Chapter 3

The chat was unnervingly clean. There were no flirtatious messages, just many files and work reports.

But I knew Sienna too well. She was cautious, yet always craved the rush of danger.

I clicked on the "Annual Music Report" link and shared it in the group chat.

The next second, Archie sent a message. "Sienna, you were so naughty earlier in the car. My lips are swollen now."

I didn't reply. I just deleted the shared link.

When Sienna came out of the shower, she looked refreshed.

"Oh, by the way, the company's having a team-building session this weekend. Archie said he hasn't seen you in a while. You should join us," she casually said while drying her hair.

She never took me to these events before, always citing the boundary between work and personal life.

She probably invited me this time to ease my doubts.

"Sure," I replied.

Sienna paused for a moment, clearly surprised by how easily I agreed, then came over and kissed me on the forehead.

"That's more like it. Don't keep being so suspicious."

The moment her lips touched my skin, my stomach churned. I barely managed to resist pushing her away.

…

On the weekend, when I arrived at the resort, Archie was standing next to Sienna.

He was wearing an off-white knit sweater and casual pants.

That sweater was something I had sent him last month. It cost over 2,000 dollars, which seemed luxurious for an intern.

He'd complained to me on WhatsApp about the cold winter and his lack of warm clothes.

I softened and bought it for him.

Now, he wore the sweater I bought him and stood next to my girlfriend, his grin wide.

"Shawn! It's been so long. I've missed you!"

When Archie saw me, his eyes lit up, and he approached me enthusiastically.

He was wearing the exact same cologne I'd smelled on Sienna when she came home that night. It had a subtle, sweet scent.

He then sized me up and feigned surprise. "Shawn, why'd you dress like that? Sienna doesn't like the old-fashioned look. I've been working with her, so I know her taste now."

His soft words were like a dagger to the chest.

I didn't bother responding. His intentions were so transparent that they were practically screaming.

"Sienna always talks about you, saying you're capable. Even your taste in music matches hers."

Archie's expression froze for a moment. He glanced at Sienna instinctively.

Sienna frowned. "Shawn, stop being passive-aggressive."

When Archie saw that I wasn't responding, he dropped all pretense of subtlety.

He tilted his head, looking innocent as he said, "Shawn, I'm able to wear such nice clothes thanks to your sponsorship. But I also have to thank Sienna. She said this color makes me look fair and young."

He emphasized the word "young", and his gaze was filled with challenge.

My fingers trembled slightly, and a chill spread through me.

Archie was 21 years old. Sure, he was young and cheerful.

But I was only 28 and already successful in my career and in my prime. What did I lack compared to him?

Archie kept going. "By the way, Sienna said she'll make me a permanent employee next month."

Permanent?

He was still in his senior year of college and had only been with the company for two weeks.

I looked at Sienna.

Sienna averted her gaze, looking diffident. "Archie's been doing well. I'm planning to make him permanent next month."

I sneered.

Spending my money on clothes, sleeping with my girlfriend, and now trying to climb the ladder through this connection—Archie's plan was impeccably calculated.