Chapter 4

That night, Cindy came home very late, carrying the smell of hospital disinfectant.

She lay down beside me and habitually reached to put her arm around my waist.

When she touched me, nausea rose in my stomach.

I jerked away toward the edge of the bed, avoiding her touch.

Her hand froze, confusion all over her face.

"Terry, what's wrong?"

I turned my back to her, my voice cold.

"My stomach's not feeling well. I want to sleep alone."

She was silent for a moment and didn't push it.

The next day, Cindy Group held a planning meeting for the annual jewelry show.

As Chief Designer of Cindy Group and nominal Art Consultant for this show, I attended the meeting.

Cindy sat at the head of the table, Antoine at her side behind her.

The discussion turned to selecting the lead for the second half of the year's main "Rebirth" collection.

This was my passion project—two years of conceptual work. I'd drawn every sketch by hand.

Cindy suddenly cleared her throat.

"Regarding the Rebirth collection, I've decided to put Antoine in full charge."

"The final lead designer credit will also go to Antoine."

The conference room went silent enough to hear a pin drop. Everyone's eyes turned to me in unison.

I looked straight into Cindy's eyes.

"Why should my design go to an assistant who knows nothing?"

Cindy's expression darkened, tinged with displeasure.

"Terry, your health isn't good, and the show workload is too intense. I don't want you overworking yourself."

"Antoine may be young, but he's very talented. This project is perfect for him to gain experience."

Antoine stood up, his eyes reddening, looking pitiful.

"Sir, if you mind, I can decline."

"I just want to help Ms. Cindy. I never meant to steal your work."

Several executives exchanged glances, their looks at me now tinged with reproach.

I laughed bitterly. "Fine. If Ms. Cindy thinks he can do it, give it to him. I have no objections."

I stood up and walked out, pushing the door open.

While washing my hands in the break room, Antoine followed me in.

He leaned against the doorframe, watching me mockingly.

"Terry, so what if you're occupying Cindy's husband position?"

"A man who can't even give her a child of your own is useless."

"With one word from me, everything you worked so hard on has to be handed over to me."

I pulled out a paper towel and methodically dried my hands.

"Is that so?"

"But even wearing a twelve-million-dollar watch can't cover up the cheap smell of a homewrecker on you."

Antoine's face twisted with rage. "Who are you calling a homewrecker?!"

I raised an eyebrow, my tone disdainful.

"What? Hit a nerve?"

"Terry, have you made enough of a scene?" Cindy's angry voice came from the doorway.

She pulled Antoine behind her, looking at me with disappointment.

"Antoine just took on the project and is under a lot of pressure. As his senior, instead of helping him, why are you insulting him here?"

"Where did your manners go?"

I watched her protect another man behind her back.

The last trace of reluctance in my heart evaporated.

"Think whatever you want." I pushed past her and walked out.

Cindy instinctively reached out, trying to hold me back.

"Terry..." Before she could touch me.

Antoine grabbed her sleeve, calling out weakly:

"Cindy, I'm feeling dizzy."

Cindy's movement stopped, leaving her in place.

I scoffed and strode out of Cindy Group's building without looking back.