Finally, there was a breakthrough in Johnson's whereabouts. Ivanna's report shocked me. Johnson frequented Amethyst Apartments, a newly developed upscale apartment community.This revelation reminded me of that key that never seemed to match anything. I wondered if the key belonged to that house but found it hard to accept.I had been with Matthew and endured countless hardships for many years. We had repeated discussions on finding a nurturing environment for Ava to grow up in. We even talked about getting a bigger apartment in a good school district.Yet, he always brushed it off and delayed his decision. However, I discovered he had bought a unit in Amethyst Apartments. Matthew's actions shattered my perception of a man's behavior after infidelity. He was either utterly clueless or just an animal.After confirming the location, I dared not act recklessly. Instead, Ivanna arranged for someone to observe discreetly. Once she confirmed the house was empty, she called and urged me t

It was tough to pretend. I admired those couples who stayed together despite the absence of feeling. At this point, life at home was just a show. Matthew and I were actors, showcasing our acting skills.I couldn't bear to be intimate with him since I found that condom. His slightest movement would make me nauseous. Forget the photos of his 'adventures,' which were beyond repulsive.I’d feel a chill running down my spine whenever he touched me. Thankfully, his attention was no longer on me. He used to bug me about the little things. However, he would stop insisting when I stood my ground. It was apparent he was growing more distant from me.These past few days, I had intensified my efforts to examine the data Ivanna had uncovered. I was surprised the sales figures for these years were impressive, far exceeding my estimates.However, 80% of those clients were the old customers I had cultivated. Many of them were potentials I had identified years ago, and they had flourished during th

The timing was uncanny as Johnson slowly entered. Immediately after, he exclaimed, “Where is everyone?! Where the hell did they—”Before he could finish, he became wide-eyed and froze when he saw me sitting on the couch. I smiled and tipped my head at him. "Mr. Hyger."It took him a while to close his mouth, and he stammered, "M-Mrs. Murphy!""Are you surprised to see me?" I continued smiling at him. "Come and sit down. Don't worry. I've already sent the workers away.""Uh... I need to call the foreman to calculate the work hours first," Johnson excused himself and rushed out."Johnson, calling the foreman isn't that urgent, is it?" I was calm, but my icy tone echoed throughout the spacious room.Johnson halted, then turned around in panic and confusion. His lips twitched, and his face paled."I thought you might want to listen to what I have to say," I observed the beads of sweat forming on Johnson's forehead. "Do my words carry no weight to you anymore, John?"My words drippe

“Chlo, I honestly don’t know. M-Mr. Murphy has someone, but I don’t know who she is.” Johnson’s confidence wavered as he spoke, “M-Matthew, he…”“You know he has another woman, yet you claim not to know who she is? Johnson…” I trailed off."Chlo, I swear I don't know. He's never brought her around. I've only seen her twice from behind," Johnson's confession left me conflicted. Either Matthew was highly cautious, or Johnson was lying.However, there were more pressing matters on my mind. I suppressed my frustration, lowered my intensity, and changed the subject, "I need you to do something for me.”As expected, Johnson seemed to relax. He sighed in relief and surrendered, "Sure! Chlo, just tell me what you need. I’m all in.""I want the concealed financial reports and the recent list of major clients," I said firmly.Johnson froze at my request. He was in disbelief. "Chlo...""Why? Is there no such thing?" I curiously questioned."Chlo, there's no such thing. I've shown you all

When I exited the elevator, Matthew froze. Immediately after, he reverted to his usual self and smiled. He exchanged a few words with the woman and sent her to the elevator without introducing her to me.I couldn't help but take a second look at the woman. She seemed elegant, intellectual, and full of dignity. Our eyes met, and the woman grinned at me as the elevator doors closed."Who was that?" I asked."A client," Matthew simply answered, then held shoulders. "Where’d you go?"It seemed he still cared about my whereabouts. His question revealed that he knew I was out. I smiled and glanced at him mischievously. "I won't tell you."On the other hand, Johnson didn't return to the company building until it was time to get off work. The following day, he secretly passed me the information I asked for. The look on his face was indescribable. "Chlo… I… Please don't make things too difficult for me. I…"I knew what he wanted to say. He feared I would report his misdeeds and Matthew

