《The Night I Let Go》


 Chapter 1

    "Honey, Ethan''s my best friend, and he''s not doing well now. I really need to be there for him! I might not make it home tonight, so don''t worry about waiting for me!"


    It was midnight. Zachary Lloyd was sitting in the hospital ward, staring at the WhatsApp message his wife, Wendy Jennings, had sent five hours earlier. A rush of bitterness came over him.


    They''d been married for five years, and today was supposed to be their


    anniversary. Wendy had asked Zachary to book a reservation at a restaurant and invite all their friends to celebrate.


    But after waiting two hours, she still hadn''t shown up. Zachary kept calling her, but there was no answer. It wasn''t until dinner was over and he had reluctantly said goodbye to their friends that Wendy finally messaged him.


    Zachary was furious. This was the fourth time this month Wendy had ked on him, and it was always because of that guy, Ethan Chandler.


    The first time, Ethan had a work issue, and she went to help him out with a client. The second time, he''d broken up with his girlfriend, gotten into a bar fight while drunk, and ended up at the police station.


    Then, there was the third time he lost a game of truth or dare and called her for help. They even ended up sharing a drink. And now, it was because Ethan was sick!


    Wendy always seemed to prioritize Ethan over everything else. Zachary had never really gotten it before, but tonight, one of Wendy''s close friends filled him in on Wendy''s history with Ethan.


    They had been together during university and dated for four years before splitting up right after graduation. Ethan decided to go abroad to further his studies, and Wendy wasn''t on board with that, so he ended things.


    He had been the one person Wendy just couldn''t move on from ever since.


    About a month after they broke up, Zachary came into Wendy''s life. He was smitten the moment heid eyes on her. After three months of trying hard to win her over, he finally seeded.


    Wendy had no idea that Zachary was far from ordinary. His mother, Lauren Dney, was a big name in finance and had set up an arranged marriage for him when he was still a kid.


    However, Zachary chose Wendy instead, which led to a serious fallout with Lauren. After that, she cut him offpletely and stopped supporting him financially.


    Still, Zachary never looked back. He had been genuinely happy in the five years they''d been married.


    He neverined even when Wendy''s whims had him quitting his job to be her driver and stay-at-home husband.


    He didn''t mind even with Wendy''s father constantly looking down on him, mocking him, and making his life hard on purpose.


    Zachary was ready to give up anything and put up with whatever came his way as long as Wendy was happy.


    Their rtionship was great at first, but everything changed a month ago when Ethan returned from abroad. When Wendy found out he was back, she rushed to the airport to meet him.


    That night, she drank way too much, and it was Zachary who drove her home. As soon as they got back, she shut herself in the room and cried for hours.


    That was the first and only time Zachary had seen Ethan since he came back. Ethan was charming and handsome. Wendy had told Zachary that Ethan was the heartthrob of their university and had tons of admirers.


    Zachary had just shrugged it off with a smile back then, thinking it was none of his concern. He had no idea that the guy he''d dismissed as irrelevant would soon be a big source of tension in their marriage just a monthter.


    After dinner, Zachary got Ethan''s contact info from a friend. He wanted to reach out to Wendy directly, but she had turned off her phone after thatst message. So, he called Ethan instead.


    When Ethan picked up, he said that Wendy was in the shower and would be crashing at his ce for the night, so there was nothing to worry about.


    That really set Zachary off. He yelled at Ethan on the phone, calling him a homewrecker.


    However, Ethan simply shot back, "The real third wheel is the one who isn''t loved." Then, he hung up.


    Zachary was devastated. He''d been so desperate to find Wendy that he ended up crashing his car while looking for her.


    Luckily, he only came away with a few sprains and bruises, but it stillnded him in the hospital, where he''d been kept under observation until now.


    The doctor gave him the green light to leave when his phone chimed. It was a message from Ethan on WhatsApp. Zachary opened it to see that Ethan had sent him three photos of Wendy.


    In the first shot, her eyes were hazy from the alcohol, and her expression was full of longing. The second one showed her lounging in a hotel bathrobe, raising a ss of wine for a toast.


    The third photo showed her lying in bed, eyes closed like asleep. Her bare shoulders peeked out from under the nket.


    The photos hit Zachary like a punch to the gut. The pain was so overwhelming that he felt breathless. His vision blurred, and he nearly buckled under the weight of it all.


    He was typing a message with shaky hands when he saw that Ethan had deleted all three photos. When Zachary finally pressed send, he found that the message didn''t go through.


    The emotions crashing over him in that moment were beyond words.


    Zachary left the hospital and realized it had started to rain. Instead of trying to hail a cab, he walked through the downpour, heading back to the home he''d shared with Wendy for the past five years.


    Then, he stepped onto the balcony, staring into the vast darkness as he lit one cigarette after another. Memories from his childhood and beyond rushed back- scenes filled with beauty, sweetness, innocence, the thrill of first love, happiness, heartache, and despair.


    "How did I get so weak and pathetic? I wasn''t like this before! When did I start to lose myself? When did I be so afraid of losing it all? No way! This isn''t who I am! I... can''t keep living like this!"


    Something changed within Zachary, and a spark of hope flickered in his once dull eyes. He took a deep breath, went back to his room, grabbed a clean set of clothes, and rushed to the bathroom.


    Ten minutester, Zachary returned to the living room and called a number he hadn''t dialed in five years-Lauren''s.


    When she answered, Zachary let out a dryugh, his voiceing out hoarse. "Mom, you were right. I was such a fool. I really messed up. I''m sorry!"


    There was a long silence on the other end. After a few minutes, Lauren''s gentle voice broke the silence. "If you need to cry, go ahead. I won''tugh at you."


    "Mom..."


    Zachary couldn''t hold it in any longer. He tilted his head back, buried his face in his hands, and let it all out. He wept bitterly, his tears filled with despair.


    Lauren stayed quiet the whole time. It was only when Zachary''s sobs started to fade that she finally said something.


    "Zachary, I''ve been aware of everything that''s been going on with you for thest five years, including what''s happened this past month and today.


    "You''ve been through a lot, but I''m not going to feel sorry for you or try tofort you. This is all your own doing.


    "You''re my son. I don''t want to see you bing someone who just lets others walk all over you without having the guts to stand up for yourself.


    "I won''t ept your apology, but I''m giving you a chance to prove you can make things right. I started a subsidiary in Yelbric that''s been quietly keeping Jennings Corporation afloat since you tied the knot.


    "Thest five years have really set me back because I''ve been supporting the Jennings family. But I''m a businesswoman and won''t throw money at things that don''t pay off.


    "So here''s the deal. I''m giving you one year to make up for everything I''ve lost, including your own dignity. I want them to deal with the fallout, whether it''s Wendy or her family.


    "If you can make that happen, I''ll ept you as my son. If not, don''t even think about reaching out to me again."


    Lauren''s voice was calm, but Zachary could sense the anger simmering beneath the surface.


    He took a deep breath and said slowly, "Mom, don''t worry. I promise I won''t let you down this time!"


    "Great. I''ll have the head of Yelbric''s subsidiary contact you soon. You''re in charge of the whole subsidiary from now on."


    With that, Lauren hung up. That was just how she was always quick and to the


    point.


    After crying his heart out and finally


    making things right with Lauren, Zachary felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. The pressure


    of all those bottled-up feelings seemed to fade away.


    He looked out the window and noticed that dawn had quietly arrived. The night


    was behind him, and a new day was starting. All the humiliation and shame felt like distant memories now.


    Zachary felt like he was beginning a new chapter in his life.


    ...


    At 7:20 a.m., Ethan helped Wendy back to her ce. Their clothes were a mess


    as if they were still feeling the effects ofst night''s hangover.


    Wendy leaned on Ethan, rubbing her forehead over and over. She didn''t notice Zachary on the couch, but Ethan spotted him immediately.


    Noticing Zachary watching him, Ethan instinctively pulled his arm away from Wendy''s waist. He shed Zachary a taunting smile.


    Then, he leaned close to Wendy''s ear and whispered, "Wendy, look." Wendy furrowed her brow and shot Zachary a cold look. "You''re up pretty early,


    huh?"


    There was no hint of guilt or apology in her tone. She held Zachary''s gaze steady, and before he could respond, she said, "I''ve got a headache. Go make me a hangover remedy."


    Ethan hurriedly interjected, saying, "Wendy, make sure to rest up. I''m heading out now." With that, he turned and walked away.


    Wendy grabbed his wrist. "You had a lot to drinkst night too. Why not stay and nurse your hangover a little before you go?"


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea," Ethan said, but he paused at the door.


    He nced at Zachary, who was sitting quietly on the couch, and shed him an


    awkward smile. "Your ''husband'' doesn''t look too happy. He might get the wrong idea if I stick around."


    Wendy turned to Zachary, her


    patience wearing thin, and her voice


    getting sharper. "Zachary, are you deaf or something? I asked you to whip up that hangover remedy. Didn''t you catch that?"


    She frowned. Zachary''s attitude was really getting to her. He used to hang on her


    every word, but today he was being a real pain and making her feel embarrassed.


    Ethan smirked a little, his eyes locked on Zachary, clearly interested to see how he''d react.


    Zachary nced at them, his voice t. "What''s wrong with you? Are you disabled or something?"


    Wendy and Ethan were taken aback. They didn''t see thating from Zachary.


    Unsure if she had heard him correctly, Wendy asked, "W-What did you just say?"


    "Are you deaf?" Zachary snapped, grabbing a pack of cigarettes from the table. He pulled one out, lit it, took a long drag, and exhaled slowly.


    His voice was biting as he continued, "I asked if something''s wrong with you!


    What gives you the right to ask me for a hangover remedy? Do you think you deserve it?"


    Even though he tried to stay calm, his voice shot up, revealing the anger brewing beneath the surface.

 Chapter 2

    Wendy was still reeling from how Zachary had spoken to her.


    "Don''t be mad, Wendy. He''s just worried about you, which is why he came off so harshly. Don''t take it to heart. You''re married, andmunication is key for you two," Ethan said.


    He patted her shoulder and added, "Why don''t you sit down and talk it over? I''ll head out now."


    Then, he turned to Zachary, putting on a friendly front. "So you''re Zachary, huh? Wendy always speaks very highly of you.


    "I''m not sure what''s up with you today, but there''s no reason to disrespect her even if you''re upset. She had quite a bit to drinkst night, so you should be taking care of her instead."


    Zachary scoffed. "Oh, how sweet of you. Why don''t you go ahead and look after her for me? I mean, who wouldn''t want a married woman, right? Especially one who''s stunning, fit, and has her career all figured out."


    He looked over at Wendy, who was still in shock. She really was stunning and attractive, with curves that could catch anyone''s eye. But now, all Zachary felt for her was disdain.


    Ethan frowned and shot back angrily, "Zachary, what do you mean by that? You can take shots at me all you want, but how dare you doubt Wendy? Do you think she''d ever betray you¡ª"


    "Save your breath!" Wendy cut him off, her eyes clouded with disappointment as she red at Zachary. Then, through gritted teeth, she spat, "People with a twisted mindset are bound to see things that way!"


    Without saying another word, she grabbed Ethan''s arm and headed to the guest room.


    "You''re still battling that cold and barely got any sleepst night. Why don''t you just rest at my ce today? We can leave for the office together around noon," Wendy suggested while opening the door to the guest room.


    Ethan nced at her before storming over to Zachary, looming over him. His voice was dripping with anger.


    "Zachary, are you even acting like a man? Wendy''s busting her butt for her career, so if you can''t help out, at least show her some respect! Do you think you''d be living such a nice life without her putting in all that effort?


    "Do you have any clue how many people want her? She turned them all down for you, yet here you are being ungrateful and treating her like trash! You need to apologize to Wendy right now!"


    Ethan took on the stance of a judge while he lectured Zachary. Meanwhile, Wendy stood quietly by the door to the guest room, tears welling up in her eyes as if she had been deeply hurt.


    Zachary got up wordlessly. Then, he clenched his fist and threw a powerful punch at Ethan''s face. Ethan didn''t see iting and couldn''t dodge it in time. He stumbled and nearly lost his bnce.


    "What the hell are you going on about?" Zachary snapped, flexing his wrist. "You''re nothing more than a washed-up ''elite'' who couldn''t make it overseas. Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty before me?


    "You''re not thinking I''m as gullible as this foolish woman, are you? You''d better stop with the pathetic stunts, or I won''t think twice about tossing you in the trash. After all, that''s where you belong!"


    After Lauren hung up, she shared Ethan''s background info with Zachary, so he was already in the loop.


    A hint of panic shed in Ethan''s eyes, and he fell quiet. Zachary didn''t nce back at him and walked straight to the door.


    Wendy rushed over and stood before him, arms outstretched to block his path. Her eyes were red, swirling with emotions as she red at him.


    Through gritted teeth, she demanded, "Where do you think you''re going?" Zachary sneered. "Do you really care about where I''m going?"


    "You''re not going anywhere!" Wendy tightened her grip on his wrist, just like she had done with Ethan.


    Zachary pulled away in disgust, wrenching his arm free as soon as she touched him. "Why not? Do you think I''m going to hang around and deal with you two? I''m sorry, but I can''t handle something so gross!"


    With that, he stormed out, leaving Wendy frozen in shock. He reached the elevator when a loud bang echoed behind him-the door had been mmed shut.


    Zachary forced a wry smile. Deep down, he''d hoped Wendy would forget everything ande after him. But she didn''t. The hope he once had was gone for good.


    As Zachary walked out of the apartment building, he took a few deep breaths to ease the tightness in his chest. Just then, his phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, but he picked it up.


    A pleasant voice came through on the other end. "Hi, is this Mr. Zachary Lloyd?" "Yeah, that''s me. Who''s this?"


    The woman''s voice brightened with enthusiasm. Mr. Lloyd, I''m Anya Wayne, CEO of Yel Corporation. The headquarters asked me to get in? touch with you to sort out your onboarding. Where are you now? I can pick you up right away!"


    "Text me on WhatsApp, and I''ll send you my location. You can find me using my phone number."


    "Sure thing, Mr. Lloyd. Just give me a second."


    After the call ended, Zachary got a message from Anya. He opened it and his eyes zeroed in on her profile picture.


    "Is this..."


    The picture showed a gorgeous woman beside a Ferrari. She wore a short red dress that hugged her curves. She was tall, with long hair that flowed gracefully.


    Her beauty and elegance were eye-catching, and a smile lit up her face. Sunlight bathed her from the side, giving off a soothing, tranquil feeling as if time had decided to slow down.


    However, Zachary wasn''t really thinking about how beautiful she looked. He was more surprised by her appearance.


    Anya, the CEO of Yel Corporation,


    was famous for more than just her stunning looks. Her cool, detached vibe and impressive skills at work earned her the nickname "Goddess Anya from all the guys at Yetbric. She was the woman they fantasized about.


    At 26, Anya had her fair share of admirers but had always remained single and stayed out of any scandal. Some even spected that she might be into women.


    There were rumors that even the wealthiest guy in Yelbric had tried to win her over, but she turned him down without hesitation, saying he wasn''t her type.


    "Yel Corporation is actually a subsidiary of Mom''spany..." Zachary was taken aback, doing his best to wrap his head around it.


    After thinking it over for a moment, everything clicked into ce. With Lauren backing her up, Anya had every reason to turn down even the wealthiest guy in Yelbric.


    After all, the so-called wealthiest guy was just an ordinary dude with some moneypared to Lauren-a big name in the finance world.


    About ten minutester, a red Ferrari rolled up before Zachary. The door swung open, and Anya stepped out, looking sharp in her professional outfit. She hurried


    over.


    "Mr. Lloyd," she said with a sweet smile. Her tone was friendly as if they''d known each other forever.


    Zachary was surprised. They hopped into the car, and on the way to Yel Corporation, his curiosity got the better of him.


    "Ms. Wayne, do you know me?" he asked bluntly.


    Then, he turned to take a closer look at her profile. Anya had a gorgeous


    oval face, framed by delicate eyebrows and bright, expressive eyes that spoke volumes with just a nce. They were full of life.


    She cleared her throat, unsure if she should say something.


    "If you''ve got something to say, just go ahead. I don''t mind," Zachary said inly. Anya hesitated before saying, "Actually, I''ve seen you at least ten times already."

 Chapter 3

    "When did we meet before, Ms. Wayne? I can''t seem to remember," Zachary said, looking more confused.


    Anya chuckled and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Mr. Lloyd, you can drop the ''Ms. Wayne''. I work for you now, so just call me Anya. I can''t really recall how many times we''ve met, but I do remember that Mrs. Lloyd was there every time I saw you.


    "The one time that really sticks in my mind was at that cocktail party when she got drunk. Someone tried to take advantage of her, and you jumped in and took down that real estate mogul!"


    Her words took Zachary back tost summer. Wendy had gone to a cocktail party to make connections, and with her gorgeous looks and figure, she quickly drew the attention of a group of executives who kept pushing drinks on her.


    Wendy wasn''t a big drinker, so after just a few sses of red wine, she was already tipsy. Noticing things were starting to spiral, her secretary, Vivian Smith, called Zachary immediately.


    At that time, Zachary was battling a high fever.


    It all started when Wendy suddenly craved barbecue from a food stall by the river. He dashed out without thinking twice to get it for her, but a sudden downpour hit him on the way back.


    By the time he got home, he waspletely soaked. The next day, he ended up with a nasty fever. Still, when Vivian called, he pushed through his sickness and headed to the party.


    When Zachary arrived, he found Wendy passed out on the couch in the lounge. A sleazy executive was sneaking up on her, ready to take advantage of the situation, but Zachary stepped in and punched him.


    The man called in his bodyguards, who quickly surrounded Zachary and gave him a brutal beating, leaving him bruised and bleeding. Despite the pain and the judgmental res from everyone around, Zachary carried Wendy out of the party.


    When Wendy finally sobered up and realized what had happened, she didn''t thank him. Instead, sheshed out, using Zachary of embarrassing her in their social circle.


    As Zachary thought back on it, he realized that Yel Corporation must have thrown the party.


    Anya paused before adding, "Back then, I had no idea who you were, but I got curious and asked someone to look you up. Honestly, I really envy Mrs. Lloyd!


    "If only there were a guy out there who could treat me the way you treat her I''d feel so lucky!"


    She gave a bittersweet smile. She had always thought perfect men were just a fairy tale, but her view changed after learning more about Zachary.


    Still, it made her feel sad that such a great guy was with someone else instead of her.


    After collecting herself, Anya smiled and continued, "At first, I thought they sent me to help Jennings Corporation because Mrs. Lloyd had some special connection with them. I never guessed that the real reason was you."


    She left it at that. After digging a little deeper, her curiosity about Zachary only grew. She learned all about what went down during his rtionship with Wendy and their five years of marriage.


    Even though Zachary wasn''t from around here, he had three million dors saved up.


    Coincidentally, when he was dating Wendy, the Jennings family was struggling financially and needed exactly that amount to keep their heads above water. They weed Zachary with open arms, all because of the three million dors in his bank ount.


    Soon after, Zachary invested all that money as a wedding gift for Wendy. But the Jennings family kept that news under wraps.


    Back then, Jennings Corporation was hardly worth more than ten million. It was just a small, unnoticed business in Anya''s eyes. But thanks to Zachary''s generous gift, they turned things around and began to thrive.


    After their wedding, Anya got a directive from headquarters to support Jennings Corporation discreetly, and she had been doing that ever since.


    With Yel Corporation quietly supporting them, Jennings Corporation''s value soared a hundredfold, now hitting one billion dors.


    "My wife?" Zachary let out a dryugh, his voice low. "That won''tst much longer."


    A hint of surprise shed across Anya''s face. She cautiously asked, "Mr. Lloyd, are things not going well between you and Mrs. Lloyd?"


    "It''s not really about that. I''ve been trying so hard to keep up with her, and I''m exhausted. I can''t keep this up anymore." Zachary smiled, but the bitterness behind it was evident.


    Anya let out a soft sigh, her tone earnest. "You''re a good guy. She''s too stubborn to see it and someday she''ll regret it, I swear!"


    "You don''t have to worry aboutforting me. I''m good. Anyway, can you draft a divorce agreement for me?"


    "Of course. I just need to know what you want in it."


    As they neared the intersection, Anya eased off the gas as she approached the red light.


    Zachary thought for a moment. "I just want a divorce. I don''t need anything else." He never cared about what Wendy owned. When they married, her parents moved all her assets into their names, saying it was for Wendy''s peace of mind. They imed if Zachary ever changed his mind and wanted a divorce, Wendy would be protected and have a safety for the rest of her life.


    Zachary had gone along without a second thought, never imagining he''d actually feel differently about Wendy and think about divorce.


    While dreams could be lovely, reality often hit hard. He was tired and wanted a divorce to end this unhappy marriage.


    "That''s easy. I can have it ready by today," Anya said with a nod.


    Zachary stayed quiet, and Anya didn''t say anything else.


    When the light turned green, Anya stepped on the gas and said softly, "Mr. Lloyd, you might not realize this, but Jennings Corporation hasn''t really been a great partner for us.


    "We only started working with them


    because we were told to by


    higher-ups. Do you think we could end the partnership if you''re actually going through with the divorce? Honestly, it''s costing us more than it''s worth.


    "Plus, their lead pharmaceutical R&D engineer makes five and a half million a year, but Jennings Corporation only pays her half a million, and we cover the difference.


    "I''d love to have her back on our team if possible. The work she does is super valuable to us."


    Zachary didn''t say anything. He simply stared out the window.


    He couldn''t tell if it was the relief of finally deciding to end this painful marriage or just the exhaustion from not sleeping all night, but he drifted off without even realizing it.


    Zachary fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. For the past month, his nights had been consumed by heavy, suffocating dreams about Wendy, each one more painful than thest.


    But today, after deciding to leave her, those nightmares seemed to disappear. When he finally stirred awake, it was already past 4:00 p.m.


    Zachary opened his eyes and realized that he was still in the passenger seat of the Ferrari. The seat was reclined, and a ck zer was draped over him. The temperature in the car was perfect too.


    He turned to see Anya focused on herptop, typing away. He shifted his seat back, and the sound made her nce his way.


    Anya''s eyes lit up, and she quickly turned herptop to face him. "Mr. Lloyd, you''re awake. I''ve drafted the divorce agreement. Take a look and let me know if you want to change anything."


    Zachary gave it a quick nce and was about to reply when he noticed a phone lighting up on the armrest to his left. It looked like his phone, but he clearly remembered not putting it on silent.


    The screen lit up with an iing call from "Darling". Anya noticed it as well and quietly slipped out of the car to give him some privacy. Zachary grabbed his phone and pressed the answer button.


    "Zachary, you totally crossed the line


    vefont


    this morning. If you want me to forgive you, you need toe to the office right now and apologize Ethan like, really apologize!" Wendy''s voice crackled through the phone, dripping with usation.


    Zachary had been feeling pretty good just moments ago, but Wendy''s words cut through him again. The emotions he''d been holding back came rushing out, and he let out a bitterugh.


    "Apologize? Is that really what you want?"


    "Absolutely! You were way off for using Ethan. Don''t you think you should


    apologize?" Wendy sounded like she was totally justified.


    Noticing a shift in Zachary''s tone, she softened her voice, sounding sweet and yful like she was trying to persuade a child. "Come on, honey Just do the right thing, alright? If you apologize, I''ll go along with whatever you want."


    Whenever Wendy made a mistake and upset Zachary, she''d try to charm him with


    her sweet side. And every single time, he''d end up forgiving her. Even when she


    went too far, he''d eventually let it slide.


    "You''ll say yes to anything?" Zachary teased.


    "Yes! Anything!" Wendy replied without hesitation.


    Clinging to a flicker of hope, Zachary asked, "What if I asked you to fire Ethan and


    never see him again?"


    "That''s not happening. Choose something else¡ªanything but that," Wendy replied firmly.


    Her unwavering response snuffed out thest flicker of hope for Zachary. "Fine. Just remember what you said then. You''ll agree to anything else but that!" Zachary ended the call, not wanting to listen to Wendy for another second. Anya opened the car door and slid back into her seat. She hadn''t caught their conversation, but one nce at Zachary''s expression told her all she needed to know he was in a terrible mood.


    While she thought about how to cheer up a guy on the brink of divorce, Zachary suddenly said, "First, get the divorce agreement printed. Then, drive me to Jennings Corporation."

 Chapter 4

    15 minutester, Anya pulled up in front of the Jennings Corporation building to drop off Zachary. Jennings Corporation was situated in the business district of


    Crescent Street in Yelbric.


    They focused on pharmaceutical research and development as well as sales. This year they''d sessfully branched out into international markets, raking in impressive profits.


    A big part of their sess was thanks to Lauren''s quiet support. Without her, Jennings Corporation wouldn''t have had the resources for pharmaceutical R&D, let alone breaking into international markets.


    A month ago, Zachary had been visiting the Jennings Corporation office often, so the receptionist and most of the staff recognized him. He went straight to the general manager''s office to look for Wendy.


    He was about to knock when he heard Ethan''s voice along with Wendy''s cheerfulughtering from inside. He gripped the divorce agreement tighter and knocked on the door with a nk expression.


    Zachary pushed the door open and stepped inside, finding Wendy in her office chair. She rested her chin on her left hand, casually twirling a pen with her right.


    She looked at Ethan with bright eyes and a warm smile, the kind of look she gave when genuinely drawn to someone. Zachary had never seen that expression in their five years together.


    Ethan lounged on the couch, looking handsome with his legs crossed, grinning as he spoke confidently.


    Their faces changed the moment they saw Zachary. The smiles faded, leaving behind a look of uncertainty and awkwardness.


    Ethan quickly uncrossed his legs, trying to look calm as he pulled out his phone. He kept his head down, pretending to be focused on it.


    Wendy cleared her throat and sat up straighter, her expression turning serious.


    "Honey, you''re here?" The sparkle in her eyes disappeared as soon as she saw Zachary.


    Zachary felt a tightness in his chest. He put on a forced smile and nced at Ethan. "Sorry. Did I interrupt something?"


    Ethan was all ears. He seemed to be focused on his phone, but the screen hadn''t changed at all.


    "Honey, what are you talking about? Ethan had some questions about work and came to ask me, that''s all!" Wendy said, her eyes avoiding his, her toneced with impatience.


    Zachary had been married to Wendy for five years, so he knew her habits and tells inside out. She couldn''t meet his eyes whenever she lied.


    But he didn''t call her out on it. Instead, he said tly, "Earlier on the phone, you promised that if I apologized to Ethan, you''d agree to whatever I asked. Is that still the case?"


    "Of course!" Wendy''s eyes lit up. She continued cheerfully, "It was your fault, after all. Ethan and I arepletely innocent, and you totally misunderstood him. You even hit him. Shouldn''t you be the one to apologize?


    "There''s something else you might not know. Ethan is incredibly talented. It took a lot of effort to bring him on as the head of our business department.


    "Ourpany struggled for ages to break into international markets with our new medications, but we finally made it happen thanks to Ethan and his connections!


    "If it weren''t for Ethan, we might not have expanded overseas for another decade. But now, things are looking up.


    "We''ve secured a slice of the domestic market and tapped into international channels. The future is looking bright!"


    Wendy''s eyes sparkled with pride when she talked about how capable Ethan was.


    "So, whether it''s for personal reasons or work, you should apologize to Ethan, don''t you agree?"


    She got up and walked over to Zachary, reaching for his hand. However, Zachary quietly dodged her reach.


    Nevertheless, Wendy wasn''t too


    bothered. She guessed he was just sulking a bit and figured she''d be able to cheer him upter at home. To her Zachary was always pretty easygoing, and a few kind words usually did the trick.


    "Come on, honey, You need to apologize to Ethan! Otherwise, he might quit, and


    that would be a big blow for us!" Wendy urged.


    Zachary studied her for a moment, gave a wry smile, and nodded. "Fine. I''ll apologize."


    He tightened his fists and forced the words out between gritted teeth. "I''m sorry."


    Ethan looked up, putting on a nk face. He nced at Wendy, then at Zachary, and grinned. "Were you talking to me? Sorry, I was caught up on my phone and didn''t hear you."


    Zachary''s knuckles cracked as he clenched his fists.


    Wendy''s expression changed, and her voice took on a serious tone. "Ethan, Zachary just apologized to you. Whether you heard it or not, I did, so let''s move on and don''t bring it up again, okay?"


    "Alright, alright. I get it. But do you have to be so serious? It''s a little scary. You looked like you were about to ''swallow'' me whole!" Ethan threw up his hands in defeat acting like he was frightened.


    He put extra emphasis on the word "swallow" and shot a sidelong nce at Zachary, clearly trying to provoke him. He was pushing Zachary''s buttons right in front of Wendy.


    Zachary got the challenge loud and clear, but Wendy seemedpletely unaware. She couldn''t help butugh, then rolled her eyes at Ethan.


    The yful vibe between them felt like a knife twisting in Zachary''s heart and was


    too much to bear. He took a deep breath and turned to Wendy.


    "I did what you asked. Now, it''s your turn."


    Wendy furrowed her brow when she saw the serious look on his face. Feeling exasperated, she managed a wry smile. "Fine, fine. Whatever. What do you want? Just say it, and I''ll go along with it."


    Ethan fixed his gaze on Zachary, clearly curious about what he would ask for.


    "Great," Zachary said, nodding as he handed Wendy the divorce agreement he''d been holding.


    Wendy looked confused but still


    reached for the document. As soon as her eyes caught the words "divorce agreement", her expression went nk. Her hand went rigid around the papers, and she stared at


    Zachary in disbelief.


    "Y-You want a divorce?" Wendy''s voice trembled, her eyes locked on Zachary''s as


    if she were searching for something desperately.


    But to her disappointment, his expression waspletely calm. There wasn''t


    even a hint of emotion as if divorce was no big deal to him.


    The divorce agreement slipped from Wendy''s fingers andnded on the floor with


    a soft thud. Her eyes filled with tears, and she felt like she couldn''t breathe.


    Biting her lip, she asked uncertainly, "Zachary, do you really want a divorce?"

 Chapter 5

    Zachary nodded and hummed in reply. "You said that as long as I apologized, you''d go along with whatever I asked. So, I need you to sign the papers ande with me to the courthouse next Monday to file for divorce."


    Wendy''s face went pale at his words. She instinctively took a few steps back as if she couldn''t believe Zachary was serious about divorcing her.


    The air in the office felt heavy and stifling. After a moment of silence, Wendy looked at Zachary with tears in her eyes.


    "Can you tell me why you want a divorce?"


    "Because I don''t love you anymore," Zachary said, his voice steady as if he was stating a fact. "If there''s no love, why should we stay together?"


    Wendy let out a bitterugh, her fists clenching tightly together and her eyes zing with anger as she red at Zachary.


    With an icy tone, she asked, "Zachary, have you forgotten? You were the one who chased after me and proposed. We''ve been married for five years, and now you''re saying you don''t love me anymore?


    "What do I even mean to you, Zachary? What did those five years mean to you? Is this really how you think I deserve to be treated after everything we''ve been through?"


    Wendy clenched her jaw, her eyes brimming with anger and pain.


    However, Zachary simply looked at her and gave a slight smile. "I''ve never wronged you in these five years. Just yesterday, I still loved you and saw you as my wife.


    "But, Wendy, what do I mean to you? Do you even care about the five years we''ve been together?"


    He pointed at Ethan, sneering. "Tell me. Who''s this guy? What''s going on between you two?"


    Wendy''s eyes darted around, looking uneasy. "H-He''s just the head of our business department. We''re just colleagues, that''s it!"


    "So you''re saying there''s nothing but work between you two?" Zachary''s smile dripped with sarcasm.


    Wendy was about to nod when he added, "Yet because of this ''work thing'', you''ve bailed on me four times this month. Even yesterday, on our fifth anniversary, you picked him over me.


    "The first time, he had a problem with a client, and as the general manager, you went along to sort it out. I get that. But the second time? He went through a breakup and needed you, his higher-up, to cheer him up.


    "And then the third time, he lost in truth or dare, and you, the general manager, actually helped him out. You even shared a drink with him. Do I really need to spell out what that means?


    "And the fourth time, just yesterday, I invited all our friends like you asked, but you didn''t even show up because he was sick."


    Zachary felt a sudden ache in his chest. He clutched it, his face revealing just how hurt he was. "Wendy, seriously, what''s your role in all this? Are you some kind of emotional expert, or his best buddy?"


    Fed up and unable to hold back, he snapped, "He gets sick, and you rush to take care of him. Are you a doctor or something?


    "Every single time you''re feeling unwell, I''m the one looking after you, but have you ever bothered to check on me when I''m sick?


    "You ditch your husband and friends just to help out some colleague! Wendy, do you think you''re being smart, or do you take me for an absolute fool?"


    Wendy pursed her lips, her eyes swirling with emotions as Zachary bombarded her with questions. "I can... exin everything!"


    "Forget it. I don''t care about your excuses. I want nothing to do with a woman who cheats emotionally. That''s filthy to me!"


    Wendy froze, shocked that Zachary had just called her "filthy".


    Zachary stood his ground. He crouched down, picked up the divorce agreement from the floor, and handed it to her. "Just sign it and wrap this up without any drama. There''s no reason to embarrass ourselves."


    "Zachary, do you really have to take it this far?" Wendy could feel her temper rising as she saw how determined he was to get a divorce. It hurt her deeply when he called her filthy.


    Zachary''s face stayed icy. "You''re the one who said that, as long as I apologized, you''d agree to anything. And of course, firing him isn''t part of the deal."


    Wendy gritted her teeth and red at him. "Zachary, you better think this through. If we get divorced, you won''t see a cent from me!"


    Zachary scoffed. "You think I''m with you for your money? Wendy, don''t forget how much I had in my bank ount before we tied the knot."


    Wendy was left speechless. It looked like she had forgotten that he''d given her parents three million dors as a wedding gift just to be with her.


    Zachary had no interest in revisiting that part of their history. His tone was distant as he said, "Take a good look at the divorce agreement. states won''t take a dime when we part ways. Are you happy now? Ready to sign?"


    Wendy felt embarrassed by his words and the way he was treating her, especially with Ethan there. Zachary was usually so gentle, but his sudden aggression really set her off.


    She snatched up the divorce agreement and immediately signed her name on it.


    "You''re going to regret this!" Wendy tossed the agreement at Zachary and continued, "Listen, Zachary. Without you, I, Wendy Jennings, will do just fine ande out on top! But you''ll end up with nothing the moment you walk away!"


    Zachary picked up the divorce agreement without a hint of emotion and said, "That''s my issue, not yours."


    Wendy couldn''t stand his indifference anymore. She grabbed the coffee cup from the table and flung it down near his feet.


    "Get out!" she yelled.


    The cup shattered with a loud crash. Wendy''s chest heaved with fury, her face flushed with anger.


    As requested, Zachary turned and left the office.


    The moment he was out of sight, Ethan stepped up and gently consoled her. "Wendy, don''t be upset. It''s not worth ruining your mood over a guy who''s moved


    on.


    "Oh, by the way, I''ve been talking with a friend who owns a chain of pharmacies abroad. I mentioned yourpany''s new medication, and he''s really interested.


    "If everything goes smoothly, and I push a bit more, we couldnd an annual deal worth at least 20 million dors!"


    Wendy took a deep breath to steady herself. Then, she turned to Ethan with a warm smile. "Thanks a lot, Ethan. Ourpany''s been thriving since you came on board.


    "I''ve mentioned it to my dad. You''ll get every penny of yourmission by the end of the year. Plus, I''ll make sure to get you an extra bonus, too!"


    Ethan waved his hand with a smile, brushing it off. "Wendy, I''m not in it for the money. I just want to be here for you, that''s all. Even though I''ve been abroad these past few years, I''ve heard all about you from our friends.


    "It''s been a rough five years for you, but from now on, I''m here to help. You won''t have to shoulder all of this alone anymore."


    Wendy''s heart raced as she locked eyes with Ethan but didn''t say a word. She quickly looked away and grabbed a file from the desk, flipping through its pages.


    But her thoughts wouldn''t settle no matter how hard she tried. Memories of thest five years with Zachary kept flooding her mind. She couldn''t understand how he could be so heartless and just divorce her.


    Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.


    Wendy''s heart leaped with hope. She thought maybe Zachary had changed his mind ande back to apologize. But when she saw it was the head of themercial department walking in, her face fell with disappointment.


    Themercial manager had a serious look. "Ms. Jennings, Yel Corporation just pulled out of our partnership. That means we''ve lost ess to our overseas channels."


    "What?" Wendy''s face went white at the news.


    Yel Corporation was Jennings Corporation''s biggest partner, ounting for nearly 60% of their revenue.


    "How did this happen? What did the Yel Corporation representative say? Why did they end the partnership? Was there a problem with how we were working together?" Wendy was in a panic.


    Yel Corporation could easily get by without Jennings Corporation, but Jennings Corporation wouldn''t be the same without Yel Corporation.


    "They exined that Jennings Corporation isn''t eligible to work with Yel Corporation any more. They only partnered with us before because of someone, but that person is no longer with ourpany," themercial manager


    said.


    "How could that be?" Wendy was dumbfounded.


    Who could that person be? She had just signed the divorce agreement with


    Zachary, and now Yel Corporation was severing ties. Could Zachary be the one they were talking about?

 Chapter 6

    The moment the thought popped up, Wendy shook it off.


    "No way! That can''t be right! Zachary has nothing to do with Yel Corporation. Why would they cancel the partnership just because he and I got divorced?" she wondered.


    Wendy couldn''t help but ponder who Yel Corporation held in such high regard.


    Just then, the HR manager burst in, looking worried. "Ms. Jennings, we''ve got a big problem. Our lead pharmaceutical R&D engineer just quit!


    "Our new medication still has some issues, and the optimization project is only halfway done. We can''t move forward without her!"


    The double whammy of bad news caught Wendy off guard. Everything had been going smoothly since she joined Jennings Corporation as general manager. This was the first real crisis she had to deal with.


    Her mind went nk, and she was at a loss for what to do. Out of the corner of


    her eye, she spotted Ethan remained seated on her office''s couch.


    Wendy''s eyes lit up as she asked hopefully, "Ethan, do you have any


    suggestions? With your extensivework and connections, you must have a way to help me, right?"


    Ethan was just as shocked by the news, his face showing disbelief.


    Losing the partnership with Yel Corporation would hit Jennings Corporation hard in terms of revenue, but losing that brilliant pharmaceutical R&D engineer would be a blow to their corepetitiveness in the industry.


    Ethan realized that trying to grow apany without a solidpetitive edge was just a pipe dream. But with Wendy staring at him, all hopeful and desperate, he couldn''t bring himself to say he had no way to help her.


    He tried to keep his cool, furrowing his brow like he was deep in thought as he said, "Wendy, don''t worry. These problems just popped up out of nowhere, so I need some time to figure things out. But I promise I''lle up with a way to help you!"


    But it was a different story in his mind. He thought, "I''m just saying I''ll try to find a solution. I''m not promising I can fix everything, so you can''t hold it against me if I can''t make it work in the end."


    "Alright. I trust that you can do it! You have so many connections. I''m sure you''ll find a partner to step in for Yel Corporation!"


    Wendy felt a little relief wash over her. She decided to meet with the pharmaceutical R&D engineer who wanted to resign for a face-to-face chat. Resignations typically arose from issues with pay and benefits or other factors.


    If the engineer shared her concerns, Wendy was ready to do whatever it took to address the issues and keep her on board. With that thought in mind, Wendy slowly pulled herself together.


    Once she sent the two managers off, she quickly looked for the lead pharmaceutical R&D engineer who was thinking about resigning. She set up a meeting with her at the caf¨¦ downstairs to talk things over.


    At the caf¨¦, Wendy sat by the window and focused on Evelyn Hart, the woman sitting across from her. Evelyn was in her early 30s, with short, neatly cropped hair and sses.


    Wendy gave her a warm smile. "Ms. Hart, I heard that you handed in your resignation this afternoon. Can I ask if it''s because you''re not happy with the pay, or is there something else going on?"


    Evelyn was a graduate student at a medical university abroad. She had earned several awards and schrships during her studies. After graduating, she returned home without a second thought.


    Shended her first job at Jennings Corporation, and now, five yearster, she was seen as a veteran and a key yer in thepany. Wendy figured that Evelyn had probably formed some attachment to Jennings Corporation.


    Wendy thought that if she really made an effort to persuade her by appealing to their emotional bond and offering a better deal-Evelyn might choose to stay, no matter what her reasons were for wanting to go.


    "Ms. Jennings, I know why you wanted to meet. Just to be clear, I didn''t resign on a whim," Evelyn said, taking a slow sip of her coffee with a confident smile.


    Her words instantly deted Wendy, but she didn''t give up. "Can you tell me the exact reason?"


    Evelyn grinned. "Ms. Jennings, are you asking me as thepany''s general manager or as a friend?"


    "Is there a difference?" Wendy asked, confused.


    "Definitely," Evelyn said, putting down her coffee cup and locking eyes with Wendy. "If you''re asking as thepany''s general manager, I have nothing to share. But if you''re asking as a friend, I''ll be honest.


    "I never really belonged to Jennings Corporation. If you want to know why I joined


    in the first ce, you should talk to the person who matters most to you."


    Her words left Wendypletely confused. She couldn''t understand what Evelyn meant when she said she joined Jennings Corporation but never belonged to thepany.


    And what did Evelyn mean by saying the answer was with the person who mattered most to her? Was Evelyn talking about Ethan? Did Evelyn join Jennings Corporation because of him?


    But if that was the case, why would she quit? Did something go wrong between them? Wendy figured she''d talk to Ethanter to find out what he did to Evelyn that led her to resign.


    "Ms. Jennings, I''ve got to head to my newpany soon, so I can''t stay any longer Here''s a little advice as a thank you for the coffee-cherish the people in your life while you have


    them. Don''t wait until the one


    and end up regretting it.


    "That''s all I wanted to say. Goodbye, Ms. Jennings." Evelyn grabbed her bag and


    left. She had only been there for a few minutes.


    Wendy wasn''t oblivious. She realized Evelyn had set aside time just to meet with her. But Wendy was confused. She didn''t get the dynamic between Evelyn and Ethan.


    She was even more puzzled as to why Evelyn would tell her to cherish Ethan. Was Ethan thinking about leaving her? No way. Just today, he told her he''d always be there for her. So why would he suddenly bail on her?  s?novel


    Feeling confused, Wendy called Ethan. "Ethan, I''m at the caf¨¦ downstairs from the office. I need to talk to you about Ms. Hart resigning."


    "Wendy, I''m sorry, but I''ve got something urgent at home. I might need to take some time off to head back. Can we talk when I''m back?"


    "Are you in such a rush? When are you leaving? I can give you a ride."


    "No worries. I''m on my way to the airport now. Don''t worry about me. I can handle


    it. My mom''s calling. Talkter."


    With that, Ethan suddenly ended the call.


    Wendy felt a weight settle over her. She sat alone in the caf¨¦ for a bit before finally getting up and driving home.


    When she got home, she heard some rustling from the bedroom. Curious, she opened the door and found Zachary crouching on the floor, carefully packing his neatly folded clothes into a suitcase.


    Wendy was already overwhelmed, and spotting him only added to her irritation. Her expression hardened as she asked icily, "It''ste. Where do you think you''re going?"


    "We''re divorced now, so it''s not right for us to keep living together. I''m moving out tonight," Zachary said, not bothering to look back as he continued sorting through his stuff.


    His words set her off. Jennings Corporation was in deep trouble, but her husband, at least on paper, wasn''t any help.


    She was fine with that, but he continued to pile on her stress-first pushing for a divorce and now nning to move out.


    The more Wendy thought about it, the angrier she got.


    "Fine! Just pack your stuff and get out of my house! And don''t forget to leave your keys. I don''t want random people walking into my ce." With that, Wendy turned and stormed out, mming the door behind her.


    Zachary was alone in the room, crouching as he packed his belongings into his


    suitcase.

 Chapter 7

    Zachary let out a bitter chuckle and continued packing. With so many things to


    sort, it took nearly half an hour to finish. After that, he stepped out of the room with his heavy suitcase.


    The moment he entered the living room, he saw Wendy sitting there alone, nursing a drink.


    Upon hearing the noise behind her, she nced over her shoulder at him before turning away. Her flushed cheeks made it clear she''d had quite a bit to drink.


    "I''m leaving the keys here. Take care of yourself," Zachary said, cing the keys on the coffee table. Without looking back, he gripped the handle of his suitcase and made for the door.


    Just as he reached for the doorknob, a violent coughing fit sounded behind him. Zachary froze, an instinctual urge to turn back tugging at him, but he resisted.


    He turned the doorknob and stepped halfway out the door when Wendy''s voice called out, "Zachary!" followed by the hurried patter of footsteps.


    Before he could turn around, he felt a soft touch on his back, apanied by the warmth of Wendy''s embrace.


    "Don''t leave me, please." Wendy pleaded, her voice losing all its former strength and sharpness.


    Zachary sighed softly and said, "Wendy, there''s no future for us. Let it go, and keep your dignity."


    With a sob in her voice, Wendy rasped, "You promised to love me forever! You can''t break your word!"


    Zachary felt a sharp pang in his chest.


    He pried Wendy''s arms off his waist and turned to face her, his eyes downcast. "Yes, I promised," he said softly. "But you were the one who broke that promise first."


    "I didn''t!" Wendy protested. "Yes, I brought Ethan into thepany, but nothing happened between us!"


    "Nothing?" Zacharyughed bitterly, remembering the photos Ethan had sent him.


    Maybe Ethan had done it deliberately. Maybe nothing had happened yet.


    But with the way things were going, it was only a matter of time. Was he supposed to wait until his wife put a definitive mark of infidelity on their marriage before seeking a divorce?


    "Wendy, emotional infidelity is still betrayal. It''s just as unforgivable as a physical affair," Zachary said, his voice steady.


    "No, it''s not the same! I love you!" Wendy insisted stubbornly.


    "No, you don''t," Zachary countered. "If you did, you wouldn''t deliberately ignore my feelings, knowing how much this would hurt me."


    Wendy started to cry. With her breaking voice, she said, "Why can''t you believe me? I''ve told you, there''s nothing between me and Ethan! Why won''t you trust me? Why do you have to divorce me? You know I can''t live without you!"


    Wendy''s eyes were red, tears streaming uncontrobly down her face.


    "Wendy, are you still trying to lie to me?" Zachary''s voice was firm. "He''s your ex, the one you''ve never been able to let go of. He''s the one you''ve always longed for in your heart."


    Wendy''s tear-stained eyes held no sympathy for Zachary, but only anger.


    "I already know everything about you and him," Zachary continued and added, "Why do you think he came back? Have you ever wondered why he showed up only after yourpany started to do well?"


    Looking at the woman he once loved so deeply, Zachary couldn''t bring himself to remain indifferent. He decided to tell Wendy the truth, the real reason Ethan had returned. But before he could speak, Wendy''s expression changed.


    She stopped crying, her face paling. "You... you knew? Who told you?"


    "Does it matter?" Zachary asked with a frown.


    Wendy''s voice hardened with resentment, "Of course it matters! The person who told you wants to drive a wedge between us, to make us divorce! Tell me who it was!"


    "Enough!" Zachary roared.


    Wendy fell silent, stunned by the outburst. She stared at Zachary,pletely speechless.


    Zachary''s voice was cold as he


    broke the silence. "Wendy, until today, I was your husband. Do you think it was right to keep all of this from me? Now that someone else has told me, instead of feeling guilty, you''re angry that I found out?


    "Wendy, what''s going on in your head? How could your morals get so twisted?


    You''re not the same girl who used to cling to me so sweetly."


    "This is over," he dered, his tone final. "I''m done with you and everything about this mess."


    Wendy shook her head fiercely. "No,


    please listen! I only brought Ethan back to get back at him for


    abandoning me! Then... then I found out he had connections and resources, so I wanted to use him-"


    Zachary interrupted, losing patience.


    "I don''t care. That''s between you and him. If you want revenge, go ahead If you want to use him, be my guest. But please don''t drag me into your mess. I find the entire thing O revolting."


    With that, Zachary turned and quickly walked away with his suitcase in hand.


    Wendy screamed at Zachary as he walked to the door. "Zachary! I told you everything! Why are you still leaving me? I said my heart only belongs to you! Why won''t you believe me? Why?"


    Watching Zachary''s resolute figure disappearing into the distance, she copsed weakly onto the ground, her quiet sobs breaking the silence.


    Zachary didn''t look back. He left the building and made his way to themunity


    gate, where a red sports car soon pulled up in front of him.


    It was Anya. Zachary had called her earlier to arrange a ride.


    "Mr. Lloyd, does this count as overtime?" Anya asked yfully as she got out of


    the car and opened the trunk for him.


    Zachary chuckled as he replied, "No, it doesn''t. I didn''t ask you toe personally, did I? You volunteered."


    Anya pouted. "Capitalists all have ck hearts, exploiting poor workers like me."


    Zacharyughed at her attempt to look pitiful and said, "If you''re a poor worker, then no one else stands a chance."


    They got in the car and drove to a vi. When they arrived, Anya tried to lift Zachary''s suitcase from the trunk, but it was too heavy for her to budge.


    Zachary watched in amusement, a grin on his face.


    "What are youughing at?" Anya flushed, embarrassed. She shot him an annoyed look. "What do you have in here, bricks?"


    Zachary stepped forward and lifted the suitcase with one hand. Pulling out the handle, he said, "Alright. It''s gettingte. You should head back. Let me know when you get home safely."


    "Okay!" Anya nodded obediently and pulled out her phone.


    As Zachary turned and walked toward the vi''s front door, his phone suddenly buzzed.


    Curious, he checked his messages and saw one from Anya.


    "Mr. Lloyd, I''m home!"


    Zachary blinked in confusion and turned around, only to see Anya walking toward


    him with a mischievous smile.


    "Anya, what''s going on?" he asked.


    She grinned as she replied, "Reporting to Mr. Lloyd, I live here too!"

 Chapter 8

    "Do you live here?" Zachary asked in confusion. He seemed to be trying to process the situation.


    Anya did not answer his question. She brushed past him and pushed the door open, slipping into a pair of bunny-print slippers with practiced ease.


    She turned and shed a bright smile as she said. "Mr. Lloyd, what are you standing there for? Come on in!"


    "I thought I asked you to rent a vi for me, not..." Zachary stood at the doorway, frowning slightly.


    Anya blinked, her tone innocent as she spoke, "I did. I''m renting you my vi. Is there a problem? Or are you saying I''m in your way?"


    "It''s not appropriate for us to live together as a single man and woman under one roof," Zachary stated tly.


