Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 970

It was almost after they had said their goodbyes that Agnes realized the true weight of the situation.

The breakup wasn't just a storm passing over Jared's head-he was in the eye of it. Years of shared memories mixed with four years of separation had left a tangle of emotions that often plunged them both into a fog of confusion. To let go was to hurt, to stay together, an even deeper pain. It was a seesaw of heartache.

But there was something Agnes didn't know.

She was aware that Jared had come looking for her in Bronzetown Borough, but she never anticipated how much he had paid. A knot tightened in her chest. Perhaps she meant more to him than she ever realized.

Ryder's voice cut through her thoughts, "Besides, everyone knows I have the Thomas Group backing me. Isn't that enough to turn those old-timers who only see dollar signs? Agnes, in the business world, it's profits over emotions-feelings are worthless here."

Agnes felt a wave of cold sweep over her heart.

Ryder had convinced her. She believed that if a board meeting were called, Jared would be ousted without question. Especially since, in Ryder's presence, Jared had lost all will to fight.

"How can you be so selfish?" Agnes challenged. "You know full well that if you wanted the chairmanship of the Tim Group, Jared would never truly fight you for it. He might even hand it over willingly. If you claim that position because of this, will you really be at peace with yourself?"

"That chair was never what I wanted, Agnes. You know that. I only wanted you. I don't even ask for your love just to have you by my side. Even if we continue as friends, as we have these past years, trusting each other, bound by an inseparable connection. That's all I need. I can't bear to see you by my uncle's side, unhappy. Why don't you leave him completely? Isn't lingering in limbo even more painful?" Agnes' heart ached-not just over the impossible choice before her, but at Ryder's words, his cunning. She began to question whether his strategic maneuvers to take over the Tim Group were all for this moment had he been plotting from the start, to trap her in his scheme?

Even Ryder, it seemed, was manipulating her.

"Even if I'm in pain, I don't want to be forced, threatened, or have someone leverage my guilt and the future of those I love against me," she said firmly. Ryder's fingers twitched in a brief moment of tension. Even if they were apart, Jared was still "the one she loved," wasn't he?

"Your indecision is just because you don't want to leave. You're still holding on, still hoping for a reunion with my uncle. But Agnes, have you considered that you're simply not right for each other? The constant cycle of breaking up and making up-it's because you're incompatible. Each return only ends in a repeat performance, exhausting you both. I'm the one who truly understands you. Valeria is better suited for my uncle. He's always had this... a cleanliness complex when it comes to women. Even Mamie never really reached his heart. The only woman he ever loved was you. But now there's Valeria. She's made her way in. You can feel it, can't you? The fact he hid the news of Berlin's release from you for her sake-it proves Valeria's place in his heart has surpassed yours. He cares more about her feelings now. Agnes, how much longer will you deceive yourself?"