Chapter 2

I was wondering why Rebecca looked so familiar. It turned out she was the same specialist who had failed to restore a limited-edition handbag six months ago.

She had sent someone to beg me for help, and I had easily solved the issue.

An internationally certified restoration specialist like me was extremely rare in the industry. I wondered if Kate knew that she was going to ruin Gilded Ages' reputation by hiring an incompetent specialist like Rebecca to replace me.

But well, the store's reputation was going to go down the drain once I left anyway.

Feeling amused, I said, "Have you forgotten about the huge blunder you made six months ago, Ms. Huntington? Did you already forget about how you became the laughingstock of the industry? Do you have the memory of a goldfish or something?"

My colleagues covered their mouths to muffle their laughter.

"Why did she hire the disgrace of the industry?"

"I know, right. Her skills are probably far inferior to Lily's. What if she accidentally identifies a counterfeit as a real product?"

They hadn't bothered to lower their voices as they discussed among themselves.

Rebecca frowned slightly. A stern expression crossed her face as she said, "You can't beat me, no matter how skilled you are, Lilian. Not only can I provide excellent service to our clients, but I also have a good grasp of the lower-tier markets and can integrate both audiences into our business plans."

She arched her brow and continued haughtily, "Overestimating one's skills because of easy circumstances is a one-way ticket to a person's downfall. You sure are something else for having the guts to spout nonsense when you're about to be kicked to the curb like trash."

I burst out laughing. After all, no one had the authority to fire me except for the boss of Gilded Ages.

Rebecca grew visibly uncomfortable when I scrutinized her.

"You're right. You know that your skills are abysmal compared to mine, so the only way you can feel superior to me is by being appointed to a position above me. Can you really tell me that you managed to secure your position with your skills? What a joke."

I stared at Rebecca as she swallowed nervously.

The people around us scrutinized Rebecca as well. Their gazes felt like blades that cut deeply into her pride.

Rebecca hastily pulled out a document. She puffed out her cheeks and glared daggers at me.

"Look for yourself! Mr. Samson personally approved my letter of appointment. I'll have you know that he's also the one who told me to replace you. Oh, and one more thing. We're getting married next month, which will make me your boss as well."

I was momentarily stunned by her words.

It was no wonder Kate and Rebecca had the guts to behave so preposterously. They had someone supporting them behind the scenes.

No one knew about this, but Terence Samson was my husband. He was also the reason why I had willingly worked as a low-level employee in Gilded Ages for so many years.

Five years ago, the Samson family attempted to make a name for themselves in the fashion industry. Unfortunately for them, they failed spectacularly.

Backed into a corner, Terence's father, Tom Samson, sought out Dad and used their friendship to ask him for help.

They used to be classmates. Dad's family circumstances weren't great when he was a student, and he could only afford to eat bread for most of his meals.

Tom ended up taking charge of Dad's meals for an entire year, which Dad was incredibly grateful for.

As a result, Dad asked me to repay Tom's kindness on his behalf.

Tom ended up asking me to start a business in the second-hand market for luxury goods.

Many people flocked to Gilded Ages because of my reputation. It didn't take long for the shop to become famous.

Terence had also professed his love for me around that time.

Suspecting that the Samson family was just trying to tie me down, I repeatedly rejected Terence's advances, advising him not to use his future to ensure the shop's continued prosperity.

However, Terence had been adamant about marrying me. In the end, I caved in and agreed to date him with marriage in mind.

Terence's betrayal had blindsided me. It seemed that, from his perspective, I had exhausted my usefulness. And so, he didn't hesitate to replace me with Rebecca.

I had placed my confidence in the wrong person.

I pursed my lips and looked at Rebecca. "Do you know that Mr. Samson is my husband? Aren't you afraid of being called the other woman?"

Rebecca suddenly burst into laughter. A hint of mirth flickered in her eyes as she exclaimed, "What a joke! You're just one of his employees. Who do you think you're fooling?"

Kate chimed in, "In what world would Mr. Samson ever have eyes for you?"

A BMW suddenly appeared on the scene and stopped between us at that moment.

Terence, dressed in a black, tailored suit, got out of the car. He immediately approached Rebecca and elegantly grabbed her hand, saying, "Don't be scared."