Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Jane, coffee.” Around two, my assistant Linda knocked and entered, placing a cup of coffee on my desk.

I smiled. “Thanks.”

She saw me working on the design drafts, puzzled. “Jane, how can you stay calm enough to design? I heard the new boss didn’t even go through a proper interview process. She just took the director’s position. Aren’t you mad?”

I chuckled wryly, unsure of what to say.

‘Mad? Of course, I’m mad. But it isn’t something I can discuss with a subordinate.’ I thought.

“Everyone, listen up.” Outside the office, a commotion arose as Kevin gathered everyone together.

Through the glass, the scene in the public office area was clear as day.

In a custom-tailored dark suit, Bryant stood with his hands in his pockets, exuding an air of aloof nobility just by being there. Beside him, Margaret, who was poised and confident, glanced at Bryant with a subdued expression as if seeking help.

He frowned slightly, showing signs of impatience, but still indulged her.

In a calm voice, he introduced her, “This is Margaret Ferguson, the new head of the Design Department. I hope everyone will cooperate with her.”

Margaret looked at him with disdain. “Why so serious?”

Then, with a chill and friendly grin, she turned to everyone and said, “Don’t mind it. I’m easy to talk to and won’t be stirring things up just because I’m new. Feel free to talk to me if there’s anything I’m not doing right.”

With the CEO backing her, the atmosphere naturally turned harmonious.

Linda couldn’t hold back, making a face. “Oh come on, talk about nepotism. She clearly snagged the job.”

I was already feeling out of sorts, but hearing her tone, I couldn’t help but laugh a bit.

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Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Outside

Bryant was escorting Margaret to the director’s office door.

“Come on, what’s there to worry about? With that scowl of yours, who’d dare approach. me?” Margaret playfully nudged Bryant, her tone teasing with fake affection, but her face was full of genuine smiles.

I

I took a sip of my coffee, which tasted incredibly bitter.

Seeing my frown, Linda took it over to taste it and said, “It’s not bitter. I even added two sugar cubes today, hoping to sweeten your day.”

Knock.

Margaret shooed Bryant out, and Bryant turned, heading to my office.

I watched him intently, wishing I could see through to his heart.

“I’ll go make you another cup,” Linda said, seizing the opportunity to escape.

Bryant sauntered in, shutting the door behind him, and explained calmly, “It’s her first job. She was a bit nervous and asked me to help her settle in.”

“Really,” I replied with a smile, “I hadn’t-noticed,

First, Bryant, no less than the CEO himself, introduced her. Then, with her easy banter, she made it clear her relationship with Bryant was no shallow pond despite her saying she was easy to talk to and things like that.

But it was like revealing a royal flush at a poker game. Who would dare bluff after that?

“Look, she might be older than you, but in terms of work, you’re her senior. And you’re more skilled in design. The team respects you more,” Bryant said as he came up behi me, massaging my shoulders to soothe me. “You don’t need to bother with her. Just make sure she’s not getting bullied, okay?”

For the first time, I felt an uncontrollable anger toward Bryant.

I shrugged off his hands and stood up abruptly, asking pointedly. “Well if that’s true, th why is she the director and I’m not?”

The words came out more directly than I intended.

Even Bryant, usually so composed, showed a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

Yes. Three years into our marriage, we had lived in mutual respect rather than passionate love. We had never fought or argued. He probably thought I was too meek to get angry. But I didn’t regret saying those words.

If the director’s position had gone to someone more capable than me, I would have

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