“That’s nonsense. You’ve become pretty sensitive, you little devil,” Matthew teased while playfully patting my butt. “I’ll pamper my lovely wife tonight.”I smiled and nestled into his arms, saying, “I’m hungry and feeling under the weather. How could you do that to me?”He scrutinized me. "Are you genuinely not feeling well? Why didn't you bring Ava back with you?""You wouldn't believe it. Ava's having a blast with my parents and doesn’t want to leave. She didn’t even glance at me when I left. Our neighbors have several kids, and she's obsessed with hanging out with them, so I let her stay there for a while.”I had another reason for leaving Ava at my mom’s place—it freed me from distractions."We’ll do as you say. Take a break while I prepare dinner," Matthew comforted and hugged me before heading to the kitchen.Shortly after, I went to the bedroom, changed the sheets, and tossed them into the washing machine. The thought of tainted sheets made me queasy. Matthew came to call
As expected, Matthew didn’t return that night. Meanwhile, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep.The following morning, Ivanna called with some news. She told me that Melanie had caught Matthew and Lauren in the act. I felt conflicted, unable to decide whether to feel delighted or sad. Despite my plans going smoothly, I couldn’t find joy.After washing up and getting dressed, I headed to the office. I only returned to my senses when I realized Matthew was not at the company building. Soon after, I realized a painful truth. Matthew had already slipped away, even if I hadn’t set him up.However, I reminded myself not to give up on my revenge. I instructed Johnson to call and inform Matthew to come to work, saying there was a rumor about ATL Empire only choosing two companies for the project.I also wanted Matthew to think Tanum Corporation and another company were out of the picture. Since I knew Matthew’s ambitions, I was confident he wanted to secure the collaboration with ATL Empir
I realized my question was a mistake. However, Matthew’s lips twitched before he regained his composure and said, “It was Lauren’s lover!”His answer shocked me.“Honey, please believe me and give me another chance. We must secure ATL Empire instead of letting this small issue distract us. You founded Tanum Corporation, so I’m sure you want to expand. I made a mistake, but you can’t give up on our goal because of it.”After a pause, he held me tightly and said, “Chlo, I was wrong.”I didn’t know how to respond since Matthew knew my weak spots. Soon after, I pushed him away and left his office, reminding myself to stay clear-headed. I couldn’t afford any mistakes, especially since Matthew still protected his sister.When I returned to my office, I revisited all the online trending topics and realized we had missed something—the person who had caught Matthew and Lauren in the hotel.I asked Ivanna to push for more information. Soon, a post asking about the identity of the person wh
Matthew started but seemed to lose his confidence and trailed off. I continued with my task and refrained from speaking. After all, I was the victim, so it would be illogical for me to offer advice or help.Suddenly, we heard knocks at the door, and Matthew hurried to open it. We were surprised to see Ivanna at the house.She entered, slammed the door, and shouted at Matthew, “You’re a heartless bastard! I don’t even know what to say right now!”Matthew knew she was always fiery and straightforward. Moreover, her outburst didn’t surprise him because he knew she and I were best friends. Instead of retorting, he lowered his head and looked remorseful.“Didn’t I tell you not to fool around behind Chlo’s back?! Do you remember what you promised me?” Ivanna continued to defend me, “How could you do that to her?! She moved to Foswood and struggled with you all these years.“You’re everything to her, yet you’ve never considered how hurt she would be when you slept with that woman last ni
Ivanna urged us to eat when the food arrived, “No matter how big the problem is, you two must fill your stomachs before solving it. Chlo, I haven’t seen you in a few days, and you’re already as thin as a toothpick.”I realized she was trying to make Matthew feel even more guilty.He stole a glance at me and served me food while Ivanna spoke, targeting Matthew’s weak spot, “Matthew, you must find a way to stop things from escalating. This problem will affect Chlo and the company’s reputation.“Nonetheless, the business must go on, right? I know how hard you two have worked to build Tanum Corporation.”“I considered that, but…” Matthew stole a glance at me. “But I’m afraid Chlo won’t be happy.”“I don’t give a damn! You knew cheating would crush her, but you did it anyway. Why didn’t you think about her feelings then?” Ivanna continued to criticize him.Matthew turned flushed as he gritted his teeth."I don't know much about your company, and Chlo hasn't told me anything. Chlo, yo
Ivanna looked at me sympathetically while I stared back. I was trying hard not to cry."Chlo, don't be upset. We're in this together now," she said, trying to console me. My eyes welled up with tears, and I rushed into the bathroom.I quickly texted Johnson, washed my face, and returned to the room."What should we do?" I asked, my voice trembling. "I-I'm ready to do whatever it takes. I don't care about my pride anymore."Tears streamed down my face, and I felt utterly helpless.Suddenly, Matthew's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, then hurriedly answered. Although I couldn’t hear what was said, I saw him turn pale. Then he said through trembling lips, "I understand." After hanging up, Matthew’s head bowed in defeat. Ivanna shot me a glance, and I raised an eyebrow at her.He lifted his head and said, "I need to step out for a moment. I'll be back soon. Ivanna, please stay with Chlo. I have something to take care of.""Where are you going?" I asked with a hint of disp
She yelled at me. "Chloe, you seem pretty comfortable, huh? Acting all high and mighty as the boss. Do you think you’re qualified?"I sat calmly in my chair and looked at her. Johnson followed her inside, attempting to mediate. "Ms. Murphy, why are you here? Can't you resolve it at home? There are so many people here, and it's not the right place. Besides...""Is she afraid of causing a scene? Who does she think she is?" Melanie was on a roll, her words cutting.I could see the employees standing and looking at us through the frosted window. I turned to Johnson and said, "Tell them to go home early."Johnson quickly went to disperse the curious employees. They left the office reluctantly. Typically, they’d vanish even if there were only twenty minutes left in the workday.I relaxed in my seat and watched Melanie. "Please go on with what you just said."Johnson sensed the tension and positioned himself between us, just in case.Melanie looked at me with the arrogance of a bull
"Both of you, shut up!" Matthew shouted."So you're protecting her, huh? You cradle your sister and let her call the shots. Honestly, she doesn’t seem like your sister at all. From the looks of it, she's the one sleeping by your side. You do whatever she says! You're like her lapdog!" I couldn’t help but point it out."Come on, Chloe... What are you talking about? Can’t you show a little restraint? Think about the bigger picture?" Matthew's face suddenly changed color, and he shoved me away, causing me to stumble. "Ms. Chloe!" Johnson gasped, offering support as I steadied myself and glared at Matthew.Melanie hid behind her brother and whispered venomously in his ear. "Matt, can't you see she's only after your money? She only cares about herself. Has she ever genuinely worried about you?"She turned to me. "Chloe, remember that Tanum Corporation belongs to the Murphy family. It legally belongs to Matt. It has nothing to do with you. So what if you were the founder? You can't eve