    "What''s not appropriate? You''re paying, and I''m providing the vi. It''s mutually beneficial." Anya replied nonchntly.


    Seeing Zachary still hesitating, she urged, "Oh, stop standing there like an idiot. Get inside already! I made dinner, and it''s going to get cold if you keep this up."


    Upon hearing that, Zachary thought for a moment before stepping inside.


    After leading him to the guest room on the second floor to drop off his suitcase, Anya cheerfully headed downstairs.


    "Come on. Wash your hands, and let''s eat!" she called back with a light tone.


    At the dining table, beef steak slices and a bowl of sd awaited them. There was mushroom soup too. It wasn''t too extravagant, but well-prepared.


    Anya brought out two empty tes and two sets of cutlery. She turned to Zachary and said, "I''ve practiced my cooking skills, so try it!"


    Catching her expectant gaze, Zachary nodded slightly and picked up a slice of beef with his fork. He chewed slowly before swallowing.


    "It''s not bad," he said inly.


    Anya pouted a little at the lukewarm response. "Hmph. Tough critic."


    Despite her grumbling, the two settled in and began eating.


    Midway through the meal, Zachary brought up the idea of renting a different vi, exining his concerns.


    He felt that it was inappropriate for them to live together, especially considering her status and the potential for rumors.


    He was more worried about how it would affect Anya, given her prominence in Yelbric and the public''s watchful eyes.


    "Let them talk! Maybe it''ll stop those ridiculous rumors that I''m into women," Anya said dismissively, almost with a hint of amusement.


    Her casual tone and unbothered demeanor left Zachary at a loss. If Anya herself didn''t care, maybe he was overthinking it. Still, he couldn''t help but raise one more point.


    "If this is a shared rental, then shouldn''t the rent be-" Zachary asked, his tone cautiously inquisitive.


    Anya interjected, "Mr. Lloyd, I''m a beautiful woman sharing a vi with you. That alone should be worth the price. Don''t tell me you''re trying to negotiate."


    She crossed her arms, adding, "Besides, I cook sometimes, so you''re saving on food expenses too."


    Zachary sighed in resignation and said nothing.


    The night passed in silence.


    The next morning, Zachary was up early and had already prepared breakfast. As he ate, he heard footsteps in the hallway.


    Soon, Anya''s surprised voice rang out. "Mr. Lloyd, you can cook?"


    Zachary nced up at her, his tone exasperated. "Quit the chatter. It''s alreadyte. Hurry up and eat so you can drive me to the office."


    "Yes, sir!" Anya chuckled and quickly sat down, pulling out a chair to start eating.


    She mumbled mid-bite, eyes wide with amazement. She said, "Mmm! Mr. Lloyd, your cooking is amazing!"


    Zachary shot her a look, repeating her words from the night before with deliberate emphasis. "I''ve been practicing too."


    Anya''s cheeks turned pink as embarrassment washed over her.


    There was noparison between their cooking skills. Anya''s dishes were edible, but hardly remarkable in taste or presentation. Meanwhile, Zachary''s dishes looked good and tasted great.


    With this directparison, she couldn''t help but feel a little defeated.


    Half an hourter, they arrived at Yel Corporation International Trade building.


    Today was Zachary''s first day officially taking over thepany, so he had dressed sharply in a ck suit. As they made their way toward the elevator, employees kept greeting Anya.


    "Good morning, Ms. Wayne!" one employee greeted brightly.


    "Morning, Ms. Wayne!" another chimed in, a smile on their face.


    Despite the formal greetings, their curious eyes couldn''t help but linger on the unfamiliar man by her side. The whispers started as soon as the elevator doors closed behind them.


    After the two entered the elevator, the employees who had greeted Anya began to gossip in thepany group chat.


    "What''s going on? Why did Ms. Wayne bring a handsome guy to the office?"


    "Handsome guy? No way! Isn''t itmon knowledge that Ms. Wayne has, um, unconventional taste?"


    "It''s true! I saw him with my own eyes!"


    "I saw it too! And, honestly, Ms. Wayne has good taste. Her boyfriend is super handsome!"


    "Boyfriend? Is that for real? This is big news!"


    "It must be! You should''ve seen it. Ms. Wayne actually smiled when she walked


    in!"


    "No way! The Ice Queen smiles? Do you have pictures? Show me!"


    "Get lost, you little weirdo!"


    The group chat erupted in excitement. Thepany group chat was in a frenzy, but Anya and Zachary remained oblivious.


    Taking the private elevator up to the executive office, Anya poured Zachary a cup of coffee.


    Anya smiled brightly as she handed Zachary a cup of coffee, saying, "Mr. Lloyd, I''ve got all thepany details saved on myputer. You can go through them first.


    "Once you''re ready, we can hold a senior staff meeting around eleven to formally introduce you."


    Zachary nodded slightly as he replied, "There''s no rush for the meeting. Let me finish reviewing the documents first."


    He sat in the executive chair and clicked on a folder on the desktop, only to be greeted by an image of two anime guys.


    "Wait! Not that one! Don''t just click on anything!" Anya''s peripheral vision caught the screen, and she rushed over to grab the mouse, quickly closing the folder.


    Her face flushed, and she opened a different one and erged it.


    "These are thepany files, including development strategies over thest few years, product details, and personnel profiles," Anya exined, still blushing. "Got it. Thanks," Zachary muttered, feeling a little awkward himself. He focused on reading the files as time ticked away.


    During this time, a secretary knocked and entered to report on a few matters. All conversations were held in the office''s lounge area away from Zachary''s workspace.


    As the secretary was about to leave, she sneaked a nce at Zachary sitting at the executive desk with a curious expression.


    Anya pretended not to notice and said nothing. A minuteter, thepany chat exploded once again.


    At the same time, Jennings Corporation was holding an emergency executive meeting. Harold Jennings, the chairman of thepany, rarely attended such gatherings but made an exception today.


    With a serious expression, Harold asked, "Regarding Yel Corporation''s cancetion of our partnership and the resignation of our Lead Pharmaceutical R&D Engineer, does anyone have anything to say?"


    The cancetion meant Jennings Corporation had lost nearly half of its business,


    and the engineer''s departure had effectively halted the optimization of critical drug


    projects.


    These two incidents were undoubtedly a massive blow to thepany.


    The executives sat in silence, heads bowed, unsure of what to say. They had only learned about these issues the night before and didn''t even grasp the reasons behind them.


    Seeing that no one was speaking, Harold frowned deeply and turned to Wendy, who was seated in the lower right corner.


    "Wendy, I entrusted thepany to you before the New Year. You tell me what''s going on."


    "Dad" Wendy began to exin.


    However, Harold interrupted her coldly, "Here, you should address me as


    Chairman."


    Wendy bit her lip, then continued, "Yes, Chairman. The cancetion with Yel Corporation isn''t our fault. It''s about Ms. Hart''s resignation¡ª"


    Before Wendy could even finish her sentence Harold''s brow furrowed as he rhythmically tapped his fingers on the table. Therge conference room was filled with an oppressive silence.


    After a long pause, Harold asked in a deep voice, "Regarding the person mentioned by Yel Corporation, who do you think it could be?"


    Wendy replied without hesitation, "I think it''s Ethan. Ethan has extensive connections. The reason we managed to open overseas channels was mainly thanks to him..."


    However, before Wendy could finish, Harold swiftly denied her im. "It can''t be


    him!


    "Ethan has been at thepany for less than a month, but our partnership with Yel Corporation began five years ago. At that time, Yel Corporation didn''t even know who Ethan was!"


    After a moment''s pause, Harold continued, "Besides, who is Ethan? Why would Yel Corporation give him any respect?"


    "Then if it''s not him, then who could it be?" Wendy was taken aback and she


    asked.


    When she first heard the news, Ethan was the first person who came to her mind.


    But after listening to her father, she began to realize the w in her reasoning.


    That''s right! Ethan had only joined thepany a month ago, while the partnership with Yel Corporation had been established five years earlier. What connection could he possibly have?


    But if it wasn''t Ethan, then who could it be? Five years ago? That was when she


    and Zachary got together. Could it be Zachary? Wendy''s gaze flickered, filled with disbelief.

 Chapter 9

    The meeting dragged on for over an hour, but the oue was far from ideal. Neither of the critical issues had been resolved.


    Harold, the chairman erupted in a fury, reprimanding every department head present.


    Back in the chairman''s office, Harold sat behind his desk, his face stormy, anger still lingering.


    He asked Wendy in a sharp voice, "I gave you authority less than a year ago, and you''ve already let things spiral out of control. Do you think this is how you repay my trust?"


    "Dad, these two issues weren''t my fault. Yel Corporation decided to cancel the partnership, and the resignation of Ms. Hart came as a surprise. What was I supposed to do about it?" Wendy stood across the desk with her head bowed and looking aggrieved.


    Harold seemed ready to continue his outburst, but upon seeing the look of distress on Wendy''s face, his anger wavered.


    He sighed heavily and said, "This is our family''s business. The other executives might not care, but we have to. If we lose the Yel Corporation partnership, Jennings Corp will inevitably go downhill."


    He added, "And on top of that, Evelyn''s resignation will directly affect the quality of our pharmaceuticals and jeopardize future projects. Both of these problems must be fixed."


    Taking a deep breath, Harold steadied himself before giving his orders. "You need to go to Yel Corporation personally and try to salvage the situation.


    "Even if you can''t win them back, at the very least find out who this ''someone'' they mentioned is.


    "And as for Ms. Hart, reach out to her again. Spare no effort. We need her to see the pharmaceutical optimization project through, even if it means hiring her as a private consultant.


    "Let her name her price, and as long as it''s within reason, meet it!"


    Wendy nodded in acknowledgment.


    After a pause, Harold continued, "Give the business department some pressure. If we''re losing the Yel Corporation ount, they need to secure new business to make up for the loss. Every bit counts."


    He then asked sharply, "By the way, why wasn''t the head of the business department present at today''s meeting? How could he miss something this critical?"


    Wendy immediately exined, "Ethan had a family emergency and left yesterday."


    Harold''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Ethan? He''s only been with thepany for a month, and he''s already a department manager?"


    He shot a sharp look at Wendy, who averted her gaze. Suppressing his irritation, Harold asked through gritted teeth, "Did he follow the proper procedure to request leave?"


    "No. Not yet," Wendy replied, shaking her head.


    "Ridiculous!" Harold mmed his hand on the desk, his face full of displeasure.


    He shot her a stern re and asked, "Wendy, what exactly have you been doingtely? Don''t tell me you still have lingering feelings for Ethan.


    "Have you forgotten that you''re married? Do you think this is fair to Zachary?


    "Back then, if it hadn''t been for the three million dors Zachary put up as a wedding gift, thispany would have gone bankrupt long ago. We wouldn''t have gotten this far without that money!


    "Zachary may be useless, but at least he''s contributed something to the family, unlike Ethan."


    After a moment, he added, his tone growing more usatory with each word, "What has Ethan ever done for us? What''s he done for thepany?"


    Wendy''s expression shifted slightly, and she quickly shook her head. "Dad, I have no feelings toward Ethan."


    Harold snapped. "You better not! I see right through what kind of man Ethan is. He''s the type who only moves when there''s profit to be made. He''s got no real talent, just a big mouth. When you were together with him back then, I never approved of it!"


    Harold''s eyes were filled with contempt as he spoke, "Besides, he left you in a heartbeat to go abroad for further studies, didn''t he?


    "I thought after five years overseas, he might have improved himself. But the moment he got back, he came running to ourpany.


    "What does that tell you? It tells you he''s still the same useless man he always was!"


    "Dad, Ethan isn''t as bad as you think! He''s only been with thepany for a month, and he''s already brought in quite a bit of business! Even the overseas channel deal was thanks to him," Wendy protested, trying to defend Harold.


    Harold responded with a coldugh. "Overseas channel? What does that have to do with him?"


    Wendy insisted, growing agitated. She replied, "Dad, how could you say that? The overseas channel deal was really all thanks to Ethan."


    Harold scoffed and asked, "Thanks to him for what? I personally went to Yel Corporation, waited three hours outside Ms. Wayne''s office, and begged her to open that channel. What''s that got to do with Ethan?"


    "That''s impossible! Ethan said it was him." Wendy''s face was a mask of shock.


    Seeing her disbelief, Harold''s anger red up even more. "So you just believe whatever he says? I''ve told you before, Ethan''s all talk, no substance. Why won''t you listen to me?"


    Wendy felt panic rising in her chest and quickly tried to exin. "Dad, it''s not that I don''t believe you, it''s just that I didn''t expect Ethan to lie to me!"


    Harold waved her off impatiently. "Enough about Ethan. What matters now is the Yel Corporation


    partnership and the pharmac


    optimization project. Go to Yel Corporation personally, and please be sincere in your attitude.


    "I''ll go right away!" Wendy nodded, turning to leave the office.


    Just as she reached the door, Harold seemed to remember something. "By the way, it''s your mother''s birthday today. Bring Zachary home for dinner tonight," he added.


    Upon hearing this, Wendy''s body stiffened for a moment. She replied in a low voice, "Okay."


    Returning to her own office, Wendy sank into her chair, her eyes vacant and her expression distant. Her father''s words echoed in her mind like a heavy blow.


    The partnership with Yel Corporation had nothing to do with Ethan. The overseas channel deal had nothing to do with him either.


    "How could this be?" she murmured, lowering her head, her emotions in turmoil.


    All this time, she''d believed that Yel Corporation''s partnership with Jennings Corporation and the overseas channel expansion were both thanks to Ethan.


    But now, as she thought back, Ethan had never explicitly imed credit for these things.


    He''d only ever made vague statements. Never denying, but never confirming either.


    11:00 a.m, at Yel Corporation''s executive office...


    Anya sat back in her office chair, rubbing her temples in frustration as she spoke. "Mr. Lloyd, the headquarters specifically wants you to take over thepany as the main person in charge. Now you''re telling me you want to start from the bottom? How am I supposed to exin this to them?"


    Half an hour earlier, Zachary had finished reviewing all thepany''s documents


    and then made an unexpected request to start working in the business department from the ground up.


    Anya had tried everything like refusing, persuading, and reasoning, but Zachary remained firm, leaving her with a headache.


    Zachary smiled as he said, "Don''t worry about headquarters. If they press you, just tell them it was my decision. They won''t hold it against you." Seeing how resolute Zachary was, Anya knew she couldn''t change his mind, but her curiosity got the better of her. She asked Zachary, "Can I at least ask why?"


    "I''ve been a stay-at-home husband for five years. I feel a bit out of touch with society," Zachary exined.


    He added, "And besides, I''ve never worked in apany before. My understanding of business is limited to the files I just read. If I want to manage this ce well, I need really understand it first, don''t you


    think?"


    s?novel


    fon


    Anya found his reasoning hard to argue with. Still, she had her doubts about


    whether he could endure starting from the bottom.


    After some thought, she agreed, though not without conditions. "You''re the son of


    the chairman, so you call the shots. But if headquarters gives me heat over this, you''re taking the me.


    "I''ve worked hard to get to where I am, so don''t ruin it for me."


    "Don''t worry," Zachary replied with a grin.


    Anya sighed and said, "Alright then. If you want to understand thepany and


    toughen yourself up, start in the business department. Fieldwork is the best training ground."


    "Sounds good. Just let them know. I''ll report to the business department today." Zachary replied.


    With that, Zachary turned to leave, but just then, the secretary knocked and


    entered the office.


    "Ms. Wayne, the front desk says Wendy from Jennings Corporation is here to see


    you. Should I let her in?" the secretary asked Anya.

 Chapter 10

    Upon hearing the name "Wendy", Anya paused slightly and instinctively nced at Zachary, who hadn''t yet left her office.


    The secretary, awaiting Anya''s decision, followed Anya''s gaze and turned to look at Zachary as well. Without a word, Zachary left the office, his expression


    unreadable.


    Anya took a moment to think, then nodded and said, "Let her up."


    "Yes, Ms. Wayne," the secretary replied and promptly exited.


    Not long after, Wendy arrived on the executive floor. The moment she stepped out


    of the elevator, she caught sight of a figure she never expected to see.


    "Zachary?" Wendy froze in her tracks.


    Zachary saw her too but didn''t greet her. Instead, he walked directly into the elevator and pressed the button.


    "Ms. Jennings, Ms. Wayne is waiting for you in her office," the secretary''s voice rang out.


    "Right." Wendy gathered herself and followed the secretary to the executive office.


    As the CEO of Yel Corporation and the renowned "Goddess Anya" of Yelbric, Anya''s appearance and presence needed no boration. Seeing Anya in person, Wendy couldn''t help but feel an inexplicable sense of inferiority.


    "Hi, Ms. Wayne, I''m from Jennings Corporation," Wendy greeted cautiously.


    Anya cut her off bluntly before Wendy could finish. "No need for introductions, I know who you are. Ms. Jennings, if you have something to discuss, just get to the point. I''m very busy."


    Wendy began earnestly, "Ms. Wayne, I came to discuss the partnership between Yel Corporation and Jennings Corporation.


    "I understand that ourpany''s capabilities don''t quite meet Yel Corporation''s standards, but we''re willing to make concessions. All we ask is for Yel Corporation to continue this partnership."


    Wendy''s proposal was straightforward. If Yel Corporation could be swayed by profit, they might maintain the cooperation. It was the most effective approach she could think of.


    Anya replied coldly, "I''m sorry, Ms. Jennings, but you''re mistaken. Yel Corporation doesn''t care about measly profits. If we did, we wouldn''t have worked with Jennings Corporation for five years."


    She continued, "If you''re here to discuss business, you should be speaking with the business department, not with me. This kind of minor partnership is always handled by those below."


    Anya didn''t mince her words. "The partnerships I negotiate start with a minimum target of 100 million. Anything below that is of no interest to me. If there''s nothing else, Ms. Jennings, you may leave."


    She lowered her head and began reviewing documents, dismissing Wendy entirely.


    Anya''s words left Wendy feeling humiliated. Thergest deal Jennings Corporation had ever managed wasn''t even worthy of Anya''s consideration.


    The contrast made Wendy''s face burn with embarrassment as if she''d been pped.


    But Wendy wasn''t ready to give up. She asked, "Ms. Wayne, if Yel Corporation doesn''t value Jennings Corporation, then why did you choose to partner with us five years ago?"


    Anya, still focused on her documents, replied without lifting her head, "Because of one person."


    Wendy''s eyes flickered. "Could you tell me who the person is?"


    Anya replied in an instant, "Sorry, but that''s confidential."


    "Is it... Zachary?" Wendy ventured.


    Anya finally looked up, her gaze hardening as she said, "Ms. Jennings, you''re disrupting my work. My secretary will show you the way out."


    The secretary immediately stepped forward. "Ms. Jennings, this way, please."


    Wendy clenched her fists, unwilling to leave, but with Anya having issued a clear order, she couldn''t shamelessly remain any longer.


    After leaving Yel Corporation, Wendy got back into her car. She didn''t rush to drive back to the office, but instead sat quietly, reying her conversation with Anya in her mind.


    "A partnership below 100 million isn''t worth her time?" Wendy murmured, furrowing her brow. But why does she know so much about the Jennings Corporation''s partnership?


    Her thoughts lingered on Anya''s words. Who was the person who facilitated the coboration between Jennings Corporation and Yel Corporation five years ago? Five years...


    "The only person connected to five years ago is Zachary," Wendy whispered to herself. After all, that was the year they got married. But how could her marriage to Zachary be linked to Yel Corporation or Anya?


    Suddenly, a realization struck her. Zachary was just at Yel Corporation. Could it really be him?


    Driven by her suspicions, Wendy immediately pulled out her phone and dialed Zachary''s number. The call went through, but he didn''t answer.


    She tried again, and then a third time, but there was still no response. On the fourth attempt, Zachary''s phone went straight to voicemail.


    "Damn it!" Wendy mmed her phone onto the passenger seat, seething with anger. "Zachary, how dare you ignore my calls?" Wendy said to herself.


    After a moment, she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Her mind raced, considering all the possibilities.


    The most usible one seemed to be that Anya knew Zachary, or, perhaps, Anya had feelings for him.


    If she liked Zachary, it would exin why, after Wendy married him, Anya decided to partner with Jennings Corporation.


    Wendy muttered, her eyes narrowing. "It fits. The moment Zachary and I finalized the divorce, Yel Corporation canceled the partnership."


    It all made sense now with the reasons and the timing. One urrence might be a coincidence, but two? Impossible.


    Wendy concluded, her voice barely audible. "There''s no such thing as that many coincidences. Zachary, did you push Anya to cancel the partnership? Is this your revenge against me?"


    She clenched her teeth, her eyes


    cold with determination. She


    muttered to herself, "If that''s the case, you''re going to be sorely disappointed. I, Wendy Jennings, will never bow my head over a mere partnership with Yel Corporation."


    Her thoughts drifted to the previous night when she''d intentionally drunk too much and, under the guise of drunken vulnerability, made onest attempt to salvage their rtionship. But Zachary had turned her down without hesitation.


    As the heiress of the Jennings family, the General Manager of Jennings Corporation, and its future sessor, Wendy held onto her pride firmly.


    She was willing to make an effort to hold on, but lowering herself to apologize was something she would never do. Last night''s attempt to reconcile had already been her greatest concession.


    Ten minutester, in the executive office of Yel Corporation, Anya turned a phone back on and, after confirming that no more calls wereing in, curiously opened WhatsApp.


    Seeing the chat at the top of the list, she impulsively clicked on it and updated her contact name to "Sweet Secretary".


    A mischievous smile tugged at Anya''s lips as she looked at the new contact name.


    The phone belonged to Zachary. In his rush, he had forgotten it, and Anya, not wanting to bother with taking it downstairs, decided to wait for him toe back and get it himself.


    However, during this time, Wendy had gone almost mad, continuously calling Zachary. Annoyed by the relentless calls, Anya had turned the phone off.


    Back at Jennings Corporation, Wendy reported her suspicions and described Anya''s attitude in detail.


    Upon hearing that Yel Corporation''s partnership might be rted to Zachary, Harold was visibly skeptical.


    "That''s all just your spection. Do you have any proof?" he asked, his voice lined with doubt.


    "One time could be a coincidence, but twice? And today, I ran into Zachary at Yel Corporation!" Wendy pressed.


    "That still doesn''t prove anything," Harold countered, unwilling to ept it.


    As someone who had been Zachary''s father-inw for five years, he believed he knew the man well enough.


    To Harold, Zachary was a spineless man with no ambition, so how could he possibly have a connection with Yel Corporation''s Ms. Wayne?


    Given Ms. Wayne''s status and position, why would she even consider someone


    like Zachary? The two were worlds apart. Unless Ms. Wayne was blind, there was no way she would take an interest in Zachary.


    Seeing her father''s disbelief, Wendy grew anxious. She said, "Dad, if you don''t believe me, call him yourself! I''m telling you, Zachary''s definitely behind the cancetion of this partnership with Yel Corporation!"


    Harold''s face darkened, his voice turning serious. "I will ask, but not now. I''ll question him directly when the family is sitting at the dinner table tonight."


    "But I''ve already divorced him! He might note home for dinner," Wendy a.rgued


    "You two have only signed the divorce agreement. Until you get the final divorce certificate, he''s still a son-inw of the Jennings family," Harold asserted firmly. "But..." Wendy wanted to say something.


    "No buts! You contact him and tell him he muste home for dinner tonight! Tell


    him it''s my order. I refuse to believe he would dare defy me," Haroldmanded, leaving no room for argument.


    "Alright... I''ll try," Wendy replied reluctantly, knowing she had no other choice.

 Chapter 11

    Time flew by. Before anyone realized it, it was already 5:30 p.m. Most employees of Yel Corporation had started leaving by 5:00, and now, only a few remained in the office building.


    In the business department, Zachary was still poring over a client''s information.


    Across from him, Anya rested her chin on her hands, letting out a bored hum. She looked at Zachary and asked, "Do you really need to work this hard? It''s already after hours. Can''t you just finish reading those files tomorrow?"


    It was past the end of the workday, yet Zachary showed no signs of leaving. But that wasn''t what bothered Anya. What bothered her was that she really wanted to eat his cooking.


    "You don''t have to wait for me. I''ll leave after I finish reviewing these documents," Zachary replied without looking up, his attention fixed on the client files in front of him.


    His job involved maintaining client rtions, somewhat like a customer service role. Most of the time, it was an easy gig, but asionally, things got hectic.


    When everything was smooth, Zachary could take it easy and even ck off a bit. But when issues arose, he got busy and sometimes had to face angry clients.


    Anya rolled her eyes as she spoke. "Do you think I want to wait for you? I just want to eat your cooking."


    Compared to yesterday, she seemed bolder now. After spending more time with Zachary, she realized that despite his status, he didn''t have the arrogance of a rich heir. He was surprisingly easygoing.


    Zachary looked up at her briefly before putting down the files.


    Upon seeing this, Anya raised an eyebrow, confused. "What? Are you done?"


    "You said you wanted to eat my cooking, right? Let''s go. If we wait any longer, the market will be closed," he said as he tidied up the files, shut down hisputer, and headed toward the elevator.


    Anya grabbed her bag and quickly followed.


    As they walked side-by-side, she tilted her head, grinning as she said, "Mr. Lloyd, I''m starting to realize you''re not just a patient man. You''re quite considerate too! Men like you, hmm... are a real catch."


    She spoke with a yful glint in her eyes, her tone lighthearted. However, Zachary frowned and shot her a warning look.


    "Don''t flirt with me," he said sternly.


    Anya giggled in response. After she stoppedughing, she noticed something surprising. Zachary''s ears had turned a faint shade of red.


    It was like discovering a new secret. Just as she was about to tease him further, Zachary''s phone suddenly rang. He took it out and answered without thinking.


    "Hello? Who is this?"


    "Who is this? Zachary, did you delete my number?" Wendy''s voice came through the receiver, carrying an unmistakable tone of usation.


    Zachary replied coldly, his tone distant. "Apologies, Ms. Jennings, we''ve signed the divorce agreement. My affairs are none of your concern."


    "Zachary!" Wendy''s angry voice came loud and clear.


    Zachary remained silent, simply listening. He even considered hanging up the phone.


    There was a heavy sigh on the other end, and Wendy''s tone softened a bit as she said, "Today is Friday. Don''t forget toe to my parents'' house for dinner."


    Without a second thought, Zachary refused. "Sorry. I''m busy tonight. And I don''t see the point anymore."


    Wendy''s voice turned sharp again. "We''ve signed the agreement, but we haven''t finalized the divorce in court. Legally, we''re still married. And as long as we are, it''s necessary."


    Her determination was clear. She wouldn''t let this go.


    Zachary thought it over but still turned her down. "I''ve already promised a friend I''d cook for her tonight."


    There was a brief pause, then Wendy''s voice returned, slightly tense. "A friend? Is it a woman? What''s your rtionship with her? Do I know her?"


    Zachary nced at Anya, then replied, "Yes, it''s a woman. We''re just friends, and I''m not sure if you know her."


    Wendy''s tone became almost pleading. "A woman? Zachary, not all women out there are as trustworthy as you think. Be careful, don''t let anyone deceive you."


    "That is my business, not yours. Worry about yourself," Zachary said, his patience wearing thin. "If there''s nothing else, I''m hanging up now."


    Just as he was about to disconnect the call, Anya suddenly leaned over, her voice soft and yful as she called out loudly, "Honey, who are you talking to?"


    "What?" Zachary blinked, turning to look at Anya in confusion.


    She shot him a mischievous smile and winked.


    "Zachary!" Wendy''s furious voice echoed from the phone speaker, loud enough that both Zachary and Anya could hear it clearly, even without the speaker on.


    Without hesitation, Zachary ended the call.


    Anya half-expected him to get angry, or at the very least scold her. But to her surprise, Zachary just gave her a quick nce and said, "Don''t do that again."


    With that, he walked straight into the elevator.


    "Is this guy a saint or something? Where''s his temper" Anya muttered under her breath, quickly following him into the elevator.


    Zachary remained silent, his eyes distant, still mulling over Wendy''s call.


    Every Friday, Wendy would finish work and pick him up to have dinner at her parents'' house. This had been their routine for five years.


    But each time, Harold would wear a stern expression and find fault with everything he did.


    He''d either use Zachary of being a freeloader or say that he wasn''t taking good enough care of Wendy.


    But the most frequent criticism was how the sons of other families were so aplished, like how much money they earned and how well they treated their inws.


    During these dinners, Zachary would


    remain silent, keeping his head


    down white Harold would m hisz cutlery down and berate him in front of everyone. This weekly ritual was something Zachary had grown ustomed to.


    In his mind, as long as he was married to Wendy, it was just a meal with her family once a week. There was no need to make things unpleasant.


    Since Wendy was Harold''s beloved daughter, Zachary couldn''t bring himself to argue or defy her father.


    The way Zachary saw it, he didn''t want to put Wendy in a difficult position. As for any humiliation, he could bear it.


    But now, there was no need to endure it anymore. They were preparing for divorce, so why should he keep suffering Harold''s scorn?


    The elevator doors opened, and Zachary stepped out. Just then, kis phone beeped with a text message. He checked it and saw that it was from Wendy. Her message was blunt.


    "Tonight, you muste to dinner Otherwise, I won''t go to the


    finalize the divorce," she had written, the threat clear between the lines.


    courthouse with you one


    Zachary felt his anger re as he read the message. Wendy was trying to threaten


    him.

 Chapter 12

    After careful consideration, Zachary decided to go. It wasn''t Wendy''s threat that swayed him. It was just that he wanted to take this opportunity to inform his in-ws about his and Wendy''s impending divorce.


    While he held no fondness for Harold, he did have a sense of gratitude toward Wendy''s mother.


    Throughout his five-year marriage to Wendy, Harold had always treated him with disdain, throwing cold remarks at every chance. But Wendy''s mother had always seen potential in him and treated him well.


    Every time they met, she expressed concern for him, asking how he was and showing him a warmth that felt almost familial.


    She even scolded Wendy a few times for neglecting him, which sometimes led to Wendy snapping back at her, iming her mother was forgetting her own daughter for the sake of a son-inw.


    Thinking about Wendy''s mother, Zachary felt that, even if they were to divorce, he owed Wendy''s mother a proper exnation. It was a matter of basic respect for someone who had treated him like family.


    "Tonight, I might not be able to cook for you," Zachary said to Anya, his tone apologetic. "Maybe you can make do with something simple?"


    "That''s fine. Just make up for it tomorrow!" Anya replied, her disappointment apparent but her tone amodating.


    Zachary smiled in appreciation and nodded. As they stepped out of the building, Anya offered, "It''s not a great time to get a cab. How about I drive you to Wendy''s house?"


    It was rush hour, and finding a cab would indeed be challenging. The nearest bus and subway stations were also a bit of a walk away.


    Realizing this, Zachary hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "If it''s not too much trouble."


    "No trouble at all. I drive you, and you cook for me. It''s a fair trade, isn''t it?" Anya quipped with a grin, her smile radiant as she briskly walked towards her red Ferrari parked nearby.


    Momentster, Anya pulled up to the curb with the car, and Zachary got in, giving her the address of his inws'' home.


    The rest of the drive passed in silence. When they reached his destination, Anya parked the car and watched as Zachary entered the gatedmunity.


    Wendy''s parents lived in a spacious suite in a high-end riversideplex. The ce was over 200 square meters in size, surrounded by a serene environment, and valued at more than eight million.


    Zachary rang the doorbell. Momentster, the door swung open, revealing his mother-inw, Fiona Lynch. She was wearing an apron and holding a spat. Her face was lit up with a warm, affectionate smile.


    Fiona called out enthusiastically, "Zachary, you''re here! Come in quickly and have a seat. Wendy, get Zachary some water! And I''m making your favorite shrimp croquettes. Dinner will be ready soon!"


    Her warmth was as familiar as ever. When she looked at Zachary, it was as if she were looking at her own son.


    Aforting warmth spread through Zachary''s chest. He nodded with a smile, changed into the house slippers, and made his way to the living room. Fiona, satisfied, returned to the kitchen.


    In the living room, Harold sat on the couch, legs crossed as he read the newspaper.


    Wendy was sitting nearby, ying on her phone. She nced up when she heard Zacharye in, but after giving him a brief look, she went back to her phone, uninterested.


    The atmosphere was tense, but Zachary had grown used to it. Instead of sitting down, he headed straight for the kitchen to help Fiona with the cooking.


    Before long, thest dish was ready. Zachary took it upon himself to set the table and pulled out a chair for Fiona.


    "You''re always so considerate, Zachary!" Fiona beamed and shot Harold and Wendy a re. "Not like these two who sit around like lords waiting to be served!"


    Once everyone was seated, Harold, as per usual, began criticizing Zachary. Fiona, trying to keep the peace, attempted to defend him, but Harold''s reproach only intensified, and he seemed on the verge of losing his temper.


    Wendy didn''t care. She simply picked up her fork, ready to dig in. Just as she picked up a buffalo wing and was about to take a bite, Zachary spoke up. "Dad, there''s no need to be so angry. I''ve already decided to divorce Wendy."


    The room fell silent, the shock written on each of their faces. Harold was taken aback. Though Wendy had mentioned divorce before, he''d dismissed it as mere empty words.


    Wendy''s face went pale, her expression frozen.


    Fiona was the most visibly shaken. She asked, "Divorce? Why? Why would you want to divorce?"


    She put down her fork and looked at Zachary with a mix of heartbreak and concern. Then, she turned to Wendy and pped her on the back of the head.


    "Wendy, what did you do this time? I''ve told you so many times! Work isn''t everything. Family is what matters.


    "How many times have you ignored Zachary''s feelings because of your job? Is that how a wife should behave?" Fiona scolded, her voiceced with both anger and frustration.


    Wendy protested, feeling wronged. "Mom, why are you hitting me? I wasn''t the one who brought up the divorce!"


    Fiona snapped. "Even if you didn''t, so what? I know Zachary''s temperament. He wouldn''t ask for a divorce unless you did something to seriously hurt him! He loves you, and everyone can see that!"


    She jabbed her finger in Wendy''s face. "You foolish girl! Haven''t I told you in private? Zachary is a good man. You have to cherish him. Why can''t you understand that?


    "What will it take, huh? For you to lose him, watch him marry someone else, and then feel the regret?" Fiona pressed.


    Wendy had been ready to argue, but when she heard her mother mention the idea of Zachary starting a family with someone else, her mind shed back to the voice of the woman in that phone call earlier.


    She fell silent.


    Seeing Wendy quiet down, Fiona turned back to Zachary with a look of pleading


    in her eyes.


    She said softly, "Zachary, I know


    you''re angry and hurt right now. But


    please can''t you hold off on the divorce for my sake? Let''s sit down as a family and talk things through. Can you give it another chance?"


    This was the first time Fiona had ever spoken to Zachary in such a tone. It made Zachary feel a mix of guilt and sorrow.


    Fiona had treated him like her own son since the day he married Wendy. She understood him better than anyone else in this household.


    Every time Harold scolded him, Fiona would secretly give Harold a piece of her mind and find Zachary tofort him.


    He remembered once, in passing, mentioning he was a premature baby and that his health had always been weaker.


    Ever since then, Fiona would spend hours every day making soup for him, and she did this for a whole month without fail.


    Fiona once said, "It doesn''t matter what you were like before, What matters is now you''re my son too, and I''ll take care of my son."


    Thinking of that, Zachary''s resolve began to waver. Not because of Wendy, but because of Fiona. He couldn''t bear to see her hurt.


    Seeing Zachary hesitate, Fiona was about to say more when Harold suddenly mmed his hand on the table.


    "Zachary, are you even a man? Using divorce as a threat? What kind of behavior


    is that?"


    "For five years, Wendy has worked


    tirelessly to build her career, going to and from work every day. Hasn''t she contributed just as much as you have?" Harold demanded, hi@tone sharp with disapproval.


    "You can''t even manage the household properly, and now you want a divorce? Is


    this how you act as a husband and a son-inw?" he continued, ring at Zachary with a look of stern authority.


    Wendy lowered her head slightly, but a faint smirk yed at the corners of her lips. Fiona was furious.


    She scolded, "Harold, what''s wrong with you? Yes, Wendy has contributed, but so has Zachary! If it weren''t for him, do you think Wendy could focus on her career without worry?"


    Harold barked, his brows furrowing. "Shut up! It''s your fault for spoiling him all these years! They say a mother''s overindulgence spoils her child, and it''s absolutely true."


    He snapped and shouted at Fiona, "If you hadn''t always contradicted me and spoken up for him, would he have turned out this way?


    "He has no respect for his elders, doing whatever he pleases! He doesn''t care about us at all, and yet you keep defending him. Are you losing your mind?" Harold, uncharacteristically, was raising his voice at Fiona. Her chest heaved with anger, and her face turned red.


    Fiona shot back, "Fine! It''s all my fault, is it? Harold, I''ve had enough! If you want to keep living like this, be my guest, but I''m done!"


    Fiona stood up, her face set with determination, and grabbed Zachary''s arm.


    "Zachary,e with me. Since this family doesn''t need us, we''ll move out! I refuse to stay in a house that treats us like this!" she dered, her voice resolute. Harold growled, "Ridiculous! Fiona, you''re not a child. Stop acting like this and threatening to leave."


    Fiona retorted coldly, "Think what you want. But if Zachary leaves this house, so will I. If the two of you don''t apologize to him today, I won''t back down."


    She was firm in her stance, dragging Zachary toward the door. "Enough!" Wendy couldn''t sit still any longer. She shot up from her seat, her eyes


    red with fury.


    She yelled, "Zachary, are you happy now? Is this what you wanted, to turn this family upside down? All for a divorce?"


    "If that''s what you want, fine! On Monday, I''ll go to the courthouse with you to


    finalize it. But right now, get out! Get out of my house!" Her voice was cracking with anger.


    "I never want to see-" Before Wendy could finish, Fiona stormed over, raising her hand and pping Wendy hard across the face.


    Fiona''s voice shook with fury. She said, "You foolish girl! How could I have raised someone so thoughtless?"


    She had done everything she could to fix things, to save Wendy and Zachary''s marriage. But this ungrateful girl just couldn''t see it and was acting out instead. Did she really think that raising her voice meant she was in the right?

 Chapter 13

    "Mom, did you just hit me for him?" Wendy held her cheek, eyes wide with disbelief.


    Fiona had neverid a hand on her, not once in her entire life. But today, her mother had struck her for Zachary, her son-inw, an outsider.


    The realization hit Wendy hard, and an overwhelming sense of injustice washed over her. Her eyes reddened, and tears spilled uncontrobly down her cheeks.


    "Wendy, I¡ª" Fiona reached out, her voice tinged with regret, trying to find words offort.


    But before she could say anything, Wendy shot a bitter re at Zachary and stormed out of the house.


    As she passed Zachary, she didn''t hide the anger and hurt in her eyes, giving him onest venomous look.


    "Wendy, where are you going?" Fiona called after her, but Wendy didn''t look back and disappeared down the hallway in seconds.


    Fiona instinctively moved to chase after her daughter but stopped short after a few steps.


    She turned to Zachary, her eyes pleading. "Zac, please, go after her. I''m worried she might do something silly!"


    "Alright." Zachary couldn''t refuse her request. "Take care of yourself, Fiona." With that, he turned and walked out the door.


    As Zachary stepped outside, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. Facing Harold or even Wendy hadn''t been his biggest challenge today. It had been dealing with Fiona.


    Fiona had always been so kind to him, and he had dreaded the moment he would have to break the news of the divorce to her.


    He had imagined countless oues, but none quite like what had just unfolded. Still, he had done it. The hardest part was over.


    Harold would likely ept the situation. Fiona, even if she objected, wouldn''t be able to change his or Wendy''s decision in the end.


    Inside the house, with both Wendy and Zachary gone, only Harold and Fiona remained. Fiona, still shaken, returned to the dining table and sat down, her face etched with worry.


    She looked at her husband and asked, "Harold, do you really want to see Wendy go through a divorce?"


    Harold replied calmly, "This is between the two of them. If they want a divorce, then so be it. We have no right to interfere."


    Wendy had good looks and a refined demeanor, but more importantly, she had the skills to manage apany.


    Even if she got divorced, with her qualities, finding another partner wouldn''t be an issue.


    In fact, she could very well end up with someone more suited to her, a partner who could not only match her status but also support her career ambitions.


    Fiona''s brow furrowed as she spoke. "I know you''ve never liked Zac, but it was my idea to have him stay home and take care of Wendy. You''ve seen how well he''s looked after her these past five years."


    Fiona sighed as she continued, "Zac''s a good man. If it were up to me, I''d want them to work things out."


    Harold said, his voice steady, "Children live their own lives. As parents, we shouldn''t meddle too much. Let them figure it out."


    Finishing his thought, Harold poured himself another drink and continued to sip quietly.


    Fiona, disheartened, picked up her fork, but the food on her te held no appeal. She muttered, setting her fork down, "You go ahead and eat. I''m going to bed."


    Harold frowned but said nothing as Fiona rose and left the room.


    ...


    On the other side, Zachary descended the stairs and began looking around theplex for Wendy. He knew her too well. Wendy would get upset and storm out, but she would never actually leave the neighborhood.


    As expected, after a short search, he found her sitting by a flowerbed. Wendy was crouched on the ground, clutching her phone and wiping away tears.


    Zachary had seen this scene countless times. Every time she argued with her father, Wendy would find a quiet corner in the neighborhood to cry. This time was no different.


    Just as he was about to approach her, Zachary overheard Wendy speaking on the phone.


    "Ethan, don''t worry about things at home. I''ll take care of thepany. I can help you with the money issue..." Wendy''s voice was soft but firm, betraying no hesitation.


    His steps came to a sudden halt. Zachary let out a bitterugh. Why would she need hisfort now? She had Ethan.


    With that thought, he turned away and sent Fiona a message, letting her know Wendy was safe downstairs.


    After sending the text, he headed


    towards the exit of theplex. He


    nned to hail a cab back to the


    Bayville Vi District, but when he reached the gate, he noticed Anya''s red Ferrari parked by the curb.


    Anya honked lightly, rolling down the window and leaning her head out. She


    waved at Zachary, signaling for him toe over.


    Zachary walked over, a bit surprised. He asked Anya, "You''ve been waiting here this whole time?"


    Anya smiled, her eyes curving into crescents. She replied in an instant, "Of course! Touched?"


    "You didn''t have to wait for me," Zachary said with a rueful smile.


    Zachary hadn''t expected Anya to be waiting for him at the entrance of themunity.


    Anya''s expression turned serious. "I think it was absolutely necessary."


    Zachary scratched his nose, momentarily speechless.


    "I''m starving. When we get back, you''re making me pasta," Anyained, half-pouting.


    Zachary looked at her, somewhat baffled by her unexpected request, but he nodded in agreement. He climbed into the passenger seat, closed the door, and buckled his seatbelt.


    The roar of the engine filled the air as Anya started the car.


    At that moment, Wendy was also pulling out of theplex in her own car. As she nced over,


    Wendy caught sight of Zachary


    the passenger seat of a sleek sports car driven by a woman. Her heart


    sank.


    For a moment, she froze, but she quicklyposed herself. By the time she snapped back to reality, the red Ferrari had already sped off into the distance.


    "Zachary, how could you be with another woman behind my back?" Wendy gritted her teeth as she pulled out her phone to call Zachary.


    She needed to find out who the woman was that hade between them and was destroying her marriage.


    As soon as the call connected, however, Zachary hung up. Wendy refused to give up, dialing three more times, but each time, as soon as the call connected, Zachary would cut her off again.


    Frustrated, Wendy opened WhatsApp and typed out two usatory messages, sending them off in quick session.


    "Zachary, you want a divorce, but it''s not because of Ethan, is it? You''ve been cheating on me all along, haven''t you?" she wrote, her fingers trembling with anger.


    With a determined expression, she quickly added the second message. "How could you do this to me? As a married man, you shouldn''t be involved with other women! Or is it to make


    that you want a divorce just rel


    room for your mistress? So you can give her a title?"


    The first message was sent sessfully, but the second one didn''t go through.


    Just as she hit send, a red exmation mark appeared in the chat window.


    Zachary had blocked her!


    "Bastard!" Wendy shouted angrily.


    Wendy''s anger surged, transforming her initial frustration into rage. She wanted to


    chase after that red sports car, g it down, and confront the woman who had stolen her husband.


    She envisioned storming up to that hussy, pping her across the face, and shouting, "This is my man!"


    The thought fueled her fury, but reality quickly set in. There was no way she could catch up to that red supercar, which had already vanished from sight.


    With tears in her eyes and her chest heaving, Wendy murmured, "Zachary, I will never forgive your betrayal."

 Chapter 14

    Meanwhile, inside the Ferrari, Zachary shoved his phone into his pocket and gazed out the window at the fleeting night scenery.


    The atmosphere in the car felt strange. He was feeling a bit down and didn''t want to talk, but Anya seemed to have an endless supply of chatter.


    "Are you in a bad mood? Is it because of your ex-wife?" she asked, her tone light but inquisitive.


    Anya pressed on. "Mr. Lloyd, I''m not very good atforting people, but honestly, with your qualities, what kind of woman can''t you find?"


    She continued, her words flowing like a river. "There are thousands of women in the world and even more beautiful ones. If your ex-wife can''t see your worth, that''s her loss."


    She continued saying, "You shouldn''t be like her. You need to open your eyes and look around. There are so many girls around you who are more outstanding, prettier, and more charming than your ex-wife!"


    "Mr. Lloyd, why are you closing your eyes?" Anya said, noticing he wasn''t engaging with her.


    Seeing Zachary ignore her, Anya pouted a little but quickly perked up, her eyes sparkling as she teased, "Oh my darling, you talk about emptiness, but you''re closing your eyes. If you opened them and looked at me, I wouldn''t believe you''d find nothing."


    "Oh, my darling..." Anya continued to tease Zachary.


    Zachary, though merely resting his eyes, wasn''t asleep. Anya''s quirky teasing was too amusing to resist. He finally opened his eyes, suppressing augh, and shot her a mock re.


    "Anya, you''re supposed to be the goddess in the eyes of countless men in Yelbric. Can''t you maintain your image and reputation?"


    Anya shed a flirtatious smile, her charm undeniable. "Oh, so you recognize me as a goddess? I''m giving you a chance to pursue me. Think it over, don''t be ungrateful!"


    "Enough! I told you, don''t tease me!" Zachary eximed, feeling a little overwhelmed.


    His previously heavy mood was lifted significantly by Anya''s yful teasing.


    Anya smirked, unfazed by his protest. "What''s wrong with teasing you? Keepining, and I might just pin you down and kiss you right here in the car!"


    Zachary raised an eyebrow, speechless.


    Looking at Anya, the perfect goddess, he couldn''t help but question life. Was this really her true nature?


    It seemed that appearances were deceiving. She looked sophisticated and graceful on the outside, yet inside, she was a total goofball.


    He wondered how the men in Yelbric would react if they discovered their beloved goddess was actually such a silly person.


    With Anya''s yful energy, the mood in the car shifted to something much more cheerful. The negativity surrounding thoughts of Wendy and his inws faded away, reced byughter and lighthearted gossip as they chatted freely, sharing genuine smiles andughter.


    Back at the vi, Anya wasted no time and rushed upstairs to take a shower.


    Before heading up, she called out to Zachary, "Mr. Lloyd, hurry and make the pasta! Don''t forget to add some meatballs. I love meatballs!"


    With that, she dashed upstairs. Zachary, just having changed his shoes, couldn''t help but roll his eyes at her urgency.


    "Who''s the spoiled one here?" he thought, bemused. "She calls me ''Mr. Lloyd'' but expects me to do all the chores?"


    Despite his disbelief, Zachary headed straight into the kitchen. About ten minutester, he finished cooking the pasta and made his way upstairs.


    He knocked on Anya''s door and said, "The pasta is ready! Come down and eat them while it''s hot!"


    As he turned to leave, Anya''s voice called out from inside the room, "Mr. Lloyd, the door is open! Can youe in and help me with something?"


    Curiosity piqued, Zachary twisted the doorknob and walked in. The master bedroom had a girlish decor, dominated by pink and white hues.


    Being in a girl''s room, he merely cast a casual nce around before his attention


    was drawn to the sound of Anya in the bathroom.


    "Mr. Lloyd, I forgot to grab my clothes. Can you help me get a whitece


    nightgown from the wardrobe?" she asked.


    Without thinking much, Zachary walked over to the wardrobe. As he slid the door open, he was momentarily stunned by what he saw.


    His face flushed crimson, and he quickly backed away, his heart racing.


    He stammered before he bolted out of the room, "You can get it yourself, I''m heading downstairs."


    With a loud creak, the bathroom door swung open. Anya poked her head out, scanning the room to ensure Zachary was gone before stepping out.


    Her hair was damp, and she was wrapped in a pink towel that barely covered her.


    Swathes of her creamy skin were exposed to the air. Her elegant


    shoulders, delicate corbone


    and


    slender, wless arms, not mention her long, smooth legs.


    Her skin glistened softly, and she looked like a living work of art.


    Sauntering over to the open wardrobe, Anya wore a teasing smile and murmured,


    "You''re a married man, yet you''re still so shy?"


    Inside the wardrobe hung various styles of sleepwear, mostly sheer and delicate, some even with


    matching lingerie that left little to the imagination.


    Anya chose a rtively conservative one, changed quickly, and hummed a


    cheerful tune as she emerged from her room.


    At the dining table, Zachary was focused on his pasta when he heard footsteps approaching from the hallway.


    He nced up and caught sight of Anya, looking fresh and radiant. For a brief moment, surprise flickered in his eyes, but after a quick look, he returned to his meal.


    Anya strolled over, gliding past him. The air was suddenly filled with a delightful scent of the shower gel she had used.


    Zachary felt a rare warmth creep onto his cheeks, whether it was from the steam of the freshly cooked pasta or Anya''s presence, he couldn''t tell.


    "Mr. Lloyd, I didn''t expect you to be such a great cook! This pasta is amazing!" Anya praised as she dug into her bowl.


    Zachary said nothing, finishing his meal in a rush before standing up to head upstairs.


    Just as he reached the stairs, a thought struck him. He turned to Anya and said, "Leave the dishes. I''ll take care of them in the morning!"


    After saying that, Zachary quickly headed upstairs, and soon Anya heard the sound of a door closing from the second floor.


    Watching Zachary retreat, Anya tilted her head, unable to suppress the grin on her


    lips.


    She whispered to herself, "The domineering female CEO and her pure-hearted Mr. Lloyd? This story seems quite interesting!"

 Chapter 15

    Time flew by, and the weekend passed in the blink of an eye. Monday morning soon arrived.


    Zachary and Anya left the house together, but they didn''t head straight to the office.


