Chapter 3

"Unlike people like you, everything I've achieved is through my own hard work. Rather than being a decorative figurehead, I value having real worth in a woman's eyes."

His gaze was mocking, a stark contrast to the gentle yet firm demeanor he displayed towards women earlier.

I couldn't help but clench the report in my hand, a cold laugh escaping my lips.

"You have quite the nerve. Gabriela has never lacked people to work for her. Your so-called value is negligible to her."

He wasn't annoyed. Instead, he calmly opened his phone's photo album, which was almost entirely filled with screenshots of my chat history with Gabriela.

"You might not know, but since last month, Ms. Petersen has given me her phone password. That means, since then, I've been on the other end of your chat list."

"By the way, on your wedding anniversary, that diamond-encrusted watch you really liked—it was my suggestion that Mrs. Petersen buy it."

"That time you told her to go home early and shared pictures of your new four-piece bedding set—it was also me who persuaded Mrs. Petersen to go home and that's when she finally put down her work and went back."

"You know, I stayed up all night in the office that day and the next day I received a watch from the same brand as yours, but I never wear it to avoid suspicion..."

Slap!

The crisp sound of a slap echoed in the air, together with my fingertips and heart went numb.

My proud composure crumbled at that moment.

"Who do you think you are? Daring to interfere in my marriage?"

He covered his face, only showing surprise for a moment, then laughed.

"Are you afraid?"

Seeing my silence, he grew smug. “Don’t worry. I’m not the kind of man who uses dirty tricks or meddles in other people’s marriages.”

His tone shifted, his smile widening. “Unless the other person makes the first move. Then I’ll take the remaining ninety-nine steps without hesitation.”

His eyes blazed with a fanatical light, which suddenly brought me to my senses.

That year, if Gabriela hadn't taken that first step, it would have almost cost her her life.

I would never have walked the remaining 99 steps with tears in my eyes.

And the woman before me, strutting around arrogantly, was even proud of it.

I had a powerful family background to back me up, but what about him?

"This makes you so angry until you can't speak?" The man's voice sounded relentless.

Before turning away, I chuckled softly. "What can I say? Can I just wish you success?"

Leon, of course, assumed I was just furious.

As I left, I saw him, his face swollen and red, walk straight towards the VIP room where Gabriela was.

He knew how to exploit a woman's sympathy to gain her favor.

At least, he was much smarter than I was back then.

At the age of 20, I met Gabriela standing behind my mother.

At that time, she was just like everyone else, politely bowing and greeting me with "Nice to meet you, Young Master."

Initially, I only thought she was pleasing to the eye and appointed her as my personal assistant.

But she never became arrogant because of my favor, nor did she show the slightest displeasure at my unreasonable demands.

She was diligent and conscientious in her work, but always politely distant towards me.

Later, I was kidnapped by my enemies and she bravely took a bullet for me.

That bullet almost killed her on the spot.

It also made me completely fall for her.

During the days she was unconscious, I dreamt of the fresh scent of soap she carried me in her arms.

When she woke up, her eyes red and swollen from crying, I accused her of incompetence.

Blushing, I pointed to the scrape on my shoulder and demanded she take responsibility.

The excuse was clumsy, but she nodded anyway.