Chapter 4

My doorbell rang the day after Miles and Elena made their grand return to the country. Through the security camera, I saw Elena standing at my doorstep with a gift bag in her hand.

A few of Miles' friends flanked her like bodyguards.

Miles claimed he wanted to go toe-to-toe with me, yet he didn't even accompany Elena here. The partnership between Lawson Group and IS Global Group was bound to make national headlines, so he was probably swamped with work.

I opened the door, and she immediately lifted the gift bag toward me as if she were presenting some kind of treasure. The bag was one I had commissioned months ago and looked especially jarring in her hands.

"They were worried about me, so they came with me to drop off this gift. I'm sure you wouldn't mind, right?"

I sneered inwardly. I knew these men well. Ever since they met Elena through me, they fell for her act and treated her like she was made of gold.

They were only here to keep an eye on me because they were afraid I might lose control and attack her out of jealousy.

"The signing ceremony next week is a huge deal. Maybe you should swallow your pride and apologize to Miles so you can attend the ceremony with him. After all, the media thinks we're newlyweds who are still madly in love… correction, I meant you two.

"All eyes will be on you two, so it wouldn't look right if you weren't there. If you don't want to go, I guess I'll have to cover for you again." Elena lifted her gaze, and there was a hint of provocation in it. "But if I keep doing that, people might start thinking I'm Miles' wife…"

I took the paper bag, flicked my wrist, and sent it straight into the trash can beside me. "Are you done?"

Her expression froze, and her eyes misted over in a heartbeat.

The men snapped, "Jasmine, what did Ellie ever do to you? Why are you taking your anger out on her again?"

"We knew you'd be rude to her. We really can't stand you anymore!"

"If it bothers you so much, leave!" I closed the door in their faces, shutting out their voices.

…

The signing ceremony was about to commence, and cameras were flashing everywhere. Miles sat on the stage in a bespoke suit, radiating confidence.

Elena stood a short distance away from him, perfectly made up and practically glowing as if she had just won the lottery.

I wove through the crowd and stepped onto the main stage.

Miles spotted me and smirked. "I knew you wouldn't miss the chance to be in the spotlight. Come stand next to me. You can hand me the pen later."

His eyes skimmed over my tailored business suit, and his brows drew together. "Why are you dressed like that? Go change into a cocktail dress before you come back up."

Elena hurried over and chimed in softly, "He's right. Your attire isn't appropriate. Let me pass the pen instead."

Ignoring them, I walked straight to the central seat and picked up the microphone.

Miles' expression darkened, and he grasped my wrist before snatching the microphone away. "You're not allowed to speak here." Elena lowered her head to hide the smile tugging at her lips.

My secretary stepped forward and asked solemnly, "What's the meaning of this, Mr. Lawson? Ms. Hansen is the Global Deputy CEO of IS Global Group!"

Miles stiffened as if he had been suddenly struck by a bolt. The smile on Elena's face froze as well, and her eyes widened in shock.

Just then, the host's voice boomed across the venue. "The signing ceremony will now begin!"

Miles sat frozen in place, the color draining from his face bit by bit. When he looked at me, he was completely rattled in a way I had never seen.