Chapter 3

The next morning, Brittany was beaming, loudly arranging party details in the office.

"What would everyone like to eat? I'll have my husband prepare everything in advance. He's busy that weekend, but he'll get the ingredients ready."

Several colleagues gasped with envy.

"Your husband is so good to you."

"Rich and thoughtful husband, I'm so jealous."

"If I were that rich, I wouldn't even work."

I pulled Brenda, our HR manager, who I usually got along well with, aside and asked quietly,

"Do you know when Brittany got her marriage certificate?"

Brenda glanced around, then leaned in cautiously, teasing, "You're the third person to ask me that today! Several colleagues suspect she's lying! But actually, she really did get married last year. I find it strange too. Someone who loves to show off so much, why was there no word about a wedding?"

"I heard Brittany met her husband on a dating app. To pretend she's a corporate executive, she never even told him where she worked."

I secretly speculated, Of course, Justin wouldn't want to have a wedding. After all, I paid for his four years of college. Where would he get the money for a wedding?

I lowered my eyes, smiling meaningfully.

"I wonder if her husband would be surprised if he found out where she works."

Brenda glanced around again, then told me even more juicy gossip.

"A few days ago, Brittany even submitted a pregnancy report. She's over two months pregnant and asked the company not to assign her to business trips. I guess that villa must be her husband's gift to her."

My jaw almost dropped in shock.

After all, Justin's medical report last year showed oligozoospermia (low sperm count). I had planned to take him abroad for treatment after we got married and had never told him this fact.

Watching Brittany laugh louder and louder amidst the colleagues' flattery, I clenched my fists in anger, feeling an urge to expose the truth right then and there.

But my lawyer's reminder made me control myself.

Because I had trusted Justin too much, the villa was registered in his name. It was now legally his property. If I exposed the truth now, I wouldn't be able to reclaim the villa.

Suddenly, Brittany saw my resentful expression and walked over in front of everyone.

"Chloe, I heard you and your boyfriend have been together for a long time. Why is there still no news? I told you before, women can't just work tirelessly. You need to think about your future."

Brittany pointed to a project proposal for the Majestic Group, glancing at me.

"Everyone knows the Majestic Group project proposal is equivalent to a promotion to Sales Director. My husband has tons of connections. I advise you not to waste too much effort. Instead of spending time competing with me, why don't you spruce yourself up and get married soon?"

Sarah, eager to curry favor with Brittany, quickly chimed in.

"That's right, Chloe. No matter how many Plan A's or Plan B's you make for this project, it's not as good as a dinner with these rich people. You'll probably just be a runner-up for this year's promotion."

I gave a faint smile.

They didn't know that the Head of Procurement for Majestic Group was my best friend's husband. The project was originally slated for me, but to ensure fair competition, I hadn't agreed to the internal appointment.

Not seeing me look defeated, Brittany's expression grew more impatient.

"Once you see my villa, you'll know the difference between us."

I turned and walked away without looking back, leaving only one sentence:

"Looking forward to it."