Chapter 9
I slept until the sun was high in the sky, waking up full of energy as if I’d made up for a lifetime of missed sleep.
My parents had taken Eldric and Olivia to visit Grandfather Harrison’s house for Christmas celebrations.
The Rolls–Royce downstairs had vanished.
Opening WhatsApp, I saw Kaelan’s message.
[I’m gone. Took the 6 AM flight to America.]
His work kept him busy–he couldn’t even rest on Christmas Day, flying from one end of the country to the other.
This was exactly the kind of man Kaelan was: full of sweet talk, but when it came to business, emotions always took a back seat.
[Seraphina, you’re so cold–hearted.]
He was the one who left, yet he was also the one complaining.
[Safe travels,] I replied.
He sent a voice message, his tone resigned yet tinged with affection.
“If it weren’t for you, your husband wouldn’t need to work.”
“I know Eldric is negotiating a project with a Fortune 500 company in America. I heard you were mistreated, so I went ahead to block him.”
I felt somewhat moved. [Thank you.]
[Just words of thanks?]
[You don’t need anything anyway.]
Kaelan’s tone was casual, laced with amusement.
“I need a wife who doesn’t want a divorce.”
I caught myself smiling.
Chapter 9
[Maybe if you get Eldric into jail, I’d reconsider.]
After a moment’s thought, I recalled the message, feeling it was inappropriate.
“That’s not difficult,” Kaelan had always been arrogant. “He joined Harrison Enterprises right after graduation and became CEO so young–do you think he’s completely clean?”
“After what he did to you before, I wouldn’t let him off even if you didn’t ask.”
I didn’t respond.
What I was thinking was: He’s not good, but are you any better?
Perhaps because his business deal had been snatched away, Eldric had been wearing a gloomy expression these days.
Without him and Olivia playing off each other, the atmosphere at the dinner table was noticeably quieter.
After Christmas ended, I returned to work at Winters Enterprises.
After our marriage, Kaelan originally wanted me to be a full–time housewife.
I disagreed and gave him the cold shoulder for three days until he reluctantly arranged a financial analyst position for me at his company.
While I was nodding off in front of my computer, someone stormed over and slapped a stack of files on my desk.
“I need to verify all the company’s financial transactions from last year. Get these organized and send them to me as soon as possible.”
I jolted awake.
“Olivia?”
The woman smoothed her wavy curls and lifted her chin. “What? Surprised to see me?”
“I’m the new CFO, hired for my abilities–unlike some people.”
Her implication was clear, and curious glances came from colleagues nearby.
“I’m your direct supervisor now. This isn’t a place for sleeping. If you don’t want to work, quit now.”
Chapter 9
By seven in the evening, most desks were empty. I rubbed my eyes and continued typing to create spreadsheets.
From the CFO’s office, I spotted Eldric. He had come to pick up Olivia after work.
They were speaking in hushed tones, discussing something with serious expressions.
“Stop working. Go home and rest,” Eldric said, walking over and giving my shoulders a gentle squeeze.
“Your sister–in–law isn’t a bad person–she’s just jealous.”
If anyone had walked by and seen this scene, they would have marveled at what a loving pair of siblings
we were.
“I can’t. I need those reports urgently,” Olivia said, strutting over in her three–inch heels with an imperious air, her red lips almost touching my nose.
“We don’t pay her to sit around! She’s not leaving until she finishes!”
Eldric’s brow furrowed with irritation.
“That’s enough. You’ve been targeting her since Christmas. What’s the point? She’s still my sister,
whatever else.”
Olivia suddenly raised her voice, “What’s my intention? Didn’t you say she-”
“Enough!”
Eldric glanced at me, cutting her off sharply.
“…Is the CFO harassing the boss’s wife? Do you think you’ve been at Winters Enterprises too long?”
