Chapter 4

Chloe's eyes locked onto the high-end liquor gift box in my arms. Her voice went up an octave.

"Look at that premium whiskey! Clara must have realized her mistake and bought it to beg for your forgiveness, Ethan."

Hearing her words, the tension on Ethan's face melted into smug arrogance.

He scoffed coldly. "At least you know your place. But don't expect me to let you off the hook so easily!"

He strutted right up to me, sneering with condescension:

"Still, if you behave, I might give you a second chance."

"Once the banquet starts, you'll perform a little talent for everyone to lighten the mood. Then, pour three glasses of whiskey and apologize to Chloe on your knees. If you do that, I'll consider letting you back into the firm."

"Of course, once you're done pouring, you'll have to stand and watch us eat. After all, there was never a seat for you at our table. Chloe, take the bottles."

With that, Ethan sneered, turning his back on me to stride toward the hotel dining hall.

Following his order, Chloe stepped forward to snatch the box. I shifted sideways, dodging her grip entirely. "This isn't for you."

Ethan stopped dead in his tracks. He whipped around, his face twisting into an ugly sneer. "Playing hard to get? Let me tell you, Clara, this drama is getting pathetic."

"Exactly, Clara, drop the act," Chloe sneered dismissively. "If you really push Mr. Hayes over the edge, dropping to your knees and begging won't save you."

The other colleagues chimed in, curling their lips in disgust:

"Stop putting on a show to save face! Acting all proud at a time like this?"

"Right? I never noticed before, but Clara Vance's only real skill is having a stubborn mouth!"

Basking in their bootlicking, Ethan looked down his nose at me. I maintained my cold, unyielding silence.

Seeing my defiance, his expression darkened dangerously. "Since you love acting so much, don't force me to tear down your stage!"

Chloe chimed in with mocking laughter: "Ethan, if she loses her stage, how is she going to clown around for us later?"

Ethan spat, "That's her problem! Ungrateful bitch. Grab those bottles from her!"

At his command, Chloe and two male employees lunged toward me.

I struggled against their grip, but Chloe viciously kicked the back of my knee. I stumbled hard, and the wooden gift box slipped from my hands, shattering against the marble floor with a deafening crash.

Rich, amber liquid and broken glass pooled across the tiles.

Chloe instantly slapped on a terrified, tearful expression. "Clara! No matter how angry you are, you can't just smash the bottles!"

Ethan's face turned completely livid with rage.

"Clara Vance, I gave you a way out, and you throw a violent tantrum?! You terrified Chloe! Get on your knees and apologize to her right now!"

He stepped into my space, trembling with fury, looking ready to rip me apart.

Chloe shot me a look of pure, triumphant malice, yet her voice remained sweet and breathy: "Forget it, Mr. Hayes. Clara clearly hates me. Don't force her. A little mistreatment doesn't bother me..."

Her words only fueled his fury. "Stop defending her! If she doesn't drop to her knees and apologize today, I'm filing for divorce!"

He puffed out his chest, glaring at me with supreme confidence, convinced he held all the cards.

I had long grown numb to his cruelty. Looking down at the shattered glass and wasted vintage scotch, my hands clenched tightly into fists.

"Kneel and apologize! Don't waste everyone's time! Clara, did you hear me?!"

I lifted my head, meeting Ethan's arrogant glare with absolute calm.

"Then let's get divorced."

"What did you just say?"

A wave of stunned murmurs rippled through the crowd. Chloe's eyes flashed with wild excitement, though she kept up her sickening act:

"Clara, don't be rash! Hayes Crest is about to sign a multi-million-dollar deal with the State Institute! Even though I was the one who brought the contract in, I don't mind letting you ride on our coattails."

The surrounding colleagues immediately jumped in to flatter her:

"As if she deserves to ride on anyone's coattails! She should have cleared out long ago. Chloe and Mr. Hayes are the true power couple!"

"Exactly! Once this deal goes through, Mr. Hayes's net worth will skyrocket. A useless burden has no place standing beside him."

I kept my fists clenched, while Ethan's smug grin grew wider.

"You hear that, dead weight? Divorce, or get on your knees. Make your choice!"

"Then divorce it is!"

A sharp, authoritative voice cut through the air from the entrance, accompanied by the brisk rhythm of approaching footsteps.

"Don't be afraid, Clara. We're all here. Let's see who dares lay a finger on you!"

It was my former junior and my old mentor!

I turned around, and warm tears instantly pricked my eyes.