After the college reunion, my ex and I, both completely wasted, ended up sleeping together. Waking up, a wave of guilt washed over me, and I decided to confess everything to my husband. But when I got home, he wasn’t there. His laptop screen was still lit, though. I saw a new message pop up on his Ins account: [That drug was potent last night. Your wife didn’t have a clue. She’s already left the hotel, looking utterly devastated. You can draft the divorce papers now.] I recognized the sender: my ex-boyfriend. And my husband quickly replied: [Once Eleanor and I divorce, and she leaves with nothing, I’ll give you half a million dollars as payment.] Before I could even react, Liam’s Ins account logged out. Panic seized me, and I slammed the laptop shut. A sharp pain stabbed my chest, and tears streamed down my face. I buried my face in my hands, sobbing uncontrollably. I couldn’t believe it. I never imagined my husband and my ex-boyfriend would conspire to set me up! Yesterday was our college reunion, and I hadn’t planned on going. Liam had convinced me, “The company’s in an expansion phase right now. Go check it out. You might find some potential clients.” Ever since I started trying to conceive, I’d handed over the company my parents left me to Liam to manage. I thought he was under a lot of pressure, so I agreed. At the reunion, I ran into my ex-boyfriend, Jason. Our classmates started teasing, urging us to sit together. It had been ten years since we broke up, and I was married, so I sat with him casually. Throughout the dinner, Jason maintained a respectful distance, only helping me pour wine and get food. After a few rounds of drinks, I started feeling woozy and then completely blacked out. I woke up the next morning, naked in a hotel bed with Jason. The soreness and discomfort in my body confirmed what had happened. Jason smacked himself, apologizing and confessing non-stop, pleading for my forgiveness. I pulled on my clothes in a frantic mess and ran out. I felt so guilty toward Liam, and I didn’t want to lie to him. A mistake was a mistake. I was ready to confess and face the consequences of my infidelity. But I never expected it was all Liam’s twisted scheme! Now that I knew the truth, I absolutely couldn’t let them succeed. I wiped away my tears, picked up my phone, and with trembling fingers, dialed 911: “I want to report a crime. I believe I was drugged and assaulted.” After my examination at the hospital, the accompanying female officer drove me home: “Once the lab results confirm the evidence, we’ll arrest the suspects immediately.” “Thank you!”
I dragged my exhausted body back home. Liam rushed to greet me. “Eleanor, what took you so long?” Seeing his concerned face, my heart involuntarily flinched. I looked into his eyes. “I didn’t come home last night. Didn’t you wonder where I was?” Liam smiled gently. “I called you yesterday, and Chloe Reed answered. She said you’d had too much to drink and were staying at her place. “I remembered you two were close in college, so I didn’t want to bother you.” Chloe had indeed been at the reunion yesterday. But we were sitting far apart, barely exchanged a few words, let alone caught up. How could she be involved? Liam, Jason, Chloe… what was their connection? My mind reeled with questions when my stomach suddenly churned, and I rushed to the bathroom to throw up. Liam gently patted my back. “Rough night, huh? You’re making your husband worry sick.” After I finished, Liam handed me a glass of warm water. As I reached for it, our fingertips brushed, and a flicker of disgust crossed Liam’s eyes. My heart sank completely. After washing up, I went to lie down in the bedroom. Liam followed, casually probing, “Eleanor, you seem down. Did something happen last night?” I didn’t reply. He continued, “Loyalty and trust are everything in a marriage. I trust you completely, so don’t carry any guilt.” I closed my eyes, scoffing inwardly. Liam knew me so well. He knew the more he said this, the more self-blame I’d feel. If I hadn’t uncovered the truth, I would have confessed everything, racked with guilt, and left with nothing. Seeing I still didn’t respond, Liam tucked the blankets around me. “Well, you should get some rest. We can talk about it later if something’s bothering you.” The next day, I woke up very late. Liam had already left for the office. On the nightstand, there was a glass of water and a white pill. The folic acid I’d been taking for three years. I’d never gotten pregnant, despite all my check-ups coming back clear. I’d blamed myself relentlessly, feeling like I was failing Liam. Now, it seemed, maybe it wasn’t my fault at all. I put the pill back in the bottle and took the bottle with me as I left. The doctor took one look and said, “This is a long-term contraceptive pill. It only works if taken daily.” I let out a bitter laugh, feeling like I’d been doused in ice water. I went home, changed into a business suit I hadn’t worn in years, put on some light makeup, and drove to the company. Having not been to the office for three years, the receptionist blocked me. “Ma’am, who are you here to see?” I frowned. “I’m here for my own company. I’m not looking for anyone.” With that, I walked inside. The receptionist ran forward, blocking my path with her arm. “Excuse me, who are you here to see? I can help you inquire.” I took a deep breath. “I need to see Liam Fitzgerald.” The receptionist explained, “Mr. Fitzgerald requires an appointment. No appointment, no entry.” I scoffed. “Look closely. I am the legal owner of this company. Liam is just managing it on my behalf. Don’t receptionists usually know this stuff?” The receptionist looked at me in surprise. “You must be mistaken, Ma’am. We only know Mr. Fitzgerald as the CEO.” Classic Liam! He’s trying to cut me out completely. I was about to explain further when an old employee passing by recognized me and immediately told the receptionist, “Don’t you have any sense? That’s Mrs. Fitzgerald!” The receptionist gasped, quickly stepping aside. I looked at the old employee. “I think ‘Ms. Hayes’ would be more appropriate.” The old employee paused. “Yes, yes, my mistake! Ms. Hayes!” I walked directly to the CEO’s office, pushed open the door, and saw a familiar face.
