Chapter 4

Team members and clients I'd worked with before all messaged me privately, asking what was going on.

Before I could reply, the company group chat kept spitting out messages.

【Wow, congrats to the boss on finding true love, wishing her and the new man endless happiness!】

【Dying laughing. I never could stand Desmond, walking around all day with that cold, stuck-up look like he was some big deal. What woman would ever fall for that? Good riddance, he's finally out of the company. Congrats to the boss for cutting her losses in time and escaping that misery. Having a creepy ex like that is genuinely terrifying. They should throw him straight in jail.】

【Let's all look forward to Desmond getting blacklisted from the industry. And by the way, the new man looks like exactly the gentle, kind, devoted husband type. He and the boss are a perfect match!】

One of the veterans on my team tried to say a few fair words for me.

He got shot down on the spot.

【Quit bringing up the projects. So he fought for the company's interests, that was his job, wasn't it? Doesn't mean he isn't a piece of trash. Without him the boss can still build this company up bigger and stronger. He really thinks he's somebody.】

To curry favor with Trudy, they chopped up my photos into ugly memes.

Paired with all kinds of vile captions.

Trudy sent fat red-envelope cash gifts to everyone who congratulated her, and turned a blind eye to every insult thrown at me.

I was shaking with rage as I called her.

"When did you trick me into signing that non-compete? You want to drag my career down until it's dead?"

Her tone was careless.

"I was only thinking of the company's interests. If you want to cancel the agreement early, you have to pay the breach penalty. You know how high that penalty is for someone at your level."

"These past few years you gave most of your money to Hudson's parents, so you can't come up with that kind of sum. And in two years, can you guarantee that other companies in the industry won't question whether your ability has slipped, and still want you?"

"So, Des, all you have to do is publicly apologize to Hudson, say you smeared him out of jealousy, and I'll let you come back to the company, same terms as before. Think it over carefully. Don't be stupid with your own future."

I slammed the phone down, my fist clenched tight.

I never could have imagined that the lover I'd once been inseparable from, the partner who'd built a career alongside me,

could scheme against me like this.

Once I'd calmed down a little, I called Jarvis.

"Jarvis, I need your help."

Half a month later, Aunt Phyllis Coleman suddenly got in touch.

"Des, Hudson's getting engaged this weekend. You'll come too, won't you?"

"That boy. Dated a girl and didn't even tell the family. She's already three months pregnant, and he only says something now, right before the engagement."

"I haven't even met his girlfriend yet. Do you know her?"

I paused. So Trudy was afraid I'd cause a scene, that was why she'd kept it hidden so well.

"Yeah. Very well."

"Is that so. You're a good boy. Anyone you know well must be a good person."

Aunt Phyllis's voice was as gentle as ever.

"Come to think of it, you and Trudy should be getting married too. I still want to help you raise your kids one day."

"Then we'll see you this weekend. You and Hudson promised each other as boys that you'd never miss any of each other's big moments. Now you've both found good homes, and I can finally stop worrying."

My voice came out hoarse. "Okay. See you this weekend."

I set down the phone, an odd guilt settling in my chest.

Whatever else was true, Aunt Phyllis had truly loved me like her own son.

But I wasn't the one in the wrong. Even if she ended up blaming me, I had no choice but to do what I was going to do.

The engagement party Trudy had arranged for Hudson was lavish, with plenty of clients and friends from the circle invited.

When they saw me, both of their faces filled with shock.

The party hadn't started yet. Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Joshua were probably still on their way.

Hudson gripped the hem of his shirt and worked up the courage to speak.

"We've already cut ties. You're not welcome here. Please leave."

Trudy frowned too.

"Desmond, what are you doing here? I don't recall inviting you."

I smiled.

"Didn't you want me to apologize and explain publicly? I've thought it over. Once I've said my piece, I'll go."

"Don't worry. I won't hold up the start of your engagement party."

With that, I walked straight toward the stage.

Trudy tried to stop me, but bodyguards appeared out of nowhere and held her back.

Off to the side, Jarvis gave me a small, quiet nod.

I picked up the microphone, every word clear.

"None of you are strangers to me, and I imagine you've all seen Ms. Henson's social media feed."

"She wanted me to apologize to her fiancé and clear up the rumors. But I felt that just saying the words had no sincerity, so I put together a little presentation."

"Now, please, enjoy."

The moment the words left my mouth, everyone's eyes went wide.