Chapter 2

The other company, Maelstrom Corporation, had its own professional tech and IT department. They never needed help from external parties for that reason and had refused any external collaboration from the start.

I was the one who had persistently sent them gifts and pleaded with them for a meeting. That was how I managed to meet with a representative from Maelstrom Corporation to discuss the collaboration.

He had given me a generous amount of 30 seconds, and I took the opportunity to introduce what we had to offer to him.

After seeing just how capable I was, the representative had tried to poach me by offering a high salary if I were to work for them. He only agreed to the collaboration when that failed.

I had worked hard for countless nights and traveled tirelessly just so Ripley Corporation could be part of this joint venture—all of which Kiera was blind to. Yet the moment Trevor claimed credit for getting us this project, she believed him without hesitation.

If Kiera used a bit more logic, she would easily see what was going on. If Trevor really had such powerful working connections, he wouldn't need to come and work as an assistant in a small company like Ripley Corporation.

Or maybe, Kiera already knew all this and was just pretending to be oblivious to it.

Kiera's eyes lowered briefly upon being met with my silence. She then got up to make a cup of coffee for me before saying in my ear, "Trevor and I are just putting up an act. You're the only man I'll ever marry."

Whenever we fought in the past, Kiera would always soften her tone and make me similar promises. I would then forgive her unconditionally.

That was why she thought this time would be no exception.

With a wave of her hand, she said, "Go back to work for now. I'll make the final call for the joint venture."

But what Kiera didn't know was that I no longer wanted her.

I shifted the chair aside and got up. "There's no need to make things more difficult. I'll quit."

I took out a resignation letter form and filled in the details. I left it on Kiera's desk, then left her office without hesitation.

When Trevor saw me walking out, he hurriedly blocked my way.

"I know you're really experienced in the industry, Alfred. You were right—I'm not fit to be the director of the tech department. I think you should resume your post," Trevor said in an aggrieved tone.

He frantically shoved the nametag into my hands.

I gently nudged him away, only for him to take advantage of the movement to fall onto the floor. He bumped into a chair and even knocked over a laptop, getting the attention of the surrounding employees.

Trevor then rose to his feet, waving his hands and claiming he was fine while the employees asked him if he was okay.

Kiera hurried over in her three-inch high heels after hearing the commotion. After making sure Trevor was alright, she glared at me with furrowed brows.

"Just because you've worked here for a long time doesn't mean you can do as you please, Alfred."

The surrounding employees immediately leapt to Trevor's defense as well.

"Yeah, Mr. Wickham. This replacement is for the company's benefit so it can grow. Don't push the new guy around just because you're experienced."

The employee who said the meanest things about me was Tyler Rodriguez, someone I had mentored from the very first day he started working here.

"All Alfred ever did was just bag a few projects for the company. Does he really think that makes him the boss of this place?

"He must've gotten so obsessed with creating his own little cliques in the office that he can't even acknowledge a genius like Mr. Horton."

Having worked with many of the employees here for years and having the best performance, my colleagues here used to call me "Mr. Wickham" with a deep sense of respect.

Yet now all of them were gazing at me with malicious glee, praying that I leave right away.

It didn't matter. My ex-colleagues could say whatever they wanted about me. I no longer wished to deal with them.

I walked out of Ripley Corporation without a word.

Kiera hurried out after me. When she saw that we were alone, she massaged her temples in irritation and said, "You must be overworked. I'll approve some leave days for you so you can take a break for some time.

"Today's our seventh anniversary. Wait for me at home. I have a surprise for you."

The elevator happened to arrive at the floor I was on when Kiera finished speaking. I walked inside, still saying nothing to her.

I went back home and cooked my own dinner, not waiting for her whatsoever.

Kiera never returned home, even when night fell.