Chapter 6

Behind Nick, Ruby raised an eyebrow at me, her lips curling into a smug grin.

Feigning modesty, she gently tugged on Nick's sleeve and murmured, "Nick, don't be like that. I've only been with the company for six months.

"Being at the same level as Chloe was already more than I deserved. She's been with the company for years. She deserves some credit for all her hard work."

Nick frowned and jeered, "You got promoted because you earned it. Some people think seniority makes them entitled to everything. If simply being with the company longer were enough to earn a promotion, she might as well take over as CEO."

I let out a derisive laugh.

Back when we started the company, I had been so blinded by love. I took on every scrap of grunt work so Nick could focus on managing the company without worry.

All these years, I worked myself to the bone to create value for the company. Yet Nick treated me like dirt, as if everything I'd done was worthless.

How had the bright young man I'd once loved turned into this?

I raised an eyebrow and said coldly, "Mr. Ferguson, please approve my resignation as soon as possible. Otherwise, I'll file for labor arbitration."

Nick didn't seem concerned. He casually picked up his wine and took a sip.

"Cut the act, Chloe. You're laying it on pretty thick." He swirled his glass and let out a cold laugh. "Where else are you going to go? Don't forget, you still own shares in the company."

He sat there looking completely convinced that I was just throwing a childish tantrum.

Too bad he was wrong.

"Mr. Ferguson, I've already transferred my shares to Ruby. I don't want anything. I just want to leave," I said.

Nick froze, his knuckles turning white as he gripped his glass.

Peter Walsh from the legal department leaned over and whispered, "Mr. Ferguson, it's true. We received notice from Chloe's attorney confirming the transfer of her shares."

Ruby, who had been enjoying the drama from the sidelines, hadn't expected such a windfall.

Her eyes lit up at once. She flushed red as she tried to turn it down. "Chloe, you can't just hand me your shares because you're angry. Tell me how I can return them to you."

Her terrible acting almost made me laugh.

The crease between Nick's brows deepened. He looked genuinely bewildered, as if he'd run into a problem he couldn't solve.

It seemed he'd finally realized that I was serious this time. And the moment that sank in, he started to panic.

Barely holding on to his composure, Nick tried to coax me with another empty promise.

"Chloe, the company is about to go public. If you just cooperate and stop being difficult, I'll promote you soon. And as for what you've been asking me for all these years? I'll agree to it."

I found it ridiculous.

Even now, he couldn't bring himself to say that he'd make our marriage public. He was still being deliberately vague.

For ten years, I'd let him string me along, holding out hope that he'd finally return my love.

But this time, I was done playing along.

I gave a mocking laugh. "Going public? Keep dreaming, Nick."

Nick frowned, but before he could say anything, Ruby leaned over and whispered something in his ear.

A look of surprise crossed his face. He turned to me and said coldly, "Our VIP guest is about to arrive. I don't have time to argue with you."

He immediately ordered the staff to open another private room, then let Ruby fuss over his clothes.

I stood to the side, watching the whole thing with detached amusement.

A moment later, a young man in a tailored suit walked in, flanked by several bodyguards.

Nick immediately stepped forward and extended his hand, a fawning smile spreading across his face.

"Mr. Sheeran, what brings you here? I arranged a welcome dinner for you back at the office."

Greg shoved Nick's hand away. With a look of disgust, he wiped his hand with a handkerchief and said coldly, "I'm here to let you know that Sheeran Group is pulling its funding."