Chapter 5

"Where's Ansel?" Odessa asked, her voice laced with fury.

Sydney let out a mocking chuckle. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? You're his wife, after all. Or maybe… he just doesn't want to see you right now."

Without raising her voice, the poison threaded through her words was enough to make heads turn.

Many of the longtime employees recognized Odessa, their expressions shifting the moment she entered the room.

Ansel had long upheld the illusion of a faithful husband. But now, the familiar tension between wife and mistress was on full display for everyone to see.

To make things worse, a few employees recalled that Sydney had once been a struggling student who Odessa personally supported. The memory only deepened the curiosity etched across their faces.

"Well, Odessa, since you have no idea what Ansel's doing, let me fill you in. He's taking a nap. I was keeping him company, but one of my girlfriends invited me to go shopping, so I stepped out."

As Sydney spoke, her fingers lightly traced her necklace. Odessa couldn't help but notice the kiss marks along the edge of her neckline.

"Look, Odessa, if you don't have anything important to say, you should go. Ansel doesn't want to see you right now. If that changes, I'll be sure to let you know."

Odessa could feel the eyes of everyone on her, each one like a needle pricking at her composure. Her anger surged without warning, and she slapped Sydney hard across the face.

After a moment of silence, gasps and murmurs began to ripple through the crowd.

Sydney stood dazed, her head tilted to one side as she stared blankly at the floor.

As clarity slowly returned, she spotted a figure just at the edge of her vision. All of a sudden, she collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. "Odessa, it's all my fault! Please, don't be mad at Ansel anymore!"

Odessa hadn't expected such a reaction. Just as she was about to accuse Sydney of putting on an act, a tall figure pushed through the crowd.

"Sydney!"

It was Ansel.

"Ansel, I—" Odessa began.

But before she could finish, Ansel shoved her roughly.

"Odessa, stop this madness! This is an office! Wasn't making a scene at home enough? Do you want everyone to see you like this?"

Odessa staggered backward and collapsed onto the floor. A groan slipped from her lips as her face turned pale.

Ansel didn't even look at her. He hurried to Sydney's side, gently cupping her face. "Does it hurt?"

Tears slipped down Sydney's cheeks. "It does... I need you to blow on it to make it better."

Ansel softly blew on the injured spot, his voice surprisingly gentle. "I warned you to stay away from her, didn't I?"

Curled up in his arms, Sydney shook her head. "Ansel, don't blame Odessa. It's my fault. I must've upset her by accident."

Ansel lifted her carefully and turned to the crowd gathered around them. "Why are you all just standing there?" he barked. "Get back to work!"

At his terse command, the crowd broke apart in an instant.

His gaze then shifted to Odessa, still seated on the floor. His cold stare was unlike anything she had ever encountered.

When their eyes met, a sudden chill ran through her. She had never imagined Ansel could look at her with such disdain.

The warmth and tenderness they once shared now felt like a cruel, bitter illusion.

Without another word, Ansel stepped forward and hauled her to her feet. His grip was unyielding, devoid of any mercy.

"Let's take this to the office," he said flatly.

Odessa stumbled, nearly twisting her ankle as he pulled her along. She yanked her hand, trying desperately to break free. "No, let's talk here."

"Odessa, my patience isn't endless!" Ansel snapped. "I'm honestly so disappointed in you. You're acting like a total shrew."

"A shrew?"

Odessa's body trembled, a bitter smile touching her lips before fading away. Tears quietly traced down her cheeks.

"I never imagined hearing those words from you. So, you think I'm disgraceful, huh?

"When you were running wild like that, did you ever wonder how it would all end?"

"That's enough!" Ansel's voice thundered through the room. "What do you want from me? What will it take for you to stop?"

Without hesitation, Odessa pulled out the divorce papers. "I want a divorce!"