Chapter 6

Chloe's POV

One month later.

The annual Sterling Group press conference was held at the London Convention Center.

Because rumors of our rocky marriage had leaked, the company's stock price had been fluctuating. To reassure the board and the shareholders, Sebastian demanded that I show up and play the doting wife.

In the backstage dressing room.

I wore a perfectly tailored white business suit, my hair styled elegantly, my makeup flawless. I looked nothing like a woman who had just given birth a month ago. I sat on the sofa, staring coldly at my phone.

On the screen was a message from Brandon, my father's trusted assistant: "Miss Vance, everything is ready. The team in New York has secured the escape plan."

I typed back a single word: "Good."

The door opened, and Sebastian walked in. He looked powerful and commanding in his sharp navy suit.

He walked over to me, his eyes lingering on my makeup-clad face. A flash of surprise crossed his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by his usual coldness.

"You know what to say out there, right?" Sebastian's voice was deep.

I locked my phone and stood up, smoothing down my blazer. "Don't worry, Mr. Sterling. Playing the perfect wife is my job, after all."

Sebastian's brows knitted. I knew he hated my cold, business-like tone.

"You better not pull any stunts," he warned coldly.

The press room was blinding with camera flashes.

Sebastian held my hand as we walked onto the stage. In front of the cameras, he was the picture-perfect, caring husband, and I was the elegant, supportive wife.

"Mr. Sterling, there are rumors that you and Mrs. Sterling are divorcing, and that you have a mistress. Is that true?" a reporter asked sharply.

Sebastian smiled warmly, turning to look at me, his eyes dripping with fake tenderness. "Rumors are just rumors. My wife and I are happier than ever. We just welcomed our second child, and our family is complete."

The reporter pointed the mic at me. "Mrs. Sterling, is that true?"

I looked straight into the camera, my lips curved into a flawless smile. "Yes. My husband is wonderful, and we are very happy."

My smile was perfect, but the hand Sebastian was holding was as cold as ice.

Once the conference ended, we returned backstage.

The moment the door shut, I yanked my hand away and took two steps back, putting distance between us.

This action completely set Sebastian off.

He took a large step forward, trapping me against the wall, his hands slammed on either side of my head, locking me in his chest.

"Why are you pulling away?" Sebastian growled, his eyes locked onto mine.

I looked up at his angry face, my eyes still dead.

"The show is over, Mr. Sterling," my voice was flat. "What's wrong? Did you get too into character?"

"Chloe!" Sebastian gripped my shoulders, his hold incredibly tight. "Why do you have to speak to me like a corpse?"

"How else should I speak to you?" I mocked, a cold smile on my lips. "Isn't this what you wanted? A quiet, obedient tool? I am playing the perfect surrogate and PR prop just like you wanted. What else do you want from me?"

"Do you think acting like this will make me feel guilty?" Sebastian sneered, hiding his sudden panic. "Chloe, you will never escape being Mrs. Sterling."

He let go of me and stormed out of the dressing room.

I leaned against the wall, watching him leave. My eyes grew entirely cold.

Escape?

Sebastian, very soon, you will see exactly how I escape you.