Chapter 5

"Besides, Mr. Smyth told me he's been sick of Tessa for a long time. If they hadn't been married for so many years, he would've divorced her already."

Like she needed proof, Evie pulled up her texts and flashed her phone at everyone.

A new message popped up.

One of the coworkers read it out loud.

"I booked us a table tonight. Dinner?"

Evie smirked.

"See? That's how much Mr. Smyth cares about me. And Tessa thinks she can compete?"

The group instantly started sucking up to her, saying they wanted to stay on her good side from now on.

Surrounded by her little fan club, Evie walked away.

I clenched my fists until my nails bit into my palms.

Then I packed up my things and walked out of Orion Corp.

***

The second I walked into the living room, I spotted an elegant gift box on the table.

Inside was an expensive ring.

The brand looked familiar.

I froze.

Was this for me?

He was actually willing to spend this much on me?

Usually, the gifts Keaton gave me didn't even cost ten bucks.

A sticky note sat beside the ring.

In Keaton's handwriting, it read:

[You're still the one.]

A bitter laugh escaped me.

I set the note back where I'd found it.

Keaton had always been like this.

As long as I did what he wanted, he'd throw me a reward whenever the mood struck.

This wasn't new.

I'd gotten used to it.

I was about to head upstairs when Keaton came down.

He smiled.

"Do you like it? I had a friend overseas track it down for me. It wasn't cheap."

As he spoke, he picked up the ring and reached for my hand.

I pulled away.

He froze.

A few seconds later, he pulled his hand back and set the ring on the table.

His expression hardened.

Then his voice softened. "I know I made you feel humiliated at the office today, but I didn't have a choice. I'm the CEO. I can't play favorites. I'm doing this for our future... and for Orion's. Can't you help me out? Teach Evie. She's talented. Give her a few months, and she'll bring even more value to the company. She just needs a chance—"

I cut him off.

"Not happening. I won't do it."

He must've thought I was still hung up on the jewelry set he'd given Evie.

After a long pause, he tried again.

"If you'll mentor Evie and help her finish the project, I'll take you to see the Northern Lights. You've always wanted to go. You just never had the time. Say yes, and I'll approve two weeks off."

As he spoke, he pulled out his phone and booked the trip.

I watched him.

Did he really think I couldn't say no?

The confirmation popped onto the screen.

He smiled and held it out to me.

"I said no."

Keaton's smile vanished.

His face went ice-cold.

"Tessa, say that again. Everything I'm doing is for our future. If you can't understand that, or even think about what's best for us, then you don't need these tickets. I'll give them to Evie. At least she actually cares about the company. You can stay at work and regret it."