Chapter 2

The department's welcome dinner was booked in a private dining room at an upscale seafood restaurant.

Logan had the sheer audacity to tag along as my "plus-one."

He claimed it was to thank my colleagues for taking care of me at work, but anyone with half a brain knew who he was really there to see.

Inside the private room, glasses clinked, and chatter filled the air.

Piper deliberately switched seats, placing herself directly across from Logan.

Logan spent the evening peeling shrimp for me, playing the part of the devoted, adoring husband. "Chloe's always so busy with surgeries. I really appreciate you all looking out for her."

My colleagues chimed in with praise. "Dr. Lin, you're so lucky! Your husband is so attentive."

I smiled and took the peeled shrimp, but my gaze dropped beneath the table.

Piper had slipped off her high heels. A slender foot in black sheer tights was slowly sliding up Logan’s calf.

Logan’s body stiffened for a split second, followed by a flush of dark, illicit excitement spreading across his face.

While casually raising his glass to toast my colleagues, he spread his legs under the table, clamping his thighs around her wandering foot.

Right in front of dozens of pairs of eyes, shielded only by a white tablecloth, they indulged in their filthy little game.

Nausea churned in my stomach.

I aimed the razor-sharp stiletto heel of my right shoe squarely at the bridge of Logan’s foot.

And brought it down with all my weight.

I made sure to grind it twice for good measure.

"AHHH—!"

A bloodcurdling shriek ripped from Logan’s throat. He launched straight out of his chair, his face instantly turning the color of a bruised beet.

The entire dining room fell dead silent. Everyone stared at him in utter shock.

"What's wrong, honey?" I asked, my face a portrait of pure, innocent concern. "Did your gout flare up again?"

Cold sweat beaded on Logan’s forehead from the excruciating pain, but he couldn't say a damn word.

He could hardly announce that his wife had just crushed his foot because he was playing footsie with his side piece under the table.

"N-No... it's nothing. Just a nasty cramp," he wheezed through gritted teeth, sinking back into his chair with trembling hands.

Across from us, Piper looked so heartbroken her eyes turned red. She almost reached across the table to comfort him.

I watched their little tragedy unfold, sneering internally.

You haven't seen anything yet.

Later into the dinner, someone suggested playing Truth or Dare.

Piper lost a round.

A junior resident cheered and teased, "Piper, tell us about your most unforgettable 'first time'! Where did it happen?"

It was a standard, slightly cheeky question for a table full of drinking adults.

A little tipsy, Piper’s cheeks flushed pink as she cast a hazy, longing glance toward Logan.

"Right in front of a floor-to-ceiling window," she murmured, biting her lip with a breathy sigh. "The view was incredible... felt like the whole city was beneath us. The experience... was unforgettable."

Logan caught the hidden message. His Adam’s apple bobbed, his gaze turning scorching hot.

The room erupted into playful whistles and teasing whoops.

I picked up my wine glass, swirled the crimson liquid slowly, and cut through the noise with an icy remark:

"Is that so? You'd better be careful. Some of those window panes aren't built to code. Lean too hard, and you might plummet to your death."

The color drained from Piper's face. Her coy smile instantly froze.

She threw a guilty, panicked look in my direction, but I was already looking down at my phone, as though I had just made an offhand comment about home renovation.

A few minutes later, Piper excused herself to go to the restroom.

Not even two minutes passed before Logan clutched his stomach, claimed he felt sick, and slipped out after her.

I set my glass down, slipped a voice recorder from my purse into my pocket, and silently shadowed them.

The men's restroom door had an "Out of Order" sign hanging from the handle.

I stood just outside the heavy door. Through the gap, muffled, desperate giggles and whispers slipped out.

"Babe, did that old hag hurt your foot earlier? Let me see."

"Fuck... be gentle. What the hell was her problem tonight? She stomped like a lunatic."

"Hmph, she's just jealous because I'm younger and prettier. Seriously though, when are you finally divorcing her?"

"Soon, baby, soon. Just a little longer, and I'll make sure she walks away without a single penny to her name."

That was followed by sickening, wet sounds of sucking and heavy breathing.

I leaned against the tiled wall and pressed the stop button on the recorder.

So, you didn't just want to cheat. You wanted to rob me blind, too.

Logan, you calculating piece of trash. Your greedy little gears are grinding so loud I can hear them from across the country.