“Chloe?” “Eleanor!” Chloe stood up calmly. I frowned. “What are you doing here? Where’s Liam?” Chloe smiled. “Mr. Fitzgerald just stepped out. I’m his executive assistant now. Didn’t he tell you?” Seeing the subtle defiance in Chloe’s eyes, I could pretty much guess their relationship. No wonder Chloe helped Liam set me up! But I wasn’t here today to catch them in the act. I said calmly, “Ms. Reed, please call a meeting for all department managers. I’m holding a meeting.” Chloe froze for a moment, then let out a disdainful laugh. “Eleanor, have you lost your mind? While you may be Mrs. Fitzgerald, this company belongs to Liam. And…” She dragged out the last word, scrutinizing me with malicious intent. “Given your current situation, you might not be Mrs. Fitzgerald for much longer!” I narrowed my eyes at her. “The night before last, you told Liam I was at your place.” Chloe raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you be thanking me? I helped you and Jason rekindle things. “There are no secrets that stay hidden forever. You should confess to Liam as soon as possible. It’ll make the divorce less messy.” I sneered. “My personal affairs are none of your concern. I’ll ask you again: are you going to call the department managers for a meeting, or not?” Chloe pouted. “Sorry, I only work for Mr. Fitzgerald.” With that, she clicked out of the office on her heels. I said nothing, simply picked up the phone and dialed the HR department. The HR manager was also a new face. He looked at me, perplexed. “Mrs. Fitzgerald, calling a meeting without Mr. Fitzgerald’s approval might not be appropriate.” I said nothing, taking the business license from the safe. “Look closely. I am the legal owner of this company. This company has always been mine, and Liam has merely been managing it on my behalf these past few years.” The HR manager’s eyes darted, then he quickly caught on. “Ms. Hayes!” I breathed a sigh of relief. “Call a meeting for all department managers. Starting today, I will personally manage the company. “Oh, and Ms. Reed said she only serves Liam. Please find me a new assistant. As for her, terminate her employment!” “Yes, Ms. Hayes!” An hour later, I was sitting at the head of the conference table. Liam had replaced many of the staff, but some familiar faces remained. Hearing me announce my return to the company, everyone’s expressions varied—some hopeful, some confused, but most of them worried. I looked at them. “I haven’t told many of you this, but ‘Hayes Inc.’ shares a common lineage with the powerful Hayes Group. My grandmother is the current Chairwoman of Hayes Group.” As soon as I finished speaking, the conference room erupted. “No wonder when I went to Hayes Group for a partnership, they specifically asked about Ms. Hayes’ recent situation!” “If we align ourselves with a powerhouse like the Hayes Group, our company’s future is limitless!” “We fully support Ms. Hayes’ leadership!” The head of the Hayes Group was indeed my grandmother. But my father, to be with my mother, had long ago severed ties with my grandmother. However, in this situation, only by invoking Grandma’s name could I secure their support. I was about to say more when the conference room door suddenly burst open. Chloe, her face red with anger, stormed in. “You’ve got some nerve, Eleanor! Firing me the minute Liam is out of the office! “Just you wait. I’ve already told Liam what you’re doing. He’ll be here any minute, and then we’ll see how you explain yourself!” Before I could speak, Mr. Thompson, the HR manager, stepped forward. “Chloe, you’ve been terminated. Please leave immediately and stop disrupting our meeting.” Chloe stared at him in disbelief. “Mr. Thompson, have you gone mad? You’re listening to her? She says ‘terminated,’ and you just agree? What right does she have to fire me?” The HR manager’s gaze was cold. “She has every right. She is the CEO of this company.” Chloe let out an incredulous laugh. “Hahaha, what kind of joke is this? I’ve been here for two years! I know who the CEO is! Don’t let her trick you!” Ms. Davies, the Admin Manager, picked up the