Chapter 3

Adrian Evans wasn't old, but he had a cold heart. I heard he even snatched his brother's position to dominate the family business.

In the month since I'd been here, I'd seen him three times. Once for coffee, twice for documents.

The day before the summary meeting, when I brought him coffee, he took a sip and said he didn't want sugar.

I took the cup back and drank a sip: "But it tastes really good."

Adrian looked up at me.

"Really," I said, looking at him innocently.

He had thick eyelashes and deep-set eyes.

I just held the cup and kissed him directly. Outside was the bustling corridor. When there was a knock on the door, I said I was momentarily overcome with emotion. He remained expressionless at the time and didn't pursue the matter further.

Then this incident happened the next day.

I entered the general manager's office. He sat in his chair, fingers interlaced, looking at me expectantly.

I sat down in the chair in front of the desk, separated from him by the large office desk.

On the desk was a photo of him with his family members.

My gaze fell on the photo, and I immediately memorized it, a talent from my liberal arts studies.

"I'll help you settle your salary until the end of the month. Take a good rest at home tomorrow."

This was a veiled dismissal.

In this matter, I was the perfect victim. All the events captured by the security cameras in the office corridor showed that I was innocent and coerced.

How cold-blooded. I thought he would at least comfort me, his little employee, first.

"I only want what I deserve," I said, biting my lip.

His gaze fell on my lips.

The lipstick was applied just right, along with my shoulder-length short hair and slightly red eyes, presenting a pitiful image.

Adrian looked at me for a while, then leaned back in his chair.

"Don't push your luck. Stern is lecherous and bold. But you're not simple either — newly painted nails, right?" He smiled. "They left marks on the back of his neck. In that position, it's hard to believe you were forced."

He truly was sharp-minded and ruthless.

I had thought that kiss yesterday might have had some effect.

I said, "I don't understand what Mr. Evans is saying, but if this matter gets out on the internet, it will surely have a negative impact on the company..."

Adrian thought for a second and chose to fire me.

"Now that he's been fired, at least no one in this industry will hire him. Half a lifetime of work has turned to nothing. Is that enough to satisfy your anger?"

Not enough.

On my way in, I had anonymously called his wife. She should be downstairs by now.

I let go of the model I had been playing with in my hand, stood up supporting myself on the desk, my body seeming to go weak and swaying slightly. The jacket on my shoulders rolled off to one side, half draped over my arm.

I stood up and walked straight towards the door. Suddenly, his voice came from behind.

"This is an exception. Come back to work after resting for two days."

This was a concession.

But I had a new plan now.

I watched Mr. Stern's pathetic beating from the corner window of the coffee shop downstairs.

After his futile pleas at Adrian's car window, he started cursing loudly, accusing Adrian of being ungrateful and abandoning him for a little slut. He asked how they could have easily covered up such a big hole without his suggestion.

Security chased Mr. Stern away.

Adrian's car passed by the coffee shop, the window slowly lowered, and the person inside turned to look in my direction. I didn't flinch, holding my coffee and taking another sip with a smile.

Is that enough to satisfy my anger? Not at all. The real show is just beginning.