Chapter 3

I had actually taken them as proof that I was loved and cared for.

Never mind, this saves me the trouble of packing my luggage.

I changed into the only old clothes I had left and was about to send a message to my lawyer.

Ethan is back.

Vanessa was following behind him.

He casually explained:

"Vanessa just returned to the country and hasn't found a place she likes yet. She thinks hotels aren't hygienic, so she's staying here for a few days."

He seemed to have completely disregarded the unpleasantness that had occurred in the private room.

And so it was simply glossed over.

Vanessa stretched and yawned, as if she were back in her own home.

"I'm so sleepy, I'll go change my clothes and take a shower first."

I watched the direction she was heading and frowned, reminding her:

"That's the master bedroom; the guest's second bedroom is on the left."

Vanessa winked at me and said something inexplicable:

"Oh, you didn't know?"

“This is the house where Ethan and I used to live together. We even chose the bed together.”

"Because it's so comfortable, I bought the same model abroad. I wouldn't be able to sleep if I changed my bed."

"I didn't expect the layout here to be exactly the same. I really feel like I'm back home."

I looked at Ethan in disbelief:

"You even expect me to use what she left over for our wedding room?"

When we moved in, everything inside was already decorated and furnished.

Ethan said he didn't want me to work hard, so he took the initiative to arrange it.

I even thought he was considerate because of that.

Ethan looked completely unconcerned.

"It's just a place to eat and sleep. What difference does it make where it is? What's there to be picky about?"

I really want to ask, since it's the same everywhere...

Then why did you bring her home and have her stay in our master bedroom?

Before he could even speak, his phone rang.

My direct supervisor, Rachel Morgan:

"Hello, Claire?"

"Your promotion to deputy department manager tomorrow has been cancelled."

I was stunned for a moment:

"Why? My seniority and performance all meet the promotion criteria, and you and the team voted to approve it yesterday."

Rachel sighed:

"Yes, but Ethan just vetoed it. He said he wants to bring in a deputy manager. You know he's the boss."

"Rachel, may I ask for the other person's name?"

She thought for a moment and replied:

"Her name seems to be Vanessa, and she's said to be Ethan's first love."

“Even the projects you had and last quarter’s bonuses were given to Vanessa by him.”

I put down my phone and glared angrily at Ethan:

"Ethan always prides himself on separating his personal and professional life, so why did you help Vanessa steal my project and position the moment she arrived?"

"My achievements are all the result of my own hard work. Do you think that's fair to me?!"

Annoyance welled up in Ethan's eyes:

"I haven't even stamped the promotion document yet, how did it become yours? As an employee, it's your duty to generate profits for the company, why are you using this to claim credit?"

"Besides, Vanessa has just returned to the country and doesn't have a suitable job for a while. We've known each other for a while, so it's normal for me to help her out."

Vanessa also pulled me aside and said:

"Don't be angry, Claire. Maybe one day I'll get tired of it and give the position back to you."

It's always like this.

It seems like I can only ever pick up what she doesn't want.

Seeing that I didn't speak, Ethan reached out and ruffled my hair, coaxing me:

"Honey, I didn't say you wouldn't get a promotion, you just have to wait a little longer."

"Giving your project and bonus to Vanessa is also to help her accumulate the necessary qualifications for promotion as soon as possible. Once she becomes a manager, the position of deputy manager will be vacant for you, right?"