phone. “Get security to the conference room. We have a terminated employee causing a scene.” Soon, two security guards arrived and began dragging Chloe out. Chloe clung to the doorknob, screaming, “Eleanor, you witch! You lay a hand on me, and Liam will make you regret it!” The company employees curiously gathered around. I pressed my throbbing temples. I was about to call the police when Liam’s voice cut through the noise. “What are you all staring at? Get back to work!” The employees scattered, and the department managers unanimously stood up. Chloe’s face crumpled, and she threw herself at Liam, sobbing, “Liam, you have to help me! Eleanor just fired me the second she walked in! We’re innocent, she can’t just accuse us like this!” Liam’s expression, to my surprise, turned displeased as he looked over. He saw me sitting at the head of the conference table. Liam froze. “Eleanor, what are you doing in that chair?”
I spread my hands. “Is there a problem? Hasn’t this always been my company?” Liam irritably tugged at his tie. “Yes, you’re the legal owner, but for years you’ve been at home trying to conceive. I’ve been managing the company…” I cut him off. “My parents left this company to me. You’ve simply been managing it for three years on my behalf. Now I’m back. Why wouldn’t I sit here?” Liam sneered, looking at the department managers. “Then ask everyone here. Do they recognize me, the CEO who’s actually been running things, or you, the housewife who’s been home for three years?” Chloe leaned against Liam, crossing her arms and looking at me with a triumphant smirk. I nervously looked at everyone present. The department managers exchanged uncertain glances, unsure how to respond. Finally, Mr. Thompson, the HR Manager, gritted his teeth and stood up. “The HR department fully supports Ms. Hayes’ leadership!” “The Admin department fully supports Ms. Hayes’ leadership!” “The Projects department fully supports Ms. Hayes’ leadership!” “…” As each declaration of support rang out, I quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Liam’s face grew progressively darker. Beyond the shock, confusion clouded his eyes. Right! Liam had no idea about my connection to the Hayes Group. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so foolish. All the department managers had declared their allegiance; not a single person supported Liam. A flicker of panic finally crossed Liam’s eyes, and he subtly distanced himself from Chloe. “Eleanor, what’s with ‘yours’ and ‘mine’? We’re family. This company belongs to both of us.” True. For years, Liam had managed the company. If we were to divide it, he’d genuinely be entitled to a share. The lab results weren’t back yet; it wasn’t time to completely sever ties. I nodded gently. “Yes! You can continue as Vice President.” “Vice… President…” Liam’s eyes widened, his face etched with blatant resentment. Chloe looked from Liam to me, then tugged desperately at Liam’s sleeve. “Liam, Eleanor is firing me! You have to stand up for me! I just helped you!” “Shut up!” Liam shot her a glare but still spoke up. “Eleanor, Chloe didn’t know the company situation. She didn’t mean to offend you. A month’s pay deduction would be enough, wouldn’t it? No need to fire her!” My face hardened. “Mr. Fitzgerald, do I need your permission to fire an assistant?” Liam hadn’t expected me to so openly defy him and was speechless. I gave Ms. Davies a look, and the security guards rushed forward, dragging Chloe out. Chloe erupted in curses, “Eleanor, you whore! You won’t be gloating for long! Everyone will know what you did!” Hearing this, Liam’s face, to my disgust, softened. A slight smirk played on his lips, as if he held all the cards. Seeing his expression, I felt a wave of nausea and waved for everyone to dismiss the meeting. Having neglected company affairs for years, I worked late into the night before finally heading home. Liam was waiting for me, his face grim, on the sofa. The moment I walked in, he looked at me, his eyes red. “Eleanor, where exactly were you the night before last?”
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