Chapter 1

"Chloe, so that's why you printed the equity transfer agreement this morning!"

"As a senior staff member of the company, of course she gets the inside scoop before anyone else!"

Everyone in the private room turned to look at me, then burst into loud applause and cheers.

The room was buzzing with excitement, as if everyone were celebrating my husband Nick Ferguson and his secretary Ruby Holm's wedding.

Nick glared at me. His mouth compressed into a thin, hard line.

I found the whole thing deeply ironic.

Just a moment ago, when he'd been drinking from Ruby's fruit juice and announcing her promotion, he hadn't been able to hide his smile.

I stood up and excused myself. "Sorry, guys. Something personal came up. I'll have to take off."

Before Nick could say anything, I turned and walked out.

I'd brought the equity transfer agreement to use as collateral for a loan, hoping to ease the company's cash-flow crisis.

The company seemed to be doing well, but in reality, Nick's reckless ambition had pushed it to the brink.

If I hadn't been working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep us afloat, the whole business would have collapsed long ago.

But now that he'd disappointed me so completely, I saw no reason to keep helping him.

I'd only walked a few steps when Ruby called after me, panting. "Chloe, wait! You forgot the agreement!"

Knowing she was up to no good, I quickened my pace.

Then a hand clamped around my wrist, gripping it so tightly I couldn't move.

It was Nick.

"Didn't you hear Ruby calling you?" he demanded, scowling at me.

I stopped in my tracks.

Ruby caught up and pouted apologetically. "Chloe, I really didn't mean to steal your spotlight. I just thought the drink tasted great and wanted Nick to try it."

Putting on an innocent act, she grabbed my hand and tried to push the agreement back into it.

"Please don't be upset. It's such an important document. You should take it back."

I reached out to push the agreement back.

Ruby panicked and yanked her hands away. Suddenly, her face drained of color. She doubled over, clutching her chest and gasping for breath.

I watched her with cool indifference.

It was terrible acting, but Nick fell for it anyway.

He immediately rushed over and caught Ruby as her legs gave out.

"Nick... I'm fine," she whimpered in his arms, tears welling in her eyes. "Don't be mad at Chloe. I'm just too weak..."

Nick turned and shouted at me, "Ruby's heart condition is acting up! Chloe, call an ambulance!"

I watched coldly as he expertly pulled a bottle of medication from his jacket pocket and gave her a pill.

This was a guy who was a massive germaphobe. Yet without a second's hesitation, he dropped to his knees on the dirty floor, letting Ruby rest her head on his lap so she could breathe more easily.