyebrow curiously, hanging up the phone with indifference.

What did she care if the Medici family got into trouble? If Bianca hadn't forced her into the Medici family in the first place, she wouldn't have made that first fatal mistake that led to all her subsequent misfortunes.

Nevertheless, Eugenie went downstairs to meet Bernard.

The sleek Maybach was parked below. Bernard's expression was dark, with several cigarette butts scattered on the ground. He locked eyes with Eugenie through the haze of smoke from the cigarette between his fingers.

Eugenie's expression faltered momentarily.

Bernard was handsome with an innate aristocratic air that had made him extremely popular in college. Eugenie had once been among his silent admirers.

She had never expected to warm Bernard's cold heart, and she knew he didn't want to marry her, so she always thought a respectful relationship would be enough.

The cold, suffocating pain of drowning washed over her again.

Eugenie gave a self-mocking smile, quickly regaining her composure. "What do you want?" She asked Bernard.

Bernard didn't respond. Instead, he narrowed his deep-set eyes, studying Eugenie intently.

The current Eugenie gave him a strange feeling.

As if she truly would walk away without looking back.

But Bernard quickly snapped out of his thoughts, smiling as he looked Eugenie up and down. "Is this your new trick?"

Eugenie didn't appreciate his scrutinizing gaze. "What do you mean?"

"Playing hard to get. You know that no matter how much you try to please me, I won't like you, so you're changing tactics to get my attention."

He casually flicked away his cigarette butt, saying disdainfully, "Your little games won't work. Stop these pointless tactics—they only make me despise you more."

Eugenie laughed bitterly, mentally rolling her eyes. "Is that all you came to say?"

She wondered how she had never noticed before how narcissistic Bernard was.

Bernard said impatiently, "I've also had that trending topic taken down. Watch what you say in the future—damaging the Grayson family's reputation won't do you any favors. Apologize to me publicly now and beg for my forgiveness, and you might still have a chance to make amends."

"What exactly should I apologize for?" Eugenie shrugged and asked. "For the canceled engagement or for..." She drew out her words, looking pointedly toward Bernard's lower body.

Bernard was instantly furious. "You're absolutely shameless!"

But Bernard had indeed come today because of this issue.

With a dark expression, he gritted his teeth and said, "Whatever rumors you've spread, I want you to clarify everything to the media today."

Eugenie calmly folded her arms. "Sorry, I can't do that."

"After all, I can't help you debunk these rumors. Ms. Bennett would be more suitable for that."

Let all the media see that not only was Bernard fully functional, but he was also keeping multiple women on the side.

"Fine! Have it your way!"

Bernard had never been so disrespected by Eugenie before. He slammed the car door shut and snarled at her, "You'd better not regret this. I'll be waiting to see how long you can keep up this attitude! Even if you kneel and beg me later, it won't help."

"As you wish, Mr. Grayson."

Eugenie watched silently as he started the car.

Just as the sports car was about to drive away smoothly, she suddenly called out to Bernard, "Wait."

Bernard let out a cold laugh and looked back. "What? Regretting it already?"

He wore a mocking expression, waiting for Eugenie's apology.

Her expression unchanged, she replied, "How could I? I also want to cancel our engagement. Since Mr. Grayson is unwilling to break off our engagement, let's take this opportunity to clear things up today."

Bernard remained silent, his gaze growing increasingly strange.

Wasn't it Eugenie who had originally schemed desperately to marry into the Grayson family?

Now she was acting like she couldn't wait to get away from him.

Eugenie continued with dignity, "I'll fully cooperate with breaking the engagement, but Mr. Mason Grayson's approval is essential. We should go explain the situation to him."

Bernard slowly closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "You want to go to my grandfather now to discuss breaking off the engagement?"

"Yes."

Bernard laughed incredulously, clenching his fists as inexplicable anger rose within him.

He certainly didn't think it was because he was reluctant to let Eugenie go—he attributed it solely to anger at being made a fool of by her.

No one had ever embarrassed him the way Eugenie had!

Eugenie got into the car without hesitation, this time sitting confidently in Bernard's passenger seat.

Neither spoke during the journey. Bernard's aura was particularly oppressive, but Eugenie seemed oblivious to it.

When they arrived at the Grayson Manor, they found Mason drinking coffee and reading in his study.

The study had a classic, elegant layout. Mason was dressed casually and didn't look up when he heard them enter.

"Sit," he said.

Neither of them dared to sit.

Eugenie opened her mouth, her throat dry, feeling guilty toward this elder who had always been kind to her.

Mason chuckled softly, looking warmly at the two. "Neither of you wants to speak?"

"I may be old, but I still read the news. You two turned the engagement party into such a mess—did you think I wouldn't know?"

His expression darkened slightly as he spoke.

He put down his coffee, commanding respect without raising his voice, and asked Bernard, "Tell me, did you do something to upset Eugenie?"

Bernard's face remained dark.

Eugenie took the initiative. "Mr. Mason Grayson, I'm the one who wants to break off the engagement. We're not compatible, so we should part ways sooner rather than later."

"You don't need to cover for him," Mason waved dismissively, not buying it.

He knew Bernard had a cold personality.

But in Mason's eyes, whether in character or value, Eugenie was the most suitable granddaughter-in-law for the Grayson family. She was the only one who satisfied him.

Seeing the conflict between them now, Mason sighed and asked Eugenie, "If he hasn't wronged you, then I don't agree to breaking off your engagement. You need to give me a reason."