Chapter 2

"Ethan, was Ava really angry last night?"

Chelsea sat in the passenger seat, biting her straw and sneaking glances at me in the back.

Today she was wearing a loose men's hoodie.

I recognized it instantly as the limited-edition one Ethan had bought last month.

Ethan steered with one hand, glancing at me in the rearview mirror.

"That's just how she is. She'll get over it in a couple of days."

"We're going to that trendy brunch spot. Didn't you say you were craving smoked steak salad?"

His tone was indulgent, completely ignoring me in the backseat.

Today was Wright Industries' annual gala.

As Ethan's legal wife, I was supposed to attend.

But he'd insisted on picking up Chelsea first, using the excuse that it was "on the way."

"Ava, that dress looks pretty on you, but it makes your stomach look a little big."

Chelsea turned around, smiling at me.

"Unlike me, I just can't gain weight no matter how much I eat. It's so annoying."

She purposely puffed out her flat stomach.

I looked down at the financial report on my phone, not bothering to look up.

"Is that so? That's good then."

"After all, besides eating, you don't seem to have any other talents."

Chelsea's smile froze.

She looked at Ethan, feigning hurt.

"Ethan, look at Ava, how can she talk like that?"

Ethan slammed on the brakes.

"Ava Sterling, are you looking for a fight today?"

"Chelsea was just trying to give you a compliment. Why are you being so sarcastic?"

I looked up, meeting his angry gaze.

"I'm merely stating facts."

"If she feels wronged, she can get out of the car."

Ethan took a deep breath, seemingly trying to suppress his rage.

"Fine, I won't argue with you."

The car restarted, and the interior fell silent.

The gala was a glittering affair.

As soon as I walked into the ballroom, several familiar wives surrounded me.

"Mrs. Wright, I hear your company is securing a big investment recently?"

"Mr. Wright is truly promising."

I responded politely, but my peripheral vision caught Ethan leading Chelsea towards the circle of core investors.

Chelsea clung to Ethan's arm, beaming brightly, almost excessively.

Anyone who didn't know better would think she was the president's wife of Wright Industries.

"Who's that?" one of the wives asked, following my gaze.

"Mr. Wright's assistant? She looks new."

I took a sip of champagne.

"Just someone who doesn't know her place."

Halfway through the gala, it was time for the charity auction.

I had mentioned a blue diamond necklace to Ethan once before, something I'd taken a liking to.

As soon as the auctioneer presented the necklace, Ethan raised his paddle.

"Fifty thousand."

A wave of appreciative murmurs went through the crowd.

"Mr. Wright is so devoted to his wife!"

"Mrs. Sterling is truly blessed."

I looked at the necklace on the stage, but my heart felt nothing.

Ultimately, Ethan won the necklace for eighty thousand dollars.

He walked down the stage with the gift box, heading straight for me.

I was about to reach out.

But he brushed past my shoulder, walking towards Chelsea, who stood behind me.

"Try it on."

He handed the necklace to Chelsea, his voice soft.

All eyes in the room instantly focused on that corner.

The air seemed to freeze.

Chelsea covered her mouth, a look of feigned surprise on her face.

"Ethan, this is too precious, I can't accept it."

"Just take it," Ethan said, pressing the necklace into her hand.

"You helped me follow up on that big project recently. This is a well-deserved reward."

Chelsea's face flushed, and she put on the necklace in front of everyone.

She then turned, purposely walking up to me.

"Ava, isn't it beautiful?"

She touched the blue diamond on her neck, smiling like a victor.

I looked at the necklace around her neck, which was originally meant for me.

My smartwatch on my wrist suddenly vibrated.

It was a message from Mark, my assistant.

"Ms. Sterling, the account Mr. Wright used to pay for the auction item just now was your mother's medical emergency fund account."

I stared at the line of text on the screen.

"Why is that necklace on your neck?"

I looked up at Chelsea.

Chelsea froze for a moment, then her smile grew even wider.

"Ava Sterling, Ethan said I helped him secure an investment, and this was his special reward for me."

"You wouldn't try to snatch this away too, would you?"