    Before they set off, Zachary had sent Wendy a text, reminding her not to forget their appointment at the courthouse to finalize their divorce.


    Just after he sent the message, Anya unexpectedly pulled the car to a stop by the side of the road.


    Zachary turned to look at her, confused, as she unbuckled her seatbelt. Anya raised her eyebrows, motioning for him to get out of the car.


    She huffed, rolling her eyes. "Come on, Mr. Lloyd, a little cooperation would be nice. Get out already!"


    Seeing his nk stare, Anya clicked her tongue in mild annoyance. She said, "If you want the horse to run, you have to feed it first, right?"


    Zachary had no choice but to follow her out of the car. They had stopped in front of a ce called "Taco House".


    Once inside, Anya walked up to the cashier and ordered two servings of beef tacos, one of them with extra spice.


    Zachary didn''t give it much thought, assuming that Anya liked spicy food. But when the order came, Anya pushed the spicier te toward him.


    "How did you know I like spicy food?" Zachary asked, a bit surprised.


    Anya said casually between small bites of her taco, "I''m not blind. You barely put chili in the dishes you cooked, but each time, you were the one who ate all of it."


    A warmth spread through Zachary''s chest. Wendy had never noticed that he liked spicy food, but Anya had picked up on it almost immediately. She had even remembered.


    Zachary had always loved spicy food, and practically lived for it, but because Wendy couldn''t handle spicy dishes, he''d rarely used chili while cooking, except when absolutely necessary.


    During their five years of marriage, he had gone out of his way to amodate Wendy''s preferences, sometimes even forgetting his own.


    This often led Wendy to tease him, asking how he could possibly not have anything he liked.


    But in truth, it wasn''t that he liked nothing. It was just that he chose not to show it, or deliberately hid it for the sake of someone else.


    Zachary wasn''t a fan of tacos, but this taco ce Anya had found served food so good that he ended up finishing his entire te of extra-spicy beef tacos.


    Anya asked with a smug grin, "Well? Pretty good, huh?"


    She had only eaten half of her taco, but she''d picked out all the beef. Clearly, she had a particr fondness for it.


    Zachary smiled and nodded. "Yeah. It was really good. I liked it."


    Just then, Anya pulled two napkins from the dispenser. She extended her hand, and Zachary instinctively reached out to take them.


    But before he could, Anya used one of the napkins to wipe the sauce from the corner of his mouth. The casual, almost intimate gesture took Zachary by surprise.


    By the time he registered what was happening, Anya had already pulled her hand away. She rested her chin on her palms, her bright eyes watching him with an amused glint.


    Zachary felt his face grow warm but tried to maintain hisposure. He muttered, trying to sound stern, "You shouldn''t do that. People might get the wrong idea."


    "Wrong idea about what?" Anya asked, her eyes twinkling.


    Zachary replied, "You''re not in a rtionship. If someone with bad intentions saw that and snapped a photo, it might make things harder for you in the future."


    Anya chuckled, a sly smile spreading across her face. "That''d be perfect!"


    Her response left Zachary speechless. He could see it now. This CEO, who was so cold andmanding at work, was an absolute joker outside the office.


    Suddenly, the notification tone of a message rang out. Zachary pulled out his phone to check. It was from Wendy.


    The contents, however, left him simmering with anger.


    Wendy texted him that said,


    "Zachary, you think you can just say ''divorce'' and that''s it? Why should agree? Since you''ve been unfaithful to me t''ll make sure you understand what it feels like to be betrayed by your own wife!"


    After reading the message, the good mood he had just moments ago instantly soured. Unfaithful? She had the nerve to use him of being unfaithful?


    The reality was that it was Wendy who had betrayed their rtionship. Now, she was twisting things, making it look like he was the one to me. What was she trying to do?


    Noticing his sudden change in expression, Anya cautiously probed, "Did your ex- wife bully you again?"


    Zachary looked up, confusion in his eyes. "Why do you assume she''s bullying me?"


    Anya started to say something, her tone more serious than usual, "Mr. Lloyd, before I answer that, you need to promise me you won''t get mad, no matter what I say."


    "Alright. I won''t get mad. Say what you want." Zachary replied.


    Anya hesitated for a second before blurting out, "Mr. Lloyd, don''t you realize... you''re kind of like a pushover?"


    Zachary was stunned into silence.


    Thinking she might have gone too far, Anya quickly tried to exin herself. "Mr. Lloyd, don''t get me wrong-"


    "I''m not misunderstanding you," Zachary interrupted, rubbing his temple in exasperation. "And honestly, you''re making it worse by exining yourself."


    She was the CEO of thepany, a woman hailed as a goddess by countless men in the city. Yet, her thoughts were often anything but sophisticated.


    Anya coughed awkwardly, a rare blush tinging her fair cheeks. "Mr. Lloyd, should we still go to the courthouseter?"


    Zachary replied after some thought, "No need for now. Let''s head to the office first. When you have time, help me get the paperwork ready to file for a divorcewsuit. I''m not really familiar with the process, so I''ll have to trouble you with it."


    "Sure thing, Mr. Lloyd!" Anya said, nodding. She stood up to pay for their meal before they both got back into the car and headed to Yel Corporation.


    Over the weekend, Zachary had thoroughly reviewed thepany''s client information. So, when an issue arose with a major client that required someone to smooth things over, he volunteered without hesitation.


    The business department manager was pleased with Zachary''s proactive attitude.


    He patted Zachary on the shoulder and handed him a file. He said, "Zac, the client


    is having a birthday celebration tonight at Starry Sky Nightclub at 10:00 p.m.


    "I managed to snag an invitation, so I need you to be there and make sure they''re happy. The fault this time lies with ourpany, so your job is to pacify them and ensure that the coboration continues smoothly."


    Zachary nodded and replied, "Understood. I''ll do my best."


    "That''s good. I appreciate the hard work!" The manager chuckled and returned to his office.


    Zachary opened the file, scanning through the client''s information, until he froze at


    a familiar name.


    "Ellen Stewart?" His brows furrowed.


    Ellen was Wendy''s best friend, a pretty and well-off socialite. Her family primarily worked in the garment industry. They owned three clothing factories and had assets worth tens of millions.


    Three years ago, Ellen had fallen out with Wendy over Zachary. The reason? One night, while drunk, Ellen had tried to kiss Zachary and seduce him.


    He rejected her advances and reported the incident to Wendy. In a fit of anger, Wendy ended her friendship with Ellen. They hadn''t spoken since.


    "This task... isn''t going to be easy," Zachary muttered, pinching the bridge of his


    nose.


    But there was no going back, so he had no choice but to face it head-on.

 Chapter 16

    The workday passed quickly, and before long, it was already 3:30 p.m.


    Since he had to meet with Ellen, Zachary had already informed his manager. After work, he hailed a cab and headed straight to Starry Sky Nightclub.


    Following the directions from his manager''s message, Zachary found the private room where Ellen was. He knocked on the door and, with a light push, stepped inside.


    Upon entering, Zachary immediately noticed a few familiar faces. There were eight people in the room, but his eyes naturallynded on Ellen.


    She was dressed in a white tight-fitting T-shirt and denim shorts, with wavy long hair casually draped over her shoulders, her face adorned with delicate makeup.


    Compared to three years ago, she now carried a more mature air. Ellen wasn''t just like anyone. ording to Wendy, she had been the belle of their college ss.


    Besides Ellen, there were seven others. Of these, three faces vaguely rang a bell, likely her old college ssmates.


    The other four, however, were strangers to Zachary, probably new friends she''d metter.


    "Zachary?" Ellen''s expression shifted to one of surprise as she saw him enter as if she hadn''t expected him to appear at her birthday gathering.


    He said in a formal tone "Hi, Ms. Stewart. I''m a representative from Yel


    Corporation, and I''m here to discuss the cooperation project..."


    But before he could finish, it was clear that Ellen wasn''t really listening. She kept


    her eyes on him, a hint of something yful in her expression.


    She interjected, "You''re back to work? Does Wendy know about this?"


    One of the friends called out, grinning. "Birthday girl, today''s your celebration. Can''t you set work matters aside for now? Are we not here to have some fun together?"


    Another chimed in, rolling her eyes. "Exactly! Ms. Stewart, you''re being unfair. We came all the way here to celebrate with you, and you''re going to leave us for work?"


    A third friend teased, ncing at Zachary. "Ellen, this salesman''s kinda cute. Why don''t you introduce us? I''m single, you know?"


    One by one, the young men and women in the room joined in, teasing andughing.


    Ellen''s brow furrowed in irritation, and she snapped, "Shut up, all of you! Pause the music!"


    With thatmand, the room fell silent. Ellen motioned for Zachary to take the seat next to her.


    Having no choice if he wanted to aplish his task, he nodded andplied. The moment he sat down, Ellen poured three drinks for him. There was a ss of white liquor, a ss of red wine, and a beer.


    Putting down the bottles, she looked at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She said, "Today''s my birthday. If you want to talk business, you''ll have to drink these three drinks first to show your sincerity."


    It was clear to anyone paying attention that Ellen was deliberately making things difficult for Zachary.


    One of her friends chimed in, "Business discussions happen over drinks. Drinking three sses to show respect for the client is basic etiquette."


    Another friend of Ellen remarked with a smirk. "Ellen, this guy doesn''t seem to have much experience. Shouldn''t he be pouring the drinks himself and offering them to you first?"


    A girl called out with a grin. "Hey, handsome, if you want to discuss business, hurry up and drink. If you do, we might not just talk business, we might even talk romance."


    The young crowd in the private room was already starting to cheer.


    Zachary''s expression turned a bit grim, but for the sake of his job, he gritted his teeth, picked up a ss of beer, and downed it in one go. He followed it with a ss of red wine and then the white.


    After the three drinks, Zachary''s stomach burned with a searing sensation. Drinking on an empty stomach was a sure way to get drunk quickly, especially when it was three different types of alcohol.


    Within minutes, Zachary started to feel dizzy. Seeing Zachary chug down three sses, the young people in the room erupted in cheers.


    "Hey man! Not bad! Come on. Let me toast you with a drink. Bottoms up!" one guy called out, raising his ss.


    "Hey, this guy isn''t worthy. You''ve just had three drinks. Your stomach must be burning, right? Here, eat a grape to settle it," another woman teased, her voice dripping with amusement.


    "Charlotte Anderson, can you not trash-talk me while trying to flirt?" someone else retorted, making the room burst intoughter.


    Amid the raucous atmosphere, Zachary responded with polite smiles, keeping hisposure as best he could.


    At that moment, Ellen pulled out her phone to y a song. She handed Zachary a microphone, suggesting, "How about a duet?"


    Zachary instinctively wanted to refuse. Ever since he had been with Wendy, he had never sung a love song with another woman.


    But with their divorce looming and knowing he was here on business, he reluctantly took the microphone.


    The song Ellen chose was "Marry You", the same song Zachary had sung with Wendy on their wedding day.


    He knew the lyrics by heart, and the moment he began to sing, everyone in the room was captivated by his voice.


    When the song ended, Zachary felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. But the crowd wasn''t about to let him go. As soon as he finished singing, more toasts came his way.


    ss after ss, he found himself struggling to keep up. It wasn''t long before he was thoroughly drunk.


    It was then that Ellen leaned in, using the pretense of discussing business, and wrapped her arm around his neck.


    Before Zachary could react, she forcefully pushed him onto the sofa and leaned in for a kiss.


    The sound of a camera shutter startled Zachary awake. He tried to resist, but Ellen clung to him like an octopus, her grip around his neck tight and unrelenting.


    Her kiss was intense and dominating, leaving Zachary gasping for air. The noise of the room didn''t stop. It grew louder, with people counting down or jokingly timing how long the kisssted.


    Zachary attempted to stand, but the throbbing in his head was relentless, and he copsed back onto the sofa, utterly drained.


    Ellen sat beside him, her crossed legs resting gracefully, her eyes glimmering with an emotion Zachary couldn''t decipher.


    "Zachary," Ellen''s voice cut through the haze in his mind. "Does this kiss feel familiar? Isn''t it just like three years ago?"


    Her words barely registered as another dizzy spell overtook him, and Zachary slipped into unconsciousness.


    "Send me the video of our duet and the kiss from earlier!" Ellen instructed, adjusting the air conditioner''s temperature up a few degrees.


    She then turned to her friend and asked for the recording. After receiving the video, Ellen had two guys help carry Zachary to her car.


    Outside the nightclub...


    "The tab for tonight is on me, guys. Have fun and enjoy yourselves. I''m heading out. Bye!" Ellen waved to the two guys before getting into the driver''s seat. In no time, her Car disappeared into the distance.


    "Damn! Ditching friends for a guy!" one of the guys grumbled, clearly annoyed.


    The other guy chuckled, amused by the situation. He had been friends with both Ellen and Wendy since their college days, so he was well aware of their friendship.


    He didn''t know the exact reason why they fell out three years ago, but watching Ellen kiss her best friend''s husband in front of everyone and then take him away was a real shock.


    Yet, he had no intention of telling Wendy about it. Instead, he was ready to sit back and watch the drama unfold.


    Half an hourter, at Ellen''s apartment, Ellen nced at Zachary lying on the bed after having been stripped down by her. She decisively climbed on top of him and snapped a few intimate photos.


    Next, she sent the photos, along with the duet and kiss videos, to Wendy Afterward, she intertwined her fingers with Zachary''s and took a final picture, adding a caption before posting it to her social media.


    Her caption was, "No man can resist me!"


    The post quickly gained seven or eight likes andments. WhatsApp


    notifications soon came flooding in too.


    Among them was a message from one of her girlfriends, yfully scolding her for ditching the group for a good-looking guy.


    The rest of the messages, without exception, were from Wendy.


    Ellen scrolled through Wendy''s messages with great interest. Each one was


    seething with anger. But rather than being upset, Ellen felt a surge of satisfaction,


    an exhrating sense of revenge.


    Her fingers flew over her screen, typing out a reply. She hit send.


    She texted, "Sorry, can''t chat right now. Let''s talk tomorrow!"

 Chapter 17

    In the city center, in a spacious three-bedroom suite...


    This was Zachary and Wendy''s marital home, where they had lived together for five years. But now, in the bedroom of their marriage, Wendy was venting her fury by smashing everything she could find.


    "Zachary, you bastard! How could you cheat on me?" Wendy cried, her eyes reddening as tears streamed uncontrobly down her cheeks. She muttered to herself repeatedly while throwing things around in a fit of rage.


    Her heart was filled with resentment for Zachary, yet she couldn''t deny her lingering love for him. After five years together, she wasn''t heartless. How could she not have feelings for Zachary?


    When he had proposed divorce, it had felt like a knife to her heart. Still, she firmly believed that without her, Zachary would be miserable.


    After all, the money he had given her as a wedding gift had gone to her parents. Without money, without her to shield him from the storms of life, Zachary''s days would be tough. She was sure of it.


    Thus, she was convinced that Zachary woulde to regret his decision and that he would apologize and soften, ultimately returning to her side.


    But she never expected that not only would Zachary not back down, but he would also be fooling around with her former best friend.


    The more she thought about it, the more painful it became. Wendy quickly changed her clothes and rushed out the door.


    After leaving home, she first drove to the ce where Ellen used to live. As a former best friend, she definitely knew Ellen''s address.


    However, to her disappointment, Ellen had sold her old house, and Wendy had no idea where she currently resided.


    After spending an hour contacting nearly all of their college ssmates, she finally discovered Ellen''s new address.


    As she drove toward Ellen''s home, a sudden thunderp echoed across the sky, and in the next moment, a torrential downpour began.


    On this rain-soaked night, Wendy drove with a heavy heart. The thought of Zachary now in bed with Ellen suffocated her.


    Her car sped up, and within ten minutes, she arrived at Ellen''s neighborhood.


    A few minutester, she stood drenched at Ellen''s front door. The urgent doorbell rang repeatedly.


    Ellen, who had already fallen asleep, was jolted awake. Rubbing her sleepy eyes and adjusting her half-open clothes, she climbed out of bed.


    As she walked out of her room and opened the door, she was visibly taken aback to see Wendy standing there.


    After a moment of stunned silence, Ellen smirked and asked, "You came here quickly, didn''t you?"


    At that moment, Wendy''s eyes were red and filled with rage, resembling a furious lion.


    She delivered a heavy p across Ellen''s face, her eyes brimming with hatred. "Ellen, Zachary is my husband! How could you do something so low and shameless?"


    Ellen was taken aback by the sudden p. She covered her face, and it took her a moment to regain herposure. Then, her expression darkened, and she lunged at Wendy.


    Ellen shot back, her voiceced with sarcasm. "What about your husband? You clearly don''t love him, do you? If you don''t love him, why are you forcing him to stay by your side?"


    Ellen''s words sent Wendy spiraling back to five years ago.


    Five years prior, Ethan had left her to study abroad. Unable to bear the pain of heartbreak, she sat on the roadside crying, and that was when she met Zachary. After that, Zachary began to pursue her.


    At first, she had no intention of agreeing to be his girlfriend, but with encouragement from her friends, she was told that the quickest way to move on from one rtionship was to dive into another.


    So, Wendy epted Zachary''s advances, and she remembered how ecstatic he was when she agreed, like a child receiving candy.


    Ellen retaliated with a p of her own. She roared, "Wendy, I won''t be afraid to tell you that I liked Zachary five years ago! I''ve always wanted to chase after him, but I was held back by your presence!"


    Ellen''s tone dripped with disdain as she continued, "Now, Ethan is back and even working at yourpany! You''ve got Ethan, so why do you still want to keep Zachary''s love for yourself?


    "Since you don''t love him, why are you so selfish? Why won''t you let me and Zachary be together?"


    The two women were now wrestling fiercely,pletely oblivious to the figure that had appeared behind the door.


    Zachary''s face was pale. He had woken up when he heard the doorbell, but he didn''t know how to face Ellen, so he chose to pretend he was still asleep.


    However, themotion outside drew him in, and he reluctantly stepped out. From his angle, Ellen didn''t notice Zachary standing behind her, but Wendy did. "Zachary?" Wendy''s voice trembled as she eximed.


    The moment she saw him, her heart skipped a beat, and her movements came to a halt, her expression freezing in shock.


    Ellen also stopped and turned to the door, her eyes lighting up when she spotted Zachary standing there. She immediately walked over, wrapping her arms around his waist familiarly and affectionately.


    Ellen smiled sweetly as she turned to Zachary and said, "Sweetheart, you''re awake! Sorry... Did we wake you?"


    In the past, Zachary would have pushed her away immediately and reminded her that he was Wendy''s husband, urging her to have some respect.


    But this time, he didn''t push her away. Zachary''s gaze was clouded with confusion


    as he fixed his eyes on Wendy. "Is what Ellen just said true?"


    "I..." Wendy opened her mouth, unsure of how to respond.


    Wendy opened her mouth, but words failed her. Ellen spoke the truth, and she couldn''t deny it.


    Zachary chuckled, though his smile was tinged with a hint of heartbreak


    and self-mockery. He said, t


    1.n


    it''s over between us. If you''re unwilling to divorce me, that''s fine. I''ve already filed for a unteral divorce. Now, please leave and don''t disturb us!"


    Hearing this, Ellen felt a rush of triumph. She turned to Wendy and eximed, "Did you hear that? Zac said to leave us alone! You should hurry up and go!"


    Wendy''s face drained of color, and she felt as though she might shatter. Her eyes were red as she stubbornly stared at Zachary and asked, "Zachary, are you really with her?"


    "What does it matter to you?" Zachary replied coldly.


    He had thought that even if Wendy''s


    heart had changed, she had once loved him. But the truth was that she had never been with him because of love. It was absurd. He had been a substitute for Ethan for five years.


    No wonder Wendy had been so reluctant toe home after Ethan returned, unwilling to spend time with him. He was the one who had been the shameful third wheel all along.


    Ethan had once said over the phone that the one who wasn''t loved was the third party. Back then, Zachary had vehemently refuted that im. Now, looking back, it seemed incredibly funny!


    As he observed Zachary''s indifferent demeanor, Wendy felt a swell of injustice.


    But seeing Ellen''s smug and mocking expression only fueled her anger. She bit


    her lip and her tone suddenly became forceful.


    "Zachary, is this your way of getting back at me?"


    Zachary remained silent, offering no response or exnation. Did it even matter


    to exin this situation?


    Upon seeing Zachary''s silence, Wendy gritted her teeth and hissed, "Zachary, I


    will make you regret this! I swear!"


    With that, she turned on her heel and stormed out, leaving them behind.

 Chapter 18

    After Wendy left, Zachary tried to push Ellen, who was still hugging him tightly, away.


    But as soon as he did so, Ellen clung to him again.


    Zachary sighed. "Ellen, she''s already left. You can drop the act now."


    His words stunned Ellen. She raised her head and fixed him with a fervent gaze as she said with a serious look on her face, "Do you think I was acting?"


    Zachary replied confidently, "Of course. We haven''t really interacted much. You can''t possibly be in love with me. At most, it would only be a crush."


    "Do you believe in love at first sight?"


    Ellen''s eyes were gentle as she closed the door and pinned Zachary against the wall.


    Though Zachary was very much unwilling, the effects of alcohol had yet to fade. He was somewhat weakened and powerless.


    Ellen stared into his eyes with a fiery gaze.


    "I was attracted to you the moment I first saw you, but I was afraid to show it because of Wendy. Later on, whenever the three of us got together, I''d try to get close to you. But you always kept your distance from me. It was infuriating.


    "Three years ago, I got drunk and couldn''t resist forcing a kiss on you. However, I don''t regret it. That''s the reason why Wendy and I fell out, but at least... I got to kiss you. Although you blocked me and never let me get close to you again after that, I still don''t regret it."


    At that, Ellen tried to force a kiss on Zachary again. But Zachary turned his head away and kept her at bay.


    Ellen was somewhat strong. Grabbing Zachary''s neck, she jerked his head back and said in a lowered voice, "Zachary, you should know that I''ve learned karate. Be cooperative. Otherwise, I don''t mind using violence."


    After saying that, she pressed her lips against his roughly. Her kiss was as domineering as ever.


    Gritting his teeth, Zachary struggled against her.


    Ellen suddenly tightened her grip around his neck. Zachary grunted in pain, and


    Ellen seized the chance to deepen the kiss.


    After a long while, their lips parted.


    Zachary rubbed his temples as he gulped for air.


    Meanwhile, Ellen cackled with glee.


    "Zachary, for the past three years, I couldn''t get over you, but I''d never thought of approaching you either. You offered yourself to me this time. Since you''ve


    provoked me on your own, this time, I won''t let you go."


    She smiled, and her gaze was fiery as she dered, "You are mine!"


    The next day, at the crack of dawn, Zachary fled from Ellen''s house.


    Last night, he had sat on her couch all night, forcing himself to stay awake.


    He had wanted to escape in the middle of the night, but Ellen was insane. Wherever he went, she followed.


    When he wanted to leave, she blocked the entrance. She even told him that he could leave, but he would have to wait until dawn.


    She''d said, "If you leave now, Wendy might be waiting for you downstairs."


    After failing to persuade her, Zachary could only stay, with resignation.


    Still, regardless of how tired and ufortable he was, he had no intention of falling asleep. He had a suspicion that if he fell asleep, Ellen, that mad woman, would likely do something even crazier.


    Fortunately, after daybreak, she didn''t stop him from leaving.


    Zachary left Ellen''s house and gged down a cab at the entrance of the neighborhood to head back to the vi in Bayville.


    After getting into the car, he pulled out his phone and discovered that it had been turned off at some point.


    He assumed that its battery had run out. Nevertheless, after trying to turn it on, he found out that his phone''s battery was still at 50%.


    Once his phone was turned on, he was met with a deluge of missed calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages.


    Exhausted and suffering from a headache, Zachary wasn''t in the mood to read through them. He shoved the phone into his pocket.


    Unbeknownst to him, when he had left in the cab, across the


    neighborhood was a ck sedan.


    Inside, a pair of eyes, which weret


    up all


    also bloodshot from staying night, had watched everything in silence.


    "Zachary, so, you actually cheated!" A hoarse voice filled with intense bitterness and rage sounded.


    It was Wendy.


    After leavingst night, she had waited in the car for the entire night. It was dawn when she finally saw Zachary leave the neighborhood.


    Since Zachary had spent the night at Ellen''s, Wendy was certain that Zachary had cheated on her.


    At that moment, she got a phone call. The caller ID showed Ethan''s name.


    Without any hesitation, Wendy epted the call.


    "Wendy, I''ve taken care of my family matters and will reach Yelbric at ten in the morning today. Are you free? Could youe pick me up?"


    "Yes, I''m free."


    "Great! I have good news for you, Wendy. I''ll tell you about it when we meet."


    "Okay. I''ll pick you up at ten."


    "Alright. I''ll be waiting for you."


    Wendy hung up the phone and pondered for a while before deciding to head home.


    Having been soaked by the rainst night, she looked like an absolute mess. She didn''t want Ethan to see her in such a sorry state.


    Once she got back, she took a hot shower and set an rm. After resting for two hours, she headed out and drove to the airport.


    Meanwhile, Zachary was already back at the Bayville vi. As soon as he entered the house, Anya scolded him.


    "Hah! So, you do know the way home, Mr. Lloyd. If you''d taken any longer to return, I would''ve called the cops."


    There was a smile on Anya''s face, yet for some reason, the smile made Zachary''s skin crawl.


    He smiled sheepishly and exined, "I had too much to drinkst night." Hearing that, Anya furrowed her brows and asked, "You drank? With who? Did they take advantage of you?"


    "With a partner of thepany. Yesterday happened to be their birthday, so..." Zachary exined patiently, then asked, "Aren''t you overthinking? I''m a man. How could I possibly be bullied?"


    After hearing his exnation, Anya secretly felt relieved. However, ske said, "Mr. Lloyd, wretched women are everywhere. They''d just bully you. I''m the only person who truly cares about you."


    Speechless, Zachary rolled his eyes at Anya before putting on some indoor slippers and walking past her toward the stairs.


    Anya got up and said, "Mr. Lloyd, you don''t look well. Why don''t you take the day


    off?"


    "There''s no need. I''ll be fine after getting some rest," Zachary declined as he went up to the second floor without looking back.


    As Anya watched Zachary go up the stairs, she sniffed and frowned before muttering, "Why does he smell like a woman''s perfume? Damn it. Who was it? Who dares to seduce my innocent Mr. Lloyd?"


    Anya pouted, furious.


    After a moment''s hesitation, she rushed upstairs to question Zachary.


    The door to Zachary''s room wasn''t locked. Not only that, the ss bathroom door wasn''t locked either.


    Thus, when Anya pushed open the bathroom door in a huff to ask Zachary why he


    had the scent of a woman''s perfume on him, he was so startled that his face


    turned pale.


    He snapped, "Anya, what''s wrong with you? Can''t you see that I''m taking a shower?"


    "You don''t need to yell at me."


    Knowing that she was in the wrong, Anya pursed her lips. She ran her eyes over


    Zachary and then left the bathroom.

 Chapter 19

    Two and a half hourster, Zachary went downstairs with a frown and headed to Yel Corporation with Anya.


    Not long after, the car arrived at thepany''s parking lot. Zachary insisted on letting Anya enter thepany building first, while he waited and entered five minutes after she did.


    He did so mainly because he didn''t want to spark needless troubles and rumors.


    After all, when he had first officially joined the business department, curious coworkers had asked him about his rtionship with Anya. Back then, Zachary had stated that they were just friends and that it was thanks to Anya that he had found this job.


    His coworkers never doubted his words, simply because Zachary''s resume showed no work experience. Moreover, argepany like Yel Corporation couldn''t possibly have recruited a novice with no working experience.


    "Zachary, you''re quite impressive! Thatdy from the Stewart family is notoriously difficult to handle, but you managed to deal with her with a single trip!"


    As soon as Zachary sat at his desk, the manager of the business department came over and greeted him warmly before showering him with praise.


    Hearing that, his coworkers looked at him with surprise.


    "I simply got lucky." Zachary smiled and nodded, but he felt bitter on the inside.


    For the sake of this mission, he had been forcibly kissed by Ellen for the second time. He was even stripped naked and was almost vited.


    He couldn''t help but recall the past.


    His ex-wife, Wendy, was quite the germaphobe. Even after they got married, they would, at most, only hold hands or share a hug. Aside from that, they had no further intimate interactions.


    His first kiss had been forcefully taken by Ellen three years ago. That was the reason why Wendy had flown into a rage and broken ties with Ellen.


    He had his second kiss with Ellen as well, which had also been forcefully taken. Come to think of it, it was pretty ridiculous.


    After a brief chat with the manager, Zachary buried himself in his work again. His tasks were not heavy. All he had to do was organize some clients'' data.


    At the Yelbric airport, Wendy stood in the arrivals hall, looking somewhat tired with noticeably bloodshot eyes.


    She stared nkly ahead. Everything that had happenedst night was still ying in her mind.


    The thought of Zachary betraying her and getting it on with Ellen all night made Wendy feel glum. It felt as if someone had taken away her favorite toy, and she was struggling to ept it.


    "Wendy!"


    Possibly because she was so lost in thought, she didn''t even realize that Ethan was in front of her.


    Ethan ced his hand on her forehead naturally.


    "You look unwell. Are you sick?" he asked in a caring voice.


    Startled, Wendy frantically took a step back. It was only when she recognized the man before her that she finally rxed.


    She smiled. "It''s nothing. I just couldn''t sleepst night. I''ll be fine after getting some rest."


    Ethan asked, "Was it because of thepany?"


    "Well, you could say that." Wendy didn''t want to talk about Zachary and just nodded.


    "Don''t worry. I said that I''d help you, and I will. I came home this time to attend to some family matters." Ethan paused and smiled before adding, "And to ask my uncle for help."


    "Hm?" Wendy furrowed her brows slightly and gave Ethan a somewhat inquisitive look.


    "My uncle works in real estate. He''s been preparing to invest in other industries recently. So, I''ve approached and asked him to invest in Jennings Corporation."


    The furrow in Wendy''s brows deepened. "What Jennings Corporation needs is partners and business opportunities, not investments. Besides, thepany is well-funded."


    "Wendy, did ack of rest dull your mind?"


    Ethan raised his hand to stroke Wendy''s head.


    Wendy''s body stiffened. She was going to move away, but then she remembered what Zachary had done and changed her mind.


    "My uncle has some connections in Celesea City. But if we want him to bring some business to you and help form partnerships, we have to give him a good reason, right?"


    Ethan stroked Wendy''s head with an adoring look.


    "At first, I came up with an idea, which is to tell my uncle that you''re my girlfriend."


    At that, Ethan looked into Wendy''s eyes.


    Wendy was about to refuse when Ethan suddenly let out a self-deprecating chuckle and continued, "But after giving it some thought, I realized that it''s


    inappropriate. After all, you and Zachary have yet to get a divorce.


    "If I were to do that, it would seem


    like I''m stealing someone else''s


    partner, and it''d be as if I''m a


    homewrecker. If my uncle finds out that l''Obe a homewrecker choice, he''d surely ignore the fact


    by


    that I''m his family member and beat me to death."


    Ethan put on a terrified expression, making Wendyugh.


    "Although I don''t mind getting beaten up for your sake, I gave it more thought after that. You haven''t divorced Zachary yet. If my uncle meets you and learns about that, he''d surely say some horrible things to you."


    Ethan sighed deeply. He looked at her with a wistful smile, and his expression wasplicated as he said, "I don''t mind getting beaten up, but I don''t want you to get hurt."


    "Thank you."


    Sensing Ethan''s ardent affections, Wendy blushed and looked down. She didn''t dare to meet his eyes.


    "It''s no problem. I promised you that I''d be by your side. I''m a man of my word," Ethan said firmly.


    Wendy felt a warmth in her heart.


    After that, she drove Ethan to a fine dining restaurant to celebrate his return.


    The two chatted happily at their table. Ethan talked about his n as well.


    His n was simple. Wendy would transfer a portion of the Jennings Corporation''s stocks to Ethan''s uncle at market value, making thetter a shareholder of Jennings Corporation.


    "No, my father won''t agree," Wendy immediately refused, her expression shifting.


    Jennings Corporation could thrive mainly because Wendy''s father was the sole decision-maker. There was no need for him to hold meetings and consult with any shareholders.


    As her father, Harold, had stated, thepany only needed one voice. And that was his voice as the chairman.


    "Wendy, calm down and let me finish."


    Ethan appeared to have expected Wendy''s rejection.


    With a confident smile, he continued, "Even if my uncle bes a shareholder, Jennings Corporation will still have just one voice. Don''t forget. My uncle has his own business too. There''s no way he''lle to Yelbric.


    "Even though a portion of thepany''s shares will be his, I''ll be the one in charge of everything here in Yelbric. I won''t question or oppose any of your father''s decisions."


    "But..." Despite Ethan''s words, Wendy remained apprehensive. Moreover, knowing her father, he wouldn''t agree.


    "Wendy, do you still not trust me?" Ethan grew slightly anxious.


    Wendy stayed silent.


    Ethan clenched his teeth and let out a sigh, seemingly disappointed.


    Then, he said, I''ve already talked to my uncle. As long as Jennings Corporation agrees to the transfer of shares, he''ll help pull a few strings. He happens to have a lot of ends working in the medical field. For him,


    they''re just a phone call away.


    "Besides, this is the perfect opportunity for Jennings Corporation to enter Celesea City''s market. C¨¦lesea City''s market is on par with Yelbric''s market. I''m sure you''re well aware of that. If everything goes well, Jennings Corporation could even set up a subsidiary in Celesea City!"


    Ethan''s ns for Jennings Corporation''s future were somewhat tempting to


    Wendy.


    After thinking for a while, Wendy nodded gently. "I can''t give you an answer right now. I have to go back and discuss this with my father. He has the final say." "Alright. I understand. I just want to help you, that''s all. But whether or not my help is effective is beyond my control." Ethan smiled nonchntly.


    "Ethan, thank you."


    Wendy was moved.


    While Jennings Corporation was at its lowest point, Zachary was fooling around with Ellen. Ethan was the only person to make a genuine effort to help her.

 Chapter 20

    At noon, Zachary and his coworkers from the business department went to the cafeteria for lunch.


    After two days of interaction, he had already gotten acquainted with them.


    "Zachary, way to go! I''ve met the obstinatedy from the Stewart family before. She has quite a temper. I didn''t expect you to win her over after interacting with her just once."


    "Zachary''s quite good-looking. Could it be that she was attracted to him? Or perhaps he used the art of seduction?"


    "Oh, shit. That''s true."


    "Zachary, don''t tell me that you''ve scored with that rich girl already?"


    "I''d also like to have a rich girlfriend. I want to be a kept man too, Zachary. Please teach me your ways! Don''t make me grovel for it."


    "What a loser! Go ahead and grovel, then. You''ll lose my respect if you don''t."


    Zachary''s coworkers teased him, but it was all in good fun.


    He simply chuckled and said that he got lucky. He also told them that to fulfill his mission, he was forced to drink until he was ckout drunkst night.


    His coworkers continued to chatter. The mood was lively and harmonious.


    "Whoa! Why is Ms. Wayne here?"


    At that moment, the eyes of a talkative male coworker sitting across from Zachary suddenly widened as he stared in a direction behind Zachary.


    The other coworkers looked over as well.


    Anya was walking toward them while carrying a food tray.


    Seeing that, the coworkers all fell silent. However, their gazes rested on Anya, who was ambling over.


    Anya was dressed in a business suit. On her upper body was a slim-fit suit jacket paired with a white shirt. From her waist down was a ck pencil skirt and high heels.


    She was a tall woman. Her long legs and hips, which swayed as she walked, were particrly eye-catching.


    Many male colleagues gulped as they watched her.


    Carrying the food tray, Anya reached Zachary''s table. She nced around the table before smiling faintly and asking, "Is there an empty seat?"


    The table was rectangr. Each table could amodate ten people, which was precisely the number of people at Zachary''s table.


    Clearly, there was no room for another person. But Anya had still deliberately asked.


    The coworkers were no fools. As members of the workforce, they immediately understood what their boss meant.


    "Ms. Wayne, I''ve just finished eating. Please have my seat."


    The talkative male coworker sitting across from Zachary quickly got up to give up his seat. Although he had said that he was done eating, he had been chatting for the most part just now and hadn''t even finished a third of the food on his tray.


    "Thank you." Anya nodded with a smile and sat down breezily.


    After a moment''s thought, she said to the coworker who was about to leave, "Starting this month, your base sry will be increased by a hundred dors."


    "Thank you, Ms. Wayne! Thank you."


    The coworker was thrilled and kept thanking her. He had simply given her his seat, and his base sry had now increased by a hundred dors.


    That was an extra hundred dors per month. For a year, that equated to 1200 dors. It was a real bargain.


    The rest of his coworkers were incredibly envious.


    What an evil capitalist. All she did was humiliate other people with money. It was despicable.


    Nevertheless, the other coworkers wished that it had happened to themselves instead.


    After Anya took a seat, the coworkers, who were previously chatting, all quieted down.


    Although the beautiful CEO was a sight for sore eyes, she had a powerful presence. It was terribly stressful to share a table with her.


    Thus, in a few minutes, they polished off the food on their trays and quickly got up to leave.


    Before long, Zachary and Anya were the only ones left alone at the table for ten.


    Now that the others were gone, Anya rxed considerably and talked to Zachary. "How is it? Is the cafeteria food to your taste?"


    "It''s fine," Zachary simply responded as he ate with his head lowered.


    Anya felt somewhat upset. She frowned and asked, "Do you have to be so cold? I only saw you naked. That''s all."


    "Shut it." Zachary blushed and nced around.


    Although he and Anya were alone at this table, the cafeteria was huge. The other nine people on his team hadn''t been the only ones there.


    Unsurprisingly, after looking around the cafeteria, Zachary realized that almost all the employees were observing him and Anya furtively. It made him somewhat ufortable.


    With a smirk, Anya looked at Zachary intently.


    "I''ll shut up if you want me to. Just have lunch with me from now on. I cane to


    the cafeteria to eat with you, or you can eat with me at the executive office."


    "Are you threatening me?"


    Displeased, Zachary furrowed his brows and red at Anya.


    "So, you think I''m the type of wretched woman who would threaten people?"


    Anya''s face darkened. A wounded look appeared on her face.


    With her head towered, she poked at the meat on her tray and muttered, "To be honest, eating by myself is quite lonely. I''m not like you. You have many coworkers by your side, but can only eat alone and get off work alone.


    "I want to mingle with the rest too. But I''m the CEO. If I get too close to my


    subordinates, I''ll lose my authority..."


    At that, Anya bit her lip gently, appearing aggrieved and hurt.


    "Forget it. Im just a high-level employee, after all. It makes sense that nobody cares about me or loves me. I''m sorry for disturbing you today, Mr. Lloyd. I won''t bother you again."


    Her eyes teared up and reddened as she got up to leave.


    Zachary relented and said in a lowered voice, "Sit down and eat. I''ll stay with you from now on."


    "Really?" Anya had looked pitiful and teary-eyed a moment ago, but as soon as Zachary said that, her eyes lit up.


    For some reason, Zachary had a feeling that Anya had tricked him. It seemed that


    all her previous grievances, helplessness, and distress were just an act.


    "Mr. Lloyd as expected, you''re a kind


    man." Anya smiled brightly as she ate and then asked, "Mr. Lloyd, what do you want to eat tomorrow? I''ll ask my secretary to ce an order."


    "Anything''s fine," Zachary answered uncaringly.


    Anya groused, "Don''t be so cold. I saw you just now. You were chatting so happily


    with your other coworkers, yet you''re so cold with me. People will think that I''ve scammed you."


    Zachary rolled his eyes at her and said gruffly, "You didn''t scam me, but you tricked me into feeling sorry for you."


    "I didn''t. Do I look like someone who would do that? Mr. Lloyd, your eyesight is terrible," Anya retorted.


    Zachary said solemnly, "You don''t look like one. You are one!"


    Anya chuckled. "Alright, alright. Whatever you say. You''ve already promised me anyway. A man should keep his word. You can''t go back on your promise."


    At that moment, Zachary''s phone chimed with a text message notification. He pulled out his phone to read it.


    The message was from Ellen. The content gave Zachary an instant headache.


    "Babe, I''m already yours. Unblock me right now. Otherwise, ten months from now, I''ll bring a child to you for a DNA paternity test."

 Chapter 21

    After reading the message, Zachary was in a bad mood for the rest of the afternoon.


    He had yet to resolve his divorce from Wendy, but now, he had to deal with Ellen too. Compared to Wendy, Ellen was much more troublesome.


    Zachary''s colleagues were right. Ellen was rather difficult to deal with. Not only was her temper short, but she was also entric, unreasonable, and unpredictable.


    Zachary considered simply ignoring her, but he was worried that she woulde after him.


    As he was pondering that, he received a call from Ellen.


    Zachary had blocked her phone number. So, this time, Ellen had called him from an unknown number.


    Unaware of that fact, Zachary epted the call.


    "Zachary, you slept with me yesterday. Are you trying to deny that? I''m warning you. If you don''t apany me tonight, I''ll go to your office and cause a ruckus."


    Zachary''s face turned pale, and he quickly covered his phone''s speaker and dashed to the pantry.


    After making sure that no one was around, he finally raised his phone and asked, "Ellen, are you crazy? Nothing happened between usst night!"


    "I stripped you naked, but you''re saying that nothing happened? No one will believe that. Unblock me on WhatsApp right now. I want to show you something."


    "Can you stop bothering me? I don''t have feelings for you. We are notpatible."


    "Notpatible? Alright. Just you wait. I''m going to contact Yel Corporation right now and tell them that we haven''t gone through the details yet. I''ll ask for you toe over and talk to me in person."


    "You''re insane."


    In a fit of anger, Zachary hung up the phone.


    Still, given Ellen''s personality, she''d actually do as she had said.


    Upon reflection, Zachary ultimately decided to unblock her on WhatsApp.


    His phone chimed. As soon as he unblocked Ellen, she sent him a photo and a video.


    In the photo, Zachary was half-naked. His head was tilted as he and Ellen shared


    a kiss. One of his arms was even around her neck.


    The video was even more staggering. It showed the kiss that Ellen had forced on himst night.


    Zachary was appalled after watching the entire video.


    He quickly sent Ellen a message. "What do you want?"


    She texted, "Stay with me tonight. We''ll talk in person."


    He replied, "So, if I stay with you tonight, you''ll delete the photo and the video? And you won''t bother me again?"


    She answered, "As I''ve said, we''ll talk in person. Alright. I have to go now.


    sk you up tonight. Wait for me


    at Yel Corporation."


    He replied with an ellipsis.


    Zachary then shoved the phone into his pocket. After mulling it over, he decided to


    meet Ellen that night.


    It was necessary to rify some


    things


    d to hassle him


    d surely be affecte


    voce. Otherwise, i


    After work, he sent Anya a message telling her that he had something to do that


    night and that she didn''t have to wait for him.


    Once he sent the message, he left the office in a hurry.


    Soon after walking out of the building, he noticed a red BMW parked not far away.


    Beside the BMW was Ellen. She was dressed in a white, airy sundress that had thin shoulder straps.


    She looked quite pretty. As she stood beside the red BMW, she drew the gazes of many passersby.


    Once she saw Zachary, she waved at him with a radiant smile on her beautifully painted face.


    Compared to Ellen, who was


    beaming, Zachary looked somewhat


    grim. He rushed over and quickly got into the front passenger seat


    without saying anything.


    Ellen followed him into the car. While putting on her seatbelt, she teased him with


    a smile, "Someone seems to be in a hurry."


    Zachary replied, "Hurry up and start the car. I don''t want my colleagues to misunderstand."


    "Misunderstand what? That we''re dating? That''s the truth, anyway. What''s there to misunderstand?"


    She started the car nonchntly, but even after a long time, she still did not start driving.


    Zachary grew anxious. "What are you waiting for? We''re having dinner together, right? Let''s go."

 Chapter 22

    "The more impatient you are, the less likely I am to start driving. The more you try to hide our rtionship from your coworkers, the more I want to tell them."


    Ellen folded her arms, looking utterly unconcerned.


    Zachary frowned, enraged. He tried to open the door to get out, but Ellen was faster than him. She locked the door.


    "Ellen Stewart!" With furrowed brows, Zachary red at Ellen.


    Ellen beamed. "Babe, you don''t have to clench your teeth when you''re saying my name. Also, I''d prefer you to just call me Ellen."


    Zachary snapped, "Are you insane? I''ve told you that there''s nothing between us. We''re notpatible. Don''t you get it?"


    "Yes, I''m insane. Absolutely insane. And you''re my cure. Would you be so kind as to save me?"


    Confronted with the furious Zachary, Ellen waspletely fearless. Grinning, she teased Zachary with crude pick-up lines.


    There was nothing that Zachary could do.


    Noticing that quite a few coworkers were walking closer, Zachary could only admit defeat and lower himself.


    "I''m begging you, alright? Please just go."


    "Sure. But you have to promise me that you''ll apany me to a ss reunion the day after tomorrow."


    "No way."


    "Oh, you won''t?"


    Ellen''s eyes glinted, and she pressed the car horn. Instantly, the car horn red.


    All the passersby and Yel Corporation employees in the area looked over. Startled, Zachary quickly ducked his head and covered his face with his hands. "Fine. You win. I promise you. Now, drive!"


    "Wouldn''t it be better if you''d done that from the start? But you just had to force me to do this."


    Ellen smiled and stepped on the elerator. The red BMW sped off.


    Zachary put his hands down and raised his head. Rage burned in his eyes as he shot Ellen a re.


    Regardless, she ignored him and hummed a tune, seemingly in a good mood. "You''re shameless," Zachary scolded her.


    She turned and waggled her brows at him with a smirk. "Scold me all you want. Whatever makes you happy."


    Zachary was rendered speechless. He had no way of dealing with her insolent behavior.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the Yel Corporation''s


    office building, Anya, who was


    dressed in a business suit, stood in front of arge window. Her eyes were cold as she watched the red BMW approach a crossroads.


    Anya''s secretary, Sarah Brown, had noticed her terrible mood. She held her breath as she stood behind Anya.


    "Is the coboration with the Stewart family important to thepany?"


    Vol


    "Ms. Wayne, the Stewart family''s clothing factories are highly efficient. They produce garments with excellent quality and are basically the most reputable and influential clothing factories in Yelbric.


    "Besides, our partner abroad, who has signed a three-year contract with us, has specifically asked for garments made by the Stewart family''s clothing factories. If we terminate our coboration with the Stewart family without careful consideration, we risk upsetting our partner overseas. It''s not worth it."


    At Sarah''s words, Anya fell silent. She bit her lip and said calmly, "Fine. I understand."


    "Is there anything else, Ms. Wayne?"


    "Tomorrow, take note of which foot the marketing department''s manager enters thepany building with. If he walks in with his left foot first, deduct a hundred dors from his bonus."


    "What if it''s the right foot?"


    "Deduct two hundred dors."


    "Alright, Ms. Wayne." The secretary nodded, feeling secretly relieved.

 Chapter 23

    Ellen stopped the car at a public parking lot near Yelbric University.


    After getting out of the car, she tried to hook her arm through Zachary''s, but Zachary evaded her.


    Ellen didn''t get mad. Instead, she put her hands behind her back and walked ahead with a smile.


    Soon, the two arrived at a grill house.


    As soon as the two sat down, Ellen ced their order. "Margaret, we''ll have ten pork skewers, ten chicken skewers, a colew, some grilled shrimp... and a case of beer."


    The proprietress, Margaret Potts, stood nearby as she jotted down their order on a notepad.


    "Ellen, it''s been so long since youst came here. Is he... your boyfriend?"


    As Margaret spoke, she gave Zachary a curious once-over.


    It was obvious from her words that Ellen frequented this ce.


    Smiling, Ellen nodded and said, "Yeah. We''ve just started dating. I brought him here to introduce him to you."


    Margaret grinned and said, "That''s good. He''s quite handsome. I can tell with just one look that he''s a good man."


    Zachary frowned. He wanted to rify things, so he said, "I''m not¡ª"


    However, as soon as he started speaking, the customers at the next table called out to Margaret, who could only hurry over to them.


    Ellen red at Zachary with displeasure. "You''re not what? Not a good man? Or not my boyfriend? Zachary, don''t forget that your task today is to stay by my side. So, you should get serious and be more cooperative. Regardless of the truth, you have to agree with me."


    "This is pointless." Zachary sighed softly. He couldn''t be bothered to entertain her.


    b. ne


    Even so, Ellen was in a great mood. Propping her chin up on her


    t Zachary and a "Do you remember this ns


    she


    "Hm?" Zachary was confused.


    He scanned his surroundings. Suddenly, a memory he''d purposefully erased appeared in his mind.


    This was the ce where Ellen had forced a kiss on him three years ago.


    He vaguely recalled that Ellen had invited Wendy out for supper. So, Wendy had brought him along.


    However, halfway through the meal, Wendy got a call and left in a hurry. Moreover, she booked a ticket and wen out of town that night. She was gone for a week.


    After Wendy left, Ellen forced a kiss on Zachary while she was drunk.


    "Do you know whose call Wendy answered back then?" Ellen asked with a yful smile.


    Zachary furrowed his brows. "Is that important?"


    Ellen answered teasingly, "Of course it''s important, since the call was from Ethan." Zachary was silent, but there was a sharp pang in his heart.


    He thought that he no longer Wendy and had gotten over her Nevertheless, it was still


    painful for him to learn thS OF


    Ellen continued, "Wendy left in a hurry that day because Ethan had unexpectedly returned from abroad."


    Seeing that Zachary wasn''t saying anything, Ellen smirked. "Do you know what he did aftering back?"


    Zachary wanted to say that it was all in the past and that he didn''t care anymore. But he couldn''t help but ask, "What did he do?"

 Chapter 24

    "Ethan''s grandmother was nearing the end of her life, so Ethan had hurried home from overseas to see her onest time. That was why he called Wendy. He wanted Wendy to pose as his girlfriend to fulfill his grandmother''s final wish."


    Zachary fell silent again.


    He remembered that Wendy''s exnation to him back then was that something hade up at thepany and that she had to make an impromptu business trip.


    However, the truth was that Wendy had lied to him. She had gone out of town with Ethan to meet thetter''s grandmother.


    At that thought, Zacharyughed at himself.


    He''d thought the five years following their marriage were wonderful. In truth, in those five years, there were lies and betrayals.


    It was just that Wendy had kept them so well hidden, and Zachary had trusted her too much. That was why he had never doubted her.


    Ellen dropped a bombshell. "Ethan''s grandmother said she wanted grandchildren, so Wendy stayed at Ethan''s family home for seven days! They spent every day together. They even slept in the same room. What do you think? Did Wendy cheat on you three years ago?"


