Chapter 4

My grandfather replied with just one line.

"Meet Julian Sterling tomorrow."

Julian was the man my grandfather had chosen for me years ago. He was stable, successful, and still single.

I didn't know when I finally fell asleep.

The next morning, a vibrating notification woke me up. It was a text from Ethan.

"Rhi, come to the office."

Perfect. He needed to sign the divorce papers anyway, and I could meet Julian nearby right after.

Because Ethan was obsessed with "boundaries," he rarely let me visit Vance Enterprises.

As a result, I was stopped right at the front desk.

"I'm Ethan's wife. If you don't believe me, you can call his assistant."

The receptionist sneered at me.

"Ma'am, even if you claim to be Mr. Vance's wife, you need an appointment."

"Look at yourself. In this company, everyone knows Chloe is Mr. Vance's true partner."

I checked the time. If I didn't get in now, I'd be late to meet Julian.

I brushed past the receptionist and ran toward the elevators.

"I'll explain everything to Ethan myself!" I called out.

But before I could reach the elevator, two security guards blocked my way.

"Ma'am, if you don't have an appointment, we will throw you out."

Looking at the hostility in their eyes, I realized that the company I had helped Ethan build was now completely foreign to me.

The receptionist, the guards, even the keycard scanners—nothing was familiar anymore.

Sighing, I called Ethan.

It rang for a long time, but no one answered.

The guard’s expression hardened, and he grabbed my arm, violently dragging me toward the glass doors.

"Acting all classy, but you're just another crazy stalker."

"Get out! A woman like you isn't in Mr. Vance's league. Don't make me call the cops."

He threw me onto the concrete sidewalk. I scraped my palms, skin peeling back painfully.

"I'm not..."

I tried to argue, but then the lobby doors opened. Ethan was walking out, surrounded by several high-profile clients.

Chloe, wearing a tight, elegant skirt, was walking right beside him, delicately adjusting his tie.

One of the clients laughed.

"Mr. Vance, Chloe is so attentive. I'm jealous."

"Exactly. Unlike my wife at home, who only knows how to complain and has no idea how hard I work."

Chloe blushed, her voice dripping with mock modesty.

"Oh, stop it. It’s just my job. Besides, Mrs. Vance is always busy shopping and relaxing, so I’m happy to help."

"If your wives heard you, they’d be heartbroken."

Another client chuckled.

"So what if they hear? If we didn't pay for their lifestyles, they wouldn't have such a cozy life. That's just how it is in our circle."

He lowered his voice, asking Ethan, "So, did your wife throw a tantrum? It's been three years. Has she really never complained about your house rules?"

"When you first brought up the idea of running your home like a corporation, we thought it was a joke. I didn't expect you to actually do it. If it works, maybe I should start docking my wife’s card too."

My voice caught in my throat.

Ethan stayed silent for a moment, then let out a low laugh.

"Of course she didn't complain. Rhiannon loves me too much to ever refuse."

"As for whether it works... well, you can see the results."

The men shared a knowing, arrogant laugh.

I didn't stay on the ground. I stood up, brushing the dirt off my knees.

"Ethan Vance."