Chapter 11
I did not wake up until the sun was way up in the sky.
The Rolls-Royce that had been downstairs last night was nowhere to be seen now.
I checked my phone and found a message from Zach.
[Caught the 6 AM flight to Hudson City.]
He was a big shot in private equity. He always said time was money, so even on holidays, he was always jet-setting around the world.
I texted back: [Everything’s going well at work.]
[Summer, I waited for you all night downstairs. You’re so cold-hearted.] he texted back with his usual pride.
Zach sent a voice message, and I could hear the sounds of the airport’s VIP lounge in the background.
“I went out of my way to mess up a deal for you. Ethan’s company was looking to get a big investment from Krauss Group. I stepped in and spoiled their plans.”
I replied: [Thanks.]
[What will you thank me with? Want to try something new?] he asked.
I smiled slightly and texted: [Maybe if you take Ethan down, I’ll figure out a way to thank you.]
Zach replied: [Easy. A young CEO who got lucky and is good at packaging himself? How clean can he be? Our team’s already found some ‘interesting’ mistakes in his deals and financial reports. The SEC might just want to have a long talk with him.]
[Would I let him off the hook after what he did to you?]
I kept quiet.
I thought to myself, ‘Both of you guys are up to no good.’
When the holiday was over, I went back to my job at Whitmore Capital.
Zach had wanted me to be a stay-at-home wife, but I said no.
He gave in a bit and let me work as a financial analyst at his company.
Right when I was about to leave for the day, someone slapped a folder on my desk.
“Get this done immediately. It needs to be on my desk by nine tomorrow morning,” a voice said.
I turned around to see Chloe.
Chloe smirked. “Shocked? Playing the role of Mrs. Whitmore, I see.”
Colleagues nearby were peeking over, full of curiosity. No one at work had figured out I was Zach’s wife yet, and it looked like my stepbrother had not clued Chloe in either.
“From now on, I’m your supervisor,” she said with a stern look. “This isn’t a place for you to act like you own the place. If you’re not up for the job, you might as well pack up and leave.”
It was 8:30 PM, and the office was nearly empty. I was still there, working late.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan arrive to escort Chloe home from her office.
When Ethan saw me, he said with a gentle voice, “You should head home and get some rest. Don’t wear yourself out.”
He even gave my shoulder a comforting squeeze.
“Don’t mind Chloe. She’s just a bit jealous,” he whispered.
Chloe’s high heels clicked sharply as she walked out.
“Summer, you know how crucial this document is, right? Burning the midnight oil comes with the territory,” she said, her voice
sharp.
Ethan snapped, “Chloe! Stop picking on her. Remember, she’s my sister.”
Chloe fired back, “Ethan! You’re always defending her! Can’t you let her go?”
“That’s enough!” Ethan’s voice boomed, filled with anger.
“You dare to bully my woman on my watch? Seems like you’re asking for trouble,” a voice from behind cut through the tension.