    Zachary pretended to be calm, but he was actually furious. "How do you know about all this?"


    "I know because I have proof." Ellen winked.


    At that point, Margaret had already served up the grilled food. Then, she carried over a case of beer.


    Holding a beer opener, Ellen deftly opened two bottles of beer and handed Zachary one of them. Zachary didn''t ept it.


    "I can show you the proof and tell you all that I know, but you have to get drunk with me tonight."


    Unconcerned, Ellen set the beer in front of Zachary and then made a few quick taps on her phone.


    Zachary''s phone chimed.


    He checked it and saw that Ellen had sent him a photo.


    It was a photo of a man and a woman''s interlocking hands.


    However, Zachary could tell at a nce that that was the hand of his wife, Wendy.


    The main reason he could recognize it so easily was because of the diamond ring on her ring finger.


    It was the custom-made ring he had mmissioned back when he


    I to Wendy. It was one


    of a


    kind. There was no other ring with the same design.


    "Do you believe me now?"


    Ellen poured herself a ss of beer but didn''t drink it immediately. Instead, she gently swirled the ss in her hand.


    "My rtionship with Wendy is ancient history. I have no desire or need to know anything about her," Zachary said with indifference.


    Still, he poured himself a ss of beer and chugged it down.


    "I didn''t tell you this to drive a wedge between you two. I just think it''s unfair to you. You were so fond of her and adored her so much, but she treated you like an idiot and kept everything from you!"


    Ellen gave Zachary a sympathetic look and drained her ss as well.


    Right away, she filled her ss again and said, "I didn''t spy on Wendy. The photo


    I sent you was from her social media."


    Zachary said nothing as his eyes trembled slightly. Under the table, his hand unwittingly balled into a fist.


    "You couldn''t see it because she blocked you. Isn''t that heartrending? Wait. There''s more."


    A meaningful smile appeared on


    Ellen''s face. She filled Zachary''s ss and continued, "You''re the only person she''s blocked. Do you


    understand what that means?


    Everyone knew, except for you.


    Unbelievable, right?


    "Here, see for yourself. Scroll up. I have ess to all her posts, from five years ago up until now."


    She continued to fan the mes. "Over the years, her parents have even liked andmented on her posts."

 Chapter 25

    Zachary''s hand trembled as he reached out to take the phone and scroll through the most recent posts.


    "I don''t need you to thank me for telling you this, but the least you can do is drink with me until we''re satisfied, right? Come on. Let''s drink together!"


    Ellen kept pouring drinks for Zachary and clinking sses with him. They kept knocking back drinks the whole time without eating the food on the table.


    After an hour, Zachary felt a splitting headache. However, he hadn''t passed out from drinking yet.


    The two had already finished off a case of beer.


    The floor was littered with empty bottles, yet Zachary had no intention of stopping.


    Ellen asked the owner to bring over another case of beer, and they continued drinking.


    Perhaps the alcohol was getting into him, as Zachary started shedding tears as he drank.


    "I''m such an idiot. She''s been lying to me from the very beginning..."


    After muttering, he downed the beer in his ss in one gulp.


    "You really are an idiot. You''ve been someone''s stand-in for five years without even realizing it. I was telling the truth back then, but you thought I was just stirring up trouble!" Ellen nodded in agreement.


    "I''m sorry for misunderstanding you! I''ll make it up to you with this drink!"


    Zachary gave a bitter smile and gulped down another ss of beer.


    Ellen opposed, "One ss isn''t enough! I told you the truth, yet you betrayed me, which caused me to endure a serious scolding from Wendy! It''ll take at least three sses of beer for me to forgive you!"


    "Fine. Three sses it is!"


    Zachary wanted to let loose, so he kept drinking.


    After three sses of beer, his head felt even foggier.


    "Zachary, after everything Wendy had done to you, haven''t you considered getting back at her?"


    Ellen showed a mischievous smile.


    Zachary froze for a moment before he managed to snap out of it. Then, he mumbled, "Get back at her? How?"


    "Wendy will attend a ss reunion the day after tomorrow. If nothing changes, she''ll probably bring Ethan along!"


    Excitement gleamed in Ellen''s eyes as she stared at Zachary. She asked solemnly, "Do you want her to have a taste of getting betrayed?"


    "I do!"


    A trace of hatred shed in Zachary''s eyes. His love for Wendy had now turned into hate.


    Before knowing the truth, he didn''t actually hate Wendy.


    After all, they had developed a bond in their five years of marriage. Even if they were to separate or divorce, he would have only felt disappointment and heartbreak.


    But the truth was that Wendy had been lying to him for five years.


    This was infidelity, and the five years he once thought was beautiful had now been tainted.


    With a tone full of temptation, Ellen suggested, "Come with me to the ss reunion and pretend to be my boyfriend the day after tomorrow, They like sneaking around behind our backs, right? Then, let''s give them something out in the open!" C¨®ntent


    Zachary''s eyes lit up. After a brief moment of thought, he nodded and agreed. "Alright!"


    Why should he be the only one suffering in their marriage? Wendy was the one who was unfaithful, so why should he feel sad or upset over a woman who had deceived and betrayed him?


    "I have both wealth and looks. Wendy Stewart, what makes you think my life will


    be miserable after leaving you? What makes you think you''ll be better off without


    me?


    "Since that''s the case, just you wait and see. I''ll crush all your arrogance beneath my feet. I''ll show you that everything you pride yourself on is something that I can easily obtain. I''ll make sure you regret every choice you''ve ever made!"


    Zachary gritted his teeth as he swore. His eyes gleamed with a chilling coldness.


    His calm and reserved demeanor was gone. Now, his demeanor was sharp and intense.

 Chapter 26

    "Zachary, you suddenly seem even more charming! I think I''ve fallen even harder for you!" Ellen eximed.


    Sitting across from Zachary, Ellen''s eyes sparkled as she stared intently at him.


    But in the next second, Zachary copsed onto the table with a loud thud, knocking over his ss.


    Ellen was at a loss for words. She then covered her mouth and stifled augh.


    ...


    The night was as dark as ink.


    Before dawn broke, Zachary woke up. To be precise, the urge to pee after drinking too much beer had woken him up.


    Feeling like his dder was about to burst, he quickly sat up without thinking. It wasn''t until he sat up that he realized he wasn''t in his own room.


    However, something about this room felt oddly familiar.


    Wasn''t this Ellen''s room?


    Zachary shook his head, and the memory of the previous night hit him hard.


    When he turned his head, he saw Ellen lying next to him.


    Ellen had a light nket draped over her. Her fair shoulders were exposed.


    Zachary wasn''t sure if Ellen waspletely unclothed under the nket.


    Feeling a sudden sharp pain in his dder, Zachary didn''t dare to wait any longer. He rushed to the bathroom as quickly as he could.


    After relieving himself, he let out a slow breath of relief.


    His head was still slightly foggy. After using the bathroom, he quietly found his clothes and put them back on before leaving.


    Upon leaving Ellen''s residential area, Zachary took out his phone and realized that it had been turned off. He couldn''t understand why Ellen had that habit of turning off Other people''s phones.


    Once he turned on his phone, notifications of missed calls and messages flooded the screen.


    Before he could check them, a red Ferrari suddenly pulled up in front of him. The moment he looked up, he met eyes with Anya, who was driving the car.


    Anya''s hair was casually tied back, and she was wearing a sexy ck silk camisole nightgown. Her skin was fair and smooth. Below her graceful swan-like neck was a deep cleavage.


    As soon as heid his eyes on her, he was captivated.


    Zachary spaced out momentarily but quickly snapped out of it. He opened the car door and got into the car.


    Before he could buckle up, Anya stepped on the elerator and sped off into the distance.


    The sudden eleration startled Zachary. As his heart raced, the alcohol instantly cleared from his system.


    "Are you crazy?"


    Still shaken, Zachary turned to re at Anya.


    Anya kept a straight face and remained silent until they reached the vi. Only then did she speak sternly, "Mr. Lloyd, I''ve told you before that all those women out there are trouble. They''ll only hurt you. They just want your body. Why won''t you listen?"


    Zachary stared at her in confusion. He had no idea why she was telling him such things.


    As an adult, of course he could tell who the good people were from the bad ones. "This had better be thest time. If it happens again, I won''t care anymore." With that, Anya aggressively opened the car door and stormed into the vi. "Who''s supposed to be the boss here, anyway?" Zachary asked.

 Chapter 27

    Zachary rubbed his throbbing head and followed Anya into the vi.


    As soon as they entered the vi, Anya headed straight to the kitchen.


    Not thinking much of it, Zachary changed his shoes and was about to go upstairs.


    Just as he reached the bottom of the staircase, he heard Anya''s voiceing from the kitchen.


    "What''s the rush? Drink some honey water before you go up!"


    He then saw Anya walking over with a ss of warm honey water.


    After handing the cup to him, she huffed and turned to march upstairs without looking back.


    Zachary was speechless. However, he felt touched and decided to thank her.


    But before he could do so, Anya''s annoyed voice rang out from the stairwell. "Don''t bother thanking me! After all, you''re the boss!"


    "So, she finally realizes that I''m the boss now?"


    With a helpless smile, Zachary blew on the warm honey water and began taking small sips.


    After drinking the honey water, his stomach settled. The difort from drinking on an empty stomach eased, leaving him feeling warmer and morefortable.


    Once he finished the honey water, he went upstairs to wash up.


    As Zacharyy on his bed, he recalled what Ellen had told him at the grill house.


    Wendy had deceived him from the start. She had never truly loved him and had only seen him as a stand-in for Ethan.


    The thought still brought a sharp sting to his heart.


    In the past, Zachary might have held back from acting against Wendy out of respect for their five years together. But now that he had found out the truth, nothing could stop him anymore.


    Someone who toyed with others'' emotions and betrayed their trust deserved neither sympathy nor pity. Such people were certainly unforgivable. Those who had done others wrong would eventually face retaliation.


    There were still two hours until sunrise and five hours before he had to go to work.


    Zachary closed his eyes and soon drifted off to sleep.


    At 7:30 am, Zachary woke up as usual.


    After washing up, he went downstairs to make breakfast.


    Just as he was done, Anya came downstairs. Her expression was still cold, and


    she exuded a sense of distant indifference.


    She didn''t even nce at Zachary as she headed for the door.


    Zachary rubbed his nose and said, "Hey, have some breakfast. I need to talk to you."


    "I''m not eating. Just say what you need to say," Anya replied sternly.


    She was clearly distancing herself from him.


    Zachary frowned as his tone turned cold. "I asked you toe over!"


    "Are you yelling at me?"


    Anya frowned, and her breathing became noticeably heavier. Her chest rose and fell, and it looked rather enticing.


    Upon seeing this, Zachary sighed and


    than ok his head. "I just wat


    thank you for picking me upst night and for the honey water."


    Anya''s expression softened at his words, but she still feigned indifference. "Anything else?"


    "Huh? What else?" Zachary looked utterly puzzled.


    Anya had just calmed down when his obliviousness provoked her again. "Is that


    your way of admitting your mistakes?"


    "Admitting what? What did I do wrong?" Zachary was baffled.


    Anya reprimanded him, "We live


    together, yet you''ve stayed outte


    two nights in a row. How can you say that you''ve done nothing wrong?"


    "Don''t twist things. We''re just sharing the same ce. How does that count as living together?"


    Zachary immediately tried to set


    things straight. If word got


    would impact not only Anuitet


    Ve


    reputation but his own as well.

 Chapter 28

    If Zachary''s colleagues at Yel Corporation found out, it would be difficult for him to start his career subtly from the bottom.


    "Are you saying I''m not as good as Ellen? In terms of body, looks, charm, and talent, what part of me is worse than hers?"


    Anya started to tear up.


    The sight of her pushing her chest out made Zachary lose focus for a moment.


    Fearing that he might give in to temptation, he quickly looked away.


    Anya pouted and said with grievance, "You''d rather flirt with her than admit that we''re living together. Am I really that unattractive to you?"


    Zachary hurriedly exined, "Stop making things up. Nothing is going on between me and her."


    Anya scoffed. "Are you sure? You kissed her at the club and even shared the same bed with her. Your ex-wife caught you both in the act, and you''re still denying it?"


    Zachary''s eyes widened. "You were following me?"


    "I wasn''t!" Anya''s eyes flickered a hint of diffidence.


    Zachary rubbed his forehead exasperatedly but still exined patiently, "That kiss you mentioned is nonsense. She forced it on me! And staying over at her ce? That was because I was drunk, and she dragged me there!"


    Anya''s eyes lit up as she looked at Zachary. "So, nothing happened between you two? You''re still... clean?"


    "Why do you even care about that? It''s none of your business!" Zachary shot Anya a re.


    Anya''s phrasing of "still clean" sounded awkward to him.


    For some reason, Anya instantly cheered up. She happily skipped to the dining table and sat down before digging into the food.


    With a smile, she asked while eating, "Mr. Lloyd, didn''t you say that you had something to discuss with me? You can tell me now. If it''s something I can help with, I definitely will."


    Zachary took a bite of his omelet and squinted. "I need detailed information on Jennings Corporation, including all their clients and business partners."


    Anya was slightly stunned before she asked, "Are you nning to go after Jennings Corporation, Mr. Lloyd?"


    "Why else would I ask?" Zachary replied.


    Then, he sneered and added, "They''ve relied on Yel Corporation for the past five years. Since Wendy and I are heading for divorce,


    shouldn''t the Jennings familyline


    back everything they''ve taken from


    Yet Corporation?"


    "Of course they should!" Anya agreed. While chewing her food in small bites, she added, "I''ve had the information on Jennings Corporation ready for a while now. I was just waiting for you to ask."


    "You work fast!" Zachary praised without hesitation.


    Anya smirked with pride. "Mr. Lloyd, I''ve already proposed a n to bring down the Jennings Corporation over the past few days. Once it''s executed, it''ll be erased from


    Yelbric.


    Not only that, we''ll rece them or


    even directly swallow their


    business!"


    As they sat at the dining table, Anya roughly exined her strategy.


    The business world resembled a battlefield. Not only was Anya well-equipped withpetitive strategies, but she was also experienced.


    After all, she couldn''t have be the CEO of Yel Corporation without some serious skills.


    "We''ll proceed with your n, but also want to be involved!" Zachary continued calmly with a smile, "Since Jennings Corporation rose because of me, I should personally drag it down into the abyss."


    "Of course, Mr. Lloyd!" Anya replied with a sweet smile. She added yfully, "You


    sure have a strong sense of revenge!"


    "Is that so? You''d better not cross me then. I can''t guarantee I won''te after you in return!"


    Zachary stood up and began clearing the dishes.


    "Oh, yeah? We''ll see about that!" Anya smirked disdainfully.


    With that, they exchanged a nce and smiled.


    Ten minutester, they both left for work. Anya drove as usual, while Zachary sat


    in the front passenger seat.


    He was reviewing the information about Jennings Corporation. When he came across the details about the real estatepany owned by Ethan''s uncle, he paused for a moment.


    He instantly nced at Anya in surprise.


    It seemed that Anya''s methods were even more ruthless than he had imagined.

 Chapter 29

    At the chairman''s office in Jennings Corporation, Harold, who had originally stepped back from daily operations, had recently returned to working a full nine- to-five schedule due to thepany''s current conditions.


    Not long after he arrived at the office, his daughter, Wendy, came looking for him.


    Wendy recounted everything Ethan had said the previous day. As expected, Harold rejected the idea without a second thought.


    "Are you out of your mind? Do you even realize what you''re suggesting? You''re letting a fox into the henhouse!"


    Harold''s anger was palpable. "We''ve fought so hard to achieve Jennings Corporation''s current sess. Can''t you see the seriousness of our problems now? Do you want to see thepany copse? Is that when you''ll stop?"


    "Dad, you''re well aware of Jennings Corporation''s current situation. If we want to break out of this and continue growing, we must rely on external forces!


    "Besides, Ethan clearly stated that he has full authority to act on his uncle''s behalf. Even if we sell off some shares, our family will still run Jennings Corporation!" Wendy tried to convince Harold.


    She continued, "Although we might lose some control, we''ll gain a powerful ally in return. Jennings Corporation could even expand into Celesea City! Dad, you taught me that risk and opportunity go hand in hand."


    Harold remained silent. He was tempted, but he didn''t dare to take the risk.


    As the head of thepany, his decisions would impact thepany''s future and direction. One wrong move could bury the entire Jennings Corporation.


    After a long silence, Harold closed his eyes and waved his hand. "I''ll think about it. If there''s nothing else, you can leave now."


    Wendy understood that Harold needed time to make this decision. She didn''t push him but quietly left the office.


    On her way back to her own office, she bumped into Ethan, who was heading to the pantry.


    "Wendy, did your dad agree?" Ethan asked.


    "Not yet, but I believe he will," Wendy responded with certainty.


    She knew her father well. Although he didn''t want outsiders involved in thepany, he wouldn''t want it to decline.


    In its current state, Jennings Corporation needed outside support to break through and keep growing.


    Ethan nodded. "Wendy, I''ll smooth things over with my uncle. But you need to push harder, or I''m worried my uncle will lose patience."


    "Thanks, Ethan!" Wendy replied with a smile.


    When she felt most helpless, Ethan was the only person who always stayed by her side to help. This touched her deeply.


    Suddenly, she recalled the invitation to the college ss reunion that her ss representative had sent out a couple of days ago. Initially, she had nned to ask Zachary to be her plus one, but she had changed her mind.


    "Ethan, I have a ss reunion tomorrow. Would you like toe with me?"


    "Of course. I''d love to! If you''re the one asking, I''d go to hell and back for you, let alone a ss reunion!"


    "If you want to go to hell and back, do it yourself! I''m not going," Wendy teased.


    As her mood lifted, she rolled her eyes yfully at Ethan and smiled.


    Ethan smiled but then changed the conversation''s topic. "Wendy, we''re close enough for me to be blunt. Zachary doesn''t deserve you. Since he wants a divorce, why don''t you just agree to it?


    "Are you still not over him? As far as I know, he has spent thest five years caving at home. He doesn''t


    even care about you. You have no


    reason to waste your life on


    someone like that."


    Upon hearing this, Wendy''s smile faded.


    Wendy had never considered divorcing Zachary, even though he hadn''t been much help to her career over the past five years.


    After all, five years was a long time. Even if their rtionship had started on a whim, they had lived as a married couple for those five years and developed some degree of affection.


    Therefore, she couldn''t bear to divorce Zachary.


    But most importantly, given the dire situation she was currently in, divorcing him felt too much like giving up.

 Chapter 30

    Even if Wendy were to agree to the divorce, it would only be after she had resolved thepany''s issues and strengthened it.


    She wanted Zachary to see how exceptional she was, so he would beg her to stay in the marriage. She wanted to make him regret asking for a divorce and leaving her.


    ...


    Two days passed quickly.


    That afternoon, Zachary stopped by the CEO''s office. Although it was almost the end of the workday, Anya was still busy handling some paperwork.


    When Zachary entered her room, she paused and looked up at him curiously.


    Zachary smiled and said, "I''m attending a ss reunion tonight, so I''ll be home a bitte."


    "Howte?" Anya raised an elegant brow.


    Zachary replied, "I''m not exactly sure."


    "Be back before midnight. Otherwise, I''m locking the front door, and you''ll be sleeping on the streets."


    With that, she returned to her work.


    Zachary rubbed his nose, feeling a little helpless.


    Did she say that he''d be sleeping on the streets? There was no way that would happen. If she didn''t let him in, he could always get a hotel room.


    However, he didn''t say that out loud as he feared that Anya might explode.


    As he left the CEO''s office, he couldn''t help but feel puzzled. He was technically the boss, while Anya was just the CEO of one of his mother''s investedpanies in Yelbric.


    By all ounts, Anya was his subordinate. Yet somehow, their dynamic had shifted.


    He almost felt like he was the subordinate instead. He even had to report his social ns to her.


    After work, Zachary left the office ahead of schedule.


    As soon as he stepped outside, he saw Ellen waiting by the entrance. She was


    driving her red BMW and was all dressed up tonight.


    She wore a ck Chanel dress, and


    her makeup was wless. She looked stunning, with her curledshes, bright eyes, bold red tips, and silver hair cascading down her back.


    "Babe, couldn''t you get off work a little earlier? I''ve been waiting for almost half an hour!" Ellen pouted andined when she saw Zachary approaching.


    Zachary rolled his eyes at her and got into the car. "Hurry up and drive before my colleagues see us."


    Ellen, who had just gotten into the


    car, grew annoyed at Zachary''s words. But instead of losing her temper, she started the engine and quickly drove away from Yel Corporation.


    The ss reunion was held at a five-star hotel.


    The ss representative, Joseph Lowe, had reserved a private room.


    By the time Zachary and Ellen arrived, nearly everyone else had gathered, including Wendy and Ethan.


    Ethan had arrived with Wendy. When their ex-ssmates had asked why Zachary was absent, Wendy had brushed it off by saying that Zachary was too busy to make it.


    Ethan and Wendy were sitting off to the side,ughing and chatting privately. They barely engaged with the others.


    Since everyone present knew that Ethan was Wendy''s ex-boyfriend, nobody pushed the topic of Zachary.


    However, Zachary entered the room with Ellen just then.


    In an instant, everyone''s expressions changed. They involuntarily nced at Wendy, whose face had turned pale.

 Chapter 31

    Wendy''s expression grew stormy as she locked her angry gaze on Zachary.


    The atmosphere in the room turned tense, but everyone remained silent.


    "Sorry for beingte!" Ellen eximed.


    She hooked her arm around Zachary''s and pulled him toward a seat. Almost as if on purpose, despite several other spots still avable, she chose the one right next to Wendy.


    Zachary sat between them, with Wendy on his left and Ellen on his right.


    Despite Wendy being Zachary''s nominal wife, Ellen clung to Zachary''s arm and unted her affection openly.


    Sensing the awkward silence, Ellen quickly started a new topic. "Has anyone ordered yet? Zac loves spicy food, so make sure to order something spicy."


    "Not yet. We were waiting for you, Ms. Stewart. Who would dare to start without you?"


    Joseph took over the conversation with an awkward smile. He had no choice but to step in. After all, he was the organizer of this reunion.


    "Then, hurry up and bring over the menu. I''m ready to order!" Ellen beamed brightly.


    As soon as she received the menu, she began ordering quickly.


    As she scanned through the options, she leaned closer to Zachary. "Between the


    spicy grilled fish and spicy steak, which do you prefer?"


    "Either works!" Zachary replied with a casual smile.


    "Well, let''s get both then!" Ellen decided.


    She told one of her ex-ssmates to g down a waiter so that they could ce their orders.


    Even after the waiter left, the room remained ufortably silent.


    Everyone sensed that this reunion might not go as nned.


    As expected, when Ellen was enthusiastically pouring a ss of water for


    Zachary, Wendy could no longer sit still.


    "Ellen, Zachary is my husband. Don''t you think it''s inappropriate for you to be so intimate with him in my presence?"


    Wendy''s tone was cool and stern, and her anger was barely concealed.


    Her words drew everyone''s eyes toward Ellen. They all wondered how Ellen would respond.


    "What''s the big deal?" Ellen replied nonchntly.


    She nced at Ethan, who was seated on Wendy''s left.


    With a pointed smile, she added, "Ethan doesn''t mind, so why should you?"


    By shifting the focus to Ethan, Ellen implied that if Wendy could bring her ex-boyfriend to the reunion, then she should also have every right to bring Zachary there as her best friend.


    Ethan''s expression darkened. "Ellen, this is a ss reunion. Since we''re


    ssmates, what''s the problem with me attending?"


    "Oh, that''s right! I almost forgot


    about that!" Ellen tapped her forehead yfully and offered an exaggerated apology. "Sorry. I nearly forgot that you were one of our ssmates."


    Everyone looked at Ellen with exasperation. They knew that it was all an intentional act.


    Ellen raised an eyebrow and then blinked. "Why are you all staring at me like that? Should I have Zachary leave?"


    "What are you saying? Zachary is Wendy''s husband. Of course he''s wee here. Why would we make him leave?" Joseph interjected


    nervously.


    He dabbed away his cold sweat as he tried to smooth things over. At this point, he


    was already regretting organizing this reunion.


    What was meant to be a simple and joyful reunion had somehow devolved into an unexpected standoff.

 Chapter 32

    Ten minutester, the food was served.


    Ethan filled Wendy''s bowl with some chicken soup and said, "Wendy, you''ve been working hard at thepanytely. Have some chicken soup to keep your


    strength up."


    "Thank you," Wendy replied while nodding gently.


    At this moment, Ellen began her own act. She suggested, "Zac, this spicy lobster is tasty. Give it a try!"


    She held a freshly peeled lobster near Zachary''s mouth.


    Zachary looked at Ellen in surprise.


    Ellen quickly raised an eyebrow at him, making him chuckle as he took the bite.


    "It''s indeed delicious," Zachary said before chewing and swallowing the food.


    Ellen responded with a joyful smile, "Great! I''ll learn the recipe and cook it just for you next time!"


    "Alright." Zachary nodded with a smile.


    Suddenly, Wendy mmed her cutlery on the table.


    The loud noise immediately escted the tension in the room.


    Wendy''s chest heaved with anger as she fixed a furious re on Zachary.


    "Zachary, haven''t you had enough of this?"


    "What do you mean?" Zachary feigned innocence.


    "You''re my husband, but you''re unting your affection with my best friend! Do you think that''s appropriate?" Wendy scolded.


    Then, she let out a bitterugh. "I get it. You''re upset because I didn''t invite you to this reunion. So, now you''re putting on this show with Ellen to provoke me.


    "Do you think this will make me mad? Do you think this can get me to give in and apologize to you?"


    Zachary remained silent as his expression darkened.


    At that moment, Ellen leaned in and whispered to him, "Stand your ground and retaliate. Do you want Ethan to watch you get humiliated?"


    Seeing Ellen still clinging to Zachary, Wendy snapped, "Ellen, you''re the heiress of the Stewart family. Have


    3me dignity and stay away ave


    from


    husband!"


    Ellen retorted defiantly, "I''ll do as I please. What''s it to you?"


    Wendy shot back, "You''re so shameless!"


    Ellen smirked. "Thanks for thepliment."


    Their ex-ssmates, who had initially been focused on their food, stopped eating.


    They turned their heads to watch the drama unfolding before them.


    Zachary put down his cutlery and looked at Wendy indifferently.


    "Wendy, I''ve already filed for divorce, so we''re no longer a married couple. I''m free


    to be with anyone I want, and it''s none of your concern!"


    At this revtion, their ssmates'' eyes widened in shock.


    Wendy''s face turned pale as she gritted her teeth. "Without my agreement to the divorce, you''re still


    my husband. What you''re


    is practically cheating!"


    "I''m cheating?" Zachary scoffed.


    now


    ¨¨t


    Ignoring Wendy, he looked over at Ethan. His smile deepened as he asked, "Then, what about you two? You''re always together. Isn''t that also considered cheating?


    Wendy immediately exined, "Ethan is just my best friend. Beyond that, we''re just colleagues!"


    "He''s your ex-boyfriend turned best friend, and now he''s your colleague?" Zachary scoffed.


    Suddenly, he took Ellen''s hand and said, "Fine, then. Ellen is also my best friend. Do you have anything to say about that?


    "Oh, and not only is she my best friend, but she''s also an important client of mine! Is it a problem for me to apany a client to her ss reunion?"

 Chapter 33

    Wendy frowned and asked coldly, "Client? What job do you have?"


    "Wait. Seriously? Didn''t you say that Zachary''s your husband? How can you not know what he does for a living?" Ellen chimed in.


    She even added mischievously, "Poor Zac. No wonder you needed me as your best friend! But don''t worry. I won''t be like your wife. I''ll even take good care of you!"


    Wendy lost her temper. "That''s enough, Ellen! I''m talking to my husband! What does that have to do with you?"


    "I''m talking to my best friend. How does that concern you?" Ellen rolled her eyes at Wendy.


    Then, she shifted her attention to Ethan and teased, "Ethan, are you even a man? Wendy is furious right now! Aren''t you going to calm her down?"


    Ethan was struck speechless. His face showed a trace of awkwardness.


    After hesitating, he said softly, "Wendy, let it go. Everyone''s watching. If there''s something to discuss, let''s do it privately."


    Ellen smirked and gave Ethan a thumbs-up. "See? Ethan''s got a good sense of things. He knows that it''s unwise to air grievances in public. Wendy, you should learn from him."


    Ethan frowned, unsure if Ellen wasplimenting or mocking him.


    Wendy suppressed her anger and fell silent. Perhaps she had realized that if she were to continue, it would only turn into a public spectacle.


    "Alright, alright. We all used to be ssmates here! It''s been a while since we''ve met up. How about we just enjoy the night?" Joseph interjected again to ease the atmosphere.


    This time, Wendy didn''t respond angrily. Ethan also held himself back and barely interacted with Wendy for the rest of the meal.


    The other ssmates gradually rxed and began to talk about their work and marriage. As they shared theirints and sesses, the atmosphere grew lively again.


    When the meal ended, a few tipsy ssmates started moring to go for a karaoke session. Joseph''s heart skipped a beat as he uneasily nced at Wendy and Ellen.


    He was all for unwinding with some singing. However, he was worried that those two ticking time bombs might tag along.


    Ellen''s eyes lit up as she yfully tugged on Zachary''s arm. "Zac, I''d love to go sing too!"


    Zachary hesitated and was about to decline. However, Ellen shot him a meaningful look and pinched his arm hard.


    Zachary sighed in pain and nodded.


    Ellen beamed delightfully and eximed, "You''re the best, Zac! Later, you and I have to sing a duet to the song ''Marry You.""


    "Sure!"


    Since he had already agreed, Zachary decided to go all in.


    Meanwhile, Wendy sat on his left, clenching her fists beneath the table. Her eyes shed with anger, and it seemed as if she was about to


    e.  t


    Watching Ellen stirring things up again, Joseph felt a headache


    set


    to go, he hoped that the other wouldn''t join them.


    "Wendy, you don''t look so good. How about you..."


    Before Joseph could finish his


    sentence, Wendy interrupted and said, "Since everyone''s so


    stic, it would be rude for me to skip out. I''ll go too!"


    "Well..."


    Joseph wanted to back out. But since he was the organizer, he found it hard to leave.


    He looked at Zachary and then at Ethan. It seemed as if he was begging Ethan to take Wendy away.


    Ethan''s expression darkened, and he ignored Joseph''s silent request.


    Wendy''s insistence on tagging along was clearly because of Zachary. This stirred up Ethan''s frustration.

 Chapter 34

    Half an hourter, 12 people arrived at a high-end club near the restaurant.


    Joseph went to request for a luxurious private room, while Ellen ordered five cases of beer.


    Joseph frowned and said with exasperation, "Ellen, we''ve already drunk quite a bit at dinner. Let''s skip the alcohol for now."


    "Joseph, even if you don''t drink, we will!" Ellen replied with a cheerful smile as she linked arms with Zachary and headed to the private room with the rest of the


    group.


    Wendy and Ethan trailed at the back. Wendy gazed intently at Zachary while he pointedly ignored her.


    Wendy was furious, but the setting kept her fromshing out.


    Inside the room, everyone sang for over three hours.


    By far, Ellen had the most fun. She requested seven songs, with six of them being romantic duets. She even insisted that Zachary sang each one with her.


    Zachary loved singing. He had even taken professional singing lessons for a year. Although he wasn''t as skilled as a professional singer, his voice easily outshone everyone else''s in the room.


    Ethan, who had nned to sing a few songs, promptly canceled his song selections after hearing Zachary sing.


    While everyone had already taken turns singing, Ethan and Wendy had yet to sing


    a single song. They seemed like they were just there to make up the numbers.


    In contrast, Ellen and Zachary had be the center of attention in the room. Every time they sang together, their ssmates would whistle and cheer.


    When it was 11:00 pm, Zachary prepared to leave. He was mindful of his promise to Anya to be home by midnight.


    "You can go, but you need to sing onest song! After that, I''ll let you go!"


    Ellen, who had drunk quite a lot, clung to Zachary''s arm with flushed cheeks. Zachary reluctantly gave in.


    Ellen approached the song selection panel and soon queued up a song titled "Illicit Affairs".


    Upon seeing the song title, Zachary was momentarily stunned.


    It wasn''t just him. The previously cheering ssmates had also picked up on Ellen''s pointed jab at Wendy.


    Because of that, no one cheered this round.


    When the music started, Zachary hesitated briefly before he began to sing. The lyrics of the song were all about the hopelessness of cheating and illicit affairs.


    §Õ§â§å


    Throughout the song, Wendy''s expression was stormy.


    After the song ended, Zachary made an excuse and left.


    Ellen offered to send him back, but he firmly declined her offer.


    Ellen had drunk some hard liquor during dinner, and she had also downed around eight beers during their singing session. Letting her drive would practically be sending him to the grave.


    After stepping out of the room, Zachary took a deep breath and felt more clear- headed.


    Just as he raised his hand to hail a


    voice, which wasced


    wendy anger, rang out from


    behind.  from


    "Zachary, stop right there!"


    Zachary turned to see Wendy marching toward him with a grim expression.


    She was closely followed behind by Ethan, who seemed equally displeased.

 Chapter 35

    Zachary stopped in his tracks and turned around. Then, he stared coldly at Wendy, who hurried toward him.


    "What''s the matter?" Zachary was apathetic.


    It felt as though he wasn''t talking to his wife, whom he had loved deeply. Instead,


    it seemed like he was facing a stranger he hadn''t met before.


    Wendy gritted her teeth and somehow felt aggrieved.


    Soon, her grievance was overtaken by endless rage.


    Zachary was her husband. Although he had filed for a divorce, they were still legally a couple until they received their divorce certificate.


    So what if they had divorced?


    They had been together for five years. Wendy wondered what right he had to treat her so coldly.


    "Why are you doing this to me?" she asked.


    Wendy moved closer to him, leaving only a short distance between them. She stared intently at Zachary, her gaze full of grievance and anger.


    Zacharyughed. "What have I done to you?"


    "We''re a married couple. Although you''ve insisted on getting a divorce, we''re still legally married for now. But you''ve been flirting around with Ellen in front of everyone. Do you even care about how I felt?" Wendyined.


    "How you felt?" Zachary burst intoughter when he heard that.


    Hisughter was full of mockery. Even his gaze that was fixed on Wendy seemed different now.


    There wasn''t a hint of emotion in his gaze before this. But now, he seemed to be staring at Wendy with disdain and contempt.


    Wendy grew more furious when she


    saw his gaze. She frowned and chided Zachary Lloyd, that''s enough! What have I done? Why do


    you have to take revenge on me like this?"


    Ethan, who was some distance away, walked up to them too.


    He merely stood behind Wendy in silence. He wore a taunting smile and looked at Zachary smugly.


    "Revenge? Do you take this as revenge?" Zachary tilted his head and said nonchntly, "I only did what you had done before. Why do you think I''m seeking revenge?"


    "You..." Wendy was about to retort but noticed that Zachary was looking at Ethan, who was behind her.


    She turned around. When she saw Ethan, she was forced to swallow all the words that were about to leave her lips.


    "Why did you follow me here?" Wendy sounded slightly impatient.


    As soon as Wendy turned around, the taunting smile and smug expression disappeared from Ethan''s face. Instead, he looked worried and concerned.


    "Wendy, I was worried about you, so I followed you here," Ethan exined softly.


    Then, he turned to look Zachary in the eyes. The concern and worry in his eyes instantly vanished.


    "Zachary, Wendy is your wife. You haven''t fulfilled your duty as a husband all these years and made her work her fingers to the bones out there. And now, you''ve even hooked up with Ellen.


    "Did you consider Wendy''s feelings when you did all this? Do you think this is the


    right way to repay what Wendy has done for you over the past five years?


    "As a man, I''m envious of you. I''ll never let Wendy suffer like this if she''s my wife.


    You... You don''t deserve Wendy!" Ethan scolded Zachary righteously.


    At this point, Ethan seemed to be iming the moral high ground again.


    As Wendy distened to Ethan, she instantly felt a surge of sorrow, and her eyes gradually turned red. She stared intently at Zachary, looking as if she had been terribly wronged.


    Her gaze seemed to be implying that Zachary should apologize to her because even an outsider like Ethan also thought that Zachary had been too much.

 Chapter 36

    Zachary couldn''t help butugh.


    "Ethan, I won''t despise you for trying to snatch my wife, but you''re pulling such dirty tricks by putting on an act in front of me. Don''t you find yourself disgusting?" Zachary taunted relentlessly.


    Ethan''s face was slightly red, but he still gathered his courage to retort, "I used to date Wendy, but we broke up on good terms. I''vee back this time just to ease her burden!


    "I''m not you. You exploited Wendy and leeched off her just because you''re both married and you''re her husband. If you truly adore and love Wendy, then you should help her in her career instead of throwing a tantrum and asking for a divorce when she''s busy with work!


    "Zachary, it''s fine that you''re not capable. But it''s scary that you''re deliberately getting in Wendy''s way when you''re incapable!"


    Zachary was disgusted by Ethan''s outrageous statements.


    "Ethan, it sounds like you care about Wendy. In that case, why didn''t you cut ties with her a long time ago?"


    Zachary sneered and continued, "Wendy is a career woman. She doesn''t know how to take care of herself. I''ve been doing the house chores for her this whole time.


    "When she was sick, I was the one who went to buy medicine for her in the rain. When she had gastric pains, I was the one who took care of her diet every day. Do you mean to say that I got in her way for taking care of her?


    "Since you care so much about Wendy, what''s her favorite food? What food is Wendy allergic to? What medicine should she take when she has gastric pains?"


    Ethan opened his mouth and couldn''t utter a word.


    Zachary wore a disdainful look. "You know nothing and only speak ill of me to Wendy. You only know how to sow discord between Wendy and me. Is this how you care about her?"


    Ethan''s expression changed drastically as he retorted, "No..."


    "No?" Zachary narrowed his eyes, his gaze full of contempt.


    "Don''t you know how to keep your distance from someone of the opposite sex, especially when she''s married? If you were really as good as you said, then why did you send me messages to brag about it when Wendy didn''t go home for the night?


    "Were you telling me not to worry when Wendy spent the night at your ce? Hah! Did you think I wouldn''t have any proof just because you''d unsent the photo? Didn''t you know that I can screenshot and save the photos and messages you sent?"


    Ethan''s face fell when he heard Zachary''s words. "You''re using me! I don''t even have your phone number. How did I send you any messages or photos?"


    Ethan was guilty, and his eyes were darting around. His forehead was even beaded with cold sweat.


    Wendy nced at Ethan doubtfully before casting her gaze upon Zachary with an unfathomable expression.


    "You said I was using you. Do you want me to show you the photos and proof? Alright. As you wish!"


    Zachary ignored Wendy and took out his phone, wanting to show the proof.


    Ethan''s face turned pale instantly.


    Just when he was about to lose it, Wendy suddenly shouted, "Zachary Lloyd, that''s enough!"


    Her voice made Zachary stop, and Ethan was stunned too.


    "Stop sowing discord here. I trust Ethan. He''ll never do something like this!"


    Wendy gave Ethan a look tofort him. Then, she turned around and red furiously at Zachary. "Zachary, you''ve been doing nothing


    all day and now, you''re trying to ??


    use Ethan with such despicable means. I''m so disgusted by your actions!"


    Zachary held his breath. He hadn''t expected such words toe from Wendy. He actually had no evidence and had merely said all that just now to scare Ethan.


    But Ethan was terrified. At this point, anyone could tell that Ethan was guilty.


    Zachary believed Wendy had noticed that too.


    She had obviously sensed it, but she still defended Ethan on purpose and even humiliated Zachary with such vicious words.


    Zacharyughed miserably and looked Wendy in her eyes. "Did you just say that you''re disgusted by me because I''ve been doing nothing and I''m now using despicable means?"


    "Was I wrong?" Wendy questioned through gritted teeth as she shot Zachary a furious look.


    Zachary''s eyes turned red. He held back his tears and said, "Yeah, you''re right. Why don''t you agree to divorce me then?"


    Wendy''s voice was icy. "Divorce


    means nothing. For now, I have to get everything in thepany done. Once I''m done with all the tasks, I''ll divorce you before you say anything!"


    Zachary remained silent. He closed his eyes and tried his best to suppress his emotions. After heposed himself, he turned around and hailed a cab.


    He said, "Wendy, I shouldn''t havee to Yelbric to look for you back then!" With that, Zachary got into the car and left.

 Chapter 37

    Zachary left.


    Wendy bit her lower lip lightly and put down her slightly raised hand.


    Ethan came closer. "Wendy, don''t be sad. It''s my fault. Zachary wouldn''t have misunderstood you if I hadn''te back and looked for you."


    He continued guiltily, "It''s all my fault. I''ll exin to Zacharyter. If it doesn''t work, I''ll leave."


    Wendy looked pale, as though she had lost all her energy.


    She shook her head. "It has nothing to do with you. Everything is filthy to him because his mind is twisted! There''s nothing going on between us, so we don''t need to exin anything to him."


    A strange look flitted across Ethan''s eyes. He pretended to look concerned and asked, "Are you really going to divorce Zachary?"


    "I''ll go with the flow. Since things havee to this stage, maybe it''s best to divorce him," she replied.


    Wendy took a deep breath and smiled at Ethan. "Ethan, thank you for


    apanying me today. I''m tired, so I''m going back now. See you tomorrow."


    With that, Wendy turned around and left without looking back.


    ...


    It was already 11:50 pm when Zachary arrived at the vi in Bayville.


    The lights in the living room were still on.


    When Zachary entered the vi, he saw Anya sitting on the couch and working on herptop.


    Her legs were long, straight, and fair.


    He looked over and was attracted by her long and fair legs.


    However, Zachary was down at this moment. He merely took a brief look at her.


    Anya stopped working when she saw Zachary was back.


    She straightened her back and ced theptop on the coffee table. Then, she pretended to sound angry and said, "I was about to lock the door if you were toe home ten minutester!"


    Zachary didn''t reply and changed into home slippers with his head lowered.


    Anya sensed something was wrong with Zachary, so she asked tentatively, "Are you in a bad mood?"


    After changing his shoes, Zachary smiled at Anya. "Do we have some alcohol at home? I''d like to have some."


    It was such a bitter smile.


    Anya had wanted toin about Zachary more, but she relented when she saw his awful smile.


    "How boring if you''re only drinking wine.


    You and take a shower. I''ll


    some dishes and drink with


    Before Zachary could turn her down, Anya stood up and went into the kitchen.


    Two tes of dishes had been


    ced on the table when Zachary went downstairs after showering. There was also a te of crackers.


    Anya sat at the dining table and arched her brows at Zachary. "Would you like red


    wine, white wine, or beer?"


    Zachary replied without hesitation, "White wine. I''ll get drunk more easily."


    "Okay, white wine it is."


    Anya nodded and stood up to take a sealed, high-end white wine from the wine rack behind her.


    Then, she grabbed two wine sses.


    When Zachary sat down, Anya was done filling the two sses with wine. She pushed one ss to him.


    Anya raised the ss and shed Zachary a smile. "Mr. Lloyd, here''s a toast to you!"


    "Alright." Zachary nodded and emptied the ss at once.


    Seeing that, Anya furrowed her brows slightly. She wanted to say something but held herself back.

 Chapter 38

    Anya took a sip and set the ss down. Then, she asked tentatively, "Mr. Lloyd, is something bothering you? Would you mind telling me?"


    Zachary felt sick as the strong liquor flowed into his stomach.


    He raised his eyes and looked at Anya, looking slightly hurt.


    "Would you like to listen to some stories?" Zachary asked softly.


    Before Anya could reply, he told her a story.


    The main character of the story was a little boy.


    He hadn''t had a father since he had been born. His mother had been focusing on work, so she hadn''t spent much time with him.


    Because of that, the little boy had be introverted and aloof. He had no friends in school.


    After some time, the bad students in his ss started targeting him and would bully him after school.


    The little boy had felt aggrieved. He had wanted to tell his mother, but he held himself back whenever he saw how tired his mother looked when she got home.


    He knew his mother had been working really hard, so he didn''t want to bring her mother more trouble. As such, he could only put up with it.


    The boy had spent his childhood being bullied just like that.


    One week before he graduated from elementary school, he had been surrounded by the bad students in his ss again.


    The boy had been ready to be bullied by his ssmates again. However, it had been worse than usual.


    One of the students had taken a rusted metal rod from somewhere and hurt him mercilessly.


    The boy had been injured terribly and barely survived, but those students hadn''t intended to stop.


    Just as the boy was in despair, a little girl in a floral dress rushed forward.


    That little girl had saved the boy. But she had been bullied by the other students, and her arm had been broken.


    Fortunately, the girl''s mother hade to look for her. She had reported it to the police, and those students had been brought to the police station.


    The boy''s mother had found out about it after the case blew up. In the end, the boy had followed his mother and had gone abroad to study.


    The boy had only returned to the country after graduating from


    ???


    nov


    college. He had gone to look for that little girl who had saved her in the past immediately.  fo


    Soon, the two had fallen in love after he pursued her for some time. They had gotten married in the end.


    However, that woman had no idea that her husband was that little boy she had saved in the past.


    After finishing the story, Zachary drank another ss of wine.


    His eyes were brimmed with tears as he looked at Anya with a smile. "Do you think the boy and the girl would live a happy life?"


    Anya wore aplicated expression.


    She stared intently at Zachary and shook her head. "No."


    Zachary tilted his head and asked in confusion, "Why?"


    Anya hesitated for a while before she replied, "Because you''re that little boy, and you''re not happy."


    "You''re right. I''m not happy."


    Zachary looked down as tears streamed down his face. He wiped his tears and put up a tough front before smiling.


    "I thought I''d live a happy life with Wendy, but I was wrong from the start. She has someone else she truly cherishes deep down.


    "One will usually be obsessed


    with the person they can''t get as time passes. I''m clearly aware of all


    this because she used to beave


    someone I truly cherished.


    1.n


    "I just didn''t expect that the person who had saved me without hesitation back then would be the one hurting me now. Maybe I shouldn''t havee back to look for her. In that case, she would always be the kind girl who saved me from the darkness in my heart."

 Chapter 39

    Time flew by. When Zachary woke up, he was horrified to find himself sleeping on the bed in the master bedroom of the vi.


    The master bedroom was Anya''s room.


    Zachary sat up and massaged his temples which were aching with his fingers as he scanned around.


    The renovation style of the room was slightly luxurious. There weren''t many things other than the vanity table needed by every woman.


    There was a ss of water on the bedside table.


    Under the ss was a sticky note.


    Zachary grabbed the ss and gulped the water. Then, he took the sticky note and had a look.


    "The breakfast is in the kitchen. I''ve kept it warm. You had too much to drinkst night, so just take a break today. I''ll apply for leave for you with thepany."


    On the sticky note was the neat handwriting that belonged to a woman.


    There was even a smile emoticon below the words.


    Zachary stood there in a daze, trying to recall what had happened the night before.


    He couldn''t remember anything from the night before no matter how hard he tried. Perhaps he had drunk too fast and gone unconscious.


    Zachary got out of bed and freshened up himself before going downstairs.


    Just like what had been written on the sticky note. There was breakfast prepared by Anya in the kitchen.


    Zachary sat on the couch after having breakfast. Then, he grabbed his phone to search for the wild things people did when they got drunk.


    20 minutester, Zachary was slightly relieved.


    ording to the information on the Inte, a man couldn''t have sexual intercourse when they werepletely drunk.


    "Thank goodness!" he muttered to himself.


    Anya was pretty and capable. He wouldn''t want to ruin the life of a kind woman only because he was drunk.


    Just when he was relieved, a call from his mother-inw, Fiona Lynch, came in. Zachary hesitated for a while before pressing the answer button.


    "Zachary, I heard that you''ve filed for a divorce."


    As soon as the call was connected, Fiona''s voice rang out. She sounded like she was ming him.


    Zachary didn''t quibble and merely hummed in response.


    "Zachary, do you really have to make things look this bad? I know I can''t stop you


    from divorcing, but can you not bring this to court?" Fiona asked.


    "Mom, I didn''t want to make a scene,


    but Wendy refused to divorce. Ih no choice but to bring this to Zachary replied.


    "Why don''t you withdraw the divorce? I''ll talk to Wendy. I won''t side with her. Don''t worry about this," Fiona assured.


    "But..."


    "Zachary, we''ve spent time together these years, so you should know me well. I won''t side with her since I''ve


    said so. If you want a divot


    respect your choice. I just don''t want things to look awful between you two, as others might beughing at you!" Fiona exined.


    "Okay, I''ll withdraw the case, but I must divorce her!" Zachary could only agree to Fiona''s request.


    After ending the call, Zachary set his phone aside andy on the couch. He looked up and stared at the ceiling.


    Zachary was no longer obsessed with Wendy.


    But now, he only wanted to divorce Wendy as soon as possible and cut all ties with her.


    Wendy used to be someone he cherished the most, but it was different now. He only felt disgusted whenever he thought of her.


    His phone rang again when it was almost noon.


    It wasn''t a call from Fiona but Ellen.


    Zachary didn''t feel like answering the call, but Fiona swiftly sent him a message on WhatsApp.


    "Zachary, I helped youst night. Do you want to be an ungrateful brat?"


    Just when he finished reading the message, Ellen called him again.


    This time, Zachary answered the call.


    "Zachary, you''re such a jerk. How dare you not answer my call? Did you know I was admitted to the hospital after drinking because I helped you to vent your spleen?"


    "Did you say you were admitted to the hospital?" Zachary was stunned to hear


    that.


    He remembered that Ellen seemed fine when he left.


    Ellen said unhappily, "Duh. You cane over now and have a look if you don''t believe it!"


    The call ended as soon as she finished speaking.


    The next instant, Ellen sent another message attached with a photo.


    In the photo, Ellen had an IV drip stuck to her hand. She looked slightly pale, and she was pouting, looking aggrieved.


    "Zachary Lloyd, I''m hungry. Hurry up and send me some food if you still have a conscience!" Ellen sent another message.


    Since he had applied for leave that day, he changed his clothes and left home after pondering for a while.


    He arrived at Ellen''s ward and ced the food that he had bought from downstairs on the moveable desk.


    Ellen didn''t say a word the whole time when Zachary did that. She merely stared


    at him and grinned.

 Chapter 40

    Despite looking slightly pale, Ellen seemed extremely happy.


    She even took a photo of Zachary with her phone when he busied around.


    "Okay. Hurry up and eat!"


    After cing the food on the table, Zachary handed her the cutlery.


    Ellen looked at her right hand with the IV drip and said in resignation, "I want to eat, but I can''t move my hand!"


