Chapter 3

June Mitchell POV

Less than ten seconds after I sent the message, a reply popped up on the screen.

"Agreed. But you need to bring the original core code of 'Genesis.' It's the underlying logic you independently developed and is crucial to the Deep Space Program. In three days, a car will come to pick you up."

I looked at the content on the screen, my fingers curling slightly.

"Genesis" was my most core achievement from the past ten years, and also the true foundation of Sinclair Group's current AI system "Cherry." All the original code and core data were locked in the S-level classified laboratory on the top floor of Sinclair Group.

I had personally designed the security system for that laboratory, but the final firewall required simultaneous biometric fingerprint and iris verification from both Ethan and me to open.

I still remembered the day the lab was completed. Ethan embraced me from behind, holding my hand as we registered our fingerprints.

"June, this lab belongs to both of us. The password and permissions must be shared between us. That way, we'll be bound together forever, and neither of us can leave the other."

What was once a vow had now become the most vicious curse.

When love died, those bonds that once represented absolute trust became the strongest cage for guarding against and imprisoning each other.

The next morning, after settling Atlas, I changed into a sharp black suit and drove to Sinclair Group.

As soon as I walked into the group's lobby, the surrounding air seemed to freeze instantly. Passing employees stopped in their tracks, looking at me with extremely complicated expressions.

"Did you hear? Miss Mitchell deleted all the data from Miss White's exhibition out of jealousy."

"My God, she always seemed so cold, but I didn't expect her to be so malicious."

"Mr. Sinclair sent out an internal notice this morning. If Miss Mitchell doesn't publicly apologize, he'll fire her and pursue legal action."

I ignored the gossip and walked straight toward the CEO's private elevator.

"Access denied."

The elevator's red light came on, the cold mechanical female voice echoing through the lobby, sounding particularly harsh.

I froze. My highest-level access had been revoked by Ethan.

"Miss Mitchell, I'm sorry." The head of security approached with a troubled expression. "Mr. Sinclair has instructed that your access is now limited to the ground floor lobby. Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"Unless you've come around and are willing to go to the PR department on the twenty-eighth floor to record an apology video."

I laughed bitterly. Ethan was determined to trample my dignity completely underfoot. He not only wanted me to apologize but also wanted me to bow down to his mistress in front of the entire company, even the entire internet!

Just then, the revolving door to the lobby was pushed open.

Ethan walked in, surrounded by a group of subordinates. He wore an impeccably tailored black haute couture suit. And beside him, following closely, was Sadie in a white dress.

Seeing me, Ethan's footsteps paused, an imperceptible complexity flashing through his eyes before quickly being replaced by indifference.

"You came to apologize?" Ethan walked up to me, looking down from above. "I thought you'd hold out longer."

Sadie hid behind Ethan, looking at me timidly.

"June, you really don't have to force yourself. Just promise you won't come after me anymore. I'm willing to forget about the paintings..."

"Shut up." I gave her a cold glance.

Sadie flinched, her eyes instantly reddening, clutching Ethan's sleeve pitifully.

"June Mitchell!" Ethan's face darkened immediately. "What kind of attitude is this? You did something wrong, Sadie is gracious enough not to hold it against you, and you still dare to snap at her?"

Looking at this familiar yet strange man before me, I felt my stomach turn.

I took a deep breath, suppressing the churning in my chest, my tone so calm it was devoid of any ripple. "Fine. I'll apologize."

Ethan froze.

He probably expected me to argue with him stubbornly like before, to pull out evidence proving my innocence, or even to question him loudly. He might have even prepared more cruel words to break through my psychological defenses.

But I conceded.

Calm as stagnant water.

"Go to the PR department." Ethan said coldly, leading Sadie straight toward the elevator.

I followed behind them, watching their overlapping silhouettes, a mocking smile curving my lips.

Ethan Sinclair, this is the last time I'll bow my head to you.

To leave you completely, this small humiliation means nothing.