Tanum Corporation was likely the smallest of the six companies shortlisted. This meant that we were also the least competitive.Truth be told, I didn’t expect success. I was only here to divert Matthew's attention.Companies that wanted to bid on the project gathered in a large conference room. They were waiting for the ATL Empire’s project lead. The goal of the meeting was to clarify the project. Each company would also highlight their skills and make an impression.After five minutes, there was still no sign of the project lead. Whispers began to echo around the room.Suddenly, the door to the conference room opened, and everyone turned to look. A young man walked in. He wore a white shirt, black pants, and a black tie. Not only was he tall and poised, but he was also handsome. It was hard to tell his age, though.Behind him came a secretary and several project staff. Everyone's eyes followed him as he walked to the head of the table and sat down. Then, he scanned the people

The call shook me to the core. I hadn't visited my hometown in two years due to Ava's age and Matthew's packed schedule. He wasn’t comfortable with me traveling alone with Ava, which was why I hadn't been back for so long.I held the phone, feeling dazed. A wave of guilt washed over me.Although I was the only daughter, I grew apart from my parents after college. I turned to them only in tough times, but I had neglected them in the past couple of years.Assuming my parents were healthy, I cared for Matthew’s parents more than my own. However, the word “stroke” changed everything.I felt panic, realizing what a terrible daughter I had been. They raised me, but I had done nothing for them.My parents had waited for me without complaint. How could I tell them that my marriage was crumbling and that the family I had devoted myself to was falling apart?There was no time to dwell. I rushed to Matthew's office, almost in tears, and blurted out, "Honey, please book me a flight. I need t

Feeling disheartened, I entered the gate and walked to the boarding area. In times like this, I wanted a partner to go home with me, as did my parents.I tried to console myself that the urgent phone call was why he had to leave. I called Ivanna to let her know where I was. Then I settled into the airport lounge while waiting for boarding. Matthew had only been to my hometown three times. The first time was the year we graduated. He came to meet my parents after our relationship became official.The second time, we wanted to start a business but did not have enough capital to get started. We went to them for help.The third time was when we mortgaged my parents' house to get a loan. After it was approved, he insisted on taking me home to thank my parents. We did not return home together after that. The reason was always the same—he was busy.My parents were always understanding, knowing the challenges of starting a company. They said it required dedication and hard work. The fi

I gasped and closed my eyes while bracing for the impact. But the next second, I felt my body embraced and almost drifting.I could hear gasps and applause while I trembled. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the arms of a tall man, wrapped in his firm, masculine presence.He wore a black mask and was staring at me intensely. Something about his eyes seemed familiar. I held on to his arm as I stared back at him.He put me down and steadied me without saying a word. His eyes shifted to my hands on his arm. I quickly pulled it away and smiled awkwardly. "I’m sorry! Thank you!"Another person had picked up my luggage and brought it to me, saying, "You should be careful! That was a close call. Thankfully, this gentleman was quick!"I nodded at the man. "Thank you so much!""Where are you headed?" His voice sounded husky.I looked at him, puzzled. His voice sounded oddly familiar, too. I observed the composed man with his deep, mysterious eyes.He sensed my confusion and pulle

Shocked by what I was seeing, I retreated, overcome by a fear I had never felt before.My eyes grew wide, and I wished I was dreaming. However, their faces were unmistakable—it was Matthew and Melanie.I nearly screamed. Although I knew Matthew was cheating on me, I never imagined it would be with his own sister.I was unable to move, as if struck by lightning. Anyone else would have stormed in, but I stood there like a fool, arms and legs as heavy as lead. The noise in the room was so loud that my ears buzzed, and my eyes got as big as they could go.I snapped out of my daze. Before leaving, I took a few photos and a video with shaky hands.A wave of nausea hit me as I covered my mouth and ran downstairs. I vomited uncontrollably.Then, I ran aimlessly through the dark streets. I had no plan, no destination, just a never-ending sprint.All I could think about was how vile they were.I ran along Bayview Street until I reached the riverside, which was still brightly lit. The bur