    With that, she gave Zachary an aggrieved and helpless look.


    Zachary furrowed his brows slightly. "Don''t you still have your left hand?"


    "I''m not left-handed." Ellen pursed her lips and asked pitifully, "Zachary, why don''t you feed me?"


    Zachary was rendered speechless and stared at Ellen for a while without any expression.


    Atst, he still gave in.


    He grabbed the cutlery and started feeding Ellen.


    Ellen looked pleased and was all smiles.


    "It tastes so good! Will you still feed me at night?" Ellen chewed the food thoroughly and looked at Zachary with anticipation.


    Just then, the nurse came to the ward.


    She looked at Ellen''s record and said, "Ms. Stewart, you can be discharged after taking this IV drip."


    "Can I stay in the hospital? Maybe you can put me on another IV drip." Ellen was reluctant.


    Upon hearing that, the nurse rolled her eyes. She said angrily, "Are you fooling around? It isn''t good to get too much drip!"


    With that, the nurse left.


    Ellen pursed her lips, and the smile on her face vanished.


    Meanwhile, Zachary secretlyughed at the side.


    Ellen red at him. "Stopughing. Feed me. Quick! I''m not full yet!"


    An hourter, Ellen was discharged from the hospital.


    After leaving the hospital, she kept asking Zachary to keep herpany, but he turned her down.


    Ellen didn''t give up pestering Zachary, so he had no choice but to agree to have smoothies with her.


    They took a seat at the smoothie store.


    Ellen ordered a ss of mango smoothie while Zachary only ordered a ss of iced lemon water.


    "What happenedst night? I remembered you were fine when I left. Why did you suddenly get admitted to the hospital?"


    As soon as they sat down, Zachary couldn''t help but ask about what had happened the night before.


    An awkward look shed across Ellen''s face.


    She stammered, "I-I was too excited


    Zachary finally understood the situation. "Do you mean to say that the fact that


    you were admitted to the hospital has nothing to do with me?"


    Ellen argued, "Why does it have nothing to do with you? You''d better not forget that I only drankst night because I wanted to take your side!"


    pet


    "I don''t think taking my side has anything to do with drinking, right? You wanted to drink. Why did you put the me on me?" Zachary refused to take the me.


    Upon hearing that, Ellen was so furious that she puffed out her cheeks.


    "Zachary, you''re such a jerk. I dare you to say it again."


    Her voice was quite loud. Hence, many of them in the smoothie store turned around.


    Zachary immediately felt awkward. He red furiously at Ellen, hinting at her to keep her mouth shut.


    Ellen smiled smugly and arched her brows while looking at Zachary provocatively.


    He suddenly noticed that Ellen''s features looked quite simr to Anya''s.


    After that episode, Zachary chatted with Ellen for a while. When he was about to stand up and leave, Ellen, who was checking her phone, suddenly looked grim.


    She reached out her hand and tugged at Zachary''s sleeve.


    A puzzled expression crept across Zachary''s face.


    Ellen remained silent and handed her phone to Zachary.


    He took the phone and had a look. His face turned grim in an instant.


    Ellen''s phone screen showed the timeline of her Twitter ount.


    Thetest tweet was posted by Ethan a minute ago.


    The post read, "Everything seems filthy when one''s mind is twisted."


    The photo attached was Zachary''s back when he had left sadly the night before.

 Chapter 41

    Zachary hailed a cab and returned to the vi at Bayville after parting with Ellen.


    He was stunned as soon as he entered the vi.


    Anya, who was supposed to be in the CEO''s office of Yel Corporation, was sitting on the couch in the living room with a straight face and her arms crossed.


    She wore a baggy, silk camisole dress and crossed her legs elegantly. She looked grim and seemed to be shrouded in cold air.


    Anya looked up when she saw that Zachary was back.


    Her gaze was indifferent. She seemed to be holding back her emotions and was on the verge of losing it.


    They exchanged nces from a distance. Somehow, Zachary felt slightly guilty.


    It was such a strange feeling, as though he had done something wrong and was caught red-handed by her.


    However, he hadn''t done anything.


    The atmosphere turned slightly awkward in an instant.


    Zachary changed his shoes quietly until Anya broke the awkward silence.


    "Where did you go?" Anya asked. Her voice was soft, so one could hardly tell she was questioning him.


    "I went to visit a friend in the hospital," Zachary replied honestly.


    She looked less indifferent when she heard his reply.


    That was great. He didn''t lie.


    Then, Anya tilted her head and fixed her gaze on Zachary. "Was it just a friend?"


    Zachary frowned and asked, "What else could it be?"


    Anya''s expression seemed more rxed, but she sounded like she was sulking when she requested, "I want to taste your cooking tonight!"


    "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?" Zachary looked displeased.


    He could''ve gone to the supermarket nearby to buy the ingredients on his way back if she had told him earlier.


    "Are you ming me?" Anya furrowed her brows slightly and pursed her lips, pretending to look angry.


    She was born pretty, and now, no one could resist her arrogant yet coy looks. Zachary couldn''t take it and replied, "Okay. I''ll go get the ingredients now." With that, he changed his shoes again and was about to leave the vi. "Hold on. I''ll change and go with you." Anya''s voice sounded.


    Then, the sound of her running up the stairs echoed.


    A few minutester, the two went out together.


    The supermarket wasn''t too far from the vi district. They arrived there after walking for about five minutes.


    Zachary pushed the trolley and headed for the fresh food zone.


    Anya followed him happily.


    "What would you like to eat?" Zachary asked while walking.


    Anya thought for a while before mentioning a few dishes.


    Zachary acted promptly and picked the ingredients. After that, he went to the lifestyle store to get some basic necessities.


    When he was making payment at the counter, Anya, who was behind him, grabbed a box of condoms and tossed it into the trolley.


    Zachary didn''t notice it until the


    cashier started scanning the itemse


    His face was flushed red instantly. "I''m sorry, but this-"


    Zachary was about to take it back when he heard Anya''s voice from behind.


    "Let''s get a box. We''d be in trouble if I got pregnant!"


    Zachary''s eyes widened, and he turned around to look at Anya. He had no idea


    when she had started recording with her phone.


    "Are you crazy?" Zachary asked, his cheeks red.


    Anya blinked at him with a smile.


    "What if I get pregnant if we don''t use it? Do you want to marry me if I have a baby? But... you aren''t divorced!"


    Anya''s voice wasn''t loud, but the female cashier and the people queuing behind heard her.


    In an instant, everyone looked at Zachary with strange expressions.

 Chapter 42

    Zachary could feel his cheeks burning. Although there wasn''t a mirror, he could tell that his face had turned scarlet.


    He finally lost it when they left the market.


    "Anya, what was that supposed to mean?" He held two fully stuffed shopping bags and red at Anya furiously.


    "Nothing. I just want to be safe!" Anya didn''t seem bothered.


    Seeing that, Zachary grew angrier. "What the hell? We don''t even do that. Is there


    a need to be safe?"


    "Did you say we didn''t? Why did you hold and kiss mest night then? If not because I kept resisting, you would''ve..." Anya suddenly blushed as she said that.


    She looked up and stared at Zachary. Then, she looked away shyly after meeting


    his gaze.


    "I..." Zachary was dumbfounded.


    He couldn''t remember a single thing from the night before.


    He wondered if he had done something out of line to Anya after he was drunk.


    That couldn''t be.


    Zachary wanted to dismiss that possibility.


    However, he felt slightly guilty when he recalled that he had woken up on Anya''s bed that day.


    He apologized sincerely, "I''m sorry. Last night was an ident. I''ll be more careful next time."


    "It''s okay. I don''t me you," Anya replied, her cheeks red. Then, she added, "As for that thing... Just keep it. Remember to use it when you can''t control yourself next time."


    Zachary was speechless. He couldn''t help but blush too.


    The two didn''t say a word on their way back.


    Zachary went into the kitchen as soon as they arrived at the vi.


    After dinner, Zachary cleaned up the table and quickly went upstairs.


    After this incident, he didn''t know how he should face Anya.


    He took a shower andy on the bed. He secretly decided to move out during the weekend.


    After all, there were only the two of


    them


    would be awful if they really crossed


    25 in the house. Things


    the line. Content bel


    In the evening, in the master bedroom of the vi, Anya sent the video she had


    recorded at the supermarket.


    She also wrote a message. "He''ll be your brother-inw. You''d better keep a distance from him!"


    After the message was sent, she soon received a reply.


    "Did you have sex with him?"


    Anya grinned and tabbed on the keyboard before sending an emoticon of a bunny covering its face shyly.


    A new message came in. It read, "Anya, it''s too early to tell if Zachary will be my brother-inw or yours!"


    Anya didn''t reply. Instead, she closed the chat window.


    Everything was like usual in the following days.


    Other than working, Zachary would look for suitable rooms on the room renting application whenever he was free.


    He deliberately looked for an area close to thepany so that it was more convenient for him to go to work.


    During the weekend, Zachary had his breakfast and called the agent for room viewing.


    However, Anya stopped him when he was about to go out.


    "You can''t move out!" Anya seemed really angry.


    She was dressed in baggy loungewear. She stopped right i


    front of Zachary. Her gaze wamet


    soce and determination.


    S.W


    full


    "If you move out, I''lI..." Anya thought for a long while but couldn''t think of any words to threaten him. Hence, she said through gritted teeth, "I''ll stop eating if you move out. Pll starve myself to death!"

 Chapter 43

    Zachary didn''t change his mind because of Anya''s words. He merely stared at her with a strange expression.


    Anya''s cheeks gradually turned rosy.


    After a while, Zachary sighed and reached out his hand to rub her head. He


    looked just like a brother caring for his younger sister.


    Anya was stunned. The next instant, she heard Zachary''s soft voice.


    "Stop fooling around. We aren''t a good fit for each other."


    His voice was soft but extremely determined.


    Anya fell silent. She didn''t stop him and allowed him to walk past her and leave the vi.


    The process of renting a room went smoothly, but the apartment type was slightly different from what Zachary had imagined.


    He had wanted to rent a one-bedroom apartment because he would be living alone. Thus, a one-bedroom apartment would be enough for him.


    He only found out that it was a two-bedroom apartment after viewing it.


    The agent was confused too. He only noticedter that there was something wrong with the information. They had mistaken the two-bedroom apartment for a one-bedroom apartment.


    Zachary didn''t take too long to consider and signed the contract with the agent without hesitation. Then, he started tidying up the apartment.


    The apartment was about 970 square feet and fully equipped with furniture. The janitor had also cleaned up the ce before this. Hence, Zachary briefly tidied it up before hailing a cab to return to the vi in Bayville.


    He put his clothes and some daily necessities into the suitcase.


    Anya even offered to send Zachary to his apartment. She also went to buy bedding and other stuff with him.


    The sky gradually turned dark when they were done.


    Since Anya had been going around with Zachary all day, he felt bad. As such, he offered to treat her to a meal.


    They went to a barbecue ce near the apartment.


    When they followed the waiter to the table, they bumped into Wendy and Ethan, who were also there for a meal.


    Wendy and Ethan were chatting happily, and the atmosphere was great. They looked just like a loving couple who only had eyes for each other.


    Wendy''s pupils contracted when she spotted Zachary at the next table from the corner of her eyes.


    She cast her gaze upon the woman with Zachary and immediately recognized Anya.


    She was surprised to see Anya, the goddess of Yel Corporation having a meal at a barbecue ce with Zachary.


    Wendy seemed to be in disbelief.


    Ethan noticed the change in Wendy''s gaze too. Feeling curious, he turned around to have a look.


    He didn''t know Anya, but he was astonished by her demeanor, looks, and figure.


    A jealous look flitted across Ethan''s eyes, but he hid it well.


    He turned to look at Wendy, who almost spaced out staring at Anya, and said


    softly, "Wendy, she''s probably Zachary''s friend. Don''t overthink."


    Wendy withdrew her gaze, but the


    smile on her face disappeared. "Their


    smile ionship has nothing to do I already promised my


    with


    mom to divorce him."


    "Zachary is too much. If he had apologized to you, the two of you wouldn''t have


    "Wendy, considering that your


    marriage hase to this stage, I think both of you are at fault. He was wrong because he didn''t trust you and wasn''t considerate. He didn''t make things clear with other women and didn''t care about your feelings.


    "You made a mistake because you shouldn''t have been so good to him to the point that he took you for


    granted Everything is in the pasmet


    now. Just let it be. Maybe he''de back to you when he had enough fun out there."


    Ethan sighed and shook his head as though he felt Wendy had been wronged.


    As Wendy listened to Ethan''sforting words, she somehow felt a surge of grievance. Soon, these emotions were overtaken by anger.


    Wearing a grim expression, Wendy sneered. "So what if hees back to me? I''m not a waste management center. I don''t keep rubbish!"


    Ethan sighed. "One only learns how to appreciate after losing something. I hope he''ll understand this soon."


    Although their tables were next to each other, Zachary and Anya didn''t notice Wendy and Ethan.


    It was quite noisy in the restaurant, so they couldn''t even hear the conversation between Wendy and Ethan next to them.


    Besides, Zachary and Anya were starving after being busy the whole afternoon.

 Chapter 44

    When the ingredients were served and cooked, Zachary and Anya started enjoying the food.


    Zachary ordered a ss of cold beer and a ss of juice.


    "Anya, thank you for today." Zachary poured himself a ss of beer and raised his ss at Anya.


    She smiled and held the ss of juice before giving him a toast.


    "Mr. Lloyd, that''s not enough. If you really want to thank me, let me visit your ce more often for meals."


    "Sure," Zachary replied and agreed to her request without hesitation.


    He just didn''t expect Anya to go to his apartment frequently in the future to take advantage without paying for the meals.


    "Mr. Lloyd, there''s some sauce on your face." Anya raised her hand and gently wiped the stain on Zachary''s face with a tissue.


    The table was quite big. Anya had to stand up to wipe the stain off Zachary''s face.


    Her action immediately caught Wendy''s attention.


    When Wendy looked over, she saw Zachary smiling faintly and enjoying it while Anya wiped his face intimately.


    Her ss fell to the floor and shattered into pieces.


    Wendy''s face turned slightly grim.


    Zachary heard the noise and looked over suspiciously. He had gone into the restaurant with Anya 20 minutes ago. It was only then that he noticed Wendy sitting at the table beside them.


    "Wendy, are you okay?" Ethan stood up and went closer to her, looking


    concerned. He held Wendy''s hand and checked it carefully.


    Wendy withdrew her gaze and smiled. She shook her head and replied, "I''m fine. It just slipped from my hand."


    "It''s good to know that you''re fine." Ethan nodded and summoned the waiter. Then, he told the waiter to bring a new ss.


    Zachary saw everything, but his gaze was calm. It seemed like he wasn''t bothered at all.


    Anya gave Wendy a sideways nce and asked suspiciously, "Mr. Lloyd, have youe here deliberately to trigger your ex-wife?"


    "As if I had nothing better to do." Zachary took a sip of the beer and continued grilling the beef.


    Both of them had eaten a lot. Anya could handle spicy food better than he imagined. Although she kept drinking water, she didn''t stop eating.


    Perhaps because Anya had taken spicy food, her eyes were brimmed


    with tears. Her cheeks were


    rosy


    and looked just like peaches. She


    looked so attractive that one would feet like devouring her.


    At that moment, Zachary watched her and fell into a trance.


    "Ahem..."


    Having been stared at intently by Zachary, Anya smiled happily.


    She coughed on purpose, bringing Zachary back to his senses. He averted his gaze, and his ears were flushed red in embarrassment.


    Zachary dared not look at Anya, but she seemed amused.


    She held her chin with both hands and tilted her head. Smiling, she fixed her gaze on him. "Mr. Lloyd, are you blushing?"


    "What for?"


    Hearing that, Zachary rolled his eyes at Anya and swiftly changed the topic. "You should act maturely as thepany CEO."


    "What have I done?" Anya looked puzzled.


    "The manager of the business department has been hardworking and nice to others. Why did you deduct two thousand dors from his bonus for no reason?" Zachary asked.

 Chapter 45

    Zachary became serious at the mention of this topic.


    "Mr. Wright is only 35 years old. His wife is taking care of two kids at home. He has to bear the living expenses, car loans, and house loans by himself.


    "Maybe two thousand dors is a small amount to you, but it probably can support his family for a month."


    Zachary knew about his colleagues'' situations after spending several days in the business department.


    The business department manager, Charles Wright, was 35 years old and quite capable. He took his job seriously and was pretty good at everything.


    Most importantly, he cared for his wife and family. He was also a virtuous person.


    When Zachary had his meals in thepany, he had noticed a few times that Charles didn''t eat in the canteen. Instead, he would microwave his lunchbox at the canteen.


    His sry wasn''t low, but he was frugal. He wanted to spend all the money he earned on his family.


    Charles was certainly a good man.


    Two thousand dors might not seem like a lot, but it was a big amount to Charles.


    Zachary briefly told Anya about Charles. After listening to him, she nodded and promised, "Mr. Lloyd, don''t worry. I''ll pay him back the bonus!"


    "It''s good that you know your mistake. This grilled beef is a reward for you." Upon seeing that, Zachary smiled and passed her a piece of beef that had just been cooked.


    He wanted to ce the grilled beef on Anya''s te, but she seemed to have got him wrong and opened her mouth.


    Zachary was slightly troubled. After all, it was his cutlery.


    "Oh! Mr. Lloyd, the beef you grilled tastes better than the one I grilled!"


    Anya bit the grilled beef that Zachary had passed to her and smiled widely as she chewed.


    Zachary blushed because of her actions.


    Just then, a sound rang out from the table next to them.


    Zachary turned around and saw Wendy''s livid face. She mmed her


    Bet


    right hand on the table, and the 12


    was a set of cutlery under her hand.


    Back then, Wendy would ignore Zachary. But now, she couldn''t take it anymore.


    She gave Zachary a death stare, her eyes full of fury.


    Zachary met Wendy''s furious gaze. He frowned and quickly withdrew his gaze.


    Anya didn''t turn around, but she vaguely knew what had happened from Zachary''s reaction.


    "Zachary, you worked hardst night. Have an oyster," Anya said loudly. At the same time, she took the gritted oyster served by the waiter and brought it next to Zachary''s lips.


    Zachary was slightly baffled.


    He wondered why she said he had worked hard the night before. He had done nothing, though.


    He stared at Anya in shock, but she winked at him, hinting at him to open his mouth.


    Zachary ate the oyster unconsciously. It was tender, fresh, and full of the vor of garlic. It tasted quite good.


    Wendy''s expression was extremely grim when she witnessed that scene.


    Upon seeing that, Ethan stood up and walked up to Zachary, who sat at the next table.


    He looked down at Zachary and chided condescendingly, "Zachary, don''t you think you''re too much?"


    "Are you crazy?" Zachary nced at him, looking a bit impatient.


    He didn''t go after Ethan to look for trouble, but thetter came to trigger him instead.


    He wondered if Ethan thought he was a pushover.


    "Aren''t you dating Ellen? Why are you acting intimately with this woman now? Does Ellen know about this?"


    Ethan remainedposed as he


    Estioned.


    He made himself seem righteous and deliberately came over to criticize Zachary


    for two-timing.


    "Am I close with you?" Instead of feeling angry, Zachary was pretty amused.

 Chapter 46

    Zachary stared at Ethan as though he was looking at a fool.


    His gaze seemed to be saying that Ethan had no right toment about his matter.


    Ethan looked slightly sulky. He had expected Zachary to argue with him, but he hadn''t expected him to be this indifferent. Zachary even seemed like he couldn''t care less to entertain him.


    It made Ethan feel like a clown trying to please his audience.


    Ethan red furiously at Zachary before turning to look at Anya. "Pretty, this man hasn''t divorced and has hooked up with his wife''s best friend. He doesn''t deserve you."


    Anya was shocked. "Does he have a wife?"


    She looked at Zachary in disbelief.


    Zachary rolled his eyes and thought, "Keep going with your act."


    Seeing that Anya didn''t know about all this, Ethan was instantly pleased. Then, he briefly talked about Zachary being a boy toy who leeched off his wife for five years and also hooked up with Ellen.


    Of course, he had exaggerated when he told the story about Zachary.


    Anya listened to him and turned pale. She gently bit her lower lip and looked as though she had been deceived by a jerk.


    She said, "Zachary, I can''t believe this is the kind of person you are!"


    Ethan smiled. "Pretty, it''s not toote for you to know now. A man like him..."


    Anya pressed on and asked, "After everything you''ve said, do you have proof? I don''t think he''s like what you''ve said."


    "Proof?" Ethan sneered. First, he looked at Zachary, who pretended to look calm. Then, he turned around and pointed at Wendy.


    "She is Wendy Jennings, Zachary''s current wife. You can ask the two of them if you don''t trust me. You can confront them!"


    Anya asked confusedly, "Is she Zachary''s wife? Why is she alone with you then?"


    Ethan panicked for a second. "We... We''re colleagues. It''s the weekend, so we''re out shopping and having a meal together."


    "Since you know your colleague has a husband, why are you eating alone with her? Aren''t you afraid her husband might feel jealous if he finds out? Isn''t itmon sense for someone to keep a distance from a married woman?" Anya questioned.


    A look of disdain shed across Anya''s eyes. She continued to ask, "Did you do this on purpose? Did you deliberately flirt with a married woman to make her husband jealous and ruin their rtionship... so that you can take over his position?"


    "Hey, gold digger. What nonsense are you talking about? Do you think I have to rely on others like you do? I''m capable and have good looks. I..." Ethan refuted.


    It seemed like Anya had exposed Ethan''s despicable intentions. His expression changed instantly.


    He pointed at Anya and kept scolding her.


    However, Anya stood up calmly before taking the half cup of juice and sshing it on Ethan''s face.


    Ethan shuddered when the icy cold juice sshed on him.


    His eyes widened in shock. "How dare you!"


    He then raised his hand angrily to p Anya.


    Just as he lifted his arm, Zachary swiftly stood up and held it.


    Ethan kept struggling until his face flushed red, but he couldn''t free himself from Zachary''s grip.


    He looked ferocious as he yelled, "Zachary, what the fuck are you doing?"


    "She isn''t someone you can mess with!" Zachary warned.


    Zachary''s gaze was icy as he exerted force. In an instant, Ethan stumbled backward and slumped to the ground.


    This scene caught the attention of the customers in the restaurant. Everyone looked over. Ethan''s face was livid, and he looked extremely sulky.


    He wanted to make a move and


    teach Zachary a lesson, but thetter was much stronger than him. He would be at a disadvantage if they were to fight.


    "Ethan, are you okay?" Just then, Wendy, who looked worried, stood up and came over to help him up.


    Ethan smiled bitterly. "Wendy, I''m okay. I wanted to help you persuade Zachary, but I..."


    "Don''t worry. I won''t allow anyone to hurt you!" Wendy''s gaze turned icy.


    She strode toward Zachary, raised her arms, and pped him.


    of


    "Zachary, Ethan advised you out of kindness. How could youy your hands on him? Hurry up and apologize to him. This is an order!" Wendy red at Zachary in rage.

 Chapter 47

    The sound of a p echoed.


    As soon as Wendy finished speaking, a fair hand pped her arrogant face.


    She was dumbstruck. She turned around and saw Anya''s icy expression.


    "Ms. Wayne, you..." Wendy was bewildered. She had no idea why Anya would p her.


    "Ms. Jennings, Zachary is my friend. How dare you treat him like this?"


    Anya looked cold. She was the CEO of a listedpany that was worth tens of billions of dors. Her looks, demeanor, vibe, and background outshined Wendy''s. Wendy dared not show a hint of displeasure in front of Anya even after getting pped.


    It was a society where peoplepeted over their family, background, and status. Anya was burning in fury.


    Wendy knew if she were to talk back or show any sign of anger, it would mean the end of her and Jennings Corporation.


    "Ms. Wayne, you''ve got me wrong. Zachary is... my husband!" Wendy swallowed her pride and exined.


    Anya sneered. "Is he really your husband? Ms. Jennings, are you kidding me? You said that Zachary is your husband, but you obviously saw it when that pretentious guy came to provoke your husband. Why didn''t youe and stop him then?


    "Now that your husband has taught that pretentious guy a lesson, you rush over angrily to speak up for him. Based on my observation, I don''t think that Zachary is your husband. But that disgusting, pretentious guy is probably your husband. Isn''t that right?"


    Wendy was rendered speechless by Anya''s mockery.


    Wendy seemed to have mixed feelings and wanted to exin herself, yet she couldn''t find a suitable reason.


    Atst, she could only apologize to Anya. Then, she was about to leave.


    "Hold on!" Zachary called out to stop her.


    Wendy turned to look at Zachary, her gaze tinged with grievance and doubts, but more of resentment.


    She wouldn''t have offended Anya if it wasn''t for Zachary. He was the one who had caused the situation to develop to this stage.


    Zachary didn''t say another word and raised his arm to p Wendy.


    Wendy''s face looked extremely sulky after getting pped twice.


    She gritted her teeth. The corners of her eyes were red as she stared at Zachary resentfully. "Zachary Lloyd, how dare you p me?"


    "So what if pped you?" Zachary''s gaze was cold. "Did I deserve to get pped by you in public then? Do you think only your pride matters but you can trample over me as?ou wish?


    "You''re a grown woman. Didn''t your parents tell you to respect others?"


    Wendy was stunned by Zachary''s


    words. She hadn''t expected


    someone who always


    vel


    would scold her like this.


    She could feel a surge of grievance. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she said in a


    husky voice, "You''d never do this to me in the past!"


    n¨¦


    "You were my wife then. I always let you have it your way because I wanted to maintain our marriage. Since we''re divorcing, what makes you think that I''ll still tolerate you?"


    Zachary looked indifferent. He stared at Wendy as though he was looking at a stranger.


    "Wendy, stay away from me from now on. I feel disgusted when I see you now!" Wendy wanted to say something, but Zachary roared, "Get lost!"


    "You..." Wendy gritted her teeth. As Anya was still next to her, she dared not do anything.


    She shot Zachary a death stare and left in a huff without looking back.


    Ethan saw that and quickly followed her.

 Chapter 48

    Just as he was about to brush past Zachary, Ethan lowered his voice on purpose and said, "Zachary, I should thank you. You''re the reason Wendy can be together with me without feeling burdened."


    Ethan looked smugly at Zachary.


    He wanted to see sadness, regret, and rage on Zachary''s face. However, to his disappointment, Zachary onlyughed carelessly at his provocativements.


    Ethan felt as if his words had had no effect.


    He did not stay and instead quickened his footsteps to catch up with Wendy.


    Now that the repulsive couple had left, Anya immediately admitted to her mistake. "I''m sorry, Mr. Lloyd. You got pped for nothing because of me."


    Zachary looked at her and smiled wryly. "This doesn''t have anything to do with you. You don''t have to feel guilty."


    When Anya saw that he wasn''t angry with her, she couldn''t helpining, "Mr. Lloyd, you''re a terrible judge of character! How could you have married a woman as blind and ignorant as Wendy? You actually lived with her for five years! If I had been in your ce, I''d have kicked her out ages ago!"


    Zachary had nothing to say to Anya''s criticisms.


    After all, everything she had said was true.


    Wendy was ignorant. If she wasn''t, how could she not realize that Ethan was approaching her on purpose because he had ulterior motives?


    "Mr. Lloyd, why don''t you consider me instead? I think that I''m much better than Wendy in all aspects. Besides, I''m very loyal! I''d never get into an ambiguous rtionship with men who weren''t my husband," Anya said. There was a hopeful light in her pretty eyes.


    Zachary reached out to ruffle her hair. Heughed, saying, "I can consider thinking of you as my younger sister."


    Anya frowned. "How can being a younger sisterpare to being your wife? If you think that things are progressing too quickly, I can be your girlfriend first!"


    "Don''t be silly! I don''t want to be in a rtionship right now!" Zachary rejected her ruthlessly.


    Anya looked discouraged. She sighed. "Alright, I''ll be your younger sister then. As long as I work hard, I''m sure I can get upgraded to being a lover!"


    Zachary looked difited at Anya''sments.


    He could not understand it.


    Why was Anya always acting so boldly whenever she was around him?


    In the neighborhood outside his rented house, Zachary watched Anya drive off.


    He turned to walk into the neighborhood, but a ck Audi suddenly stopped at the entrance.


    The door opened and Wendy got out. She hurried to catch up with him. "Zachary, stop right there!"


    When he heard Wendy''s voice from behind him, Zachary frowned at once.


    Why was this woman so obsessive?


    He turned around, but what surprised him was that Ethan was not with Wendy this time.


    Wendy blocked Zachary''s path and said unpleasantly, "Zachary, when did you meet Ms. Wayne from Yel Corporation?"


    "Is that any of your business? Why should I tell you?" Zachary''s brow furrowed


    even more.


    Wendy could not possibly know where he was currently living. The fact that she had managed to find him meant that she had been stalking him.


    Wendy''s eyes glinted. "You want to divorce me don''t you? I can agree to do so, but you have to answer a few questions of mine. Once you''ve answered them, I''ll go to the


    courthouse with you on Monday to


    get our divorce papers done."


    Zachary was silent for a moment. He said, "I met Anya the day you brought Ethan home."


    Wendy frowned slightly. She murmured, "That means... Anya probably didn''t mean you."


    "Do you have any other questions?" Zachary was getting sleepy. He''d had a busy


    day, and he had no wish to waste any time on Wendy.


    "She humbled herself to eat alone


    with you, which means that you


    her Can you ask Anya to cont


    must be on pretty good terms with


    working with Jennings Corporation?"


    She seemed afraid that Zachary would refuse, as she added, "As long as you can persuade Anya to


    continue working with Je9s


    Corporation, I''ll forgive you for everything you did, and I''ll keep my distance from Ethan in the future."

 Chapter 49

    Zachary had been sleepy at first, but when he heard how shameless Wendy was being, he couldn''t help bursting intoughter. "Wendy, you can''t possibly think that I''m only sulking, do you?"


    "Aren''t you? First Ellen, and now Anya. Aren''t you approaching them on purpose to make me jealous?" Wendy looked very sure of herself.


    Before Anya''s appearance, she might have suspected Zachary of being together with Ellen.


    However, after Anya had appeared, she had realized that Zachary and Ellen were just putting on an act.


    They just wanted to make her angry on purpose.


    After being married for five years, she felt that she understood Zachary well enough.


    Zachary was very loyal when it came to rtionships, and he always kept his distance from those of the opposite gender. He would never eat alone with Anya if he was dating Ellen.


    Besides, Zachary and Anya had seemed so intimate just now.


    If they weren''t putting on an act, then what else could it be?


    "You can keep thinking that if you want to!" Zachary had no patience to exin anything to Wendy, especially when he saw how triumphant she looked.


    "What kind of attitude is that, Zachary?" Zachary was clearly being dismissive of her, and it had made Wendy angry. "I''m alreadypromising. Don''t act so high- and-mighty with me."


    "Do I need you topromise?" Zachary looked impatient.


    Wendy said angrily, "Zachary, do you really want to divorce me? Once we get divorced, I''ll never look back or try to make you stay! This is the only time I''ll ask you to stay, and it''ll be thest! You''d better consider this properly!"


    "I''ve considered this very thoroughly. See you at the courthouse on Monday, because we are getting divorced!" Zachary turned on his heel and walked into the neighborhood without looking back.


    "Zachary! Jennings Corporation has already found a new business partner. Even if we don''t have a coboration with Yel Corporation, we''re still going to get better and better. When you regret it in future, I won''t give you any chances!" Wendy''s threatening voice called out from behind him.


    However, Zachary continued walking off into the distance without looking back. Wendy looked grim.


    She stood under the street light and stared fixedly at Zachary''s retreating figure. She did not move for a long time.


    She only turned and got angrily into the car when she could no longer see him.


    ...


    The next day, Harold invited Ethan for a meal at the Jennings'' home.


    Since it was his first visit, Ethan brought several expensive supplements. Despite this, Harold and Fiona both remained rather cool in their treatment of him.


    When they were at the dinner table, Harold got straight to the point. "Ethan, I heard from Wendy that your uncle Dalton Falkner wants to be a shareholder of Jennings Corporation?"


    "Yes, Mr. Jennings! My uncle''s real estatepany has reached a bottleneck, so he wants to invest in some other industries. That''s why I rmended Jennings Corporation to him."


    "How much does he want to invest?"


    "About 100 million dors!" Ethan answered honestly.


    Even Harold was interested when he heard the amount.


    100 million dors in cash was not to be sneezed at.


    Although Jennings Corporation currently had a market worth of one billion dors, that was only its


    market worth. It only had about ten million dors in working capital,


    which they could not touch.


    Harold''s eyes shone as he sank into deep thought.


    He had managed Jennings Corporation for over a decade, and he had trained


    Wendy for five years. The truth was that he had wanted to retire ages ago.


    If they could get 100 million dors, he could hand over the management of the


    "Jennings Corporation has a market worth of one billion dors. If your uncle invests 100 million dors, I can only give him 10% of thepany stocks at most!" Harold gave his answer.


    However, Ethan was clearly dissatisfied with it.


    Although Jennings Corporation had a market worth of one billion dors, the fact was that Jennings Corporation had lost Yel Corporation as a partner.


    Besides, the core product of thepany had some side effects, and if they could not optimize the drug in future, it was very likely to be eliminated from the market. Jennings Corporation''s market worth would be sure to slide if that happened. However, Harold was trying to sell his shares based on Jennings Corporation''s most optimal state, which was clearly taking advantage of Ethan.


    Harold was an old fox, but Ethan was no idiot.


    He looked rather troubled as he said, "Mr. Jennings, I''m currently the manager of the business department at Jennings Corporation, and I know the situation of thepany very well."


    Wendy ced a peeled shrimp on Ethan''s te. She turned to Harold and said, "Dad, ording to Jennings Corporation''s current. situation, the market worth won''t be up to one billion dors. The 0% of


    shares that you mentioned is clearly not appropriate!"


    Harold''s brow wrinkled, and he looked at his daughter rather disappointedly.

 Chapter 50

    Although Fiona did not know much about running apany and did not know about market worth, she knew that Wendy should not have spoken up for Ethan at that moment.


    "Wendy, my phone''s been having problems recently. Come to my room with me and help me take a look at it." She put down her knife and fork and pulled Wendy inside.


    Without Wendy, who was dumb enough to help outsiders, Harold did not try to hide anything. He asked directly, "Your uncle probably doesn''t know about the Jennings Corporation''s situation yet, right?"


    "Yeah." Ethan nodded, smiling.


    Harold''s eyes were gleaming, as if he could see right through him. "So, what do you want?"


    "Mr. Jennings, you were against me and Wendy back then, and you said that it was because I wasn''t worthy of her. I think that I''m now capable enough to be with Wendy and help her to manage and run thispany."


    Ethan paused and added, "As long as you agree to me and Wendy dating, I can hide it from my uncle and tell him to buy 10% of the shares in Jennings Corporation with 100 million dors."


    "Is that your only request?" Harold narrowed his eyes slightly.


    Ethan looked perfectly sincere as he said, "Mr. Jennings, I didn''te back to the country and join Jennings Corporation for the money. I did it because I genuinely like Wendy and want to be with her."


    "So, you approached Wendy on purpose and caused trouble in her rtionship with Zachary?" Harold scoffed. There was a disdainful look in his eyes. "Don''t bother with that hypocritical demeanor of yours. I''m not as dumb as Wendy is. I know very well what you''re thinking!"


    "Mr. Jennings, you''ve misunderstood. I" Ethan tried to protest.


    However, Harold could not be bothered to listen. He retorted with a statement that left Ethan speechless. "Don''t exin. If you really did like Wendy, you wouldn''t have taken the one million dors I gave you back then and left the country." Ethan looked rather awkward. He could not say anything about that.


    "Don''t worry! Wendy doesn''t know about that, and if you really are capable, I wouldn''t mind the two of you being together. However, one''s capability isn''t based on what they say, but instead on what they do. You''re a smart man. You should know what I mean."


    Since Harold had made himself so clear, Ethan did know what he meant.


    He nodded and said, "Don''t worry, Mr. Jennings. I know what to do. When you''ve prepared the contract for transferring 10% of the shares for 100 million dors, I''ll deliver it to my uncle at once."


    "I''ll draft the contract by Monday. If there isn''t anything else, go call Fiona and Wendy out so that we can eat."


    They had finished all the necessary discussions, so Harold did not say anything else.


    After they had eaten, Wendy went with Ethan to send him off.


    Ethan smiled happily the entire time. "Wendy, I discussed our rtionship with Mr. Jennings just now, and he isn''t against our rtionship."


    When Wendy heard this, a strange look shed in her eyes.


    She asserted softly, but did not react much.


    Ethan frowned, but he didn''t think much of it.


    After all, two steps of his n had beenpleted.


    As long as nothing unexpected happened, Jennings Corporation would be his sooner orter.


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, it was Monday.


    Ethan took the contract for 10% of the shares in Jennings Corporation over to Celesea City while Wendy drove to the courthouse.


    When she reached the entrance, she saw Zachary getting out of a cab.


    The two of them did not talk as they entered the courthouse one after the other.


    As it was morning, there weren''t many people who were at the courthouse for divorce.


    The two of them finished signing the papers very quickly and submitted their application to file for divorce.


    They would now have to wait 30 days as the divorce cooling off period.


    They would receive their divorce certificate 30 dayster.


    After leaving the courthouse, Zachary did not even look back as


    he


    get ready to g down a cab to


    go to work at Yel Corporation.


    today! You''ll onlyst a year at most!" Wendy cried out in a cold voice as she ran after him before getting into her car and leaving.


    "Zachary, you''ll regret your


    "Regret it? Zacharyughed and murmured, "Oh, Wendy. The thing that I regret the most in my life is going to Yel Corporation five years ago to meet you!"  fo


    Before leaving that morning, he had gotten a call from Anya.


    Anya had told him that Harold was selling 10% of the shares in Jennings Corporation to Dalton.


    Zachary had all the information on both Ethan and Dalton.


    He had not used the information against Ethan because he wanted to use him to implement his n.


    They werepletely unaware of the danger thaty ahead.


    The person who got the ultimate benefits would never be Ethan, nor would it be Dalton.


    The had been cast, and what Zachary needed to do was to wait for the right moment to pull it in.

 Chapter 51

    Back at the CEO office in Yel Corporation, Anya finished the work she was doing and called in her secretary, who was named Sarah Brown.


    "Notify the finance department and tell them to give the manager of the business department, Charles Wright, a raise of three thousand dors in base sry. He will also get a bonus of an extra 20 thousand dors this month!"


    Sarah looked very surprised. She couldn''t help asking, "Ms. Wayne, why are you giving Mr. Wright a raise and an extra bonus?"


    Anya twirled the fountain pen in her fingers and thought for a moment before she replied, "He''s a family man who treats his wife well and is good to his subordinates."


    Sarah''s eyes widened in shock.


    Charles'' good treatment of his subordinates could be a reason, but what did him being a family man and treating his wife well have anything to do with thepany?


    Sarah was very curious, but she did not dare to ask too much.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Zachary had reached the office.


    However, it was already 10:30 am by the time he arrived, and he was half an hourte.


    Zachary was prepared to get his sry cut, but when Charles saw him, he only smiled and patted him on the shoulder. "Zachary, you''ve only been here for a while, so I''ll let it go this time. Be more careful in future!"


    Charles was glowing and looked as if he was in an excellent mood.


    He cleared his throat and said loudly to the rest of the staff in the department, "Let''s finish all the work on hand early. After work, I''ll treat everyone to a meal so that our department can get together and wee our new colleague, Zachary." The staff members of the business department immediately cheered for joy.


    One of the female colleagues said teasingly, "Did you get rich, boss?"


    "Thanks to all of you, I got a raise of three thousand dors in my base sry, and Ms. Wayne has even given me 20 thousand dors extra as a bonus for this month!" Charles was very forthright and admitted it generously.


    "Damn! Did you save Ms. Wayne''s life? You got three thousand dors all of a sudden and even got a 20-thousand-dor bonus?"


    All of the staff members looked curious.


    "Don''t be silly!" Charles chuckled and pretended to re at the staff member who had teased him. He scratched his head and said, "I''m also a little confused, but the finance department says that I''m a family man who treats my wife and subordinates well, so she gave me a raise and a bonus."


    "Boss, who would believe a reason like that? You must have done something behind our backs!" The staff member who had teased him clearly did not believe


    it.


    He wasn''t the only one. Apart from Zachary, no one in the department believed it.


    "If you don''t believe me, just forget it and get back to work! I won''t wait around after work," Charles saidughingly before


    office. Content belong Dack to his


    Work was tedious, but time passed by fairly quickly.


    In the blink of an eye, it was time to get off work.


    Charles took the lead and brought them all to a neighboring restaurant to eat.


    There were 21 people in the business department, including Charles himself, so he asked for arge private room.


    After a long and busy day, everyone began eating and talking as soon as the food was served.


    As the center of attention of the gathering, Charles and Zachary were plied withrge amounts of alcohol.


    Charles had a fairly good alcohol tolerance and epted them all.


    Zachary wanted to refuse, but he could not reject his colleagues'' enthusiasm, so


    he ended up drinking quite a bit.


    Just as he was beginning to feel dizzy, his phone suddenly rang.


    He pulled out his phone instinctively and answered the call.


    "What are you doing, babe?" Ellen''s voice came through the phone.


    She sounded soft and gentle, as if she was whining yfully.


    Zachary looked rather tipsy, and he he


    was


    ans incoherent as he


    colleagues. What''s the matter.ne


    , "I''m eating with my e


    "Have you been drinking?"


    "Yes. My colleagues are all very enthusiastic!"


    "Where are you eating? I''lle and pick you upter!"


    "It''s alright. I live near the office, so I can go back on my own!"


    "You''ve been drinking so much. What if you find yourself in danger on the way back? Be good and tell me where you are. I''lle right over." .

 Chapter 52

    "I''m at..."


    The alcohol kicked in just then, and Zachary felt rather woozy. As Ellen kept asking, he told her the address.


    After they had eaten their fill, the rest of his colleagues began leaving one by one.


    When Zachary left the restaurant, he saw Ellen waiting at the entrance.


    She was wearing a white spaghetti-strap dress that fit her very well. Her snow- white shoulders and intricate corbones were exposed, and it made her look very sexy.


    When she saw Zacharying out, her eyes lit up, and she ttered over on her high heels.


    She took Zachary''s arm and said in a slightly reproachful tone, "Why did you drink so much?"


    "I''m alright! I didn''t drink that much!" Zachary maintained thest vestige of his sobriety, and he grinned broadly at her as he answered.


    Ellen rolled her eyes at him. "You didn''t drink that much? You can''t even walk steadily!"


    "What do you mean?" Zachary was unwilling to admit it.


    However, Ellen did not argue with him. She asked him where he lived and helped him all the way back to his rental home.


    When he got back to his rental home, he leaned sideways and slumped on the couch.


    He held a hand against his forehead and said tipsily, "Ellen, thank you for bringing me home. It''s gettingte. Y-You should head back soon!"


    The front door banged shut.


    Zachary thought that Ellen had left.


    He propped himself up with difficulty to go back to his room, but when he looked up, he saw someone standing in front of him.


    "Ellen? W-Why haven''t you left yet?" Zachary looked fuzzily at Ellen, who was standing in front of him.


    She said nothing.


    She lowered her head and looked at Zachary with a conflicted look in her eyes.


    "Ell-Mmph" Zachary began again,


    but Ellen suddenly lunged forward¨¦t


    and locked her arms around bie neck as she kissed him forcefully.


    This was the third time that she had forced a kiss on him.


    Zachary was extremely dizzy, and he was feeling very weak. He tried to push her away, but failed to do so.


    "Ellen! Don''t... Mmph! Don''t... Don''t tear off my clothes!"


    Ellen was very aggressive.


    She ignored Zachary''s resistant struggles and deepened the kiss aggressively as she tore at his shirt.


    In just a moment, all of Zachary''s clothes had been torn off.


    "Are... Are you crazy? We can''t do this!" Zachary was panting heavily.


    He was just an ordinary man, and now that Ellen was being so insistent, he could feel himself wavering.


    However, the remaining shreds of his rationality told him that he could not do something like that with her.


    Ellen did not seem to be able to hear


    him. She stood before him and


    reached up to take off her


    het


    spaghetti-strap dress. "Zachary, you''re mine! You have to take responsibility for me!"


    Ellen''s eyes misted over as she leaned forward and pressed herself against Zachary.


    Zachary''s mind went nk.


    Thest bit of his rationality snapped as Ellen continued to tempt him.


    The two of them were entwined


    together as if they had both


    mad Passionate kisses


    relentlessly. Content beloet


    Zachary''s breathing grew heavier, and Ellen was sweating.


    The two of them went from the couch in the living room to the bed in the bedroom.


    In the dim bedroom, all Zachary could hear was the sound of Ellen''s voice.

 Chapter 53

    When Zachary and Ellen were done, Zachary fell deeply asleep.


    Ellen''s face was flushed, and shey against his chest, crying silently.


    There were no nkets over them, and in the dim light, there was a red stain visible on the sheets.


    ...


    The next day, Zachary woke up at daybreak because he had to pee.


    He was still rather confused, but he could vaguely remember that he had had a very racy dream the night before.


    That dream had been very realistic.


    The sensations and the entire experience had felt very real.


    "I must be crazy! How could I dream about doing something like that with Ellen?" Zachary thought to himself.


    He was just about to get up when he realized that something soft was pressing against his arm.


    He turned and became as pale as a sheet when he realized what he was looking at.


    Zachary had thought that he''d had a dreamst night.


    However, when he saw Ellen lying naked and asleep on his bed, he realized that what had happened the night before had not been a dream.


    It had actually happened. He had had drunken sex the night before with Ellen.


    Ellen hadn''t woken up yet. Her hair was messy, and she was breathing evenly. Her beautiful eyes were closed, and there was still a slight tinge of alluring pink on her cheeks.


    She seemed to sense the movement beside her, and her longshes fluttered slightly before she opened her eyes, which were slightly red.


    The two of them stared into each other''s eyes, and Zachary felt so awkward that he could not speak.


    However, Ellen took one look at him and reached out both arms to fling them around his neck. She leaned close.


    "You little scamp! I''m so sleepy. Let me sleep a while longer." Ellen''s voice waszy and drained.


    When Zachary felt her hot breath on his neck, he stiffened at once.


    Oh no! He feltpletely flustered.


    He had no feelings for Ellen and only thought of her as a friend.


    Now that something like this had happened, how was he going to face her in future?


    He didn''t know if it was because he had drunk too much the night before or if it was because of Ellen, but his head was aching terribly.


    It was only 6:00 am in the morning, but Zachary was wide awake.


    Hey in bed in turmoil for a long time. Finally, he could no longer hold it in, so he


    got cautiously out of bed and went to the bathroom.


    Once he was done, Zachary took a hot shower and brushed his teeth.


    When he had finished, he walked out, feeling nervous.


    There was a white towel wrapped around his waist.


    He wanted to get a set of clothes from the wardrobe to put on, but as soon as he reached the bed, he saw that Ellen was awake.


    She was lying on her side with her head propped up on one hand. Her cherry-red lips were parted slightly, and there was a glint of mischievous amusement in her eyes as she stared straight at him.


    Zachary''s cheeks burned. He swallowed and looked away at once, feeling very awkward.


    "Why did you get up so early, babe? Don''t you want to sleep a while longer with me?" Ellen spoke in an alluring, soft tone.


    Zachary jumped and tried his best to stay calm.


    He shook his head quickly and said, "No, I''m used to getting up early. I can''t sleep."


    "Are you blushing?" When Ellen saw him standing so close to her, she shed a brilliant smile at him.


    "No, it''s just a little hot!" Zachary felt parched.


    "Hot? Take it off, then. Since we already did all thatst night, what do you have to be shy about?" Ellen asked. She sat up all of a sudden and grabbed Zachary''s hand to pull him onto the bed. ''


    Zachary was caught off guard and fell t on his face. "Ellen, we might our sensesst


    hanas caught off guard and


    we


    t keep going on get

 Chapter 54

    Zachary''s heartbeat sped up. He wanted to get up, but Ellen had wrapped herself around him like a beautiful but venomous snake.


    "It hurt so muchst night that I didn''t really feel anything. Let''s do it again!" Ellen blew into Zachary''s ear.


    The temperature in the room rose rapidly, and Zachary took huge breaths as he tried to extricate himself. After a brief tussle, he gave in.


    An hourter, Elleny against Zachary''s chest. Her beautiful face was still flushed.


    She drew circles on Zachary''s chest with a slender finger as she asked in a soft voice, "Babe,st night was your first time, wasn''t it?"


    "Yeah." Zachary nodded slightly.


    Ellenughed and said in a sweet voice, "What a coincidence. Me too."


    Zachary did not know how to respond to that.


    What had happenedst night was apse of judgment after alcohol.


    However, he had failed to resist temptation just now and had slept with Ellen twice.


    If it had been in the past, Zachary would not have had such poor self-control.


    However, after what had happenedst night, he seemed to have gotten a taste of


    it.


    This kind of thing was addictive. After the first time, there would always be a second and a third time!


    Although he did not have any romantic feelings for Ellen, he had to admit that she had given him an enjoyable experience that he had never had before.


    How could he describe that kind of feeling?


    It just felt amazing.


    Just as Zachary was reminiscing about the thrill he had felt, Ellen suddenly looked


    up at him. Her eyes shone as she asked, "Zachary, you''re going to take responsibility for me, right?"


    "Yeah." Zachary nodded without hesitating.


    Although he had no feelings for her, at this point he could not pretend that nothing had happened between them.


    As a man, he should either refrain from doing anything or take responsibility once he had done it.


    "Who am I to you now, then?" There was a smile ying on Ellen''s lips.


    Zachary thought for a moment and replied, "My girlfriend!"


    "Good!" Ellen smiled happily and pinched his cheek.


    She got up without any embarrassment and went to the toilet.


    After a while, the sound of a shower came from the bathroom.


    Zacharyy on the bed. He felt like smoking.


    He had smoked in the past, but he had quit because Wendy did not like the smell of smoke.


    Now, he really wanted to light a


    cigarette and blow out smoke rings.


    That was the cigarette after sex that they were always talking about,


    right?


    20 minutester, Ellen came out of the bathroom, wrapped in Zachary''s towel.


    The towel wasn''t big, so it did not cover much of her.


    She cocked her head to one side and used the towel to rub her long, wet hair. Droplets of water sparkled on her shoulders.


    "What time do you have to go to


    work, babe? I''ll drive you thereter!"


    Ellen''s cheeks were bright pink and


    her long, fair legs were looking


    especially tempting.


