Chapter 3

I chuckled out loud.

"Sean, just because people call you 'Mr. Miller' doesn't mean you're actually the boss of me. If you want me to be a housewife, you're not rich enough."

"And let me remind you, our agency has always run on merit. You won't survive long in this industry by just relying on a pretty face."

Sean was furious. "What nonsense are you talking about? How can you spread rumors and bully a talented colleague like this? You're just terrified that she's going to replace you!"

I shrugged. "Then I can't wait to see the day your personal coaching pays off."

Our shouting match was heard loud and clear by the gossiping coworkers outside.

They exchanged meaningful looks. They obviously understood the implication of my words.

A brand-new intern who knew nothing six months ago suddenly producing a highly sophisticated, mature proposal?

Without someone feeding her the answers, it was practically impossible.

Because Hailey had successfully "saved" the project, Sean decided to offer her a full-time position ahead of schedule.

The company always threw a welcome party for newly promoted staff.

Hailey made a show of inviting me, but Sean stopped her.

"She loves working so much, let's let her work. Everyone else, pack up early! We're going out to celebrate!"

Cheers erupted in the office, and a few minutes later, the entire place went dead silent.

Looking at the empty office, a sharp pain pierced my heart.

Sean and I had built this agency from scratch. At first, it was just the two of us. Slowly, we grew it to this size.

And now, he was shutting me out completely.

Suddenly, I wanted to let loose too. I called my best friend, Ashley, and headed to a high-end bar.

After venting to Ashley over a few drinks, I finally felt much calmer.

Ashley had been eyeing the handsome male bartenders on the stage. The moment I nodded, she eagerly rushed over.

I had a few drinks, but quickly found it boring.

Just as I was about to look around for some entertainment, I spotted Sean and his crew sitting in a booth nearby.

Hailey was sitting right next to Sean, her face flushed red as she gazed at him with adoration.

Sean immediately picked up her drink and downed it for her.

He used to do that for me all the time.

Back then, he would say, "As long as I'm by your side, you never have to drink if you don't want to."

Hailey was the first to notice me.

She immediately got up, walked over, and wrapped her arm around mine, dragging me toward Sean.

"Chloe, why didn't you tell us you were coming? You must be here to make up with Sean, right?"

"Couples shouldn't go to bed angry. Sean is a generous man, he won't stay mad at you."

She pretended to play peacemaker, but her words placed all the blame squarely on me.

She then nudged Sean. "Sean, Chloe is finally swallowing her pride. Don't miss this chance! I don't want to be the bad guy between you two. If you don't make up, people in the office will start gossiping about me again."

She was clever. She was openly addressing the rumors of her being the homewrecker to clear her own name.

Sean immediately puffed up his chest. "Since you know you were wrong, and we're married, I won't hold a grudge. But I will not tolerate anyone abusing their power to bully subordinates in my company."

"As my wife, you need to set a good example. Apologize to Hailey right now, and I'll forgive you."

Sean leaned back on the sofa, legs crossed, looking down at me like a king showing mercy to a peasant.

Hailey handed me a glass of wine, looking at me expectantly.

I let out a cold laugh. Under the shocked gazes of our coworkers, I splashed the entire glass of wine right into Sean's face.

Enjoying their stunned, open-mouthed expressions, I turned around and walked away, completely satisfied.

As soon as I stepped out of the bar, a furious Sean caught up to me.

"Chloe Vance! Are you insane? Do you have any idea what you just did?"

"Celebrating a new hire's promotion was a rule "you" set! What kind of tantrum are you throwing now? How am I supposed to maintain authority in front of my employees?"

Authority? Like I give a damn.

When he ruined my reputation for Hailey's sake, did he ever think about my position?

There was no point in dragging this out anymore. It would only bring more misery.

"Let's get a divorce."

Sean's furious lecturing stopped instantly. He stared at me, his eyes wide with shock, and grabbed my wrist.

Hailey, who had followed him out, had a fleeting smile on her face before quickly putting on a worried look.

"Chloe, please don't be rash! You and Sean have been together since college. Your love story is what everyone dreams of!"

She then choked up, "I'm so grateful for everything you and Sean have taught me. But if my presence is making you uncomfortable, I can resign and step away from this project."

Seeing her shoulders tremble as she cried, Sean's heart melted. He let go of my wrist and pulled Hailey behind him.

He glared at me. "Chloe, I gave you the title of VP, and you actually think you're the boss."

"You messed up a major project, and Hailey had to clean up your mess. Instead of being grateful, you're trying to force her out. I never realized you were such a petty, vindictive woman all these years!"

I sneered. "Well, this works out perfectly for you. Let's get a divorce quickly so you two can be together."

Sean's face darkened even more. "You think you're in a position to demand a divorce? I should be the one divorcing you! I've been sick of you bossing me around for years. This is great. I'm finally free."

Just then, a business acquaintance passed by and greeted Sean.

"Mr. Miller! I've heard so much about you. I heard Mr. Harrison is extremely pleased with your wedding proposal. My grandson is turning one soon, and I'd love for your agency to plan the party."

After the man left, Sean raised his chin arrogantly at me.

"See? The company runs perfectly fine without you—even better, in fact. Don't flatter yourself by thinking we'll go bankrupt without you."

"Then congratulations on finding a new wedding planner," I said flatly.

"You want a divorce? Fine, I'll give it to you. Just don't come crawling back crying and begging me later."

He believed he had already won. He wanted to cut ties with me before landing even bigger clients.

But a few days later, while I was scrolling through travel guides on Instagram at home, there was a frantic, loud banging on my front door.

The moment I opened it, Sean shouted anxiously:

"Why did our exclusive flower supplier suddenly pull out? The wedding is right around the corner! How could such a massive mistake happen?!"