Chapter 4

The next morning, Sophia's phone rang bright and early. Owen's name flashed on the screen. She hesitated for a moment, then answered. Owen's voice, choked with sobs, spilled from the phone. "I... I really don't know what to do..."

"Slow down. What happened?" Sophia asked, her brows furrowed, her voice unexpectedly gentle.

"I'm being cyberbullied! My photos are all over the internet, and everyone's calling me names, saying I'm a kept man, that I slept my way to the top! I'm so scared, I can't even leave the house..." Owen's voice trembled, filled with terror and helplessness, faint sobs punctuating his words.

Sophia's face contorted, a literal fire burning in her eyes as she glared at me. "Don't panic. Stay home, don't move. I'll handle it right away."

The news of Owen crossing me had already spread like wildfire through our industry circles. Even without my explicit instruction, our partners would actively jump to do things like this just to curry favor with me. I'd checked the online situation that morning; it wasn't nearly as severe as Owen claimed. But I had to admit, his vulnerable, pitiful act had perfectly triggered Sophia's protective instincts.

Sophia's fury erupted the moment she hung up. She slammed her phone onto the table, her eyes red, demanding, "Liam, what the hell do you want?! Owen is gone from the company, gone from us. Why are you still targeting him?! You've become so malicious! Abusing your power and influence as the CEO's husband, just to wreak havoc!"

I slammed my own coffee cup down, not backing down an inch. "Sophia, I told you, I did nothing."

"Who in this entire company doesn't know he crossed you? Who else but you would do something like this?"

I scoffed. "Sophia, in all these years, have you ever known me to do something and not own up to it? You're repeatedly questioning me, over and over, all for some intern. I think he's completely blinded you!"

Sophia's face was livid. She spun around and stormed out, the door slamming shut behind her. I slowly, methodically, wiped my mouth. Watching her retreating back, a flicker of profound disappointment ignited in my eyes.

That afternoon, I was scrolling through social media. To my surprise, the overwhelming deluge of negative posts about Owen had vanished. In their place was an official statement from Sterling Group. It claimed Owen possessed exceptional talent and had joined Sterling Group solely on his merit. The statement sternly declared that Sterling Group would not tolerate malicious rumors about its employees and would pursue legal action against anyone spreading false information online.

My phone screen lit up with a new message notification. It was Mark.

"Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Sterling just did more than have the legal department issue a statement. She publicly announced that Owen is returning to the company immediately as her Chief Secretary. Anyone caught spreading rumors, gossiping, or badmouthing him will be fired on the spot!" Mark continued. "Now the whole company is buzzing that Mrs. Sterling and Owen have an 'unusual' relationship."

Immediately after, Mark sent another screenshot. It was from Owen's SnapChat.

"The storms of the workplace are behind me! True talent always shines through the fire, and my hard work has been recognized! Thank you, Ms. Sterling, for believing in my abilities!" The post included a photo of an official offer letter. He was being rehired as Sterling Group's Chief Secretary, with a salary on par with a Vice President.

I stared at that sickening SnapChat post, then slammed my phone onto the table, pure murder flashing in my eyes.

Not long after, Sophia came home to retrieve some documents. She didn't even spare me a glance. She walked straight upstairs, grabbed something from her office, and was about to leave. I tapped my fingers lightly on the coffee table, stopping her.

"Sophia, what is the meaning of this?"

She paused, turning a cold gaze on me. "Owen is just a diligent, hardworking employee. Yet, for no good reason, you targeted him, drove him out of the company, and even cyberbullied him!" Her voice hardened. "I'm simply rectifying your mistake, Liam. This is what Owen deserves."

"What if I demand you fire him?"

"Then go ahead and try! I've tolerated your every whim and let you abuse your power to hurt others all these years, out of respect for you as my husband! But I'm utterly fed up with your behavior now. This time, I won't sacrifice Owen, and I won't let you run wild anymore!"

Sophia turned and left, the slamming door echoing through the entire villa. In that moment, I was utterly, irrevocably disappointed in her. Five years of marriage, of knowing and supporting each other, fractured like this, all because of a man who'd only been in our lives for two weeks. I sat on the couch, anger and disappointment a bitter knot in my chest. The glass in my hand shattered, shards digging into my palm, blood trickling down. I forced myself to calm down.

Sophia, you will absolutely pay for what you've done today!