Chapter 523: Chapter 523: So You Knew It All Along (33)
Ruby Gregory uttered these words slowly, as if she was reading a book, pausing after each word, enunciating clearly. In the originally quiet study room, her words slowly reached Steve Burton’s ears.

Steve Burton maintained his previous demeanor while looking at her, his gaze and expression both as tranquil and indifferent as always. He stared straight at Ruby, not saying anything for a while.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment, and the breaths of Steve and Ruby seemed to disappear.

One sitting, one standing, both staring into each other’s eyes.

It was not known how long passed before Steve lightly blinked his eyes, his expression unchanged, and asked flatly, “What did you say?”

Ruby’s lips were tightly pursed, slightly pale. She stared into Steve’s eyes without any hesitation. After a long pause, she blinked her eyes gently, then repeated her previous words with a soft, smiling expression: “Steve, let’s cancel our engagement.”

Ultimately, she didn’t want him anymore.

Or perhaps, deep in her heart, she had never wanted him.

He was such a proud man. In front of her, he wanted to maintain his distant and indifferent demeanor. It seemed that way; he would feel like he had never been hurt by her.

But now, he obviously felt a sense of panic emerging deep in his heart.

The engagement…canceling the engagement.

Not only was he unable to win her heart, but he couldn’t even have her in the end.

In this moment, Steve experienced a sense of regret and fear. If only he had treated her better over the years, pretended not to know she loved someone else, and not been jealous or possessive, would she have stayed by his side?

How could he not want to treat her well? But each time he saw her using him and treating him with ulterior motives, even after three years still not forgetting Edric Reat, he couldn’t control himself. He, who was always calm and collected, lost his composure and reason every time he encountered her.

Perhaps it was because he loved her too much that he became so critical.

Steve stared at Ruby for a long time without moving, then he blinked slightly. He glanced at the time. It was already the morning of the 9th, and the engagement banquet was tomorrow.

As a proud man, he had never pleaded for anything, but in this moment, he found himself involuntarily dropping his pride and saying to her, “Ruby, the engagement banquet is all prepared.”

When Steve’s words fell, he realized that his voice was incredibly hoarse.

Ruby finally lowered her gaze when she heard his words, “I know, but I really don’t want to get married.”

Steve’s hand clenched the computer mouse tightly, his lips pressed together tightly, his emotions surging uncontrollably within him. He tried to keep his voice calm, but it trembled ever so slightly, “Have you thought it through?”

Ruby was silent for a moment, and then spoke in an equally calm tone, “I’ve thought it through.”

As her words fell, a “crack” sound appeared in front of them.

Because Steve used too much force, the mouse was crushed in his hand.

He stared at Ruby, unable to discern whether it was the fear of losing her or jealousy towards Edric that consumed him. He looked left and right before abruptly standing up and fiercely sweeping the computer on the table to the floor, saying, “Do you think eloping with Edric three years ago wasn’t enough, so now you’re preparing to elope with him openly and aboveboard once again?”