Chapter 2
Only when I got closer did she lazily pause her show.
My hands clenched unconsciously–wondering if Preston had given her all these special privileges.
“Hey, you’re watching shows during work hours. Are you caught up on all your tasks?“]
Summer glanced at me dismissively. “I worked hard and got tired, so I’m taking a break. What’s the big deal? You here to collect recycling? Break room’s that way, hang a right.”
The nearby employees looked like they didn’t want to get involved, but one still whispered a warning: “That’s Ms. Sullivan. daughter of our corporation’s founder and CEO Blackwell’s wife.”
Summer looked at me with fake innocence. “Oops, sorry. I thought the CEO’s wife would be classy and beautiful, so I didn’t make the connection. My bad.”
Rage flared in my chest.
I was about to tear into her when Summer glanced somewhere else, and her eyes instantly filled with tears.[]
“Sorry, Ms. Sullivan… I’ll get back to work now…
v…“]
“What’s going on here?”
Preston’s stern voice came from behind me.
Several employees immediately crowded around, talking over each other:
“Ms. Sullivan was criticizing Summer’s work ethic. The poor girl got upset.“[]
“Summer’s been doing great work. Her supervisor said she could take a break, but Ms. Sullivan’s being way too strict.“]
I was surprised. Just moments ago, these people had stayed silent, afraid of getting caught up in my confrontation with Summer.
But the second Preston appeared, they found their voice and started defending her.
“I see.” Preston pointed at Summer. “You–report to my office tomorrow to go over your work. I want to personally review your output.”
Summer hung her head in agreement, but I caught the slight smirk tugging at her lips.
My heart suddenly clenched, acid burning in my chest.]
Was this m
to be a warning, or was he creating opportunities to be alone with her at the office?
I steadied myself and raised my voice: “I’m not here to micromanage. I’m here to announce that the company’s upgrading equipment gradually, starting with your department. All computers are getting replaced.“]
The employees looked thrilled at this news.
Only Summer pouted unhappily. “Why so sudden? I’m used to my computer. Can’t I keep it?”
“No.” Preston shut down her protest immediately, then turned to me with a gentle smile. “My wife speaks for me. Everyone follow her plan!“]
Summer stared at him in disbelief, her face turning red with frustration.
I couldn’t be bothered watching her act and told Preston I was heading home.
Not long after, Preston came home early, looking frazzled.[]
He carried my favorite cake in his left hand and a purse I’d admired a few days ago in his right, guilt written all over his face
“Honey, I’m sorry. I’ve handed off the Al girlfriend testing to someone else. I absolutely won’t touch anything that might make you think I’m distracted ever again.”
Laccepted his gifts calmly. “It’s work. I understand.“[]
He sighed and pulled me into his arms, his voice full of concern. “I know I’ve been neglecting you. I’m sorry. My phone password is your birthday–if you’re worried, you can check it anytime!”
I nodded without saying more.]
That night, while Preston was in the shower, I opened his phone.]
Clean as a whistle. Nothing suspicious.
Suddenly, a text popped up: [Your Ibuprofen and ginger tea deliverers have arrived
So before apologizing to me, he’d been thinking about her period cramps.[]
My heart seized, and I almost threw his phone.]
Preston had actually become someone who’d say one thing to my face and do another behind my back.
Before he got out, I went to sleep in another room.]
But I didn’t sleep a wink.]
