Chapter 4

The next day was Saturday.

To make up for yesterday’s disaster and cover his tracks, Marcus suggested taking Leo and me to an expensive seafood buffet on the top floor of a downtown mall.

"I’ve been so busy lately and haven't spent enough time with you guys. Today is on me. Leo, get whatever you want."

Marcus acted like the perfect family man on the drive over.

Leo sat in the back, staring at his iPad. Without looking up, he mumbled, "Thanks, Dad."

His tone was even colder than mine.

Marcus rubbed his nose awkwardly, trying to change the subject. He turned to me.

"Jane, your company’s project is wrapped up, right?"

"You don't need to work so hard anymore. Women need to take care of themselves. Look at you, your skin is looking a bit dry lately."

I honestly hadn't been in the mood to pamper myself. Since having Leo, I had resigned from my high-paying corporate job and transitioned into working as a part-time consultant to have a flexible schedule.

My income was still decent, but most of my energy went into taking care of our home and our son.

Meanwhile, Marcus was in his prime years, surrounded by twenty-something girls at his office.

"It is a bit dry," I said, glancing at him. "Maybe I should book a hydration facial appointment?"

Marcus let out a forced laugh, quickly backtracking. "Actually, maybe not. Those treatments can have side effects. It’s better to just age naturally."

He was clearly just cheap. I didn't say another word.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were seated at a table by the window.

Just as Marcus went to grab some oysters, a high-pitched, sweet voice echoed next to our table.

"Oh, Mr. Miller! What a coincidence! Are you here with your family?"

I looked up.

It was Chloe.

She was wearing a floral slip dress today, her makeup flawless. She walked right up to our table.

Clearly, this "coincidence" was entirely staged.

She must have tracked Marcus’s location or seen his calendar, purposely following him here.

Her tactics were cheap, but highly irritating.

Marcus walked back with a plate of oysters, his face stiffening when he saw Chloe.

"Chloe? What are you doing here?"

"I’m just shopping with a friend," Chloe replied smoothly, then actively turned to address me.

"Jane, it’s been a while. Why does your skin look so tired?"

"Marcus always tells us how you handle everything at home so he can focus on work. But you really shouldn't neglect your looks. You look so much older than him."

Marcus’s face darkened, and he frantically signaled Chloe with his eyes. "Your friend must be waiting. You should head back."

"What’s the rush? I want to raise a glass to Jane." Chloe pulled out Marcus’s empty chair and casually picked up a drink from the table.

"Jane, let me tell you something funny. Last time I went to Marcus's friend's party with him, his friends almost mistook me for his wife."

She covered her mouth, giggling. "It’s honestly hilarious. How could I ever be as... down-to-earth as you?"

Before I could speak, Leo, who had been quietly eating a crab leg, looked up and stared at Chloe.

"Are you a homewrecker?" Leo asked, his big eyes blinking with pure innocence.

Chloe’s smile froze. "Kid, what are you talking about?"

"Because you smell exactly like one," Leo said seriously.

"And why are you sitting in my dad’s chair? This is our family's table. Don't you have your own family?"

"Leo!" Marcus barked, his face turning red. "How dare you speak to her like that!"

"Marcus, why are you yelling at our son?" I put down my fork and looked at him coldly.

"Did he say anything wrong? Your assistant comes to our table, pretends to toast, and doesn't even know how to keep a respectful distance."

"Is this your company's culture? Teaching female employees to throw themselves at married bosses?"