Chapter 1
At the company’s IPO press conference, my husband shared a lingering glance with his female.
secretary.
I directly turned and walked away, immediately scheduling an abortion appointment.
At the same time, I had my lawyer draft divorce papers.
When Knox received the papers, he called to confront me, his voice furious.
“Is this some kind of joke? All because I looked at Marlow once?”
“Yes, just because you looked at her once.”
The livestream of the press conference continued on the screen.
Knox Reynolds flashed a charming smile as he took the microphone from Marlow Reed, smoothly building on her introduction.
“I owe so much to my incredible executive assistant. For the past decade, every project–big or small–has passed through her capable hands. All these years of dedication haven’t gone unnoticed,”
he announced with practiced sincerity.
“Since everyone’s gathered here today, I want to make a special announcement: I’m transferring twenty percent of company shares to Marlow. From this day forward, we’re not just colleagues–we’re partners. Here’s to her continued excellence.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the room erupted in surprised gasps, and quickly followed by
thunderous applause.
As congratulations poured in, Marlow’s eyes welled with tears. Knox smiled warmly as he handed
her a tissue.
I stared at the livestream at home, totally transfixed.
The tenderness in Knox’s expression as he looked at Marlow told me everything I needed to know–this man was no longer mine.
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One Glance Too Many–From CFO’s Wife to Rival Boss
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Chapter 1
I also couldn’t believe it. With just two sentences, he had effortlessly erased my decade of hard work and credited another woman with all my accomplishments.
Since he’d betrayed me first, I felt unburdened by any obligation to play fair.
Without hesitation, I turned off the livestream and scheduled an abortion appointment.
Then, I dialed the number I knew by heart.
“Is that offer for collaboration still on the table? I’m in,” I said firmly into the phone.
“Just one condition–management control stays with me. I keep 50% ownership.”
The reply came without hesitation, laced with amusement.
“Well, well, Ms. Vale! Finally seen the light, have you? The shares are all negotiable. Having someone
of your caliber on board? I’d walk through fire for that opportunity!”
“Though I’ve gotta say, I’m curious. When you graduated, you swore you’d never work with me. I’ve
waited ten years, and now you’ve suddenly changed your mind?”
“Don’t ask questions you don’t need answers to. God, you talk too much,” I snapped.
With an eye roll, I grabbed my keys and headed out, driving straight to the hospital.
Before long, the procedure was over. I had barely made it home when Knox walked in right behind
- me.
His eyes immediately caught yesterday’s shirt still crumpled on the sofa, and his brow furrowed.
“Why haven’t you done the laundry?” he asked.
Glancing toward the dining table, his expression darkened further.
“No dinner either? Are you feeling sick today?”
I clutched my stomach, the pain making me reluctant to speak. Instead, I just stared at my phone, giving a slight shake of my head as my only response.
Knox, clearly oblivious to my condition, casually handed me a gift box while issuing commands with practiced efficiency:
17:13
One Glance Too Many–From CEO’s Wife to Rival Boss
Chapter 1
“Well, get cooking now. Make enough for one more person–I’ll take it to the office. The press conference just wrapped up, and we’re working late tonight.”
“Marlow’s staying with me. Can’t have employees working on empty stomachs.”
In the past, I would have handled all household chores without being asked.
Forday, I was the Marketing Director, fighting alongside him in the business world.
For night, I became the dutiful housewife–cooking, cleaning, and catering to his entitled attitude.
Ten years of this routine.
But now, it all seemed utterly pointless.
When he finished speaking, I let out a cold laugh, not moving a muscle.
“Sorry, can’t do it.”
“Besides, didn’t you already get your fill elsewhere?”
“I’m not just talking about food.”
Hearing this, Knox’s previously calm expression instantly darkened.
‘What the hell are you implying?!”
‘I’ve been busting my ass all day, and I come home to this attitude? Do I owe you something?”
‘You know it’s our anniversary today–I even brought you a gift! Can you stop with the
passive–aggressive bullshit? When will you ever try to understand what I’m dealing with?”
17:13
