Matthew seemed shocked at my question.I said innocently, “That was our house savings, so we need that money back soon. I want to buy a place once I find a suitable one. We can’t afford to delay our move any longer, especially after Ava’s fall. I need to find her a decent kindergarten, preferably Sunnydale Institute.”Matthew remained silent as I spoke. I feigned naivety and continued, “Why are you so quiet? I’ve noticed you’re so indifferent lately.”Matthew chuckled awkwardly, saying, “How’s that? Honey, I’ve got everything under control. I told you what happened to the money, right? We invested in a project many people have their eyes on.“We had to make an executive decision then, so I used our house savings as payment first. Do you think we’ll have trouble finding a good house once the company grows stronger? It’s all part of my plan, so don’t worry.”He smiled and gently pinched my nose. However, I knew his smile wasn’t genuine.We were preoccupied with our thoughts through
The message read, “I just wanted to show you how amazing he is.”Those few words sparked my wild imagination. I knew what the other party meant by saying Matthew was amazing. I was outraged and threw my phone aside, heavily panting to contain my impending scream.I knew the person was taunting me. I clenched my teeth so hard they made a grinding sound. Then I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. After a while, I picked up my phone, grabbed my bag, and stormed off.I could no longer hold back my grievances when I saw Ivanna. I threw myself into her arms and wailed. I couldn’t understand why I felt so shaken even after enduring torment.When I showed Ivanna the photos, she roared, kicked, and smashed things around. I guessed it was her way of helping me relieve my frustrations. “That bastard’s shameless! Disgraceful degenerate! How dare he?!”Once we finally calmed down, I looked at Ivanna and said, “I won’t fall for her provocations. She’s the wrong one, and I need to show h
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