5

Chapter 5

Jennie Orlando

Maverick was invited to the stage to give a speech.

"Tonight is not about me, but still, I would like to make an announcement to everyone here tonight..." He paused, and glanced at me. "MH group has topped the chart of the most sought after artificial intelligence hub for ten years. Your support was what got us here. Tonight, I would like to unofficially announce the partnering of MH group with Fluxx automative."

The villa buzzed with applauses and screams, but I froze on the spot, my eyes widened.

MH group? He is the CEO?

MH group has been the most successful artificial intelligence company in LA for years, and until a moment ago, I never imagined Maverick was the CEO of MH group. Our rival company.

I was still reeling from the shock, when Maverick spoke again. "I have another announcement to make..."

I clenched my purse, my eyes scanning the floor, my heart pounding hard. What more bombshell did he have to drop?

A heavy silence echoed in the hall. Everyone waited for his announcement. The silence dragged on for seconds, and as I lifted my gaze to him, he dropped the bombshell. "Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce my wife to you tonight. Meet Mrs. Jennie Hughes... The love of my life."

His eyes were on me, and everyone looked at me. My legs weakened beneath me. He could've given me more time to digest the first news, yeah?

I didn't know what was worse. Getting married to the man whose company has been tormenting our own for years, or being announced publicly as his wife. I think I'm cooked.

"Wow! She's so beautiful!"

"Wait! She is the famous Jennie! The tech genius."

"My goodness! She's so gorgeous."

Those words only echoed in my head as I had long zoned out.

My brain shut down at that moment. Unable to think of anything.

Then his voice cut through the heavy silence in my head. "Honey..."

I looked up at him. His hand was stretched, gesturing for me to join him on stage, but I couldn't move. Not even an inch.

Did he marry me because of Holt's corp?

But something in me kicked against it immediately. That wasn't the reason. There should be something else.

I walked up to the stage, my heart thumping with every step I took. Each one heavier than the last.

I swallowed hard as I stood beside him. I forced a smile onto my face, playing the role of the perfect wife, while barely holding my sanity together.

"Thank you for making me the happiest man on earth, honey."

Maverick smiled, but behind his smiles lie a secret... One I couldn't wrap my head around, even as I stared deep into his eyes.

Justin's burning eyes were the first thing I saw as I tore my gaze from Maverick. He stood in the crowd, fingers fisted, jaw clenched, and eyes glaring daggers at me.

Amid the chaos I was feeling inside me, a part of me still felt satisfied, seeing the look on his face.

After the speech, Maverick held my hand and led me down the stage.

"Come with me. I should introduce you to a few of my friends," he whispered, holding my hand, and I followed him quietly, though I didn't feel like it.

"Mr. Maverick..." One of the guests, a man in his forties, walked up to us, a smile on his face. His eyes scanned me, more like sizing me up, and it made my skin recoil with disgust.

"Your wife is...gorgeous," he complimented.

"Yeah, she is. Enjoy the party, Mr. Lucas," Maverick's voice was dismissive and cold. Like they weren't on good terms.

"Uhm... I want to use the restroom," I paused, and he looked at me.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No. I will be fine on my own." I gently retracted my hand from his grasp and walked away.

I strode briskly along the corridor, breathing heavily, and once I stepped inside the restroom, I slammed the door hard behind me, crashing against it. I needed some time to breath.

"What have you done, Jennie." I whispered, dragging my fingers through my hair. My boss is not going to be happy with this. MH group is our biggest enemy, and getting married to their CEO now is... A mess.

Yes, this was my personal life. It shouldn't be his business, but that is not how companies work here. This would make them doubt my loyalty, and I'm not ready to lose my job. Not after dedicating years of my life to it.

My thoughts were disrupted as the door flung open, and Justin barged inside. He didn't care this was female restroom.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?"

I stayed calm, turned off the running water, then grabbed a tissue to wipe my hand as I turned to face him, a smirk touching my lips.

"I should be asking you that, Justin..." My eyes scanned around. "This is the female restroom. Didn't you check the tag outside?"

He scoffed. "Do you think I'm here to play, huh?"

"No."

"Tell me what the fuck you are doing with my dad!"

I raised my brow, mouthing an 'oh', then replied sarcastically. "For a second, I was confused. Didn't know you were asking about that..." I paused, crossing my arms in front of me

"We are married, Justin. I am married to your dad."

"Is this your way of getting back at me for breaking up with you?"

"Oh, come on, Justin. Why would I get back at you for breaking up with me?" I huffed, closing the distance between us. "Couples do break up, right? Not that you are a jackpot, anyway." a smirk tugged at the corner of my lips.

His face went pale. "What?"

"We broke up, Justin. Should you still be bothered about who I'm married to, or what I choose to do with my life?"

"Jennie!..." His voice trembled. "I underestimated you. I had no idea you were this desperate. Marrying my father? For what? You gold digging bitch!"

I stared at him as he ranted, my lips curled in a smile. His rage stirred something inside me. Excitement.

"You went low, Justin. And I went lower. Is there a problem with that?" I shrugged casually and scoffed. "Gold digging bitch? Oh, please... I'd proudly take the gold digging, but don't you think calling me a bitch is rude? I'm your Stepmom now, sweetheart."

He clenched his jaw.

Revenge is best served cold... Always.

I pushed him out of my way, reaching for the door, when he held my hand, bringing me to an abrupt halt.

"You...you can't do this, Jennie," his voice came out breathlessly. "You really can't."

I yanked his hand off, turning to face him. "Why? We broke up, sweetheart. It's not like I'm cheating on you or something." I shrugged casually. "I'm not a cheater like you," I continued.

"That man is my dad, Jennie. He is my dad!"

"I know."

I turned to leave, but he reached the door before me, holding it tightly. "Name your price, Jennie. I will pay you any amount you want. Divorce my dad, and I will pay you."

I looked at his pathetic face, smiling softly. "Shove that money up your smelly ass, Justin. I don't need it."

The nerve of him to think that I would accept his money.

He huffed. "My dad... Do you think he will continue this marriage if he finds out the truth? That you are my ex-girlfriend?" He pinned me to the wall, his eyes on me, but I wasn't fazed.

I pushed him away and straightened my back. "Maybe you should tell him then."

His face dropped, shock settling on it afterwards. Was he expecting me to go on my knees and beg him not to tell his dad the truth? In his wildest dreams.

"I would love to see you try, Justin,".

And with that, I stepped out of the restroom, but I froze as I saw Maverick. He stood in front of the restroom, his eyes boring into mine. Blazing with fury.

Oops! He found out already...