Chapter 3

After Irene finished speaking, she paused and looked at me seriously. "Don't worry. This time I'll introduce you properly, and I won't let Steve interfere."

I looked up at her with a calm glance. I knew very well that this was her way of making up for what happened the night before.

But that was fine. The cancellation of the deal in Eurentia would take a few days to process anyway. Announcing it on the day of the press conference would work perfectly.

…

In the evening, I went to the restaurant early, just as I always did. After seven years together, it had become almost a habit.

While I was waiting, I received a call from overseas. It was Ashley Walker, my opponent in the last negotiation, and also my senior.

Ashley's voice was warm as she said with a smile, "Jay, have you thought about my offer for you to join DM Group? Johnson Corporation is still too small and doesn't deserve someone of your caliber."

This was her third attempt to recruit me.

The first time was seven years earlier, when I turned down a high-paying offer from a foreign company to join Irene's small company, earning just two thousand five hundred dollars a month. On top of that, I had to contribute one thousand dollars toward the rent for the place I shared with her.

Ashley was frustrated that I didn't live up to her expectations. She lectured me until her throat was dry, but I remained unmoved.

The second time was at the negotiation table from a few days ago. As my opponent, Ashley was completely overwhelmed by me.

After it ended, she looked both impressed and wary. "Jay, I heard that you're only making five thousand dollars a month at Johnson Corporation. Come work with me instead. Don't let your talent be buried by someone who doesn't recognize your worth."

I turned her down with a smile.

How could it be buried? That was my wife's company, the one she and I had built together over seven years.

The third attempt was now.

I paused for only three seconds, ordered a bottle of red wine, and agreed without hesitation. "Send me the address. I'll start next Tuesday."

Ashley on the other end froze for two seconds before bursting into loud laughter. She was afraid that I might change my mind, so she quickly gave her approval and hung up.

I chuckled and was about to put my phone down when Irene's messages popped up. "Plans have changed. Steve couldn't wait, so I took him on the plane first. Have dinner on your own."

She added, "Wait for me. When I get back, I have a surprise for you."

Steven also posted a new Instagram story tagging me directly. The caption read, "Thanks to Irie for making my dream come true. As payback, I'm treating you to a fancy dinner tomorrow."

The photo showed Steven holding Irene's hand beneath the Parille Tower. It was exactly the same as the picture Irene and I took seven years ago.

I stared blankly at the photo for two seconds, then closed it and decisively opened Ashley's chat. "I'll bring you a gift when I start. Do you want the billion-dollar deal in Eurentia?"

My phone was quiet for a moment, then started vibrating like crazy.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Ashley replied.

She continued, "Jay, you are far too good to me. Yesterday was your birthday, right? The gift I got you should have arrived by now. Don't forget to pick it up."

I froze for a second, then a faint laugh slipped from my throat and grew louder.

Right. Yesterday was my birthday.

When Irene watched me drink that mango juice, did she remember that it was my birthday?

When she put a bandage on Steven and left me alone in the hospital, did she even think about giving a birthday gift to her husband of seven years?

She probably didn't, but it no longer mattered. We were getting divorced anyway.

Who would want a gift from a soon-to-be ex-wife?

After finishing the meal, I didn't rest. I threw myself entirely into the Eurentia project.