?Chapter 19:


    After collecting her things, Ste said goodbye to Lainey, mentioning that she had to head out early.


    Lainey gave her a casual nod. “Go on ahead. There’s nothing urgent here today anyway.”


    When Ste reached Marc’spany, Haley’s sharp, entitled voice was already echoing from inside the legal department.


    Just as she was about to step in, Evie—a familiar face from the past—hurried over and tugged Ste aside. “Mrs. Walsh, what are you doing here? That Haley girl is clearly targeting you. You really shouldn’t go in.”


    Everyone knew how much losing the patent would hurt thepany, but Haley’s arrogance had rubbed them all the wrong way.


    And on top of that, they all knew Ste was Marc’s legal wife, and Haley was nothing more than a mistress, yet she strutted around like she owned the ce.


    Not sure what she’d walked into, Ste raised a brow. “What happened?”


    Evie pulled a face. “What do you think? First day here, and she’s already scolding the whole legal team, calling them useless for notnding the deal.


    Mrs. Walsh, seriously—better not walk in there.”


    Ste gave her a calm smile, silently letting her know it was alright.


    As she walked in, Haley nced up and spotted her. Reclining on the sofa with her chin lifted high, she wore the smug look of a cat that had justpped up a bowl of cream.


    “Well, look who finally decided to show up,” Haley sneered. “You were all high and mighty yesterday, acting like you didn’t need the contract. And now? You’re back to sign it like nothing happened. If this was where you’d end up anyway, what was all that drama for?”


    Haley’s eyes were filled with contempt. To her, Ste was nothing inparison. She was the dignified daughter of the prestigious Smith family from Achury. What did Ste have? Just Marc as a husband—and even that, she believed, was temporary. In her mind, Marc’s affections had already shifted. Ste had no right to challenge her.


    Ste stood in the legal department’s office, listening in silence as Haley rambled on and on. She didn’t bother replying.


    Her expression was calm, almost indifferent, like none of it mattered.


    Eventually, when Haley realized she was the only one speaking, her smug smile disappeared. Her face darkened with frustration, and she snapped, “What the hell are you pretending for?”


    Ste finally looked her way and let out a quiet chuckle. “If Marc hadn’t dragged innocent people into this, I wouldn’t be here. So, this is your talent? Manipting people who have nothing to do with your feud? Impressive.”


    Haley’s face turned red with rage. Ste had hit a nerve. It had been Haley’s idea to pressure Ste into showing up by having Marc involve the legal department.


    “Ste, all’s fair in love and war! If it works, then it works. Now sign the damn contract—right now!” Haley barked.


    But Ste just smiled faintly, unbothered. “No. I’m not signing anything.”


    “You!”


    Before the argument could spiral further, Theo Haynes, the vice head of legal, let out a silent sigh. His temples were already starting to throb. He stepped in quickly, trying to defuse the growing tension. “Mrs. Walsh, if something’s bothering you, let’s talk it through. You are Mr. Walsh’s wife, after all. Just let us know what you need, and we’ll work something out.”


    Ste shifted her eyes back to Haley and gave a small smile, calm but cutting. “The reason I’m not renewing the contract? Simple. It’s her. If you want my signature, tell your Mr. Walsh to show me some sincerity. And by that, I mean start by kicking Haley out of thepany and make sure she leaves humiliated.”


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