    If Zachary hadn''t been in protective mode, he would have pulled her onto the bed


    and gone for another round.


    "It''s alright. The office is very close by. I can walk." Zachary refused.


    He wasn''t being coy. His rental home was very close to the office.


    "Alright! Let''s have breakfast togetherter, and then you can go to work while I go home!" Ellen smiled and picked up the hairdryer to blow dry her hair.


    Zachary thought for a moment and asked tentatively, "Are youing over tonight?"


    Ellen looked back at him and rolled her eyes in a seductive manner. "You little scamp. Are you trying to screw me to death?"


    Zachary looked awkward.


    Ellen burst intoughter and added, "Let''s rest tonight. When I''ve rested enough, I''lle and see you!"

 Chapter 55

    After parting ways with Ellen, Zachary went to the office.


    When he wasn''t busy, Zachary would reply secretly to Ellen''s messages.


    In the past, Ellen would also frequently message him, but he would only reply selectively. Sometimes, he did not reply at all.


    However, their rtionship was different now.


    When he saw Ellen''s messages, he would reply at once.


    Even if he was busy, he would get up and go to the restrooms so that he could reply to her in secret.


    The male colleague who sat next to him teased him about it and asked if Zachary had weak kidneys that caused him to go to the restrooms all the time.


    At lunchtime, while everyone was at the cafeteria, Zachary slipped quietly into Anya''s office.


    "What are you doing here?" Anya''s expression immediately turned cold when she saw him.


    Zachary was startled. "Didn''t you tell me to eat lunch with you everyday from now on?"


    "That was in the past! Now you have a girlfriend, how can youe and eat lunch with me? Aren''t you afraid that she''ll get jealous? Are you nning to have us both at the same time?" Anya spoke sharply in a mocking tone.


    Zachary''s brow furrowed. He felt that she was right.


    Therefore, he turned to leave the office.


    "Where are you going?" When Anya saw that Zachary was about to leave without saying anything, she became agitated.


    Zachary stopped and turned to say, "I think that you''re right. I shouldn''t eat with you behind my girlfriend''s back!"


    "You..." Anya was stumped.


    Before she could recover, Zachary had walked out of the CEO''s office.


    "Jerk!" A fountain pen that cost a five-figure sum was hurled after him, and it smacked hard against the heavy wooden door of the CEO''s office.


    Suddenly there was a series of loud knocks on the door.


    Anya had been in a temper, but she immediately smiled and said imperiously, "Hmph! What do you want now?"


    "Ms. Wayne, the lunch that you ordered has arrived!" Sarah walked in, holding two takeout bags.


    When Anya saw that it was Sarah and not Zachary, the smile dropped off Anya''s face at once.


    Sarah was a tactful person, and she immediately realized that Anya''s expression looked grim. She panicked.


    "What''s going on? Who am I? Where am I? Ami going to get 1000 docked


    off for with my right food


    first? A stream of thoughts ran through Sarah''s mind.


    She broke out in a cold sweat and stood at the door, unsure of whether she should go in or not.


    "I''m not hungry. Go out!" Anya gritted her teeth and suppressed her anger by force.


    She wanted to avert her attention, so she flipped open a project proposal that was lying on her desk. She was about to sign when she remembered that she seemed to have broken her fountain pen by flinging it at the door.


    "Wait!"


    Sarah was secretly relieved that she had managed to escape, but she immediately became nervous again when she heard Anya tell her to stop.


    She smiled stiffly and asked with a piteous expression on her face, "Is there anything else, Ms. Wayne?"


    Anya looked thunderous as she said, "My fountain pen is broken! Deduct the cost of this from Zachary''s pay!"


    Sarah''s eyelid twitched, and she said


    involuntarily, Ms. Wayne, that


    fountain pen costs 27 thousand


    dors, but Zachary only gets paid


    4500 dors as an intern. Are


    you


    going to dock half a year''s pay from him?"


    "He should pay! Go and tell him right now!"


    Sarah''s heart skipped a beat, and she hastily nodded in agreement.


    "Alright. You may go!" Anya looked slightly happier, and Sarah beat a hasty retreat.


    She went to the cafeteria at once and found Zachary eating lunch there. She told him that he was about to lose half a year''s pay.

 Chapter 56

    Zachary had been talking andughing while he ate lunch with his colleagues, but he immediately looked pained when he heard the news.


    His colleagues all looked at him sympathetically.


    "That''s terrible! He hasn''t even been at work for half a month and he''s already got half a year''s pay deducted!"


    "Some people are born into money while others are born to be ves. That''s fate, I guess!"


    "Capitalism is the ultimate evil!"


    Zachary''s workload was reduced that day because of the reduction in his pay.


    Before he got off work, Charles, who was his direct superior as the manager of the business department, called him over to his office.


    He looked sympathetic as he saidfortingly, "Zachary, everyone makes mistakes at work. Just be careful in future! Don''t take it to heart."


    "I''m alright, Mr. Wright!" Zacharyughed dryly.


    Charles nodded and said, "I''m d to hear it. If things get difficult for you, just tell me! We''re all colleagues, so I''ll help you in any way I can."


    "Thank you, Mr. Wright! I''m alright for now." Zachary felt a warm feeling in his heart, but he refused Charles'' offer politely.


    After returning to his seat, Zachary couldn''t help feeling aggrieved. He got up to go to the restrooms andined to Ellen about getting his pay cut.


    Although he didn''t care about money, it was still unpleasant to suddenly get half a year''s pay docked.


    He thought that Ellen wouldfort him. However, it waspletely the opposite of what he had thought.


    "I''m about to die ofughter! How could you get half a year''s pay when you''ve only been at work for less than half a month? What are you going to do in future? Will you live on air?" Ellen wasughing uproariously.


    Although they were not together at the moment, Zachary could imagine Ellen falling about inughter.


    Zacharyined, "You''re a little too happy at my misfortune!"


    "No, no! I''m not! I just can''t help myself!" Ellen was stillughing.


    Zachary could not ept her reaction, so he hung up abruptly.


    Ellen sent a message very soon after that. "Don''t be angry, babe. Isn''t it just half a year''s pay? Just let her dock it. You can live off me!"


    Zachary''s mood was improved greatly when he saw the message.


    His fingers tapped quickly on the keyboard. "Wouldn''t that make me a boy toy?


    Will you get sick of me and throw me aside one day?"


    "That depends on how you do from now on."


    After messaging Ellen for a while on WhatsApp, it was time for Zachary to get off work.


    When he got back to his rental home, he made dinner. He was nning to invite Ellen over to eat with him, but when he called her, it was engaged.


    Zachary had no choice but to give up on the idea. He could call her over some other day.


    After dinner, he went for a stroll in the neighborhood to aid with digestion. Meanwhile, Ellen and Anya arrived at a Westnian restaurant.


    The two of them sat face to face at a dining table near the floor to ceiling windows. All they had to do was turn to see the night view outside.


    "Anya, aren''t you happy to hear that I''m no longer single? Why do you look so annoyed? Have I taken the man you like?" Ellen held her ss of red wine and swirled it gently. There was a provocative look in her eyes.


    Anya looked menacing as she said coldly, "You gave up your innocence just to get revenge on me. Was it worth it?"


    Ellen did not seem to care. She continued to smile smugly as she said, "It doesn''t matter whether or not it''s worth it. What''s important is it''s that I''ve slept with the man that you like, and he''s now my boyfriend!"


    Anya looked intently into Ellen''s eyes and said seriously, "You can''t force feelings. You obviously don''t love him, but you''re forcing yourself to be with him. You are going to regret


    this sooner orter."


    "That''s my business, and it has nothing to do with you!" Ellen''s fingers tightened


    around her ss of red wine.


    "I advise you to remember that we''re from different worlds. If you don''t want to get


    trapped, you''d better cut ties with him as soon as possible!"


    When she saw that Ellen remained obstinate, Anya got up to leave.


    The ss of red wine shattered.


    Anya stopped in her tracks, but she did not turn back. She strode off after a while.


    Ellen gritted her teeth and pulled out her phone. After she came up with a message, she sent it.


    It read, "Don''t sleep yet, babe. Get cleaned up and wait for me in bed!"

 Chapter 57

    It was 10:00 pm.


    Zachary was in his bed, unable to sleep.


    First, he thought about his skin-to-skin contact with Ellen. Then, he remembered how Anya''s secretary, Sarah, had told him that half a year''s worth of his sry would be deducted.


    He suddenly sat up in his bed and muttered with a frown, "Hold on... Is Anya out of her mind?"


    At that moment, his phone rang as he received a message. He grabbed the device from the bedside cab and took a look at it. It was actually a message from Ellen.


    "Don''t sleep yet, babe. Get cleaned up and wait for me in bed!"


    After reading the message, Zachary stopped feeling upset and was immediately in a great mood.


    Although he had already taken a shower, he entered the bathroom for another one. Then, he changed the bedsheet and nket. As for the bedsheet with Ellen''s blood on it, he carefully folded it and kept it in a vacuumed bag.


    After he was done tidying the room, hey on the bed and excitedly waited for Ellen to ring the doorbell. However, after waiting for an hour, she still wasn''t there.


    In the end, he couldn''t wait any longer and fell asleep without realizing it. When he woke up, it was already morning.


    "Did she just bail on me?"


    Upon waking up, he immediately grabbed his phone. However, he didn''t receive any missed calls from her. There wasn''t even a message!


    Unwilling to give up, he sent her a message. However, he received an error instead!


    "Did she... Did she block me?"


    Zachary was stunned. He didn''t even know what had happened when he was blocked by Ellen. After all, she just told him to wait for her the previous night. However, she blocked him after he had slept for a night.


    In order to make sure that the doorbell wasn''t malfunctioning, he purposely went to the door to press it. However, it was working perfectly and didn''t show any signs of failure.


    Zachary was in a bad mood the


    whole day because of this incident. When his colleagues saw him looking upset, they thought he was frustrated about his sry being docked yesterday. So, they didn''t take the initiative to talk to him that day.


    Since he stepped into the building and started working, he looked at his phone at least 50 times. However, he was disappointed when Ellen didn''t call him once or send him a single message.


    When it was time to get off work, he had no choice but to ept the truth. Ellen had yed him like a toy!


    Suddenly, he remembered a quote he had read online previously, "The grass is always greener on the other side."


    When he checked Ellen''s Twitter page and saw the error message, he couldn''t help cursing her.


    "That damn bitch!"


    ...


    Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and Zachary had already epted that Ellen had tricked him.


    So, he put all of his focus on his work. Since he had a great attitude at work and was doing his best, his manager, Charles Wright, even.


    even


    said that he would submit an


    application for Zachary to be a full-time staff by the end of the


    month.


    One day, Zachary finished working an hourter than usual. When he walked out of the employee''s elevator, he ran into Anya, who had just gotten off work as well. The elevator she was taking was only for the CEO.


    Upon seeing her, he wanted to say hi. He also wanted to ask her why his sry was deducted.


    However, she didn''t spare him a nce at all. Instead, she just walked right past him.

 Chapter 58

    Zachary frowned as he was speechless. He found Anya''s reaction to be a little weird.


    However, he remembered how thepany belonged to his family anyway. So, even if he didn''t get his sry, it didn''t seem to matter that much to him. With that thought in mind, he decided not to fawn over her.


    Right when he stepped out of thepany, he saw Anya getting in a stranger''s


    car.


    The stranger was a man who looked to be in histe thirties. He was wearing golden-rimmed sses and a custom-made suit. He also had a branded watch that was worth at least millions.


    The man was smiling like a gentleman. After he closed the passenger-side door for Anya, he made his way to the other side of the vehicle.


    That car was a red-colored limited-edition Aston Martin, and there were only 150 of those in the world. It was worth around 12 million dors. Clearly, the man was someone powerful enough to be able to drive such a luxurious car in Yelbric.


    However, Zachary didn''t think too much about it. After all, Anya was the CEO of Yel Corporation, so she was highly regarded in Yelbric. With that thought in mind, it wasn''t that weird for her to know someone that wealthy.


    However, Zachary felt ufortable when he saw her getting into that man''s car, and he didn''t even know why.


    He had nothing to do that night. So, he called a taxi to go to a pub and spend some time there. Upon arriving at the pub, he ordered himself a cocktail and started drinking at the bar counter.


    He took out his phone and wanted to message Ellen multiple times. However, he held himself back from doing it every time.


    "Hey, handsome! Are you alone?" At that moment, a hotdy took the initiative to flirt with him.


    Zachary smiled and nodded gently. "Would you like to drink together?"


    She looked decent and had a lot of makeup on her face. However, he could immediately tell that she wasn''t as old as she looked. She just had mature-looking makeup.


    "Just order what you would like to drink. It''ll be my treat!" It was indeed a little boring for him to drink alone, so he generously offered to pay for thedy''s drinks.


    She didn''t hesitate as well and ordered the same cocktail he was drinking. Then, they started talking casually.


    After their brief conversation, he found out that she was only in her twenties and was in her second year at Yel University of Film and Media. She didn''t tell him her actual name and just introduced herself as Molly Baker.


    "Are you going through a breakup, Zac?"


    "Why do you ask that?"


    "Since we started talking earlier,


    you''ve looked at your phone 12


    times. If you didn''t just break


    up, I


    can''t think of another reason why


    you would do that."


    "I don''t think it counts as a breakup. It''s more like someone had messed with me!"


    Zachary smiled awkwardly. There


    was one good thing about pubs, and


    that was that no one knew each


    othepat all. So, they could just share


    whatever they wanted.


    Molly couldn''t help but burst outughing. When she realized she was being rude,


    she hurriedlyforted him, "It''s alright. It''s not your loss!"


    He said seriously, "But it was my first time!"


    She tried her best to hold back herughter and asked, "What about her?"


    "It was her first time as well!" He didn''t hide the truth at all.


    Upon hearing that, she rolled her eyes at him. "In that case, you''ve scored big, haven''t you?"


    He smiled bitterly. "You could say that, but I''m not that shallow! I wanted to be responsible for her. Unfortunately..."


    "I didn''t take you for the responsible type!"


    Molly was really impressed by what he had said. So, she started being more passionate around him and even started pouring her heart out to him.

 Chapter 59

    Molly''s family wasn''t doing well. Her parents were farmers, and she had a ten- year-old sister, Marlene. Marlene was studying in the capital city.


    After Zachary chatted with her for two hours, he learned a lot about her. He could tell from her eyes that she was a pure-minded woman. Although she tried to act natural while they talked, he could see that she seldom came to the pub.


    Throughout their conversation, he drank six cocktails, while Molly had four. However, it didn''t seem like she could hold her liquor. After the four cocktails, she lost herposure a little.


    Her eyes turned red, and she gently bit her lip. Then, she asked softly, "Zac, are you wealthy?"


    "What are you trying to ask?"


    When Zachary went abroad, he went to the pub a lot as well.


    There were a lot of women who flirted with him. However, most of them were gold diggers, and they only approached him for his wealth. So, he would always coldly turn them away.


    However, something about Molly made him feel different. He could tell she had a lot of struggles and helplessness inside.


    From their conversation, he knew what she had gone through. He found out that she was a strong and independent woman. If she could ask a question like that, it would prove that she was facing great difficulty in life.


    "Zac, actually... I came to the pub today to look for a sugar daddy. But I''m scared of meeting someone terrible!"


    She was blushing slightly, and she didn''t dare to look Zachary in the eyes.


    He swirled the drink in his ss and said with a smile, "In that case, aren''t you worried that I''m a terrible person as well?"


    "You don''t look like one when you look at me. So, I don''t think you''re a terrible person at all!"


    She clenched the hem of her shirt, and he could tell that she was nervous.


    Zachary didn''t say anything else and just stared at her silently. Molly felt humiliated. It might be because she wasn''t used to being stared at like that. She might also think she was being shameless. So, she felt more nervous, and her face turned redder than before.


    Just as she found her courage and was about to leave, Zachary finally spoke. "How much do you want?"


    When she heard that, she looked up


    at him in surprise. She thought he


    was about to reject her request.


    Molly was so nervous that her whole body was shaking. Then, she timidly said, "About that... Can I have half a million dors?"


    Zachary nodded slightly. "Sure, but what will I receive in return?"


    Although he had the money, he didn''t get them from a tree. If she wanted something from him, she would need to exchange something of equal value with him. That was the rules of society and something that his mother had taught him since he was young.


    Molly''s face continued to be red as she answered in a trembling voice, "I can apany you for a year. As long as you need me, I''ll satisfy you at any time!"


    "Alright. Give me your bank details," Zachary said as he pulled out his phone.


    She was stunned as she didn''t expect him to be so direct. However, when she thought about the situation at home, she endured the humiliating feeling. Then, she told him her bank ount details.


    After that, she received a notification telling her that she had received half a million dors in her bank ount.


    When she saw the money, she was stunned for a moment. However, she didn''t regret it because she really needed the money.


    After Zachary got the bill, he smiled at her. "Now that you have the money, it''s time for you toe with me!"


    She gritted her teeth and said with a nod, "Alright!"

 Chapter 60

    After walking out of the pub, Zachary felt the night breeze on his face, and he had sobered up a lot. He called a taxi and got in the front passenger seat first.


    Molly hesitated for a moment before getting into the back of the car.


    As they traveled, none of them said anything. After getting out of the vehicle, Zachary led the way while she timidly followed him from behind. She kept her head down the whole time.


    Upon returning to his rented house, he took a shower first. After he was done, he noticed she was still standing there. She looked a little lost as she stood still, and her face was awfully red.


    "Aren''t you going to take a shower?"


    Zachary was wrapped in a towel. He took a seat on his bed and teasingly looked at her.


    Molly''s body trembled a little, and she entered the bathroom. She took her time with her shower and ended up spending half an hour in the bathroom. Then, she finally came out in a towel.


    At that moment, she didn''t have any makeup on her face anymore. So, Zachary stared at her face to have a better look.


    She had a typical-looking face with long eyshes and well-defined facial features. Her skin was healthily tanned, and her lips were rosy red. At first nce, she felt like an innocent youngdy.


    She was around 5.4 feet tall and a little on the lean side. However, some parts of her body seemed to have developed well.


    Her legs looked nice and long. If he were to rate her, she would be a nine out of ten. The only thing he was unsatisfied about was that she was a little too skinny. It felt like she was malnourished.


    When Molly felt his prating gaze on her, she became so nervous that her palms became sweaty.


    "It''s gettingte, so let''s do this quickly!"


    "A-Alright!"


    Although she had been daring back at the pub, her mind was actually now nk. She was extremely nervous.


    Zachary turned around and pinned her under his body. Then, he kissed her on her lips.


    She smelled nice, but she clearly didn''t have any experience in kissing. She was stiff like a block of wood, and she didn''t know how to go with his flow.


    When he was ready to start their activity for the night, she finally picked up her courage to say something. "Zac, it''s... This is my first time, so can you be gentle with me?"


    "First time?" Zachary suddenly returned to his senses.


    Molly nodded slightly. Her face was red all over, and she had her eyes shut tight. She didn''t dare to look at him at all.


    "I''m feeling a little tired tonight, so you should get some sleep next door!" He took a deep breath and got off her body.


    "Huh?"


    When she heard that, she opened her eyes. She turned to look at him with a gaze full of questions and confusion. Although she was nervous, she could tell he wanted to do it, especially after what they had done earlier.


    "I still need to wake up early for work tomorrow, so leave me now! Don''t disturb


    me from my sleep!" He urged her to get out in annoyance.


    Molly didn''t dare to go against his words and immediately stood up. After she wrapped her towel around her body again, she went to the room next door. She closed the door to his room gently. If he didn''t pay close attention to it, he wouldn''t have heard the door closing at all.  Zacharyy on his bed and smiled bitterly. He wanted to let himselfgo wild and just enjoy himself, instead of thinking about rtionships. However, it was Molly''s first time, and he couldn''t bring himself to do it.  swhovel


    After taking some deep breaths, he finally managed to calm himself down.


    It might be the alcohol in his system, but shortly after he closed his eyes, he fell asleep in no time. When he woke up the next day, Molly had already prepared breakfast.


    "Zac, I don''t know your preferences, so I just made some simple dishes that are easy on the pte."


    She was still wearing the clothes she had worn at the pub¡ªa white T-shirt and denim shorts. She had an apron on her as she served a bowl of oatmeal.


    It was dark back at the pub, so he didn''t manage to take a good look at her.

 Chapter 61

    However, it was bright now, and Zachary noticed something about Molly''s clothes. Although they were clean, they were washed out. More urately speaking, they were old.


    "Alright!" He didn''t say anything else and just nodded. Then, he sat at the dining table and started eating. When he noticed she was just sitting there, he asked in confusion, "Aren''t you eating?"


    She blushed a little and said gently, "I''ll eat when you''re done!"


    "Are you treating yourself like a butler?" Feeling slightly amused, he knocked on the table and said with a smile, "Hurry up and eat with me. When you''re done, you should get back to your sses."


    "Alright!"


    When she heard that, she nodded slightly. It seemed like she had let out a breath of relief. She was actually really worried earlier. She was afraid that Zachary might take away her free will and make her stay in the house every day.


    Fortunately, he didn''t restrict her at all. He even told her to finish her food quickly and go to her sses.


    After she was done eating, she hurriedly did the dishes. She even cleaned every part of the kitchen. When she was finished cleaning everything, she didn''t see Zachary in the living room anymore.


    However, he had left a note on the dining table. There was also a key and a keycard.


    She picked up the piece of paper and saw a message on it. "I like food that can stimte my taste buds. Be sure toe back early after your sses to prepare dinner!"


    It was a Friday, and the weekends were almost here. Other than Zachary, every employee hoped that time could pass faster.


    Zachary spent the whole morning going through thepany''s clients'' information. Then, he went to the CEO''s office to see Anya.


    Anya was discussing work with Sarah. When she saw him entering the office, she frowned and said angrily, "Can''t you see I''m busy? Get out!"


    Zachary was stunned for a moment. Then, he hurriedly got out of there and closed the door behind him. At that moment, he felt like a loser.


    After waiting for around five minutes, Sarah came out of the office with a long face.


    Seeing that he was still waiting outside, she reminded him with good intentions, "Ms. Wayne is in a bad mood today. If you don''t have anything important to see her about, you should just stay out of there!"


    "Sure!" He smiled and nodded before entering the office.


    "Don''t you know how to knock before entering my office?" Anya frowned coldly.


    At that moment, she was the famous Goddess Anya, the cold and domineering CEO of Yelbric.


    Zachary raised an eyebrow and talked back to her, "Talk to me like that again, and I''ll fire you."


    "Please, don''t!"


    The fearsome CEO from earlier immediately acted differently after that. Then, she hurriedly got up and invited Zachary to her seat with a smile.


    "Mr. Lloyed, can I help you with something?" Although she didn''t sound too humble, she was still being polite toward him.


    As Zachary sat on the CEO''s seat, he clicked on the mouse and randomly opened a folder on theputer. Then a bunch of pictures of some handsome men appeared on the screen.


    He closed the folder and said nonchntly, "I''ve familiarized


    myself with the work in the business department. Transfer me to another department now. I would like to check out the marketing department next."


    Anya clenched her fists tightly, but she was still smiling professionally. "Very well,


    Mr. Lloyd. Would you like to start from the bottom again?"


    He thought about it and said, "It''s too troublesome if I start from the bottom of the


    marketing department. This time, make me the deputy manager!"


    "And how long are you nning on staying in the marketing department this time?"


    "It depends!"


    "Alright, Mr. Lloyd. I''ll arrange for it right now!"


    "Sure!" He nodded slightly upon getting what he wanted. He didn''t want to disturb her further, so he got up to leave the office.


    Right when he reached the entrance of the office, he suddenly remembered something. So, he turned around and said, "By the way, why did you deduct my..."


    Before he could finish his question, he was stunned. That was because he saw Anya waving her fist at him with gritted teeth. From what he could tell, it seemed as if she wanted to hit him.

 Chapter 62

    When Zachary suddenly turned around, Anya wanted to bury herself alive. She froze for a moment and immediately put her fist down. Then, she smiled awkwardly yet politely.


    "I''ve been working the whole morning, Mr. Lloyd. So, my arms are a little sore, and I''m stretching them a little," she said with a blushing face. Even she wouldn''t believe such an excuse herself.


    Zachary coldly looked at her and asked, "Are you humiliating your own intelligence or mine?"


    She kept her head down and didn''t dare to say a single word. Anya was utterly embarrassed when she was caught taunting Zachary from behind.


    "Where was I?" After seeing her antics, he lost his train of thought. He knew what he wanted to say earlier, but he couldn''t remember it any longer.


    "Forget it. I''ll just see you again when I remember itter!" Since he couldn''t figure it out, he decided to stop trying for now.


    After he left the CEO''s office, he closed the door behind him.


    Anya spat on the ground and softly scolded, "That damn capitalist!"


    That afternoon, there was an appointment notification in thepany group chat.


    "The intern from the business department has been transferred to the marketing department and will be the deputy manager."


    Upon seeing the news, everyone in thepany was stunned. They couldn''t believe a mere intern could be the deputy manager of the marketing department in less than a month. So, they wondered if Zachary was pulling some strings from behind the scenes.


    Even his colleagues in the business department had the same thought, let alone people from other departments.


    "Tell me the truth, Zachary. What''s your rtionship with Ms. Wayne?"


    "Previously, Ms. Wayne invited him to have lunch together. Back then, I''d already suspected his secret rtionship with her."


    "Don''t tell me you''re Ms. Anya''s rtive, you brat! You''re older than her. Could you be her cousin?"


    "That can''t be it. If they''re rted, why would she deduct his sry?"


    "Zachary! Even though we''ve only known each other for a short white, you''re already like a brother to me. So, please don''t forget about me when you''ve made it to the top!"


    "What do you mean by a brother? Get out of here! Oh, godfather, please take me in!"


    "Damn! You''re still the most shameless among us all!"


    Zachary''s colleagues kept talking around him and couldn''t stop at all. He was so annoyed that he randomly found an excuse to shut them up.


    "Actually, I''m not rted to Ms.


    Wayne at all. The reason why I was promoted was because of the random deduction in my sry


    vel


    Yesterday, I reported it to the Department of Labor. She was worried that I might blow things out of proportion, so we had a


    discussion. Then, she gave me a promotion!"


    When he lied, he kept a straight face on. When his colleagues heard about it, they all believed him without a doubt. However, they were really surprised.


    "Damn, kid! You''re really bold! From now on, we''re strangers. If you see me outside, just pretend that you don''t know me. I don''t want to get dragged into this!"


    "Women like Ms. Anya hold grudges really well, and you''ve offended her through and through! I can''t believe you would still dare to stay here after what has happened. You should prepare yourself for her revenge!"


    ''e''


    "Godfather, are you trying to revolution? No way! I need to cut ties with you!"


    "See you, my brother. I''ll miss you!"


    "Every journey has its ending. I wish you good luck!"


    At first, those people were surrounding him passionately. Suddenly, they were out


    of his sight in no time.


    At that moment, Charles approached Zachary and shoved a pack of cigarettes


    into thetter''s pocket. Then, he patted Zachary''s shoulder.


    "Hey, Zachary. There''s always a path for us. Just do your best, and you might be able to turn the tides. I believe in you!"


    Upon hearing that, Zachary felt warm inside.

 Chapter 63

    Just as Zachary wanted to say something, Charles had already hurried back into his office. Although he was walking, he was moving so fast that it was as if there was a man-eating beast behind him.


    Zachary rubbed his nose speechlessly.


    After packing his things up, he entered the elevator.


    Then, he arrived at the marketing department on the 12th floor. There were way more people in this department. He could already spot at least a hundred people


    in the general area. Most importantly, there were several offices.


    Zachary found his way to the manager''s office. After stating his identity, the manager, Yasmine Lane, led him to his office.


    At that moment, there were two employees cleaning the office. When they saw Yasmine and Zachary entering the office, they greeted them passionately.


    "This will be your office from now on. I''ll ask someone to send you the files for the departmentter. If you have any questions, feel free to approach me anytime."


    Yasmine was almost 40 years old and looked ordinary. She was wearing ck professional attire and seemed to have taken care of herself well. In fact, she didn''t even look like she was in her thirties.


    "Thank you!" Zachary smiled and nodded.


    After Yasmine had left, he started putting his belongings in ce. Shortly after he was done, an employee from the marketing department knocked on his door. Then, he entered the office with a tall stack of documents.


    "Mr. Lloyd, here are the documents for the marketing department."


    "Alright. Thank you. Just leave them on the table," Zachary said with a smile.


    He thought he was being friendly and wasn''t acting high and mighty like a stereotypical manager. However, that employee was cold toward him. In fact, when he looked at Zachary, there was obvious disdain in his eyes.


    Zachary didn''t take it to heart at all. After he opened one of the files, he started reading it. Since there were more documents for him to read, he would need at least a day or two to go through everything.


    Soon, it was time to get off work. However, he was still going through the documents in his office. Suddenly, he remembered Molly. Thinking that she was still at home waiting to have dinner with him, he left thepany with some documents.


    When he left, he heard some gossip from his colleagues. The gossip was all about him, and they were more or less saying the same thing. Everyone was saying how he pulled some strings to get promoted.


    Zachary was toozy to exin himself. After all, he did pull some strings and took a shortcut. However, the strings he pulled were his own, and the shortcut was his as well!


    When he walked out of the building, he suddenly heard a different discussion.


    "Shawn, this is so unfair! The deputy manager position was already as good as yours. Now, it''s all gone. The intern from the business department has stolen it from you. Isn''t this ridiculous?"


    "Exactly! Who does that guy think he is? Does he even know anything about marketing or what we do? Did he seriously just join us just like that?"


    "All he did was pull some strings! From what I can tell, he''s just here to waste some time. Let''s just ignore him."


    "Don''t be sad, Shawn. Let''s mess with him a few times during work, and he''ll know when to quit!"


    "What if he doesn''t quit?"


    "It''s simple! We''ll


    mess with him


    I''


    more and tell Ms. Lane about it. With Ms. Lane''s personality, she''ll definitely bring this to Ms. Anya After all, she''s a senior employee here, and I''m sure Ms. Anya would have to consider her feelings!"


    "Great idea. I''m in!"


    "Me too!"


    Zayden looked toward the source of the voices and saw seven employees from the marketing department. They were surrounding a young man in his thirties and yapping nonstop.


    At first, the man looked gloomy. But after he heard what his colleagues had said, he instantly smiled.


    Zachary had seen the man before. He was the person who helped Yasmine deliver documents to Zachary with an upset look.


    That man, Shawn Zimmer, said with a smile, "Actually, I don''t really care about being the deputy manager. After all, a gem will always shine, no matter what! By the way, since the weekends are here, let''s have a meal and sing after that. It''ll be my treat tonight!"


    Right after saying that, the colleagues around him started cheering.


    Soon, Zachary returned to his rented house.


    At first, he thought Molly had already prepared dinner. However, when he entered the house, there was no one inside. He frowned. Zachary believed his judgment, and he didn''t think Molly was a scammer.


    Just as he entered the kitchen and was about to prepare dinner, someone rang


    the doorbell. He opened the door and was surprised to see the person in front of


    him.

 Chapter 64

    "Why are you here?"


    Seeing the woman in front of him, Zachary instinctively frowned. That was because the woman was none other than Wendy.


    She held her head high as she stood at the door. It seemed as if she was waiting for him to invite her into the house. However, when she realized he wasn''t going to do it at all, she looked angry.


    She arrogantly and coldly said, "I''m here to tell you that my dad has officially retired. From now on, I''ll be fully in charge of Jennings Corporation.


    "Also, we''re not working with Yel Corporation anymore because we''ve found a more suitable business partner. Not only that, but Jennings Corporation will open a branch in Celesea City, and Ethan will be the CEO of the branch."


    She looked really pleased when she spoke.


    She looked at Zachary with a mocking gaze and wanted to see the regret and anger on his face. However, his reaction disappointed her.


    "That''s your business. What does it have to do with me?" He looked at her in annoyance.


    Wendy frowned and said with a scoff, "What does it have to do with you? If you had waited a little longer to get the divorce, half of Jennings Corporation would''ve been yours. Now, none of it has anything to do with you."


    "Did youe all the way here just to tell me this?"


    Zachary looked at her like he was looking at an idiot.


    Wendy said angrily, "Drop the act, Zachary! Since you''ve left me, you have nothing now! I''ve dug around and found out that you''ve rented this ce. Since you''re so broke that you have to rent a house, why are you still being stubborn?"


    "You''re right. But what does this have to do with you?" He remained cold, and that was what angered her more.


    "Are you still going to be this stubborn when you''re this miserable, Zachary? As long as you beg me, I''ll consider letting you move back in! However, your performance will decide if we can restore our marriage!"


    "Are you done? If so, I''m going to close the door." He rolled his eyes at her and took a step back. Then, he closed the door right away.


    When the door was closed, he heard Wendy going ballistic behind the door. "You''re an idiot, Zachary!"


    Zachary was infuriated, so he scolded back, "You''re the idiot here! In fact, your whole family is an idiot!"


    He thought about what he had said and changed his mind. "Everyone except your mom is an idiot! They''re the biggest idiot in the world!"


    He was still in a good mood earlier. However, Wendy had destroyed it.


    He returned to the kitchen and continued preparing his dinner.. When he was cing the food be made on the table, he suddenly heard keys rattling outside the door.


    Zachart''s heart fell, and he dropped the te in his hand on the table right away.


    "Did that idiotic woman really find a locksmith to break into my ce?"


    Then, the door opened in front of him. After that, Molly entered with a bag of


    ingredients. She was still wearing the clothes she wore to ss.


    When their eyes met, she blushed brightly. Then, she lowered her head and said, "I''m sorry. I... I''mte!"


    "It''s fine. I''m d you''re back."


    Zachary looked upset because of Wendy. However, Molly''s attitude was part of the reason as well. After all, he gave her half a million without a second thought. However, her attitude seemed uneptable.


    "I won''t make the same mistake again." She didn''t exin herself further. Instead, she closed the door and hurriedly entered the kitchen.


    Zachary picked up his te and said angrily, "I didn''t prepare any food for you."


    Molly''s face looked pale, and she sounded sorry. "It''s alright. I''m not hungry! Do you have enough food, Zac? If not, I''ll make you more!"


    Right after she said that, her stomach started rumbling. It was so loud that Zachary could hear it as well. So, her face instantly blushed again.


    He looked at her and finally went soft. "I didn''t prepare much, but I''ll let you have some of it. Grab a te!"


    "There''s no need for that. Please go ahead yourself, Zac. I... I''m on a diet, and I usually don''t eat at night!" She waved her hands nonstop.


    Zachary''s face fell, and he said angrily, "Just do as you''re told!"


    "Alright!"


    Molly teared up, and she hurriedly grabbed a te and a spoon from the kitchen. Then, he grabbed some food and ced it on her te.


    "Dig in!"


    "Okay!" Molly was obedient as she started eating when he told her to. In fact, she was so obedient that she only ate the food he gave her.


    Zachary was speechless and angry at the same time. "Why aren''t you eating the other dishes? Are you waiting for me to chew them into bits and feed you from my mouth?"

 Chapter 65

    "No... There''s no need for that!"


    Molly started panicking. She hurriedly grabbed a piece of vegetable and ate it slowly. Zachary wanted to scold her. But when he saw how pitiful she looked, he held himself back. Instead, he grabbed some meat and ced it on her te.


    Molly just focused on eating with her head down. However, she couldn''t stop crying while she ate.


    "Why are you crying now?" Zachary hated it when a woman cried because he didn''t know how tofort them at all.


    "I''m sorry, Zac! Please don''t be mad. I''ll stop crying now!"


    She ced her spoon down and wiped away her tears. However, the tears just kept getting more and more.


    "Alright, that''s enough. I was being too fierce earlier. Please don''t cry anymore. I''ll make sure I''ll be gentler from now on."


    He felt frustrated and was starting to regret bringing her home. If he had known she would be so troublesome, he would''ve turned her down back at the pub.


    Hearing his apologies, Molly looked up and said with teary eyes, "I''m not ming you, Zac. I was only crying because I was touched!"


    "You were touched? Why? Because I grabbed you some meat?" Zachary was a little confused.


    Molly softly said with her eyes still red, "That''s not entirely it. I''m touched because you''re nice to me. In fact, you''re being nicer to me than my parents ever did! You''re the first person in the world to treat me this way."


    "Well..."


    He didn''t know how to respond to that at all.


    "I grew up in the country, and my parents only care about my brother. They never liked me since I was young, and they always thought I was a waste of their money. When I started going to school, they tried to talk me out of it. They said studying was a waste of time and that I should just help out at home...


    "When I went to school, they never gave me a single dime. So, I had to do my best in my studies to get good grades and score a schrship. Then, I would work part-time during the weekends."


    Then, she exined, "I was at the pub yesterday because my parents wanted me to marry a contractor in the county. He gave them 200 thousand dors as the marriage gift. I didn''t want to marry him. My dad said I must do it unless I could bring him half a million dors. So, I had no choice but to go to the pub..."


    As she spoke, the tears started rolling down again. She kept wiping them off, but she just couldn''t stop crying.


    At that moment, Zachary''s heart


    went soft again. He had never experienced anything like this before. In fact, he never even heard of anything like it. He grew up i up in a big city, and his family had been


    doing well since he was a young boy.


    When his mother''s career started picking up, his life improved further. So, he couldn''t sympathize with someone pitiful from the countryside like her at first. However, he didn''t dislike her as well.


    After hearing her story, he started pitying her a little. He couldn''t help asking, "In that case, why were you homete today? Did you have a part-time job?"


    "I didn''t have any money for groceries, so I worked a little at the beverage shop. They gave me 20 dors an hour and paid me right away."


    She nodded as she pulled out some cash from her pocket. Those were the changes she received after buying the ingredients.


    With that, Zachary''s heart went soft entirely. He suddenly felt inhumane. After all, Molly''s life was miserable, and he had been fierce toward her earlier.


    "Let''s exchange contacts. From now on, I''ll give you monthly allowances, so you don''t have to work any part-time jobs anymore. Right now, your main focus should be your studies," he said as he took out his phone.


    However, Molly shook her head.


    "There''s no need for that, Zac. I can


    make my own pocket money,


    including the money for our


    groceries! Since you''ve already given me half a million dors, I can''t possibly take anymore from you!"


    "Are you going to listen to me?"


    His face fell, and she immediately shut up. However, she still didn''t take her phone out. So, he urged, "Take out your phone right now and add me on WhatsApp. I don''t have any cash on me!"


    "I... I can''t do that!"


    Molly''s face turned red, and she looked embarrassed. The phone she took out of her pocket was an old Nokia with buttons. Not only that, but the buttons had faded so much that the letters on them couldn''t be seen anymore.


    "I''ve never seen someone as pitiful as you!" Zachary sighed helplessly. "Let''s eat first. I''ll bring you to the mall tomorrow."


    He figured she would reject the idea, so he hurriedly added before she could say anything, "From now on, you can''t turn down what I say."


    She nodded and said nothing else. Instead, she just ate her food quietly. She was being so careful when she ate that she didn''t make a single noise.


    After they were done eating, Zachary returned to his room to take a shower.


    When he came out of the bathroom,


    she had entered the bedroom as well. She didn''t say anything and just headed straight into the bathroom. This time, she didn''t take a long time inside. Instead, she came out after just ten minutes.

 Chapter 66

    Molly was still wrapped in a bath towel. She still looked as innocent and pitiful as before.


    She walked over to the bed, intending to climb onto it. Zachary quickly scooted back, startled by her actions.


    "What are you doing?" he asked.


    Molly stared at him with an intense gaze. "Zac, you''re a good person. I want to give myself to you!" she eximed.


    "Who cares what you want? I''m not interested. Go sleep in the other room!" he retorted.


    He chased her out of the room angrily.


    It wasn''t that he had no interest. He just couldn''t bring himself to do it after knowing the hardships she had gone through.


    He was a human being, not a beast.


    While he had experienced those pleasures before and found them enjoyable, he wasn''t so deprived that he needed to take advantage of such a pitiful girl.


    The next morning, Zachary woke up to find freshly made breakfast by Molly, just like yesterday.


    After they finished eating, he took her to a nearby mall.


    He bought her thetest Apple smartphone. Before she could refuse, he silenced her with a sharp look.


    After the phone was purchased, they added each other on Twitter. Then, he transferred 2000 dors to her ount.


    Afterward, he took her to a women''s clothing store.


    Zachary had a good eye for women''s fashion, having bought clothes for Wendy before. After browsing through, he bought seven outfits.


    However, when it came to buying her undergarments, he was stumped. He didn''t know what size Molly wore.


    Despite feeling awkward, Zachary mustered his courage and asked, "How big are you?"


    "Zac, I just turned 20st month," she replied, misunderstanding the question.


    Zachary blushed, embarrassed. "I meant your cup size," he rified.


    "D... 36D," she stuttered. Now, it was her turn to blush.


    After learning her size, he took her to a lingerie store.


    He bought seven sets of lingerie, mostly in ck and white.


    But he wasn''t done yet. He also bought her seven pairs of shoes and socks.


    By the time they finished shopping, it was already noon.


    Both of them carried multiple shopping bags. Zachary was tired from all the shopping. Not wanting Molly to cook, they found a restaurant in the mall to have lunch.


    After lunch, the pair returned to the rental home.


    When they brought all the shopping bags into the guest room, Zachary was dumbfounded.


    The guest room had only a bed frame and a brand-new mattress, still wrapped in stic. Other than that, there was nothing else.


    There were no bed sheets or nkets.


    He wondered how Molly had slept for the past two nights.


    Zachary turned his head suspiciously toward her. She blushed and avoided his gaze.


    "Great. Now, we need to buy the bedding," he muttered.


    He set the bags down and headed out again.


    This time, he went without Molly. Instead, he told her to organize the clothes and shoes they had bought.


    It wasn''t until 3:00 pm in the afternoon that Molly''s room was finally livable.


    Zachary sat on the couch and nced at Molly, who was seated diagonally across from him.


    "If you need anythingter on, just tell me. I''m not short on money, so don''t try to save it for me. And eat more from now on. You''re way too skinny," he told her.  fo


    "I''ll order milk for you too. You must drink a bottle every day. And make sure you eat well at school," he added.


    Zachary pondered for a moment,


    worried she might just nod along without meaning it. "I''ll ask for my money back if I find out that you''re not gaining weight," he teased lightly.


    "That won''t happen, Zac. Actually, I''ve got quite the appetite,'' she replied.


    Molly panicked as soon as she realized how strange that sounded. Her face flushed red again.


    Zachary was worried that he might


    be spoiling her, so he decided to make it clear. "I''m not being nice to you for nothing. From now on, you''re responsible for keeping the house clean and cooking all meals on the weekends."


    "Of course. It''s the least I can do," she agreed, nodding vigorously as she looked


    at him.


    For some reason, Zachary sensed something unusual in the way Molly looked at him.


    "Alright, go do what you need to do. Just don''t forget to prepare dinner," he said.


    After saying that, Zachary didn''t think much more about it. He got up and returned to his room.

 Chapter 67

    When Zachary got off work yesterday, he brought home some documents from the marketing department. With some free time on his hands now, he decided to review them.


    During the three hours he spent on the documents, Molly came in twice. The first time, she brought him a ss of warm water.


    The second time, she brought in a fruit tter.


    For dinner, she prepared roasted chicken along with some side dishes. The


    dishes she prepared were all nicely seasoned.


    As they ate, Zachary struck up some small talk with her.


    In their conversation, he learned that Molly was majoring in acting at the University of Film and Media.


    Molly exined that her life n was to start as a social media influencer. She thought it was an easy field to get into and would bring in money quickly.


    Once she built an online following, she nned to transition into the entertainment industry.


    Hearing her ns to enter the entertainment industry, Zachary immediately told her the truth behind the industry.


    In short, he told her it was a toxic environment. An innocent girl like her would definitely suffer in it.


    Seeing how strongly Zachary opposed the idea, Molly quickly decided to let go of her n.


    "Then, I won''t go into the entertainment industry. How about the film industry? I''m willing to work hard and take on small roles. As long as I keep at it for ten years, I believe I can make money from acting!" she replied.


    "The film industry has its challenges too, but it''s a lot cleanerpared to the entertainment industry. As long as you don''t go down the wrong path, I think it''s worth a try," he advised.


    Zachary offered her a rational analysis.


    Hearing this, Molly nodded and promised she would neverpromise her integrity.


    But as soon as she made her promise, she was reminded of her current rtionship with Zachary. Her face flushed with embarrassment at that thought.


    Zachary realized the same thing too. He cleared his throat and said, "Alright, let''s eat."


    "Okay," Molly replied softly, ending the conversation.


    ...


    When Zachary had first rented this apartment, he hadn''t noticed any issues.


    But now, he saw a major w in itsyout.


    Normally, a two-bedroom apartment had either one or two bathrooms.


    If there were two, one would be in the master bedroom and the other near the living room or kitchen.


    However, this apartment only had one bathroom. To make things worse, it was located inside the master bedroom.


    This meant that Molly had to pass through his room whenever she needed to use the bathroom or to take a shower.


    "I was too careless. No wonder the agent mentioned it was a one-bedroom apartment. I thought she made a mistake. Turns out that I was the one who overlooked such an important detail," Zach thought to himself, speechless at his own. carelessness.


    Since it was summer, they had to shower daily.


    After all the shopping and running around today, the two were drenched in sweat.


    Zachary turned on the air conditioning in the room.


    After he finished his shower, Molly went into the bathroom immediately.


    Perhaps it was the exhaustion from


    the long day, but as soon as


    §Ö§Ô


    Zachary


    Own on the floor, he fell asleep


    almost instantly.


    In the middle of the night, he woke up to use the bathroom.


    When he climbed back into bed, he was startled to find Molly in his bed. He had


    no idea when she had ended up there.


    She slept soundly, her breathing steady. There was a slight arc at the corner of her lips as though she was smiling.


    Initially, he up


    andted to wake her up


    back to her room. B


    he


    as he looked at her peaceful f dn''t bring himself to disturb her.


    He felt conflicted for a few minutes.


    But before he could decide what to do, he drifted back to sleep.


    The next morning, Zachary rolled over and heard a soft moan near his ear.


    "Mm..."


    He opened his eyes in surprise.


    The first thing he saw was Molly''s innocent, blushing face.


    "Zac!" she called sweetly when she saw he was awake.


    Then, looking a bit embarrassed, she added, "I''m sorry, Zac. Did I wake you?"


    Zachary was about to say no, but his expression suddenly shifted.


    "Why aren''t you wearing anything?" he asked in shock.

 Chapter 68

    They were a man and a woman, alone together. The fact that they had shared a bed was awkward enough. If anything could make things even more awkward, it would be one of them being naked.


    At that moment, Zachary felt more stunned than anything else.


    "Zac, ording to our agreement, I''m already yours," Molly said, her cheeks flushed red. She nced up at him shyly as she spoke.


    Zachary forced himself to suppress his impulses and quickly climbed out of bed. He threw on his loungewear and walked toward the door.


    "Molly, don''t do this again," he warned. With that, he opened the door and walked out without looking back.


    After he left, Molly remained on the bed. She sat up slowly with a faint, nearly imperceptible smile on her lips.


    Ten minutester, she walked out of the room.


    Immediately, she was greeted by the sight of Zachary cooking in the kitchen.


    Though he heard her, he didn''t turn around. The situation earlier had left him feeling too awkward. He wasn''t sure how to face her.


    When breakfast was ready, he called her over to eat.


    The two sat across from each other and exchanged silent nces. They both understood it was best not to bring up what had just happened.


    Zachary quickly finished his breakfast and was about to return to his room to resume his work.


    Just then, Molly asked, "Zac, are you repulsed by me?"


    He froze for a moment, surprised by her question. "Why would you say that?" he asked in confusion.


    "You said I was responsible for all meals, but-" she stuttered. Her eyes started to well up with tears as she spoke.


    "Don''t overthink it. It just slipped my


    won''t''s all. This is thest time. I


    won''t cook again," he replied


    ver


    awkwardly.


    He had forgotten what he had said yesterday because he was too distracted by the events of the morning.


    He hadn''t realized how his thoughtless action would affect her.


    "Okay." She nodded at his reply. She looked up and gave him a radiant smile.


    Her smile was warm and bright. With the remnants of her tears in her eyes, she looked even more captivating.


    Zachary felt his heart race wildly. He mumbled a vague response and fled back to his room.


    Back in his room, he tried to focus on the documents he needed to review. But as he worked, his mind


    the drifting back to the events of


    that morning.


    Molly''s blushing cheeks and her sultry words reyed in his head again and again.


    "Damn it!" he cursed.


    "Zachary, what''s wrong with you? She''s been through so much and here you are, thinking about her like that!" he scolded himself, patting his forehead as an attempt to shake off his inappropriate thoughts,


    He was distracted for the whole morning.


    As noon approached, a knock sounded at his door.


    At the same time, Molly''s soft voice came from the other side.


    "Zac, it''s time for lunch," she called out.


    He answered calmly, trying to keep hisposure. Then, he left his room.


    On the dining table, lunch was served. The dishes were all beautifully presented and looked delicious.

 Chapter 69

    Zachary was a little surprised. He hadn''t expected Molly to be such a good cook.


    He enjoyed the lunch thoroughly.


    After he finished his meal, he instinctively reached out to clear the dishes. Then, he remembered he no longer had to do these things.


    So, he got up and returned to his room.


    The pair didn''t speak for the rest of the day aside from their brief exchange in the morning.


    At 3:30 pm, a knock sounded at Zachary''s door.


    Zachary was slightly puzzled by it. But, he still called out, "Come in!"


    "Zac... I need to use the bathroom," Molly said as she stepped inside. Her cheeks were flushed, and her slender legs were pressed tightly together.


    "There''s only one bathroom here. Next time, juste in if you need to use the bathroom. There''s no need to knock," he replied with a slightly awkward expression.


    With that, he returned to reviewing his documents.


    A momentter, he heard the door close.


    He sighed in relief, thinking that Molly had left his room. He couldn''t help but feel slightly resigned about everything.


    "Seems like I''ll need to rent a new ce," he thought, frustrated by the situation.


    When he had rented this apartment, he had paid the full year''s rent upfront and signed a lease. If he rented a new ce now, it would mean that he would lose a whole year of rent.


    Back then, he hadn''t thought much about it because he assumed he would be living alone.


    But things were different now that Molly was here. If she continued to stay, she would need to frequentlye into his room to use the bathroom.


    Renting a new ce wasn''t an issue financially for Zachary. However, he had learned to live frugally throughout the five years he spent with Wendy.


    He didn''t want to waste money unless it was absolutely necessary.


