Chapter 3

3

Between the exhausting walk in the storm and the infection setting in, my body gave out.

When I finally woke up, it was already late afternoon.

Rowena was nowhere to be found.

After taking my pills, I walked downstairs to call a ride to the clinic.

Rowena's car pulled up right in front of the building.

"Cole, why aren't you dressed up at all?"

Sitting in the driver seat, Rowena frowned as she looked at my casual hoodie and sweatpants.

"Did you forget our company annual gala is tonight? Whatever, just get in."

"Sorry, Cole. I get really carsick in the back, so I sat in the front."

"I can move to the back if you want me to."

Luke sat comfortably in the passenger seat, offering a fake apology without making any move to get up.

In the past, I would have dragged him out of that seat myself.

Now, I could not care less.

Once the divorce papers were signed, he could take the front seat or the master bedroom for all I cared.

So this was the unforgettable anniversary Rowena had promised me.

Lumping our anniversary together with the corporate annual gala was certainly unforgettable.

During the ride, Luke kept talking about the company's rapid growth over the past six months.

He deliberately bragged about all the business trips he had taken alone with Rowena.

"Honestly, Cole, if your health wasn't so terrible, I would never have had the chance to travel with the boss so much."

Rowena looked awkward and tried to explain several times, but I kept my eyes fixed out the window.

When we arrived at the luxury hotel, I instinctively followed a few steps behind Rowena.

Years of handling everything behind the scenes had made me used to staying out of the spotlight.

Luke, on the other hand, boldly walked right by her side.

To anyone watching, they looked like the actual power couple.

"Welcome, CEO Rowena and her husband! Right this way, please!"

The doorman bowed deeply and shouted toward Rowena and Luke.

Rowena opened her mouth to correct him, but when she saw me trailing behind in casual clothes, she swallowed her words.

Luke puffed out his chest proudly, soaking in the mistaken identity.

A fake would always be a fake.

Rowena might be the public CEO now, but we built this enterprise from the ground up together.

Back during our startup days, I personally secured almost every single major client we had.

The moment I stepped into the grand ballroom, the company veterans immediately swarmed around me.

"Cole! Where have you been all these months?"

"We missed you so much, man!"

"You are not allowed to leave early tonight. We need to catch up!"

"How is your leg healing, Cole? Are you feeling better?"

Looking at the familiar faces of the friends who had fought alongside me from nothing, I smiled warmly.

"I had some health issues recently and worried everyone."

"I am doing much better now."

"Do not worry, I am not going anywhere tonight."

Seeing me surrounded by the founding partners and laughing with them, Luke clenched his jaw in pure jealousy.

The gala was a massive event.

Those seated at the head table were almost exclusively the founding pillars of the firm.

Luke only sat there because of Rowena's blatant favoritism.

After several rounds of gourmet dishes, the traditional toasts began.

In previous years, I was always the one to raise the first glass to thank the team and review our annual milestones.

Then everyone would toast freely and discuss goals for the coming year.

This time, Luke grabbed his wine glass and stood up before anyone else could speak.

"Everyone here is a respected senior at the firm. As CEO Rowena's executive assistant, let me propose the first toast to you all!"

He held his glass high with a smug grin.

Not a single person at the table moved.

An uncomfortable silence descended over the entire head table.

Luke stood frozen, unable to drink alone or put his glass down.

"To everyone's hard work this year," I said calmly, picking up my glass to break the deadlock.

Only then did the senior executives smile, raise their glasses, and drink together.

Luke was left standing there, his face burning with humiliation.