Chapter 2

She slowly paused the show only when I was right beside her desk.

My hands clenched discreetly. I wondered if Alex had given her such immense privileges.

"Excuse me, but are you watching a show during work hours? Is all your work done?"

Chloe Miller glanced at me dismissively. "I'm tired from working, so what if I take a break? Are you here to pick up recycling? Breakroom's just around the corner."

The employees nearby looked like they didn't want to get involved, but one still quietly reminded her, "This is Ms. Sterling, the daughter of our corporation's founder, and Mr. Thorne's wife."

Chloe Miller looked at me with an innocent expression. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I always imagined the President's wife would be incredibly elegant and beautiful, so I didn't recognize you. My apologies."

A surge of anger shot through me.

Just as I was about to reprimand her, Chloe Miller glanced elsewhere, and her eyes instantly welled up.

"I'm so sorry, Ms. Sterling.I'll go back to work right away."

"What's going on?"

Alex's stern voice cut in from behind me.

Several employees immediately crowded around, all talking over each other.

"Ms. Sterling accused Chloe of not working hard, and the poor intern was crying because of Ms. Sterling."

"Chloe's work is excellent; her team lead specifically allowed her a break. Ms. Sterling is being too strict."

I was surprised. Just moments ago, these people had been silent, fearful of getting caught in an argument between me and Chloe Miller.

But the moment Alex appeared, they suddenly knew which way the wind blew and started defending Chloe Miller relentlessly.

"Enough." Alex pointed at Chloe Miller. "You, come to my office tomorrow to report on your work. I'll personally review your workload."

Chloe Miller lowered her head and agreed, but a subtle smirk played on her lips.

My heart suddenly twisted in pain, a sour, churning feeling in my chest.

Was he trying to warn her, or was he just creating an excuse to be alone with her at the office?

I composed myself, raising my voice. "I'm not here to supervise. I'm here to announce that the corporation will be upgrading equipment. Starting with your department, all computers will be replaced."

At this news, the employees brightened with surprise.

Only Chloe Miller pouted, clearly displeased. "Why so sudden? I'm used to my computer. Can't I keep it?"

"No." Alex directly rejected her protest, then turned to me with a soft smile. "My wife represents me. All of you will follow her plan!"

Chloe Miller looked at him in disbelief, her face flushed red, stifling her annoyance.

I couldn't stand her theatrics anymore. I said a quick goodbye to Alex and went home.

Not long after, Alex came home early, looking a bit disheveled as if he’d rushed.

He had my favorite cake in his left hand and the bag I'd eyed a few days ago in his right, an apologetic look on his face.

"Tori, I'm so sorry. The AI virtual girlfriend testing has been handed over to someone else. I absolutely won't touch anything that makes you feel neglected ever again."

I took his gifts, calmly saying, "For work, I understand."

He sighed, pulling me into a hug, his voice full of tenderness. "I know I've neglected you, I'm sorry. My phone password is your birthday. If you're worried, you can check it anytime."

I nodded, saying nothing more.

That evening, while Alex was showering, I unlocked his phone.

It was clean, no suspicious activity at all.

Suddenly, a text message popped up. "Your hot drink delivery for a female recipient has arrived."