    "Zac, is there something wrong?"


    Molly''s voice suddenly came from behind, snapping him out of his thoughts.


    Startled by her voice, he jumped from his chair.


    He turned around and saw her sitting on the edge of his bed. She was looking at him with a concerned expression.


    "W-Why are you in my room?"


    Molly blinked herrge, watery eyes.


    "Zac, I got bored. There''s nothing


    that I Can do, so I thought I''d keep


    you Company," she replied sheepishly.


    Then, she lowered her head nervously and asked, "Did I disturb you?"


    "No. You just startled me, that''s all," he answered. He couldn''t bear to be harsh with her.


    Hearing this, Molly''s face


    brightened. She smiled and said


    "Alright! I''ll be quiet then. Go


    and continue your work.".


    Zachary was left speechless.


    Until now, he had been able to focus on hispany documents. Now, with Molly sitting there, he couldn''t concentrate at all.


    After all, who could stay focused while being watched the entire time?


    As he read through the documents, he would asionally nce back at her from the corner of his eye.


    Every time he turned back, Molly''s gaze remained intently fixed on him.


    Knowing she was sitting there quietly, watching him, made it impossible for him to rx.


    Unable to focus on his work any longer, he decided to put the documents away.


    Turning his chair to face her, he gently asked, "Molly, what do you usually do on the weekends?"


    "I usually work part-time jobs," she replied without hesitation.


    He frowned slightly. "Anything besides that?" he asked again.


    Molly simply shook her head without answering.

 Chapter 70

    Zachary felt helpless. He sighed and pondered for a moment before saying, "You''re studying at the University of Film and Media. Why not spend your weekends putting what you''ve learned to use instead of spending it all with me?"


    "Yeah." Molly nodded, showing that she understood.


    However, her eyes remained fixated on him. She clearly had no intention to leave him alone.


    He was dumbfounded and smiled wryly. "Molly, use the weekend to do things you enjoy. You don''t have to keep mepany all the time," he advised.


    "But I do enjoy being with you, Zac! You''re my savior and I want to be by your side at all times. I want to be there for you," Molly replied.


    Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Zachary. Her gaze ttered him but also left him feeling slightly troubled.


    Her being with him once in a while was fine. But if this would be the case every weekend, he wasn''t sure he could manage.


    After pondering for a while, he suggested, "Molly, didn''t you mention that you wanted to be a social media influencer? Why not start working on that now that you have the time?"


    "Okay!" she eximed. Her eyes lit up as she nodded in response. But her excitement quickly faded.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked, noticing her shift in mood.


    "I''ll need proper equipment to livestream. I just can''t afford it right now," she answered softly.


    "That''s not a problem," he reassured with a smile.


    He got up and took her to an electronics store.


    They spent two hours there and purchased a set of livestream equipment.


    When they got home, Zachary helped set up all the livestream equipment while Molly prepared dinner.


    After dinner, she got ready for her first livestream.


    She registered an ount on Facebook and activated the livestream feature.


    Since it was her first livestream, she assumed there wouldn''t be many viewers.


    But to her surprise, viewers began joining her livestream shortly after she started. Most importantly, they actually stayed to watch.


    Encouraged by the response, she began to sing enthusiastically.


    Her performance was simple. She sang all the way throughout her livestream. What stood out was that all the songs she sang were from Corlea.


    Although her audience couldn''t understand the lyrics, they enjoyed her singing.


    She had a good voice and her was well controlled. Her skills


    impressed the viewers and


    to shower her with likes and gifts.


    Meanwhile, in his room, Zachary received a message from Anya.


    "Mr. Lloyd understand that you like Facebook streamers. But did you really need me to share the link to this livestream in thepany group chat at night?" sheined.


    An hour earlier, Zachary had noticed Molly''s livestream wasn''t getting much


    attention. So, he went to ask Anya for help.


    Anya usually didn''t watch


    livestreams. When Zachary asked for her help to boost Molly''s views,


    she immediately forwarded the link


    of Molly''s live stream to thepany''s group chat.


    Yel Corporation had over a thousand employees. As soon as they saw the


    message, everyone clicked on the link.


    They initially thought it was a livestream by their CEO. To their surprise, they were greeted by a new, unfamiliar face.


    Still, they knew better than to leave the livestream. It was their boss''


    rmendation after all. They had to show some support.


    In just an hour, Molly''s previously quiet stream suddenly gained thousands of viewers.


    Moreover, most of these viewers followed her Facebook ount.


    "The streamer is my close friend. It''s her first livestream, so please show her some support," Zachary replied.

 Chapter 71

    After sending the message, Zachary entered the livestream, where Molly was passionately singing.


    To Zachary''s surprise, Molly was singing songs in Corlean. Although he didn''t understand thenguage, he could tell that Molly sang beautifully.


    Her voice was pleasant, and her singing demonstrated skill and technique, clearly reflecting some training. As a result, every song she sang was enjoyable.


    In the livestream, people were constantly sending gifts, which made Zachary want to join in. He topped up his ount and sent Molly some gifts.


    When ten consecutive "Carnival" gifts appeared, the whole livestream became lively. Countless users were drawn in, all captivated by Molly''s appearance and singing, and the atmosphere in the livestream reached its peak.


    As Zachary quietly listened to Molly sing, he noticed that his ount had gained many new followers, along with some private messages from other streamers. He casually clicked on a few-most contained flirtatious greetings and some even included photos and videos showing off their bodies and poses.


    As Zachary was briefly ncing through the messages and about to exit the private message page, he suddenly received a message from an unexpected ount. It was from Wendy.


    When Zachary registered his Facebook ount, he had only added a few people -mostly food streamers who taught cooking, with Wendy being the only exception.


    "Zachary, have you really sunk so low that you''re now addicted to watchingdy streamers?" Wendy wrote.


    Seeing her message, Zachary frowned and quickly typed a response. "It''s none of your damn business!"


    After replying, Zachary immediately blocked Wendy and cklisted her ount.


    Meanwhile, in the master bedroom of arge apartment, Wendy was lying in bed on her phone. When she saw the red exmation mark next to her message, she became f¨²rious and eximed, "Zachary Lloyd, you bastard! How dare you block me again! "


    A few days earlier, Zachary had blocked her on Twitter, and now be had blocked her on Facebook too. Stewing in frustration with no way to vent her anger, Wendy was left sleepless that night.


    On the contrary, Zachary slept soundly. After watching about 15 minutes of the livestream, he put down his phone and fell asleep, slipping into a wonderful dream.


    In the dream, Wendy knelt in front of him, begging him not to divorce her, while Ellen approached him, saying she wanted to be intimate.


    By the end of the dream, Anya also appeared confessing that she had fallen in love with him at first sight and wanted to be in a rtionship. She even locked him in a room, trying to force herself on him.


    As beautiful as the dream was, Zachary eventually woke up needing to use the bathroom. But just as he was about to get up, he realized there was someone lying beside him. It was Molly.


    Molly''s leg was draped over him, and her arm wrapped around his neck, bringing her close.


    When Zachary turned his head, he found Molly''s adorable face just inches away. She was asleep, a soft smile on her lips, as if she too was having a sweet dream like his.


    "Not again," Zachary groaned inwardly, feeling the silky smooth skin pressed against him.

 Chapter 72

    Zachary remained stiff for a long time. It wasn''t until he had finally calmed down that he let out a soft sigh.


    Quietly gazing at Molly''s delicate face, he couldn''t help but marvel. Despite Molly being a bit slim, she was undeniably beautiful.


    As these thoughts crossed his mind, his hand instinctively reached out, slightly stroking her soft, silky face.


    The moment his fingers touched her, Zachary''s heart began to race, an electrifying sensation running down his spine. His breathing grew heavier as he stared at Molly''s beautiful, sleeping face, feeling it inch closer and closer. He could feel her soft, sweet breaths brushing against his nose.


    Zachary narrowed his eyes, his lips inching closer to hers. Just as they were about to touch, Molly''s eyshes fluttered, as if sensing something. Her eyes slowly opened, her expression dazed, as though she hadn''t fully woken up.


    Startled, Zachary quickly pulled himself away from her.


    "Mmm..." Molly murmured softly as she woke up. Noticing Zachary''s reddened ears, a look of confusion and curiosity appeared in her eyes.


    "Zac!" Molly called out softly, slightly surprised.


    Zachary swallowed hard before quickly getting out of bed and fleeing to the bathroom. As he looked at his reflection in the mirror, a wave of regret washed over him.


    He ced his hand over his chest, feeling his heart pounding wildly. He was at a loss.


    Just moments ago, he had nearly lost control, about to make a move on Molly. In that instant, his raw desire had overpowered his better judgment, urging him to im Molly as his.


    "Zachary Lloyd, how could you be so shameless? Are you even human?" he muttered under his breath.


    Feeling the burning desire still pulsing through his body, Zachary decided to take a cold shower to calm himself down.


    Meanwhile, back in the soft white


    bed, with


    bet


    sat up, her eyes gleaming


    iniar light as she sta


    y toward the bathro


    Hearing the sound of water running, a faint, alluring smile curled at the corner of her lips.


    "How long can you hold out, Zac?"


    ...


    Half an hourter, in the dining room, Zachary and Molly sat face to face in silence, an odd tension filling the air.


    asionally, Molly stole nces Zachary with her sparkling eyes,


    while Zachary kept his head doline


    the entire time, focusing intently on his breakfast.


    Once he


    the cord finished, Zachary


    napkin


    wiped


    ol.ne


    pofe of his mouth with a


    and said, "I''m off to work. See tonight."


    With that, he grabbed the documents on the table and walked out the door without looking back.


    When the door closed, he let out a long sigh of relief. That had been so awkward.

 Chapter 73

    Zachary wondered if Molly had seen the malicious look on his face when she


    woke up.


    As he arrived at the office building, he ran into Anya, who had just gotten there as


    well.


    Dressed as always in her charismatic female CEO attire, Anya exuded an air of confidence and arrogance that kept people at arm''s length.


    Zachary nced at her indifferently as the elevator doors opened.


    "Hold on, Zachary. Come to my officeter. There''s something I need to discuss with you!" Anya''smanding voice called out just as he stepped into the elevator.


    The colleagues in the elevator couldn''t help but turn to Zachary with curiosity. Unable to refuse Anya''s request in front of his coworkers, he had no choice but to agree.


    After returning to his office, Zachary ced the documents on his desk and headed straight to Anya''s office.


    In the CEO''s office, Anya sat in her executive chair, sipping the imported coffee that Sarah had just brought her.


    Zachary pushed the door open and walked in confidently, asking, "You needed something?"


    Anya set her coffee cup down and smiled gently, her tone noticeably softer. "Mr. Lloyd, is that steamer Molly really your sister?"


    Zachary frowned slightly, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice. "You called me over just to ask this?"


    "I''m curious!" Anya replied with a yful wink. Her icy demeanor seemed to have melted away, revealing a more yful side.


    Zachary responded indifferently, "Sort of."


    Anya''s brows furrowed slightly, feeling ufortable at his ambiguous answer.


    "Sort of? Does that mean that he''s not biologically rted to that streamer? Is she just a pseudo-sister or something?" Anya thought. Her brows tightened, exuding a chill in the air.


    "If there''s nothing else, I''ll get back to work now." Noticing Anya''s silence, Zachary decided to take his leave.


    "Mr. Lloyd, I''d like to ask you something. Do you n to nurture her talent? If so, I can help." Anya quickly stopped him from leaving.


    Zachary''s interest was piqued. He looked at Anya silently, signaling her to continue.


    "I have a friend who happens to run a livestreaming business. He has 50 streamers in hispany, including a top outdoor streamer with five million followers. If you''re interested, I can introduce you to him.


    "Mr. Lloyd, you''re not familiar with the livestreaming business, so I suggest that you leave this to the experts. While you could choose to invest a lot of money into the business, you might not achieve the results you want. So, why not let the professionals nurture Molly''s talent? What do you say?"


    Anya smiled gently as if confidently proposing a partnership. She added, "Of course, I''m just making a suggestion. The decision is still yours to make, Mr. Lloyd."


    After a brief moment of


    contemtion, Zachary decided to discuss it with Molly first. Although he wanted to help her improve her circumstances, he didn''t want to turn her into a puppet for his own benefit.


    Everyone deserved their own freedom, and Zachary wanted to respect Molly''s choices.

 Chapter 74

    "That''s a good suggestion. I''ll get back to you tomorrow." Zachary gave Anya a slight nod before walking out of the office.


    Watching the door close behind him, Anya murmured to herself, "My Lloyd, why do women keep flocking to you? Can''t you just dial it down a little?"


    Since he hadn''t finished reviewing the documents, Zachary hadn''t yet begun his duties as the deputy manager of the marketing department.


    He spent almost the entire day going through the materials. At this pace, he would be able to finish everything by the end of the workday, allowing him to start his role as deputy manager the following day.


    Compared to Zachary''s rxed day, Wendy''s work was far from easy. Given Yel Corporation''s significant influence, it was only a matter of time before news of their terminated partnership with Jennings Corporation spread.


    That very morning, as soon as Wendy arrived at thepany, her secretary, Vivian Smith, informed her that several small and medium-sized partners had called to inquire about the cancetion of their coboration with Yel Corporation.


    Wendy knew it was impossible to keep this news under wraps, so she spent the entire morning making phone calls to those partners to exin the situation.


    However, her exnations didn''t tell the whole truth. She informed them that Jenning Corporation was currently putting its overseas expansion ns on hold to focus on optimizing its core products.


    Compared to entering the overseas market, the domestic market posed fewer challenges. Thepany felt it was safer to focus locally for the time being to enhance its domestic influence and reputation.


    Jennings Corporation''s current n was to establish a branch in Celesea City. Once they stabilized there, they would replicate the model to build a national chain.


    Such an approach would allow them to maximize their reputation and influence domestically before expanding to overseas markets and securing partnerships with leading pharmaceuticalpanies abroad, which would lead to greater benefits.


    While Wendy''s exnation had sessfully persuaded most partners, a few remained skeptical and reduced their coboration. Though she was furious, Wendy had no choice but to ept their decision.


    At noon, Ethan came over with a well-timed smile. Approaching her desk, he said, "Wendy, don''t overwork yourself. It''s not worth wearing yourself out for work."


    As he spoke, Ethan took out a flier and handed it to Wendy, saying, "A new restaurant opened nearby. Let''s have lunch together. It''ll be my treat."


    Wendy shook her head and replied with a bitter smile, "I''m not hungry right now. There''s so much going on at thepany, I¡ª"


    Before she could finish speaking, Ethan interrupted with a look of mild displeasure, "You''ll need energy to keep working, Wendy. At this rate, you might end up with a stomach issue."


    The mention of stomach issues


    ?????


    instantly reminded Wendy of Zachary. In the past, she often skipped breakfast and rarely ate meals on time. As a result, she once suffered a severe stomachache that had Zachary rushing her to the hospital in the middle of the night.


    After that incident, Zachary had prepared pumpkin oatmeal for her every day, making sure she ate on time.


    Now, she suddenly missed the days when Zachary had taken care of her. Even though she used toin about how annoying he could be, deep down, she''d been touched by his concern.


    Yet, that husband who had once looked after her so meticulously was now close to finalizing their divorce.


    The thought of it made Wendy so


    agitated that her tone turned sharp.


    "I don''t want to eat! If you''re so


    want


    eager, go ahead and eat all you


    want! And if you''ve nothing better to do, maybe lend a hand with the


    Seeing Wendy''s sudden change in attitude, Ethan felt a surge of anger but suppressed it, reminding himself of his goal.


    "Fine. If you''re not eating, then neither will I. Please continue with your work. I''ll go prepare for the Celesea City branch," Ethan replied with a forced smile and his fists clenched.


    Just as he was about to leave, Wendy spoke up, "Sorry, Ethan. I''ve been a bit out


    of sorts. Don''t take it to heart, will you? Dinner''s on me tonight. For now, let''s focus on thepany issues."


    "Don''t worry about it. I understand.


    See youter," Ethan replied with a


    light smile before turning to leave.


    The moment he turned away, however, his smile vanished reced by a fierce expression.

 Chapter 75

    Time flew by quickly. Before Zachary knew it, it was time to get off work. He packed his things, getting ready to head home.


    Suddenly, he received a call from Anya. Curious, Zachary answered.


    "Mr. Lloyd, are you free tonight? I ordered some seafood online yesterday. Would you like toe over for dinner?"


    "No, thanks. I think Molly has already prepared dinner."


    "Are you living with her?"


    "Is there a problem?"


    "Didn''t you tell me it''s inappropriate for a single man to live with a woman? Why are you¨D" Anya''s tone carried a hint of displeasure.


    Before she could finish her sentence, Zachary interrupted, already understanding her point, "She''s different from you!"


    He then heard something break on the other end of the line.


    Momentster, Anya continued, "Mr. Lloyd, you said you think of me as a sister too. So why am I not getting the same treatment as this Molly? Are you being biased?"


    Zachary found himself at a loss, unsure how to respond to her question.


    Meanwhile, in the CEO''s office, Anya sat in her executive chair, her expression dark and resentful, as though she had suffered a great injustice. She bit her lip, seeming genuinely hurt.


    Beside her, Sarah held a folder, looking on in surprise. She couldn''t help but wonder if this pitiful woman in front of her was the same charismatic CEO she worked under every day.


    Unwilling to ept it, Anya added, "Since you think of me as a sister too, I''m moving in with you! It''s decided!."


    "I only have two rooms, so there''s no space for you!"


    "Mr. Lloyd, I highly suspect you''re intentionally being mean to me. So, aspensation, I''ve decided I''lle over to your ce for dinner every day!"


    With that, Anya hung up the phone, not giving Zachary a chance to respond, her expression darkening further. Sarah stayed silent, clearly intimidated by Anya''s furious demeanor.


    "Take care of the rest of the work. I''m leaving early today!" Anya ordered, standing


    up, grabbing her bag, and walking out of the office.


    Sarah quickly nodded, watching as Anya left.


    The employee elevator was packed, so by the time Zachary stepped out, Anya was already waiting outside thepany entrance.


    Some employees looked like they wanted to greet Anya, but when they noticed her cold expression, they instinctively averted their gaze and made a wide path around her.


    As soon as Zachary stepped outside, he spotted Anya. Despite the crowd of employees leaving, her striking height and looks made her impossible to miss.


    Anya saw Zachary almost at the same time. When their eyes met, Anya started walking toward him, but Zachary quickly signaled for her not to, his brows furrowed.


    Anya halted her steps. Shooting him a re, she turned around and headed toward Zachary''s apartment. Zachary sighed in relief before following her at afortable distance.


    Once they entered theplex, Anya firmly approached him, blocking his path.


    "Mr. Lloyd, you still owe me an


    answer. Since you considered both Molly and me as sisters, how am l different from her?" Anya asked, her expression tinged with grievance, which only made her look more alturing.


    Zachary shifted his gaze from her face, feeling a bit guilty as he replied, "She''s in a worse situation, needing aw care and protection. But you''re


    different. You''re strong, and no


    you


    don''t need anyone to take care of you!"  s?novel


    Anya fell silent.

 Chapter 76

    Anya had thought about the countless possible reasons Zachary might''ve said, but she had never expected this was how he would put it.


    "You''re showing bias, Mr. Lloyd. How am I strong? How do you figure that I don''t have anyone to look after and protect me?" Anya was pissed off. She deliberately distanced herself from Zachary because of what happened with Ellen.


    To her surprise, Zachary didn''t take the initiative to look for her. He even gave her the cold shoulder.


    At first, Anya was upset with him. After she did some investigation, however, she realized that Ellen had never seen Zachary again after their previous encounter. That made her feel much better.


    Yesterday, Anya even thought about making things easier for Zachary by taking the initiative and looking for him today. Last night, however, he asked her to give support to anotherdy''s livestream.


    Anya immediately realized that another love rival had shown up and found Zachary. With that said, she didn''t think too much of it because he said it was his younger sister.


    Anya wanted to feel at ease. So, she deliberately posed the question. In the end, she got an answer that made her blood boil. Then, she flew into a rage when she learned that Zachary was already living together with a girl named Molly.


    How could Zachary have done that? Did he find Anya ugly? Was it because she didn''t have a curvaceous figure?


    Anya felt very sorry for herself when she thought about the special treatment Zachary showed to Molly. It wasn''t easy for her to fall in love with a man. As fate would have it, however, he had no feelings for her.


    Anya had already taken the initiative to win Zachary''s heart, but he just kept rejecting her on several asions. She couldn''t help but wonder if she just wasn''t attractive enough.


    The capper came when Zachary exined his actions by saying that Molly was a pitiful girl who needed someone to look after and protect.


    "Knock it off, Anya!" Zachary sighed helplessly as he reached out and rubbed Anya''s head. She swatted his hand away and turned around sulkily.


    For a moment there, Zachary had no idea what he could''ve done. So, he simply walked toward the building Anya followed him closely, the way a disgruntled housewife would her husband. It wasn''t as if she hadn''t thought about leaving. However, she wouldn''t have a chance she did.


    Anya had to assert her dominance and make the pretentious homewrecker back


    the heck off. If that failed, then she would pay Molly off and ask thetter to leave Zachary alone.


    Anya and Zachary entered the


    elevator. She was pouting, but she still looked adorable. She didn''tpose herself until he unlocked the door with a key. It was important for her to maintain the superior and aloof impression she had always portrayed herself in.


    Molly heard the sound of the door opening. She continued to cut the vegetables as she spoke. "I still have to make another dish, Zac. Go ahead and take a bath first."


    She wore a blue apron and tied her hair up, looking every bit like a devoted wife who was busy cooking in the kitchen, while she waited for her husband to return home.


    "Okay. Thanks, Molly." Zachary responded with a smile. He paused briefly before he added, "Anyway, I want to introduce you to someone, Molly. This is Anya Wayne. She''s a friend of mine."


    He thought he had done a good job at the introduction. However, Anya''s face immediately turned sour when she heard what he said.


    "Haven''t you said that you thought of me as your younger sister? Why are you introducing me as a friend now?"


    "Alright, fine. I made a mistake. You''re my younger sister. Is that good enough for you?" Zachary smiled helplessly.


    At that moment, Molly turned around and scanned Anya from head to toe with a curious gaze.


    "Hi, Anya!" She raised her knife and shed a smile at Anya.


    Anya returned her smile politely and nodded slightly in response.


    Molly said enthusiastically, "Go ahead and take a seat, Anya. Dinner will be ready soon."

 Chapter 77

    "Okay. I appreciate it." Anya nodded and headed straight to the couch. She took a seat, but her eyes remained fixed on Molly, who was busy cooking in the kitchen. She seemed to be mulling over something.


    About 10 minutester, Zachary finished bathing and came out in a casual outfit. The three of them sat at the timetable and started enjoying the delicious dinner.


    "I followed the recipe and made the beef stroganoff, Zac. I hope you like it." Molly took a piece of the beef and ced it on Zachary''s te with an anticipated look.


    Zachary nodded with a smile. He quickly ate the beef and noodles before he savored the taste. "Mmm. It''s tasty!"


    "Really? I''ll make more for you in the future if you like it, Zac."


    Zachary knew it was important to repay the favor. So, he also ced some beef on Molly''s te. Her face turned red as she nodded and ate it.


    Anya''s face turned red with rage when she saw how intimate Zachary and Molly were. However, she couldn''t let it show. So, she raised her foot and kicked him mercilessly under the table.


    Zachary frowned from the pain. He was about to lecture Anya when he saw her pouting and staring at him with a sorry look on her face.


    Anya noticed that Zachary didn''t know what she was hinting at. So, she gave him a look and signaled him to get her some beef as well. He rolled his eyes before he ced some beef on her te.


    "Thank you, Zac." Anya smiled sweetly, and her voice was tender, almost as if she was acting coquettishly with him.


    Molly''s expression went stiff for a quick second before she raised her gaze and looked at Anya. Both of them locked gazes and there seemed to be electricity crackling in the air.


    "Meatloaf with mixed vegetables is my best dish, Zac. Have a taste and let me know if it needs any adjustment." Molly also started cing food on Zachary''s te as well.


    Anya wasn''t going to back down that easily, either. She also ced some food on Zachary''s te. "Have some mushrooms, Zac. It''ll provide you with a more bnced nutrition."


    Molly saw it and her grip over the fork tightened slightly.


    "Try this, Zac."


    "Have some soup, Zac. Oh, gee. It''s kind of hot. I''ll blow it for you."


    Anya and Molly started feeding Zachary food and soup. At first, he found the moment to be quite heartwarming. However, his face contorted with sorrow when the food piled up on his te.


    "That''s enough. Focus on your own tes, both of you. I have hands, and I can get whatever food I want." Zachary lectured both of them with a grim expression. Only then did Anya and Molly stoppeting.


    After dinner, Molly began cleaning up the dining table. Meanwhile, Zachary sent Anya to the entrance of the neighborhood.


    "Zac, Molly is just a younger sister to you, right?" Before they parted ways, Anya asked him with a mildly serious expression.


    Zachary was stunned for a second.


    He couldn''t help but recall what went down this morning. He looked at her soul-searching gaze and. cleared his throat. Then, he asked in a somewhat diffident tone, "Without a doubt."


    "That''s great. I believe in you, Zac. You won''t lie to me." Anya''s face lit up with a bright smile when she heard his response. She waved at him and made her way to thepany.


    However, the smile faded from


    Anya''s face after she was far away from him. She was the CEO of Yel Corporation International Trade, and she had seen a lot of people. Zachary was clearly feeling a little diffident earlier.


    Diver


    Anya pulled out her phone and quickly dialed a number. "You can have 100 thousand dors. All you have to do is investigate someone, and I want every single detail about her want to know everything she has done since she was a little girl."

 Chapter 78

    By the time Zachary went back, Molly came out of the kitchen. She untied the apron around her waist and said with a grin, "Has Anya gone home, Zac?"


    "Yeah." Zachary nodded slightly. He saw that Molly''s forehead was covered in sweat, and he said, "You should take a shower."


    "Alright, Zac." She obediently turned around and went into her room to get some fresh clothes. Then, she went into his room.


    Zachary wanted to go back to his room, but he recalled that Molly was showering in his bathroom. So, he decided to wait until she was done.


    He waited outside for about 20 minutes, and Molly came out. Her hair was dripping with water, and she was drying it with a towel. Her cheeks were a little red, and there was a hint of uncertainty in her delicate eyes.


    "I''m going to start a livestreamter, Zac. Will I disturb your rest?"


    "Not at all. Go ahead and do the livestream." Zachary chuckled. It didn''t bother her at all.


    Molly heard what he said and let out a sigh of relief quietly. She shed him a loving smile and went back to her room to blow dry her hair.


    Zachary took the opportunity to go to his bathroom for a shower. It just so happened that Molly knocked on his door when he was done. She held her phone and showed it to him in an excited manner.


    "Someone just sent me a private text, Zac. They''re inviting me to join their agency. I''m not too good with this sort of thing, and I need your take on this."


    Molly''s phone screen was showing a text detailing an invitation from a staff in an agency. Zachary was instantly reminded of Anya''s suggestion when he heard what Molly said. So, he told Anya about it. Instead of responding to him, she simply stared at him with unblinking eyes.


    "What do you think, Zac?" Anya didn''t make a decision. Instead, she sought his opinion.


    Zachary was a little surprised, but he analyzed it for her patiently. "You''re new to this andck experience. You also don''t really have extensive knowledge about the whole


    livestream deal. Actually, joining an agency is better if you''re nning on doing livestream for the fong term."


    Zachary paused briefly before he added, "Naturally, this is only for the time being. Once you''repletely proficient with the rules around doing livestreams and amassed certain reputations, you can try going it alone and starting your own business.


    "After all, working in someone else''spany will bring in the money too slowly. It''s also hard to be wealthy if you don''t start up your own business. Furthermore, you have a bigger goal to aplish. This is a step you have to take eventually."


    Zachary didn''t work in Yel Corporation International Trade for too long. However, he had been with Lauren for a long time, and he was exposed to everything she said and did. So, he had his own take on managing business as well as starting and managing apany.


    "I''ll take your advice, Zac."


    He talked for a long time and analyzed a great deal for Molly, but her response was surprisingly brief.


    "Are you taking my advice? Is it because you have never nned your future to realize your goals?" Zachary chuckled bitterly and shook his head.


    At the next moment, Molly''s face turned red unnaturally. It looked like what he said hit home.


    "You''re still young, and you''re going to learn a lot of stuff. The world out there is huge, and it''s bound to


    change you, for better or worse However, it is also a training grou If you want to find your ce in it, you''ll have to gather more knowledge and pick up more skills."


    Zachary exined patiently, "School can only teach you basic techniques, but they aren''t guaranteed to help you make a living. If you want to earn money, then you''ll have to learn the relevant skills. That''s all can tell you today. I''m going to leave you to it."


    "Okay, Zac." Molly nodded obediently.


    Now that Zachary had Molly''s response, he immediately sent Anya a text, asking her to make some arrangements for Molly to work in her friend''spany.

 Chapter 79

    Molly started her livestream at 8:00 pm. However, things were very different fromst night. There were merely a scant number of viewers in it. Although some of them gave her rewards, she only got a little over 100 dors in total.


    After two hours of livestream, Molly shut it down. It was 10:00 pm now.


    She timidly walked toward Zachary''s room and stood in front of its door. At first, she wanted to knock on the door, but she was worried about disturbing him. So, she turned the doorknob and went inside.


    Only the night light was kept on in there, and it was considerably dim inside. Molly used the restroom and tiptoed her way to the side of the bed.


    Underneath the gloomy light, Zachary''s eyes were shut tightly. It seemed like he was asleep. She stared at his stunning face for a brief moment. Eventually, she climbed onto the bed and snuggled up to him.


    Molly wasn''t sure if she was mistaken, but Zachary''s even breathing halted for the briefest of seconds. She tucked him in before she hugged him with one hand and leaned tightly against his chest.


    Before long, Molly dozed off to sleep.


    Zachary was supposed to be asleep, but he slowly opened his eyes after half an hour. He turned his head sideways to look at Molly, who was sleeping soundly in his arms, and his lips curled into a grin without him knowing.


    Zachary exerted more pressure and pulled her in closer. The night went by, and not a word was spoken in the room.


    The next morning, the area next to Zachary was already empty by the time he woke up. He freshened up and walked out of his room, and he was weed by the delicious scent of food.


    Molly had an apron tied around her waist and wished Zachary a good morning. After breakfast, both of them walked out the door. Once he reached hispany, he went straight to Yasmine''s office in the marketing department.


    "I''ve finished reading the marketing department''s documents, Ms. Lane."


    Yasmine had just turned on herptop. She giggled when she heard what Zachary said, and she picked up three files from her desk before handing them to him.


    "This is the information for the Economic Development Zone project. We have just finalized it, and I think it''ll be perfect to start you off with this, Mr. Lloyd."


    "Alright." Zachary nodded and left after he took the files. He returned to his office and spent two hours reading through them. Then, he made some modifications tothe project.


    It was noon by the time Zachary was done. He intended to go to the cafeteria in thepany, but he received a text from Anya before he could leave his office.


    "See me in my office."


    Zachary didn''t think anything of it. He entered the elevator and made his way to the floor where Anya was. The moment he walked into the CEQ''s office, he saw the dishesid out nicely on the coffee table.


    Anya was sitting on the couch andying down the utensils. When she noticed Zacharying in, she raised her head and smiled lovingly. "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and get over here. The lunch is ready."


    "I thought you were not interested in having a meal with me." Zachary was a little confused, but he walked over nheless.


    Anya fell silent, and she didn''t respond to his question. Both of them didn''t talk to each other and had their meal quietly.


    Then, something popped into Anya''s mind. So, she broke the silence and said, "I''ve contacted my friend, and she''s asking to see us after work."


    Zachary responded, "Sure. I''ll let Molly know about it. I''ll ask her toe over here once she''s done with school."

 Chapter 80

    "That won''t be necessary. The two of us will do it."


    Anya''s response surprised Zachary somewhat. She was worried that he would misunderstand her meaning. So, she exined, "My friend doesn''t love to talk about love outside working hours. She won''t be happy to see Molly there."


    "Well, then. Why are we going at all?" Zachary was even more confused now.


    Anya brushed a strand of hair from her temple and giggled gently. "Why, we''re going to have dinner with her and catch up on old times, of course. I will also bring up Molly during the meal. Do you think she can reject me if I''m the one who took the initiative to talk about it?"


    "Alright. Thanks for your help." Zachary heard what she said and didn''t make furtherments.


    Afternoon came, and he gathered a couple of marketing staff. He wanted them to go to the Economic Development Zone with him. However, all of them said they had work to finish. So, they collectively asked him to find someone else.


    At that moment, one of the marketing staff who sat by the window rose to his feet and said with a smile, "All of us are quite busy with work. Mr. Lloyd. You''re wee to go there by yourself if you can''t wait for us."


    Zachary didn''t know who this marketing staff was, but he did remember him. After all, thetter was the one who gave Shawn ideas on the first floor.


    Zachary frowned slightly, but he didn''t get angry. Once he saw that not a single one of them was willing to follow him, he realized that they were maliciously pinpointing them.


    Although Zachary could''ve thrown his weight around and made them follow him by force, he didn''t do anything of the sort. If these fellows were waiting to make fun of him, then he would just have to prove them wrong with results.


    Just as well, too. He could establish his intimidating authority and let them see what he was made of through this project.


    At the thought of it, Zachary didn''t waste any time with them anymore. Instead, he turned around and got ready to leave.


    At that moment, a young intern suddenly raised his hand and asked, "D-Do you mind if I follow you, Mr. Lloyd?"


    Zachary heard the voice and looked over. Then, he saw a young man wearing a ck suit and a tie staring at him with reddened cheeks.


    "Sure thing. Let''s hit the road." Zachary nodded with a smile.


    The intern''s eyes sparkled when he heard it. He was about to rise to his feet and leave with Zachary.


    That was when Shawn''s expression turned grim. He said in a cold voice all of a sudden, "Have you finished the tasks I appointed to you, y?"


    At the next moment, a lot of people stopped what they were doing and turned their gaze to y Castro, the intern. Some of them were also stealing nces at Zachary''s expression.


    y responded, while his face was still reddened, "I''ve just finished every task you''ve given me, Mr. Zimmer."


    "Great. I need topile some


    documents. Please work on that if you''ve got this much free time. I want thempiled and printed before you get off work today. Then, you''re going to put them on my desk."


    w n


    Shawn rose to his feet with a cold expression and mmed the thick pile of documents on y''s work desk. Thetter''s face turned pale in a matter of a second. There were so many documents that it was simply impossible topile them in an afternoon.


    Anyone could see that Shawn was maliciously picking on the intern. However, he


    was the team leader. So, no one was willing to speak up for y.


    "This is a lot of documents, Mr. Zimmer. Can I get it done before I go off work tomorrow?"


    y felt deeply troubled. He had to read the documents before he couldpile them. Although he had a lot of documents, he could only work through them little by little.


    The truth was he might not even be able to finish them by the day after tomorrow,


    let alone tomorrow before he went off work.


    "If you ask me, you''re an efficient staff. So, I have faith in you, bud. Go and make me proud!" Shawn sneered and turned around to return to his work desk. His lips curled into a disdainful grin when he brushed past Zachary''s shoulder.

 Chapter 81

    Shawn was openly provoking Zachary. The entire marketing department noticed. Everyone was curious now, wondering how Zachary would respond.


    "Wait!"


    Zachary turned around and firmly pped his hand on Shawn''s shoulder. He said in an icy tone. "Mr. Zimmer, right? You seem to have some free time on your hands. How about you handle the document sorting?"


    "Mr. Lloyd, sorting documents is something we usually assign to interns. Don''t tell me you didn''t know that?" Shawn turned, lifting his chin arrogantly, and retorted without a hint of courtesy.


    Tension in the marketing department instantly rose. Some of Shawn''s close allies quietly praised him.


    "Whether I know or not is my business. But as the deputy manager, I believe I have the right to assign work to you, correct?" Zachary spoke calmly, his expression unreadable. "Or are you saying that you''d rather quit?"


    "You''re pulling rank on me now?" Shawn''s face turned slightly pale.


    Zachary gave a faint smile, not bothering to exin further. "I''m simply treating you the way you treat your subordinates. Why are you getting upset now?"


    "Mr. Lloyd, I''ve been with Yel Corporation for three years. I''m practically a senior employee here. Are you sure you want to make things difficult for me like this?" Shawn snapped back.


    "Before the day ends, make sure the documents are sorted. If not, there''s no need for you toe in tomorrow," Zachary said, dismissing any further talk. Then, he left the marketing department with y in tow.


    Shawn''s face darkened immediately. He had originally intended to give Zachary a hard time, but instead, Zachary had shot him down mercilessly, pulling rank without hesitation.


    Just then, a few of Shawn''s close colleagues came over.


    "Shawn, calm down! I heard that Ms. Lane assigned him the Economic


    Development Zone project. We all know how tough that project is. He''s bound to mess it up."


    "Yeah, once he screws that project up, we can report to Ms. Lane that hecks the capability for a leadership position..."


    "Exactly! I know a bit about that project. Word is, it involves some shady underground figures. He''s bound to take a hit there."


    They continued to talk about the project.


    Shawn felt considerably better hearing this from his colleagues.


    The Economic Development Zone was an urban vige,ter earmarked for development as part of the city''s expansion.


    However, ces like urban viges


    tend to have many local troublemakers. Somepanies


    veine


    had tried investing there but


    many had failed to do so


    sessfully due to the


    troublemakers causing issues and making unreasonable demands.


    This time, Yel Corporation was only exploring the area out of curiosity, so Yasmine, the marketing department manager, didn''t have high hopes either.


    That was why she had assigned the project to Zachary in the first ce to give him a little trouble as the new leader.


    Most senior employees and anyone familiar with the Economic Development Zone project understood this.


    Zachary had figured out some of these challenges from the preliminary data, so he nned to visit the site in person to see if he could resolve the troublemaker issue.


    Downstairs, he had originally


    nned to take a cab to the


    Economic Development Zone, but to


    his surprise, y had his own car. It was a domestic sedan priced at around 100 thousand dors.


    "Mr. Lloyd, where are we headed?" y asked, a bit nervously, as he entered the address into the car''s GPS.


    With a smile, Zachary fastened his seatbelt and asked, "What''s good to eat or do around the Economic Development Zone?"


    "There''s a popr barbecue spot and a new entertainment center..." y began to list various ces with ease.


    Surprised by the detailed response, Zachary looked at y with curiosity. He didn''t expect y to know this much.


    Noticing this, y scratched his


    head and said embarrassedly. "My girlfriend lives in that area. Her family got a bigpensation payoust year from the relocation. It was more than 10 million dors.


    She even bought me this car."


    Zacharyughed and teased, "That''s not bad! With a girlfriend from a wealthy background, why are you still working?"


    y felt a bit embarrassed. "I''m a man. My girlfriend''s family background doesn''t concern me. I want to make my own money and buy my own house!"


    "Respectable!" Zachary gave him a thumbs-up, then directed him toward the Economic Development Zone.


    For a market research trip, he needed to gather information from multiple angles, and the data Yasmine had given him wasn''t thorough enough. So he would have to see for himself.


    The Economic Development Zone mainly consisted of new buildings, with bothmercial and residential areas, but the foot traffic was still rtively low.


    After having y park along the roadside, Zachary took him to a few street food vendors. They grabbed some bites to eat while Zachary chatted casually with the shop owners.

 Chapter 82

    It was past 4:00 pm when Zachary and y finally sat in a smoothie shop.


    y went to order two fruit smoothies while Zachary pulled out a notebook and started jotting down notes.


    Throughout the afternoon, Zachary gathered useful information from local vendors and passersby. The main obstacle to the development of the Economic Development Zone was a local gang controlling the area.


    Most of the gang members, including the boss, were locals who had receivedpensation for relocation. To them, the Economic Development Zone was their turf. Any outsiders looking to invest had to "coborate" with them, which meant paying an annual protection fee.


    As y set a fruit smoothie in front of Zachary, he asked out of concern, "Zachary, do you really think this project is worth pursuing?"


    He had followed Zachary all afternoon, and from what he had heard, the area seemed too chaotic to be worth the risk. With local gangs, developing a market or building a factory here seemed more trouble than it was worth.


    "The infrastructure and environment in this area are actually quite good, and the subway makes it convenient. There''s significant potential for growth here," Zachary replied with a smile.


    From both the project data and his own observations today, he was confident in the zone''s future potential. However, establishing factories for items like stationery, apparel, or furniture would require dealing with the instability brought by the local gangs.


    After they finished their smoothie, Zachary told y to call it a day.


    As he was about to hail a cab back to the office, Anya called, "Where are you? I didn''t see you in the office all afternoon."


    "I''ve been doing market research at the Economic Development Zone."


    "Send me your location. I''lle pick you up."


    "Alright."


    After hanging up, Zachary sent Molly a message letting her know he wouldn''t be home for dinner.


    About 20 minutester, Anya arrived.


    She startedining when he got in the car, "Market research is something you could have assigned to the team. Do you need to do it yourself?"


    "Honestly, I get a little stir-crazy sitting in the office all day. This was a nice break," he replied while smiling.


    They chatted for a while, and when she heard that he had taken on the Economic Development Zone project, sheughed.


    "You''re in luck! That friend from the livestreampany I mentioned has connections with the local crowd here. If you y your cards right tonight, this project could be a done deal soon."


    Zachary was surprised.


    Anya exined, "My friend''s dad actually runs the local underground forces.df she''s willing to help, the project will be as good as approved! Why else do you think I want to invest in a factory here?"


    "Ah, that exins it!" He suddenly understood.


    Before long, she took him to an upscale restaurant, where they met with her friend.


    They walked over to a table by the window and saw a woman with long, wavy purple hair waving them over.


    As soon as they got closer, the purple-haired woman shot Anya a feigned re.


    "Anya! You little bitch, finally inviting


    me out


    the ster a whole month. What''s


    the story? Are you in love? Did you get a man and forget all about your friends?"


    Then, she turned her gaze to Zachary.


    She was taken aback with one nce. With his height, looks, and refined demeanor, he practically had the air of a young nobleman.


    Just as Zachary was about to greet her, the purple-haired woman eximed, "Damn it! Girl, you sure know how to pick!"


    Caught off guard, he felt embarrassed while Anya stifled augh before pulling him down to sit. She introduced the two with a grin.


    "Let me introduce you. This is my best friend, Cam Gaines. And this is my dear brother, Zachary!"


    Before she finished, Cam rolled her eyes and snorted. "Oh,e on. ''Dear brother''? Do you have to be so mushy?"


    Anya justughed it off.


    Zachary smiled while nodding and offered his hand to Cam. "Nice to meet you."


    Cam took his hand confidently, throwing him a yful wink. "Nice to meet you too, handsome."

 Chapter 83

    "Pfft!"


    Anya had just taken a sip of water when she heard Cam''sment, and she immediately sputtered, spraying water everywhere.


    She quickly grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth before shooting Cam an annoyed look. "Keep talking like that, and I''ll tear that mouth of yours right off!"


    "Grr..." Cam made a face, thenughed heartily. "Aww, look at you all protective! Seems like you really care about him, huh?"


    The two friends had a lively conversation, catching up on everything from their school days to their journeys after graduation.


    Sitting beside them, Zachary couldn''t help but feel a bit like the third wheel. However, through their stories, he learned quite a bit about Anya''s past.


    ording to Cam, back in college, Anya was the most admired beauty on campus, with countless admirers vying for her attention. But she had never dated anyone, which often made Cam wonder about her orientation jokingly.


    As Cam took a bite of her steak, she casually asked, "By the way, Anya, has your half-sister caused you any more trouble?"


    For a split second, Anya''s smile froze. She shook her head and quickly changed the subject. "Let''s not talk about her. How about that streamer you rmended? Think she''s worth signing?"


    "She''s got potential. She has a really sweet and innocent vibe, and she''s got a great singing voice. We could sign her, but let me be clear. I''m not lowering my standards just because we''re friends," Cam replied, her tone bing more serious.


    After all, both women were driven entrepreneurs with solid principles.


    "Of course! But there''s actually one more thing I was hoping you could help with," Anya said, smoothly steering the conversation toward the Economic Development Zone project.


    "Zac, you''re in charge of this project and know the details best. How about you share your thoughts with Cam?"


    "Sure!"


    Finally getting to the main topic, Zachary eagerly outlined his ideas.


    Cam paused, giving him her full


    aed locked on him t


    attention: Her sparkling and gaze


    bet


    time as he exined the pre


    "Ms. Gaines, that''s everything I wanted to cover. What''s your take?"


    He spoke for nearly half an hour, covering everything in detail, from small nuances to future market prospects.


    He waited for her response, but to his surprise, it waspletely unrted. "You


    know, you''re even more charming when you talk business!"


    Zachary was speechless. Caught off guard by her sidetrackedment, he nced at Anya for help.


    Anya just shrugged with an amused smile. "Don''t worry, that''s just how she is. But she heard everything you said."


    Turning back to Cam, she asked, "So, what do you think, Cam? Is this project worth pursuing? If not, I''ll just drop it."


    "It could work, but I''d need to discuss it with my brother first."


    Cam gave no definitive answer. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to help. It was just that this decision wasn''t entirely up to her.


    Previously her father had controlled


    thec Developments


    But


    he had fallen ill six


    ago, he had handed things over to her younger brother, John Gaines.


    John was 25 butcked business acumen or a broad perspective. He focused only on short-term gains. This greed had already led severalpanies to abandon their


    [e''


    investment efforts in the zone. In


    short, he wanted too


    soon.  t?


    h, too


    "Your brother?" Anya''s face showed a hint of difort. She was having second thoughts in her heart.


    Cam nodded, looking exasperated. "Yeah, my brother! The same idiot who used to follow you around like a lovesick puppy."


    Zachary suppressed a smirk, wondering if it was really okay for her to roast John like that in front of her best friend and an outsider.


    Anya frowned slightly, contemting whether to give up. "Maybe we should just forget about it..."


    "Are you afraid?"

 Chapter 84

    Cam chuckled and reassured her, "Rx. John''s a handful, but he''ll still listen to me... most of the time."


    "Let''s hope so," Anya replied with a wry smile.


    As dinner wrapped up, Anya suggested heading home, especially since they had work the next day. But Cam wasn''t having it.


    "What''s the rush? I haven''t seen you in over a month! Tonight, you''re staying out with me until we''ve had fun."


    The three of them stepped outside, and Cam grabbed Anya''s arm, practically dragging her toward her car.


    Anya couldn''t argue against it, so she decided to throw caution to the wind and go along with Cam.


    Zachary opted to stay out of it and was about to hail a cab home when he felt a firm smack on his backside.


    He was stunned.


    He instinctively stepped forward, then turned around, ring at the person behind him who had reached out inappropriately.


    When he saw that it was actually Cam, the anger on his face instantly vanished, reced by surprise and confusion.


    "Ms. Gaines, what was that for?"


    "Zachary, right? Who said you could leave? After everything Anya''s done to help you, you''re really just going to leave her here?"


    Crossing her arms, she looked at him disapprovingly. "Shouldn''t you be stepping up to be her knight in shining armor tonight?"


    He frowned slightly. "But you''re just going out for some fun. It wouldn''t be appropriate for me to tag along."


    "We don''t have a problem with it, so why do you have a problem with it? Stop being such a pain and just get in the car! Don''t make me force you."


    Not in the mood for debate, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him along, leaving him no choice but to relent.


    Before he knew it, he was seated in the back of her car, with Anya in the front passenger seat.


    During the ride, the two womenughed and chatted openly, even venturing into some rather personal topics as though they had forgotten he was even there.


    Feeling out of ce, Zachary started to regreting out that evening.


    After a little over an hour, they arrived at a luxurious hot spring resort. "Good evening, Ms. Gaines!"


    As they reached the entrance, the hostesses greeted Cam with warm bows.


    Anya leaned over and whispered to Zachary, "Cam''s a small shareholder here. She likes toe rx at the hot springs on weekends."


    The resort was impably decorated and easily a four-star, if not near five-star, in quality. Unlike typical mid-range hot spring resorts, the costs here were quite high, so most of the people who came were wealthy.


    As they made their way inside, Zachary suddenly heard a familiar voice. He looked over to see two people he recognized-Wendy and Ethan-chatting as they registered a new membership at the reception.


    "Here''s your membership card, madam. After deducting the initial fee, your bnce is 49800 dors."


    "Thank you!" Wendy epted the card and handed it over to Ethan with a smile. Ethan tried to decline but eventually took it.


    The elevator arrived, and Zachary followed Cam and Anya inside. At the same time, Wendy and Ethan were heading their way.


    As the elevator doors closed, Wendy froze, thinking she had caught a glimpse of Zachary.


    "Something wrong, Wendy?" Ethan asked gently.


    "I thought I just saw Zachary," she replied, shaking her head, then dismissing the idea. "But it must have been my imagination. He would not show up somewhere this pricey in his situation."


    Ethan''s eyes gleamed with intrigue, and he asked cautiously, "You''re not still hung up on that guy, are you?"


    A flicker of aplicated emotion


    passed over her face before she


    replied coldly, "Of course not. We''re already going through the divorce process, which will be official in a


    couple of weeks. You know me. I''d never look back."

 Chapter 85

    The hot spring resort had separate sections for men and women, as well as mixed-gender zones.


    As a minor shareholder in the resort, Cam had invested a year''s worth of dividends to create a private hot spring pool for her use.


    Once on the third floor, Zachary was led by an attendant to the changing room. After a quick shower, he slipped into the swim trunks provided and went to the pool area.


    The pool wasn''t huge, only about 50 square meters, but the surroundingndscape design was impressive, with pavilions, small waterfalls, and lush greenery. This was clearly the work of a professional.


    When he arrived, Anya and Cam had yet to show up, so he settled into the warm water alone.


    Five minutester, they finally appeared.


    Both were wearing swimsuits. Anya''s was ck withce trim, which made her already fair skin appear even more snow-white against the dark fabric.


    With her tall figure, long hair cascading over her shoulders, hourss shape, and delicate waist, she irresistibly drew Zachary''s gaze when she appeared.


    Her skin was fair and incredibly smooth. Under the lights, she seemed to glow, radiating an eye-catching brilliance. Before he realized it, he found himself staring, somewhat entranced.


    He didn''t even notice the blush that crept over Anya''s cheeks.


    Suddenly, Cam''s voice broke the silence. "Hey, your eyes are about to pop out of your head."


    "Ahem..." Zachary snapped back to reality, clearing his throat awkwardly as he looked away.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Cam, and he immediately covered his nose, fearing he might lose control and start bleeding.


