Chapter 4

"Isn't the only reason she works so hard because she depends on Mr. Knight for everything? Without him, what is she?"

Celeste, who had come to the office to "follow up" on the partnership, made sure to repeat every word of those comments to me.

Then she put on a concerned expression and offered some fake advice, "A woman really shouldn't focus on work all the time. Otherwise, it's not just your employees who won't respect you. Your husband won't like it either."

I smiled at her and replied casually, "You're right. I can't compete with you. Ten years, and you still haven't managed to wash off that cheap, trashy stink."

With that, I ignored the stunned Celeste and walked out.

Less than two minutes later, Harrison called.

"Serena, Celeste is an important partner on this deal. What exactly were you trying to accomplish by saying something like that?

"Just because your mind is in the gutter doesn't mean everyone else's is! Get back here and apologize to Celeste!"

Apologize?

I printed out the divorce agreement I'd already prepared before answering him with complete indifference.

"Mr. Knight, when you have some time, why don't we discuss our divorce first?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end before Harrison's furious voice came through. "You're threatening me with divorce? Serena, there's a limit to how far you can take this nonsense. Look at yourself. How are you any different from some jealous wife fighting over a man?"

I laughed. "Harrison, I'm not interested in playing games with you. I left the divorce agreement on your desk. Remember to sign it."

Then I hung up.

The instant the call disconnected, I heard the muffled crash of something being smashed on his end.

The next morning, the company group chat exploded. Someone posted a photo of Harrison and Celeste shopping for a gift at a jewelry store.

[Wait, is that the boss's wife?!]

[Oh my God! She's not just his business partner—they've been married for seven years? What kind of perfect marriage is this?!]

[They're gorgeous together. Seriously, what a perfect match!]

Hundreds of comments poured in, followed by a flood of heart emojis and well-wishes for the happy couple.

It wasn't until noon that Harrison finally posted a deliberately vague response.

[Everyone, please focus on your work.] He even added a shushing emoji.

He didn't deny everyone's mistaken assumption about their relationship or explain his relationship with me.

A moment later, he posted another announcement.

[Effective immediately, Celeste Foster will officially join the company and take over Serena Wilson's director position. Director Foster will also assume responsibility for the Westerland partnership.]

I'd spent thirty-nine days abroad working around the clock to secure that deal. During the day, I organized documents and prepared materials. At night, I attended dinners and networking events, drinking until I threw up.

Harrison knew all of it, and he still did this. He was trying to force me to back down and submit.

My phone vibrated. Harrison had sent me a photo. The divorce agreement I'd left on his desk was lying in the trash.

[You don't need to attend the launch event anymore. Celeste will take your place. You're suspended for the next few days. Use the time to think about what you've done. I don't want this happening again.]

I didn't reply.

After becoming CEO, Harrison rarely handled negotiations himself.

So he'd probably forgotten one important detail—the Westerland partners weren't doing business with Knightwell; they were doing business with me.

I went downstairs for lunch.

When I returned, everything from my office had been swept onto the floor.

Celeste was sitting in my chair with a provocative smile. "I heard you've been suspended, so I thought I'd help you clear some of the trash off your desk."