Chapter 3

I felt a chill as I realized how unfamiliar Yvonne was to me.

I stared at her for a moment, then quietly said, "Fine. I guess we'll find out just how capable that talent you value so highly really is."

With a scream, Yvonne swept everything off her desk. Then, she shot Tristan an arrogant glance before striding out of the office.

"What are you waiting for? Follow me."

Tristan lifted his chin and flashed me a smug grin.

I watched as the two of them disappeared. Then, I called my assistant. "Tell Mr. Jackson I'm tied up and won't be able to make it today."

Without sparing the trashed office another glance, I left.

If Yvonne insisted on taking things this far, then she couldn't blame me for what came next.

The moment my car pulled out of the company garage, Yvonne called. I deliberately waited until I was stopped at a red light before answering.

Yvonne exploded, her voice shrill with rage.

"Did you do this on purpose just to humiliate me? Mr. Jackson got off the plane and immediately flew back overseas. He even called Tristan a homewrecker who steals other people's wives and work. He said that just looking at him was an insult to his eyes.

"He mocked me, too! He said that without you, I wasn't even worth mentioning to him and that I've been thinking too highly of myself!"

I glanced at the countdown on the traffic light and chuckled. "You said you didn't need me, so I gave you exactly what you wanted and stayed out of it. Shouldn't you be happy? What's there to be angry about?

"Besides, didn't you say that Tristan could handle it just as well? Why can't he now? You can't force an incompetent man to perform miracles."

My words pushed Yvonne closer to the edge.

"I've never met such a petty guy before," she screamed hysterically. "You disgust me! Tristan has been crying out of guilt! The partnership's gone! Are you happy now?"

"Happy? Of course I am. After all, I've finally seen just how useless the talent you value so highly really is," I replied lazily.

Right before the call disconnected, I heard a loud crash. I figured that Yvonne had probably thrown her phone.

The smile faded from my face. Truthfully, I wasn't that happy.

There were no winners when a relationship fell apart.

Even so, I hadn't truly gone after Yvonne. I'd only wanted to teach her a lesson.

As long as she came to her senses, abandoned her reckless ideas, and returned to her family, I was willing to pretend none of this had happened.

What I hadn't expected was that she had no intention of appreciating the chance I had given her.

…

That day was Family Day at Kelly's preschool. She was excited about it.

I accompanied her to the event.

Yvonne kept checking the time. She started getting restless and stood up to leave.

Kelly grabbed her hand and asked, "Mom, can you stay and do an activity with me this time?"

Faced with Kelly's sparkling eyes, Yvonne's heart softened. She bent down and picked Kelly up.

"Of course, sweetheart. What do you want to do?"

Kelly's smile grew brighter. That was exactly why I kept giving Yvonne second chances.

Unfortunately, the warmth didn't last. Shortly after, Yvonne's phone rang.

Tristan's shaky voice came through the speaker. "Mrs. Carter, I can't take this anymore. My phone is flooded with abuse. People keep smashing my windows. I don't even have the guts to leave my house anymore.

"Please tell Mr. Carter that he can stop worrying. I won't bother you two again. I'm just sorry I never got the chance to repay you for everything you've done for me over the years. This building is 21 stories high. It probably won't hurt for long."

I took Kelly from Yvonne's arms and distracted her.

I knew the pressure Tristan was under because I was the one who had set things in motion. He was in a difficult situation, but it was nowhere near bad enough to drive him to suicide.

This was nothing more than another way for him to manipulate Yvonne.

Yvonne, however, was in a state of frantic panic. She raised her hand and swung at me.

I caught her wrist before she could slap me, but Kelly was still terrified. Tears welled in her eyes as her face twisted with fear.