    Cam was as bold as ever, and her swimsuit was just as exposing. Her swimsuit consisted of just a couple of small triangles in all the right ces, with a T-strap design on the bottom.


    It wasn''t just her choice of attire that made him blush. It was also because she had a rather..... substantial figure.


    Her skin was also rtively fair, butpared to Anya, it clearly paled. However, her figure was also impressive, especially her eye-catching, undeniably unfair


    curves.


    Zachary didn''t dare to look too long. He was afraid that he wouldn''t be able to handle it.


    What she wore was hardly any different from not wearing anything.


    It was torturous. He struggled to control his breathing, trying his best not to think about anything inappropriate.


    Just as he managed to calm down, Anya and Cam-whether intentionally or not -sat on either side of him.


    The pool was oval-shaped, and if he looked left, Anya was right there; if he looked right, Cam was in full view.


    Naturally, people would size each


    other up


    which went for both men


    and women. But instead of sneaking


    nces, these two were openly


    appraising him.


    Anya had seen him shirtless once before, but that was too brief. Now, she seemed eager to take in the details.


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk."


    "Anya, your ''dear brother'' has a great physique! Not only are his glutes firm, but he even has abs?"


    Cammented like a mischievous critic. As she spoke, her gaze kept darting down toward the water.


    Zachary squeezed his legs together, trying to y it cool. He wanted to leave, but it wasn''t exactly the right moment.


    Anya chuckled and raised an eyebrow smugly. "You can question my EQ, but never my taste!"


    §Õ§Ñ§Ý


    Cam''s eyes were practically on fire as she sized Zachary up. Her gaze was bold and direct. "How about this? I''ll find myself a boyfriend and then we can make a trade-off?"


    "Dream on! I''m not as crazy as you!" Anya objected immediately.


    "Who''s crazy here? I''ve only been in one serious rtionship my whole life, and that was..." Cam was quick to defend herself but suddenly trailed off. Her words stirred up a sensitive memory.


    Sensing the chance to shift the focus, Zachary jumped in, "And what happened?" "None of your business!" Her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment.


    Anya stifled augh, adding, "She dated a guy for half a year, only to find out..."


    "Ah! You''re not allowed to say it!" Cam panicked, scrambling to stop her from spilling her secret.

 Chapter 86

    Cam transformed into a screeching chicken and quickly lunged at Anya.


    However, with some distance between them and the resistance of walking in the hot spring, Anya had already finished revealing the story by the time she reached Anya.


    During college, Cam had a boyfriend who was quite fair-skinned. He appeared delicate and quiet, resembling the trendy young men that women often adore.


    His personality was theplete opposite of Cam''s. She was outgoing and boisterous, while he was reserved and introverted.


    They had a great rtionship and had been dating for over six months without a single fight. It seemed perfect until the oue took a surprising turn.


    Anya apanied Cam shopping one weekend when they unexpectedly spotted her boyfriend strolling with another man. They were affectionate, even feeding each other fries, leaving Cam and Anya in shock.


    After some private inquiries, they discovered that Cam''s boyfriend had issues with his sexual orientation. He had agreed to date her only to maintain appearances, not wanting to be seen as different by his dorm mates.


    Upon learning the truth, Cam beat him up so badly that he ended up in the hospital. However, she never exposed his secret.


    Because of this incident, all the college men hesitated to approach her. Despite her alluring figure, they were intimidated, fearing they might be simrly assaulted by her.


    After that rtionship, Cam abandoned the idea of dating and threw herself into her studies and making money.


    Hearing about Cam''s first love, Zachary couldn''t help but feel sympathy for this beautiful, busty woman.


    "Damn it! How could you tell him about that? Just wait until I tear your mouth apart today!" Her face flushed red as she yfully wrestled with Anya in the hot spring pool.


    Of course, they weren''t fighting but instead having fun. However, with Cam wearing so little fabric, it became a view for Zachary, which was an unexpected treat.


    But after watching for a while, he suddenly felt a warmth in his nostrils and realized he was bleeding.


    "You guys enjoy yourselves. I need to go to the restroom."


    He made a hasty retreat, covering his nose with one hand and his lower half with the other.


    As soon as he stepped out of the pool, he heard Anya''s yfulughter and Cam''s unabashed teasing behind him.


    What a disgrace!


    He feltpletely humiliated.


    After finally stopping the nosebleed,


    he hesitated but decided not to return to the pool. If he went back, he might end up with another nosebleed, and even if he didn''t, Cam would surely tease him.


    Wrapping himself in a bathrobe, he headed to the restaurant on the resort''s second floor.


    After scanning the menu, he ordered a meal and a cold beer to cool off.


    He had just put down his phone when he suddenly heard a voice nearby. It was a voice he deeply disliked.


    "Hey, Zachary, what are you doing here?"


    It was Ethan. He held a cup of warm milk as he walked past Zachary''s table.


    When he arrived, Zachary had


    already seen Wendy and Ethan, et


    novelbet


    he wasn''t too surprised when. encountering Ethan in the


    restaurant.


    "Am I not allowed to be here?" He looked up calmly, shooting Ethan a nce.


    "Ethan, what''s wrong?" At that moment, Wendy also approached and noticed Zachary.


    Seeing him, her brows furrowed slightly, but a hint of a smile appeared.


    "Zachary, it''s really you! I thought I was mistaken for a second!"


    "Do you guys need something?" Zachary''s impatience was evident.


    He really didn''t want to interact with Wendy. His previous love for her had turned into an equally intense distaste.


    Noticing the impatience on his face,


    she smirked with a sense of satisfaction. "Stop pretending, Zachary. I know you came here just to create a coincidence for us to run into each other!"


    After a pause, her tone became suddenly assertive. "You''ve been secretly watching me, haven''t you?"

 Chapter 87

    As soon as Wendy finished speaking, Zachary was taken aback. He didn''t expect her to say something so self-righteous.


    Noticing his silence, she grew even more convinced of her assumptions. She smiled, and she looked down at him with an air of confidence and pride.


    "Zachary, I told you that you would regret divorcing me one day. So, do you regret it now?"


    Ethan''s expression darkened considerably when he heard this.


    If Zachary and Wendy got back together, it would disrupt his ns, which he couldn''t ept.


    He immediately interjected, "Wendy, didn''t you say you''d never go back on your word?"


    Wendy''s expression shifted slightly, showing signs of inner turmoil.


    She was indeed frustrated by Zachary''s recent actions, especially his frequent interactions with other women. But she also missed the attentive care he used to provide.


    Since he wasn''t at home, her life had be chaotic. If she could, she would still want to reconcile with him. After all, despite hisck of financial skills, he was a gentle and caring husband.


    "Wendy, he''s just a scumbag! Don''t let him fool you again!"


    Ethan was growing anxious. After that, he red fiercely at Zachary and scolded, "Zachary, are you even a man? You''ve already divorced her, yet you''re still clinging to Wendy. Don''t you think that''s disgusting?"


    "Are you two putting on a show together?" Zachary frowned, casting a disdainful nce at Ethan.


    Ethan was about to retort, but Zachary ignored him and turned his attention back to Wendy before asking coldly, "Why are you so confident that I''m paying attention to you?"


    Wendy smirked as if she saw through everything. "I can see through you. What are you trying to deny? If it weren''t for me, why would you be here?"


    He replied, "Can''t I be here apanying a friend?"


    She shook her head,ughing lightly. "Friend? Which friend? You''re clearly alone, aren''t you?"


    His patience wore thin. "Who I''m with is none of your business. Please leave, and don''t ruin my appetite!"


    His face darkened, signaling he was done wasting words with her.


    She frowned, and spoke in a tone that bordered on reprimanding. "Zachary enough is enough! If you keep this attitude, there''s no way I''ll reconsider. If you want me back, drop the games. ying hard to get is childish, you know?"


    After saying that, Wendy ignored Zachary''s increasingly ugly expression and directly sat down at the table opposite him.


    Upon seeing this, Ethan also took a seat, deliberately positioning himself right next to Wendy.


    As soon as he sat down, he red at Zachary with a vengeful look.


    Zachary felt frustrated by these shameless two, so he waved for the waiter.


    The waiter approached with a professional smile and bowed slightly. "Hello, sir. How can I assist you?"


    "I don''t know these two. Could you please ask them to sit somewhere else? I don''t want them ruining my meal!" He pointed at the proudly sitting Wendy and the constipated-looking Ethan.


    The waiter nced at Wendy and Ethan, visibly surprised, then politely responded, "Sir, madam, many seats are avable over there. Please don''t disturb other customers'' meals. Thank you!"


    "What do you mean by that, Zachary?" Wendy''s face instantly soured.


    She didn''t expect Zachary to call the waiter to kick her out.


    He replied coldly, "What do I mean? Can''t you even understand such simplenguage? I want you both to disappear from my sight so that I can enjoy my meal."


    Wendy was furious, and her face


    turned red with anger. She stood up and pointed a finger at him as she shouted, "Zachary, do you really have to go this far? I already sat down and tried to give you away out. Why won''t you just admit your mistakes?"

 Chapter 88

    "Wendy, are you stupid? Why should I admit my mistakes?"


    Zachary was so angry that heughed. Then, he turned his gaze to Ethan, whose expression was darkening. With a cold smirk, he added, "Or do you think everyone is like your littlepdog here, needing to stick to you and fawn over you?"


    "Zachary!"


    Wendy''s chest heaved with rage. She wanted to say more, but at that moment, two familiar figures approached.


    It was Anya and Cam.


    As soon as Cam arrived, she cheerfully approached Zachary, smiling at Wendy and Ethan.


    "Hey, handsome. Are these your friends?"


    "Who is she?" Wendy''s face paled slightly when she saw Cam.


    She was beginning to believe that he was indeed here with friends.


    Anya walked over and plopped down in the empty seat next to Zachary.


    "Cam, let me introduce you. This is Wendy Jennings, Zachary''s ex-wife! And that next to her... well, he''s the home wrecker!"


    She deliberately slowed down when saying "home wrecker," but her tone was noticeably louder.


    Her eyes radiated disdain and disgust, something anyone with eyes could easily


    see.


    Ethan''s already unpleasant expression turned even uglier upon hearing Anya''s introduction.


    "Ms. Wayne, please mind your wording. Wendy and I are just close friends!" He attempted to defend himself.


    But Cam seemed intrigued, her beautiful fox-like eyes scanning Ethan from top to bottom before she frowned and said, "He''s average-looking. He''s not as


    Zachary, and his body figuredisn''t as good. Is she blind to have divorced Zachary for such an ugly man?"


    "You..." Ethan''s face flushed crimson. He pointed at Cam, wanting to curse her out. However, he struggled to maintain his


    gentlemanly image with Wendy still nearby.


    "What''s going on here?" Themotion drew the attention of the manager of the hot spring resort.


    He approached, intending to inquire about the situation, but his demeanor


    instantly shifted to warmth when he saw Cam.


    "Ms. Gaines, it''s great to see you!"


    "Yeah."


    Cam smiled lightly, then


    pointed at the visibly struggling Ethan and said, "Mr. Wade, you came at the right time. Please kick


    this home wrecker out. He''s


    vef


    seriously ruining the atmosphere of


    our resort!"


    "Of course, Ms. Gaines!" Derrick Wade nodded, gesturing for Ethan to leave. "Sir, please leave."


    Ethan''s face turned red with anger. "We are customers and have even gotten membership cards. Is this how you treat your members?"


    Before Derrick could respond, Cam interjected, "Oh, you have a membership card? Mr. Wade, please help him cancel it on the spot then! I''ll cover any losses."


    "Understood, Ms. Gaines!" Derrick smiled and nodded.


    He might have found it challenging to handle the situation without her statement, but with her backing, he felt no hesitation.


    He quickly called over two security guards and instructed them to escort Ethan out.


    He struggled against them, but being smaller and weaker, he was forcibly removed from the resort by the two burly guards.


    Wendy didn''t stop them. She clenched her teeth tightly as she fixed her gaze on Zachary''s face.


    "Zachary, is this what you wanted? To humiliate Ethan publicly and embarrass me?"

 Chapter 89

    "Shouldn''t you be asking yourself that question? I said I came here to hang out with friends, not run into you. It''s your disbelief that''s the issue, isn''t it?"


    Zachary''s gaze remained indifferent as he continued, "And let me say this again. I don''t need you to give me an out or any so-called opportunities. Our history is in the past now. I''m not a garbage bin, so I don''t recycle trash. Please don''t shamelesslye near me again!"


    With that, he turned his attention away from her.


    Wendy clenched her fists, her eyes reddening. She stared at him, just about to say something, when Cam suddenly wrapped her arm around his, deliberately leaning closer.


    "Dear brother, your ex-wife pales inparison to us! From now on, just stay with us, okay? We''ll take care of you!"


    Zachary''s ears turned slightly red. He tried to pull his arm away, but she only tightened her grip.


    Anya mimicked Cam, wrapping her other arm around him. "Zac, don''t listen to her nonsense. She''s a bad woman. Only I truly care about you. You should just be with me!"


    "Hey, I consider you a good friend, and yet you want to hog him all to yourself?" Cam was furious.


    Anya burst intoughter.


    Watching Zachary surrounded by Anya and Cam made Wendy grind her teeth in frustration.


    She couldn''t understand it!


    Ellen was one thing, but why did the president of Yel Corporation, Anya, shamelessly cling to a divorced man like him?


    "Zachary, I misjudged you before. Ethan''s right. You''re just a fickle man. A man


    like you doesn''t deserve another chance from me!"


    With that angry deration, Wendy turned and left in disappointment.


    As soon as she was gone, Zachary stood up, breaking free from the two women''s clutches, and sat opposite them.


    He sighed. "You two are overdoing it!"


    "Pfft! You''re so ungrateful! We are trying to help you get back at your ex-wife. Shouldn''t you be thanking us?"


    Cam rolled her eyes at him and added, "Fine. I''ll forgive you this time since you''re handsome, but no next time, okay?"


    Upon hearing this, he was speechless.


    Anya


    hot


    Cautiously, "Zac, that


    out there soaking in


    with another man.


    still hung up on her, arre


    He hesitantly replied, "Don''t talk nonsense. I''ve long since given up on her. Now,


    all I feel for her is disgust!"


    Cam winked at him. "What about us?"


    He remained silent.


    After a light meal, the three returned to their guest room at the hot spring resort. It was toote to return, and Cam would disagree anyway. So, Zachary had to book a room at the resort.


    The reason for only getting one room was that Cam had her exclusive room at


    the resort, and Anya was pulled along to sleep with her.


    Once in the guest room, hey on the pristine white bed and checked Molly''s livestream.


    There were only a little over 100


    viewers, with minimal tips. The chat


    was asionally filled with


    mundanepliments, but most were lukewarm.


    She was singing a ssic old song titled "Coming Home".


    "I''ming home... I''ming home..."


    Her singing was beautiful and full of emotion, evoking a sense of sadness just by listening.

 Chapter 90

    Seeing that there weren''t many tips in the livestream, Zachary topped up his Facebook wallet and sent over ten gifts.


    "Thank you for the yacht donation from ''Eternal Love!'' If you enjoy my singing, please follow me!"


    Molly tilted her head on the phone screen and shed a sweet smile, revealing her adorable little canine teeth.


    Zachary quickly typed a message and sent it. "It''ste. Stop the livestream and get some rest!"


    She paused for a moment upon reading the message. She then opened his Facebook profile.


    His profile was simple, with no personal information added. There was just a scenic photo of the beach as his avatar.


    Molly had a hunch that Zachary was the user named "Eternal Love".


    Thinking of this, she asked, "Zac, is that you?"


    He simply replied with a "yes".


    After seeing that short response, Molly''s eyes lit up. She happily asked, "Zac, when are youing back?"


    "I have something to do tonight, so I won''t be back. Get some rest, and I''ll see you tomorrow!"


    After sending that message, he quickly exited the livestream.


    He had to leave because someone in the chat had begun to ask about his rtionship with Molly.


    After he exited, she closed her livestream.


    When she saw someone asking about her rtionship with Zachary in the chat, she smiled happily.


    She blinked her bright eyes and said sweetly, "He''s a very important person in my life!"


    After that, she added, "Alright,


    That''s it for today''s


    My brother wants me to get


    some sleep. Goodnight, t


    After shutting down the livestream, she picked up her phone, exited her room, and headed straight for Zachary''s bedroom.


    Even though he wasn''t returning tonight, she chose to sleep in his room anyway.


    Shey under the nket he had once used, hugging the pillow stil holding traces of his scent. Breathing in his lingering fragrance, she felt a wave of contentment


    wash over her.


    ...


    By 2:00 am, Anya struggled to keep her eyes open while Cam, the night owl, was wide awake.


    She kept asking Anya about her rtionship with Zachary, but Anya only gave vague answers to deflect the questions.


    Unhappy with theck of information, she wanted to press on, but Anya had already fallen asleep.


    Tossing and turning in bed, Cam quietly picked up Anya''s phone and unlocked it using her fingerprint.


    She opened Twitter and sent Zachary a message. "Dear brother, I can''t sleep.


    Can Ie to your room to chat?"


    After sending the message, she received no reply.


    Furrowing her brows, she turned on the bedsidemp and pulled back the covers on Anya before snapping a quick photo of Anya''s long beautiful legs.


    With a satisfied click, she sent the photo.


    Before long, she received a reply on the Twitter chat window.


    Zachary''s response was just six dots.


    Cam narrowed her eyes and smiled. She posed and took a photo of her own


    legs, which she then sent.


    "Zac, whose legs look better? Mine or Anya''s?"

 Chapter 91

    After sending the message, Cam waited for several more minutes. But there was still no response from Zachary.


    She frowned again and muttered, "Why isn''t he replying?"


    With that thought, she quickly typed another message. "Zac, do you prefer cat maids or bunny girls? How about I wear a maid outfit for you next time?"


    As soon as she sent the message, Zachary in the neighboring room was taken aback.


    He had no idea what was happening with Anya today and why she would send such messageste at night.


    Recalling the two leg photos that ''Anya'' had sent earlier, he hurriedly put his phone down. He worried that if he kept looking, ''Anya'' might send him something else.


    That night, he had a dream filled with beautiful legs. In the dream''s finale, Anya was wearing a cat-maid outfit, blushing as she shyly reached out to scratch him.


    The dream was lovely, but beautiful dreams were often fleeting.


    Just as Zachary was enjoying his sweet dreams, he was abruptly awakened by the doorbell.


    He checked the time and was surprised to see it was already 9:00 am.


    He didn''t expect to sleep so soundly. Usually, he would wake up by around 7:00


    am.


    Maybe it was because he had stayed up tootest night.


    After getting out of bed and opening the door, he saw Anya and Cam dressed and ready for the day.


    Seeing Anya made him recall the dream he hadst night.


    After the three had breakfast, Cam drove Anya and Zachary to the upscale restaurant where they had dined the previous day.


    "I''ll have someone contact Mollyter about the signing. As for the development zone project, I''ll get back to you by tomorrow at thetest. Bye!"


    After the two exited the car, Cam waved goodbye and sped off.


    Anya drove Zachary directly to thepany.


    She took the exclusive elevator while Zachary used the public one. As soon as he stepped out of the elevator, he encountered y carrying a cardboard box.


    y looked dejected, his spirits low.


    When he saw Zachary, he lifted his head and opened his mouth as if wanting to say something but hesitated.


    Zachary frowned and asked curiously, "What''s going on?"


    "Zachary, Mr. Zimmer said my attitude during the internship was poor and that I didn''t follow orders. He advised me to leave!" y clenched his teeth, his expression filled with frustration.


    "Let''s talk in my office." Zachary''s brow furrowed deeper as he patted y on the shoulder and headed toward his office.


    y followed closely but was stopped when they entered the marketing department.


    "y, you''ve already been advised to leave. What are you doing back here? Don''t you know outsiders aren''t allowed in?"


    The speaker was an employee from the marketing department who had a close rtionship with Shawn.


    y''s face turned red. He wanted to argue, but he instinctively looked at Zachary for help.


    Zachary replied coldly, "You''re quite nosy, aren''t you?"


    The employee wasn''t intimidated at


    all and exined with a smile, "Mr. Lloyd, you''re new to our department and might not know the rules. Outsiders are not allowed here, and since y has been advised to leave, he''s no longer an employee of thepany, so-"


    Before he could finish, Zachary interrupted, "I brought him here. Do you have a problem with that?"


    He nced at the name tag on the employee''s chest as he spoke. It read, "Marketing Department-Danny Moon".


    Danny still smiled, but his attitude remained stubborn. "Mr. Lloyd, we have rules in


    our department. What you''re doing isn''tpliant!"


    Not wanting to put Zachary in a difficult position, y stepped back, holding the cardboard box. "Zachary, maybe I should just go. I''ll call youter." .


    "No!" Zachary''s expression gradually grew colder as he looked at Danny. "Danny Moon, right? From now on, you''re fired. Pack your things and get out!"


    Danny''s facial expression changed dramatically, and he shouted, "Mr. Lloyd, on what basis are you firing me?"


    Zachary sneered. "On what basis? I''m the deputy manager, and you''re just an ordinary employee in the marketing department. Is that reason not enough?" "You''re abusing your power!"


    "If you have a problem, report me to the Department of Labor. Leave now!" After saying that, he ignored Danny and led y directly back to his office.


    Once they were inside, he inquired about y''s situation, and a surge of anger rose within him.

 Chapter 92

    Zachary called in a few other interns to understand the specific situation.


    After understanding the situation, he let them leave. He learned that y was their group''s hardest-working and most dedicated intern.


    However, about 20 minutes earlier, Danny approached y, dumping the workload from other interns onto him and demanding he finish everything by


    noon.


    It was obvious that this was a deliberate attempt to make things difficult for him. Frustrated, he confronted Danny, who reported him to Shawn for his poor attitude. Shawn didn''t bother to investigate further and simply advised him to leave.


    Zachary understood the situation clearly. Shawn and the others had intentionally made life difficult for y, and their motives were all too apparent.


    "Don''t worry. No one can force you out as long as I''m in thispany. Put your things back for now. I''ll handle this matter," Zachary reassured the somewhat downcast y and then sent him back to his desk.


    After a moment of thought, he took out his phone and called Anya.


    He briefly exined y''s situation to her, not as a report, but to give her a heads-up.


    Since he was nning to take action against the old-timers who had formed cliques, he wanted to ensure she was prepared for what was toe.


    After all, even though he was in charge behind the scenes at Yel Corporation, he still needed to give her the respect she deserved.


    Shawn and Danny arrived at Zachary''s office just as he hung up. They were ready to use him. "Mr. Lloyd, Danny is a member of our team. It seems improper for you to fire him without reason!"


    Shawn''s tone was aggressive, and his expression was displeased. From the look, one might think he was the manager instead.


    Zachary couldn''t be bothered to exin. Instead, he retorted, "Are you questioning my decision?"


    "Although you are the deputy manager, you can''t fire someone without cause. Your actions could have a very negative impact on thepany. If other


    marketing department employees hear about this, what do you think they''ll think?" Shawn spoke with righteous indignation.


    Zachary scoffed coldly, "Shawn, you''re just a team leader. Who gave you the right to spout off in front of me? And by the way, did youplete the tasks I assigned to you yesterday?"


    Shawn''s face fell when Zachary mentioned the previous day''s tasks. He snapped, "The workload you assigned was too much! Even if I stayed up all night, I couldn''t finish it. You''re just trying to make things difficult for me!"


    Zachary huffed. "So you know the workload is too much? Why didn''t you consider that when you dumped all the data sorting tasks onto y yesterday?"


    "I..." Shawn''s expression changed. He didn''t expect Zachary to use his own words against him.


    "I told you that you wouldn''t need toe in today if you couldn''t finish. Do you think my words are just for show? Zachary mmed the table, causing Shawn and Danny to jump in surprise.


    "Mr. Lloyd, I advise you not to go too far. I''ve worked at Yel Corporation for three years. I may not have many achievements, but I''ve put in my


    share of hard work. What you the


    doing will only alienate us senior employees!"


    Shawn gritted his teeth, attempting to threaten Zachary.


    Zachary nced dismissively at him and replied coldly, "You only represent yourself. You don''t speak for anyone else. Now, pack your things and settle your pay with the finance department!"


    Shawn shouted in anger, "Zachary, don''t push it! The marketing department isn''t


    just under your control. Don''t forget, you''re just a deputy manager!"


    "Get lost!" Zachary didn''t bother arguing further and kicked him out of the office.


    Instead of going to the finance department, he took Danny toin to Yasmine.


    Under their exaggeratedints, she quickly grew furious.


    She marched with them to Zachary''s office.


    Many employees noticed themotion as they entered the marketing department''s workspace.


    "Ms. Lane doesn''t look happy. It seems like Mr. Lloyd is about to face trouble!"


    "He''s just a nepotism hire, acting like he''s in charge. Does he really think he can call all the shots in the marketing department?"


    "I think he is pretty good. He doesn''t have an attitude."


    "What do you know? This is workcepetition. Mr. Lloyd took Shawn''s position as deputy manager..."


    They continued to gossip.


    The marketing department employees murmured among themselves, eagerly anticipating the oue of the showdown between Shawn and Zachary. Meanwhile, Yasmine entered Zachary''s office with a stern expression and immediately began questioning him, "Mr. Lloyd, why did you fire Shawn and Danny without reason?"

 Chapter 93

    Zachary was sitting in front of hisputer, reviewing the profiles of marketing department employees. He nced up at Yasmine and said, "As a team leader, Shawn led the charge to form cliques, making things difficult for the interns. Shouldn''t someone like that be fired?"


    Yasmine maintained a nk expression. "Do you have any evidence to support your ims, Mr. Lloyd?"


    While continuing to review the files, he replied, "I saw it with my own eyes. Do you think I need more evidence? Or do you think I''m lying and targeting them deliberately?"


    "I''ll investigate this matter thoroughly, and for now, let''s put the decision about their termination on hold."


    Yasmine turned to Shawn and Danny and said, "Alright, you two can return to work."


    "Understood, Ms. Lane!"


    Both Shawn and Danny nodded, their faces disying smug smiles. Shawn even shot Zachary a triumphant nce.


    Zachary frowned slightly and coldly remarked, "Ms. Lane, are you sure you want to be so biased in their favor?"


    "Zachary, remember your position. You''re just a deputy manager!" Yasmine''s expression darkened.


    As her direct subordinate, him speaking to her like this in front of others clearly showed ack of respect.


    He didn''t want to escte the situation. After all, he had reviewed her background, and he recognized her capabilities as a manager.


    He sighed and said gently, "Ms. Lane, I''ve just started working in the marketing department and don''t know all the ins and outs yet. However, I think your handling of this situation isn''t ideal."


    Zachary maintained a calm gaze, meeting Yasmine''s eyes.


    Her face hardened as she replied, "Zachary, I am the head of the marketing department. If you have issues with how I handle things, you can goin to Ms. Wayne!"


    With that, she left the office in a huff.


    Shawn and Danny exchanged nces filled with schadenfreude.


    How foolish for a deputy manager who got his position through connections to stand up to Yasmine. This behavior was incredibly naive.


    Now, it was clear that Yasmine held a grudge against Zachary. If Zachary''s work didn''t meet expectations, she would likely report him to Anya and push for his removal as deputy manager.


    Without lingering, the two followed Yasmine out of Zachary''s office.


    After this incident, Shawn and the others pulled back a bit, no longer making things difficult for y.


    However, the workload assigned to him was still noticeably heavier than that of other interns.


    At noon, Anya sent a message inviting Zachary to have lunch at the executive office.


    As they ate and chatted, he asked for her opinion on Yasmine.


    "She''s very capable, but she isn''t very tactful in her dealings with people." That was her assessment.


    He nodded slightly and said no more.


    Noticing his silence, she grew worried and asked cautiously, "Zac, you''re not nning to fire her just because she was rude to you, are you?"


    "Not at all!" Zachary smiled, putting down his bowl and using a napkin to wipe the grease from the corner of his mouth.


    Anya nodded, visibly relieved. "That''s good!"


    "Alright. I have to get back to work now." He stood up, tidied the takeout boxes on the coffee table, and left.


    When he returned to the office, Yasmine''s team had sent over some documents for him to handle.


    He didn''t refuse and spent the entire afternoon sorting everything. Before the end of the workday, he ced the documents on her desk.


    Yasmine opened the files to review them and then looked up at Zachary, saying, "MK Lloyd, Shawn has been with thepany for many years, and asthe team leader, he has considerable influence in the marketing department. I hope you can get along with him."


    "I''m sorry, Ms. Lane, but I have a different perspective. I believe thepany needs talent who not only have ability but also possess a broad mindset. Most importantly, character matters!" ''


    He understood she was trying to smooth things, but he stood firm.


    Upon hearing his words, Yasmine pinched her be and waved her hand dismissively. "As your superior, I''m only giving you a friendly reminder. Whether you take it or leave it, it is up to you. Now, you leave!"


    can


    "Understood, Ms. Lane!"


    Zachary nodded slightly and turned to exit the office.


    At this point, the workday was over. He packed up his things and prepared to


    leave.

 Chapter 94

    Zachary heard Shawn''s arrogant voice when he stepped out of the office.


    "You think you can look down on me just because you''re an intern and are clinging to the deputy manager? I''m telling you, as long as I''m still here at Yel Corporation and in the marketing department, you''ll never get promoted!"


    He followed the sound and saw Shawn standing beside y''s workstation, looking down at the visibly flustered y.


    y gritted his teeth and shouted, "Thispany isn''t your family business! Whether I get promoted depends on my work performance and attitude, not your say-so!"


    "Hahaha..." Shawnughed loudly in response. "Have you gone stupid from studying? How will you get promoted if I don''t sign the promotion review? You clueless idiot! You don''t even understand the workce rules yet. Do you think you can make it here?"


    He insulted y without reservation.


    y''s face turned red with anger, but he had noeback.


    At that moment, one of Shawn''s subordinates noticed Zachary stepping out of the office and nudged him.


    He turned to Zachary, grinned mockingly, and began to walk toward the elevator with his subordinates.


    Zachary didn''t intervene. Instead, he walked over to y.


    Gently patting y''s shoulder, Zachary reassured him, "Don''t take his words to heart. Just focus on your work. Whether you get promoted isn''t just up to him!"


    y''s expression softened when he heard this, and he nodded earnestly. "Okay, Zachary! I''ll work hard!"


    "I believe in you!" Zachary smiled and headed toward the elevator.


    Just as the elevator doors were about to close, Shawn quickly pressed the close button upon seeing him approach.


    "Childish!" He frowned at Shawn''s behavior, feeling a sense of exasperation.


    To him, Shawn was a small fry. He had never taken it seriously.


    After leaving thepany, he headed toward his rental apartment when he heard hurried footsteps behind him.


    "Zac, why are you walking so fast? Wait for me!"


    It was Anya''s voice.


    Momentster, he saw her catching up, out of breath. She was wearing high heels and carrying a handbag, and her expression was slightly resentful.


    "What''s up?" Zachary asked, puzzled.


    "Nothing much. I just didn''t feel like cooking and thought I''de over and grab some food. Am I not wee?"


    She pouted and continued, "You promised I could drop by anytime for a meal. Are you trying to backtrack now?"


    He chuckled. "Of course not! Just give me a heads-up next time. I don''t want to catch Molly off guard."


    Anya smiled. "It''s fine! I''m on a diet, so I don''t eat much anyway!"


    "Diet? You''re not even overweight. You don''t need to diet!"


    Zachary sized her up skeptically.


    Anya''s figure was just right. She had a genuinely perfect physique.


    "Really? You think my figure is good?"


    Her eyes brightened as she spun around yfully before him, eagerly awaiting his response.


    He nodded slightly. "Yeah, your figure is great. You don''t need to go on a diet."


    Her cheeks flushed pink, and she asked nervously, "So, do you like my figure?"


    Before Zachary could answer, a red Aston Martin pulled up to the curb.


    The door opened, and a middle-aged man, appearing to be in his 30s a 40s, stepped out. He wore a pair of gold-rimmed sses and an expensive, tailor-made casual suit, exuding an air of affluence


    With a faint smile and a luxury watch adorning his wrist, he gazed at


    vya


    stood beside her.

 Chapter 95

    The middle-aged man waved at Anya and strode over. "Anya, are you free tonight? I''d like to invite you to a friend''s gathering."


    "I''m sorry, but I already have ns tonight." She nced at Zachary before politely smiling at the middle-aged man and shaking her head.


    Only then did the man''s gaze finally fall on Zachary, but it was merely a cursory nce.


    "Are you going out with this gentleman?" he asked her.


    She nodded slightly.


    Seeing this, the man smiled and turned to Zachary. "Hello, I''m Cameron Pearce. Nice to meet you."


    "Zachary Lloyd," Zachary introduced himself.


    Cameron paused momentarily, racking his brain to remember if anyone named Zachary was in the Yel Corporation business circle.


    After thinking for a while, he realized he didn''t recall anyone by that name, so he smiled and asked, "May I ask where you work, Mr. Lloyd?"


    "I''m the deputy manager of the marketing department at Yel Corporation."


    "Yel Corporation? Deputy manager? So, you''re Anya''s subordinate."


    A hint of disdain flickered in Cameron''s eyes when he heard this.


    He had initially thought this rival had some background, but he turned out to be just another high-level employee.


    With such a status, Zachary wasn''t even qualified topete with him.


    "Something like that," Zachary replied with a calm smile.


    "Heh... Since Anya has already made ns with you, I won''t interrupt you two any longer."


    Cameron showed no interest in continuing the conversation with Zachary. He turned to Anya and said, "Anya, let''s reschedule for another day."


    Anya nodded lightly in response.


    He turned and got back into his car.


    Once he left, she angrily linked her


    arm with Zachary''s and


    he''s looking down on y


    Why


    "Whether he looks down on me is his business. It has nothing to do with me," Zachary said nonchntly.


    long as five well, other people''s


    opinions don''t matter. If you care too much about what others think, you''ll live a very tiring life."


    "That makes sense!" Anya''s eyes flickered as she nodded lightly.


    Her irritation dissipated when she heard his words.


    Suddenly, as if remembering something, she shook his arm yfully and asked, "Zac, do you care about my opinion?"


    "What do you think?" Zachary didn''t want to answer that question.


    He smiled and ruffled her hair before walking toward his rental apartment.


    She followed closely, still clinging to his arm, shaking it yfully. He wouldn''t give her a straight answer, which frustrated her, but she could not deal with him.


    "Ding!"


    At that moment, Anya received a message on her phone.


    She pulled it out to check, her expression shifting slightly as she slowed down.


    On the screen was a Twitter chat box. A friend had sent her a WPS file on Twitter.


    The document''s title read, "Information on the female streamer, Molly."


    After receiving the file, Anya opened the document. As she read through it, her expression quickly soured.


    "That little vixen is definitely after Zac!"

 Chapter 96

    On the way back to the rental apartment, Anya''s expression was bleak.


    She nced at Zachary several times, wanting to say something but hesitating.


    But when she thought of Molly''s background in the information she had, a sense of unease settled over her.


    And so, amidst a swirl of inner conflict, she returned to the rental apartment with him.


    A delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen as Zachary unlocked the door, instantly whetting their appetites.


    "Zac, you''re back!"


    "Anya, you''re here again."


    Upon hearing the door open, Molly emerged from the kitchen.


    She wore an apron and held a spat, clearly in the middle of cooking.


    Zachary smiled and said, "You might as well prepare an extra serving from now


    on since Anya will be joining us for dinner often."


    Anya surprisingly didn''t retort.


    Instead, she stared at Molly with aplex expression, a pang of jealousy tightening her chest.


    As the president of Yel Corporation, her status wasn''t low in Yelbric, but facing Molly made her feel utterly inadequate.


    This realization left her with an unexinable sense of inferiority and powerlessness.


    Molly nodded and chirped, "Zac, Anya, just wait a moment. Dinner will be ready soon!"


    A few minutester, four dishes and a soup were on the dining table.


    The three sat down, but the atmosphere differed from the previous night.


    "Anya, are you worried about something?" Noticing Anya''s silence, Zachary cast her a curious nce.


    Molly also looked at Anya, sensing something was off.


    "Nothing. I''m just thinking about somepany matters." Anya forced a smile and gave a vague excuse.


    Zachary didn''t think much of it.


    After dinner, he walked Anya to themunity''s entrance like the night before.


    "Zac!" Just before they parted ways, she wanted to say something to him, but the words got stuck in her throat.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked with a gentle smile.


    "Nothing!" She managed a bitter smile, shook her head, and turned to leave.


    "Silly girl!" Zachary scratched his nose, feeling confused by Anya''s behavior.


    After Anya left, she didn''t go home but headed straight to the office instead.


    Sitting in the executive chair in her office, she logged into Twitter on herputer and opened Molly''s profile again.


    She wanted to confirm what she had seen earlier, but her brows furrowed involuntarily as she read.


    "Could it be a mistake?"


    Still skeptical, she sent a message to the Twitter friend who shared the information.


    However, after sending the message, no response was received.


    Frustrated, she decided to call the person instead.


    The call connected almost immediately.


    Just as Anya was about to ask her question, an unfamiliar voice came through the speaker.


    "Ms. Wayne, there are some people you shouldn''t investigate casually For Mr Lloyd''s sake, we won''t pursue this matter this time. But if it happens again, you''ll face the consequences!"


    This was a threat. From the tone, she could sense the murderous intent behind the words.


    Just then, a series of beeps sounded.


    The call had been abruptly hung up.


    Anya felt a chilling sensation wash over her. At that moment, she felt like she had just escaped a disaster.


    She had no doubts about the information before.


    After all, the fact that they went to such


    backgths indicated that their et


    MS


    was as frightening as profile suggested.  S However, she couldn''t understand


    Pro Soof that caliber would


    to get close to Zachary


    d to be a vulnerable t


    Was it truly just to approach him?


    But with Molly''s status, she could easily keep him by her side with just a word.


    Anya was perplexed, unable to grasp the true motive behind Molly''s actions.

 Chapter 97

    In stark contrast to Anya''s anxiety, Zachary was feeling quite rxed.


    When he returned to the rental apartment, he found that Molly had changed into a different outfit.


    She wore a short, fitted white T-shirt with a cute, cartoonish character printed on it and a pair of snug shorts.


    With her long hair pulled into a ponytail, she radiated the energy of a youthful, sporty girl.


    Zachary sized Molly up and asked out of curiosity, "Are you going out?"


    "Yeah, I overate for dinner and want to go for a jog to burn it off. Zac, do you want to join me?"


    She smiled gently and nodded.


    He thought for a moment before agreeing.


    Before his divorce, he used to jog and work out regrly to maintain his figure.


    Now that he was divorced and working at Yel Corporation, he had stopped exercising.


    As someone who sat for long hours, he knew that without some physical activity, he could easily develop a beer belly, and he didn''t want to be a middle-aged man before turning 30.


    Five minutester, they were jogging along the green path by theke in the nearby park.


    They ran for an hour and a half until they were both sweating, then happily returned to the rental apartment.


    Once back, Zachary politely let Molly shower first and waited in the living room.


    She took ten minutes to shower, then returned to her room to prepare for her evening livestream.


    She was already live streaming when he was done with his shower and stepped out of the bathroom.


    It was 8:00 pm, and Zachary typically went to bed by 10:00 pm.


    Feeling bored, he grabbed his phone and entered Molly''s livestream.


    He intended to give her a virtual gift, but as soon as he entered the room, he was surprised to see that over a thousand people were watching, including over 20 big spenders.


    These big spenders asionally sent her expensive virtual gifts.


    In just half an hour, Molly received gifts worth over 200 thousand dors, which left Zachary in awe.


    "Is the livestreaming industry really this lucrative?" He rarely watched livestreams and knew little about the industry.


    However, he had seen some posts online about female streamers who, unable to resist the cash from wealthy fans, met with their top supporters in real life, often bing their private ythings.


    He decided to talk seriously with Molly after the livestream to warn her against making life-altering mistakes.


    At 10:00 pm, she finished her livestream.


    As he hesitated whether to talk to her now or wait until breakfast the following day, the door opened gently.


    When she walked in and closed the door behind her, he hadn''t turned off the lights yet. She closed the door and


    headed straight to the bed.


    "Is there something you need?" Zachary asked first.


    Her cheeks were flushed as she said nothing and climbed under the covers beside him. Her face was still red.


    He was taken aback. He wanted to refuse her, but his body honestly shifted to make room for her.


    Feeling shy, she turned her back to him and softly said, "Zac, good night!" "Molly, I want to talk to you."


    "Hmm?"


    Upon hearing this, she turned around, and her big, watery eyes were fixated on Zachary.


    Her gaze seemed to flicker with excitement, and her delicate face showed a hint of anticipation.


    "Ahem..."


    Zachary cleared his throat, feeling the heat from her intense gaze. He said earnestly, "Molly, while being a streamer can be lucrative, you must stay true to yourself and not be tempted by money to do things you might regretter.


    "Hard work pays off, and the money earned through honest effort brings peace of mind when spent. Do you understand what I mean?" He spoke delicately, believing she was smart enough to grasp the deeper meaning of his words.


    "Mm!"


    She smiled softly while nodding earnestly, "Zac, don''t worry. I only belong to you


    and will never get close to other men!"


    "That''s not what I meant. My point is..."


    Zachary''s face grew warm, realizing Molly had misunderstood his kind reminder.


    Before he could exin, she closed her eyes and cuddled up to him.


    "Zac, love me!" Her voice trembled slightly as if she were nervous.


    He initially intended to rify but was taken aback when a cold little hand


    suddenly wrapped around his waist.


    The words he wanted to say got stuck in his throat.


    They were so close that he could feel the softness and incredible sticity pressing against his chest.

 Chapter 98

    "Molly, that''s not what I meant!" Zachary swallowed hard, trying to suppress his rising desires.


    Molly replied timidly, "Zac, holding back isn''t good for your health!"


    "Molly, you''re still young, and your future is bright! Don''t do anything foolish!"


    He took a deep breath, attempting to reason with her.


    Although he had spent half a million to "hire" her for a year, he hadpletely lost any inappropriate thoughts after learning about her tragic past.


    He only kept her around to help her as much as he could. But it was clear that she misunderstood his intentions and was now offering herself to him.


    "Zac, you are my light!" Molly lifted her gaze and locked eyes with Zachary.


    At that moment, his heart skipped a beat.


    He saw genuine affection and deep attachment reflected in her eyes.


    Yet, the more he saw that look, the less he could act inappropriately.


    He managed a bitter smile as his internal turmoil gradually calmed.


    "Molly, don''t think about that half a million! Just consider it an investment in you. Once you start earning money, you can pay me back!"


    "Zac, do you hate me?"


    At this, Molly''s eyes flickered with uncertainty, and the warmth in her gaze dimmed noticeably.


    Zachary quickly reassured her, "Don''t say that! You''re beautiful and strong. How could I ever hate you?"


    "Why can you remain indifferent in this situation?"


    She blinked. Her big, watery eyes were filled with confusion and insecurity.


    "Is it because my skin isn''t as fair as Anya''s, or my figure isn''t good enough?"


    She bit her lip, and tears began to well up in her eyes.


    The look of hurt on her face struck Zachary hard.


    Was this what it meant to have such a pure yet yearning expression?


    His breathing quickened. He really, really wanted to kiss her.


    But his


    as


    hought crossed his kicked in as soon


    mind


    and your figure is


    t think like than ever


    "Really?"


    "Of course! Why would I lie to you?"


    "Zac..."


    "Hmm?"


    Molly''s voice was soft and vulnerable as she said, "I feel insecure around you,


    so... could youpliment me to boost my confidence?"


    "Insecure? Why do you feel that


    way? You''re obviously amazing! et


    You''re not just beautiful. You have a great figure, and most importantly, you can cook!"


    Zachary was puzzled. He couldn''t understand why someone as outstanding as her would feel inferior in front of him.


    But he couldn''t refuse her heartfelt request, so he listed all the qualities he admired about her.


    "Nowadays, most women are


    spoiled and don''t know how to cook, and you make delicious food. That alone puts you ahead of over 90 percent of your peers!"


    "Really, Zac?" Molly looked a bit happier, her big, sparkling eyes filled with anticipation as she stared at him.


    "Of course! I wouldn''t lie to you!" Zachary smiled and gently ruffled her hair, which she enjoyed immensely.


    But then she asked a question that left him utterly bewildered. "Zac, do you prefer women with smaller breasts?"


    "Why do you say that?"


    "I see online that men like women withrger breasts, but I think mine are decent!


    But, it seems like you''re not interested at all."


    As she spoke, she suddenly looked down.


    Zachary noticed that her ears were turning increasingly red.


    She was shy.

 Chapter 99

    Zachary rubbed his nose awkwardly and exined patiently, "I like them too, but liking them doesn''t mean that I can act out of line. That would be disrespectful to you!"


    Molly replied softly, "But I wouldn''t mind!"


    "That''s not eptable. You''re still too young to understand these things. In a few years, you''ll get it."


    Feeling the conversation was going off track, he pretended to yawn and said, "Alright. Let''s stop talking about this. I''m tired and need to sleep!"


    He then closed his eyes.


    What started as a feigned attempt to sleep soon turned into actual slumber.


    Listening to the steady rhythm of Zachary''s breathing, Molly peeked up to check if he was really asleep. Once she confirmed he was, she nestled closer into his


    arms.


    With her cheek resting against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, she felt an unprecedented sense of peace.


    The overwhelming feeling of safety allowed her to rxpletely.


    "Zac, it feels so good to be by your side..."


    She murmured before drifting off to sleep herself.


    Zachary woke up the next day.


    As he tried to get up, he realized something soft and warm was pressing down on his chest.


    Looking down, he froze for a moment.


    Molly wrapped her arms around his waist and was lying on his chest.


    The soft sensation he felt was undeniably due to her generous curves.


    Her eyes were closed, and her breathing was soft, making her seem like a sleeping kitten.


    For a moment, Zachary hesitated to wake her.


    "Mm..."


    Molly''s long eyshes fluttered after an unknown amount of time, and she slowly opened her eyes.


    "Zac!"


    After a brief moment of confusion, she quickly became alert. She pushed herself on either side of his head and apologized, "I''m so sorry, Zac! I overslept!" "It''s fine. I overslept too."


    Their eyes met, and he smiled, preparing to get up. But as he leaned down, he saw a deep, fair cleavage.


    In the morning, a man''s energy was at its peak.


    Suddenly faced with such a scene, Zachary couldn''t help but react.


    He rubbed his nose awkwardly and forced a smile. "Molly, could you... could you


    get off me for a moment? I need to get up!"


    "Okay!" Molly nodded and abruptly sat up.


    However, she was originally lying on top of him, so when she sat up, it wasn''t on the bed but directly on him.


    He immediately sat up in shock. He quickly lifted her off him and bolted into the bathroom.


    Not long after, the sound of running water echoed from the bathroom.


    "Zac!" Molly''s face was still flushed. Her left hand was pressed against her chest, and her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.


    15 minutester, she had already prepared breakfast. There were t


    tes of spaghetti, three om


    and two cups of sweetened hot milk.


    Zachary sat at the dining table, feeling awkward and unsure how to face her after the morning''s incident.


    She picked up an omelet and ced it in his bowl. They both tacitly avoided mentioning what had just happened.


    After breakfast, he didn''t wait for her and hurried to work.


    As he made his way, thoughts of that embarrassing experience from the morning reyed in his mind.


    "I tried to reason with herst night,


    and now I''ve acted so


    inappropriately this morning! s... she probably thinks I''m a two-faced jerk now." Zachary chuckled


    helplessly to himself.


    Just then, an Aston Martin suddenly pulled up beside him.


    Still thinking about how to interact with Mollyter, he heard someone call his


    name.


    "Zachary!"


    He turned to see Cameron sitting in the car.


    "Mr. Pearce, do you need something?"


    Cameron''s expression was stoic, and his gaze carried a hint of coldness. "It''s nothing serious. just wanted to remind you to know your ce. Anya is not someone like you can just touch."

 Chapter 100

    "Mr. Pearce, are you reminding me or threatening me?"


    Zachary''s expression gradually turned cold when he saw Cameron''s unfriendly demeanor.


    Cameron smirked dismissively. "If you''re smart, you can take it as a reminder! If you''re stubborn and think you can punch above your weight, consider it a threat!"


    "Oh? Is that so?" Zachary couldn''t help but smile at that.


    Cameron frowned slightly. "What are youughing at?"


    Zachary shrugged and replied, "Mr. Pearce, how insecure must you be toe here to threaten a deputy manager of the marketing department?"


    Cameron was speechless. His face darkened, but he found himself unable to retort.


    "There''s nothing wrong with liking someone, but if you do it in such a despicable way, I can only say a person like you doesn''t deserve to be loved!"


    With a light sigh, Zachary ignored Cameron''s furious expression and turned to walk toward thepany.


    ...


    At 11:00 am, Zachary was busy working when Anya suddenly approached him.


    "Put your work aside for now, ande with me."


    Her appearance surprised everyone in the marketing department.


    After all, she rarely visited the marketing department personally. She usually sent Sarah, if needed.


    This was the first time this year she hade in person.


    "What''s going on?" He looked puzzled.


    Anya shot him a nce. "What else?


    It''s about the Economic


    Development Zone project. Did you


    think I was looking for you for


    personal matters?"


    "No, I was just curious." He smiled, locked hisputer, and followed her out of the office.


    The two walked side by side toward the elevator, which drew astonished looks from the marketing department employees.


    "What''s happening? Mr. Lloyd and Ms. Wayne seem to have a special rtionship."


    "Isn''t that just because he''s a rtive? He might be some distant cousin!"


    "Do you think Mr. Lloyd may be Ms. Wayne''s boyfriend?"


    "It''s unlikely, right? She hasn''t been in a rtionship for years. Isn''t it rumored that she prefers women?"


    "That might not be true. Maybe she


    just hasn''t met the right person!


    think he''s quite handsome and very


    refined. He seems like a nice guy!"


    "Did you all see that photo from the


    group chat? The one where Ms.


    Wayne first brought Mr. Lloyd to the


    snapped a picture? She looked


    delighted in that photo!"


    "Now that you mention it, I''m starting to doubt the nature of their rtionship..."


    The marketing department buzzed with gossip about Zachary and Anya''s rtionship.


    Shawn''s expression changed when he heard this.


    "It can''t be. If Zachary is Ms. Wayne''s boyfriend, why didn''t she take issue with Ms. Lane after he confronted him yesterday?" he thought.


    The more he considered it, the more convinced he became that Zachary and Anya were not as close as the colleagues suggested.


    It would make sense if they were just distant cousins.


    After all, any intelligent person would understand that thepany''s interests were far more critical than that of a distant rtive.


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