The assistant, seeing Violet put on her little act, felt both frustrated and scalded. Her temper red.


    "I''m here to work, not to be your ve. I brought you coffee out of courtesy, Ms. Marchand-did you really have to treat me like this?"


    Whatever admiration she''d once had for Violet vanished, reced by a sour resentment.


    So much for the legendary power woman-she''s just a lunatic.


    "This is a workce, not your private yground. You''ve barged into my office three times without permission. Did you think you wouldn''t be reprimanded? Since when is work supposed to go exactly your way?"


    Violet''s voice was ice. "You''re fired. You have ten minutes to clear out, or I''ll call security."


    Violet''s mood was already in tatters after being left behind by both McNeil and Victoria. Yet she knew she couldn''t let herselfin to McNeil. No matter what people whispered, their so-called rtionship was just gossip-he''d never given her any real status. She had no right to question him, especially now, with his divorce from Victoria in progress.


    No matter how much it stung, she had to swallow it. If she annoyed McNeil and he decided not to go through with the divorce-worse yet, went back to Victoria- every effort she''d made over the years would be for nothing.


    The assistant''s hand was red and throbbing from the coffee burn as she left, tears streaming down her face.


    Violet stared after her, eyes cold. "Useless. Can''t even get a simple task right." She stayed in her office, forcing herself to calm down. Eventually, her breathing steadied.


    Just then, a call came through from McNeil''s executive assistant.


    "Ms. Marchand, Mr. Langford has scheduled an appointment at the business registry tomorrow. Please have all the necessary documents prepared."


    Violet felt a surge of delight as she listened. All the irritation from earlier simply melted away.


    "Understood. I''ll be ready."


    Victoria''s so-called tricks were nothing but child''s y. When it came to real business, she''d be out of her depth.


    Meanwhile, Victoria and McNeil returned to the vi. At the sound of the door, Gwh rushed out.


    "Daddy! Mommy!"


    Victoria''s heart softened as her little girl burrowed into her arms, her hair a soft, golden halo.


    There was another little one on the way now, though she didn''t know if it was a boy or a girl. Still, her symptoms were much stronger this time than when she was pregnant with Gwh.


    Strangely, though, since she''de back with McNeil, things had been unusually calm. Aside from a slight wave of nausea the first day, she hadn''t even needed her anti-sickness tablets. Everything seemed... normal.


    Dinner was already set when they arrived-Xenia had everything ready, just waiting for them.


    McNeil barely set foot inside before his phone rang.


    "Mr. Langford, we''ve contacted Ms. Marchand. Thepany name-change is scheduled for tomorrow."


    He slowed his pace. Victoria, seeing him ept a call as soon as he got home, assumed it was Violet.


    Gwh seemed to think so too, rushing over eagerly.


    "Daddy, is that Violet on the phone?"


    Victoria pretended not to hear.


    McNeil replied, "No, sweetheart, it''s just a colleague from Daddy''s office."


    He took Gwh''s hand and led her to the dining room. Victoria wondered if he''d said that for her benefit, but she couldn''t be bothered to care. Everyone knew about him and Violet-there was no point in pretending.


    After dinner, McNeil suggested taking Victoria and Gwh out for a movie, but Victoria declined. She was simply too exhausted.


    She hadn''t felt it as much in Evermore City, but now that she was home, the baby seemed restless.


    McNeil, seeing how tired she looked, didn''t press her. There would be plenty of time for family outings in the future-there was no rush.


    Curtis, ever punctual, called Victoria to ask about the contract signing trip. She answered each question, assuring him everything had gone smoothly. "Where is Ailie now? I tried calling her, but she said she hasn''te back yet." Curtis was puzzled. By rights, Ailie should have returned to Starfall City with McNeil and Victoria, but she made it sound as if she was still away.


    Victoria''s conscience prickled-after all, McNeil had sent Ailie off to Marisbright for a break. But she had to give Curtis an exnation, or he''d only get more suspicious.


    "She was supposed toe back with us, but she wanted to see a few more sights in Echo City. I meant to let you know, but I''ve been so tired I forgot. I nned to tell you tomorrow. She was worried you''d think she was cking off, so she didn''t want to call you herself."


    Curtis considered this. The flight from Evermore City to Starfall City was only four hours; with Ailie traveling separately, there was little cause for concern.


    "As long as she finished her assignment, she can stay and sightsee a couple more days. Just let her know-her expenses are all covered by thepany."


    Curtis thought of Ailie as his lucky charm. With her around, he never worried about McNeil asking Victoria out.


    "Alright, I''ll let her know."


    Victoria ended the call quickly, not wanting to risk saying too much.


    As soon as she hung up, she dialed Ailie''s number.


    When Ailie saw Victoria''s name on her screen, she was so relieved she nearly burst into tears.


    "Vic, finally! Why didn''t you call me sooner? How did things go on your end?"