Chapter 3

3,

After cleaning up and applying ointment, I walked into the conference room for the evening debrief.

The team members exchanged uneasy, awkward looks.

"What happened? Is something wrong?"

One colleague cleared her throat nervously.

"Well... I went to knock on Team Leader Valerie's door, but Trevor was in her room. She said... she's busy tonight and canceled the debrief."

Another colleague muttered angrily under his breath:

"She is out of line! The pre-mission briefing is standard protocol. How can she cancel it for a hookup? Especially when you're right here, Shane―"

I dug my nails into my palms to maintain my composure.

"I'll go talk to her."

When I pushed open the door to Valerie's suite, a flirtatious giggle greeted my ears.

Valerie was sitting on Trevor's lap with her arms wrapped around his neck, posing seductively for his phone camera.

Trevor's grin widened when he saw me.

"Shane, don't get the wrong idea. Valerie and I are just close like brother and sister."

Valerie barely spared me a glance while Trevor's hand wandered under her blouse.

"Don't think your seniority at the bureau gives you the right to look down on people. If you don't want a divorce, apologize to Trevor right now."

"Also, when we get back, tell the Director to approve Trevor's full-time position."

I wanted nothing more than to slap both of them across the face and scream that our marriage was over.

However, my rational mind held back the fury. It wasn't time to reveal my hand yet.

I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth.

"I don't own the bureau, and the Director isn't my father. I don't have the power to turn a temp into a permanent agent."

Valerie sneered with entitlement.

"Didn't you just receive a National Commendation medal last week? Trading your recommendation slot for Trevor's job shouldn't be hard for you!"

I took a deep breath, reminding myself not to stoop to the level of scumbags.

"I came to tell you that the team is waiting for the pre-mission briefing."

Before Valerie could speak, Trevor scoffed impatiently.

"Are your team members completely useless? It's just a routine meeting! Why does Valerie need to be there in person? Did you all get hired through nepotism?"

He buried his face into the crook of Valerie's neck.

"Valerie, you promised to spend tonight with me. You can't break your word! I brought several roleplay outfits for us!"

Valerie's cheeks flushed crimson, her eyes glistening with lust.

She glared at me with icy irritation.

"Get out already! Do I need to have security throw you out? What a mood killer. I still don't know why my mother ever picked you for me!"

Trevor scooped her up into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom.

Within moments, sickening moans and lewd laughter echoed through the suite.

Those filthy sounds stabbed into my chest like rusty needles.

Once, Valerie and I shared genuinely sweet years together.

Yet all of it turned to poison the moment Trevor entered her life.

In my past life, I believed she was merely manipulated by him.

After being reborn, I finally saw her true colors.