Chapter 3

3

When Rachel came out of the bathroom, she found the living room empty.

I had already locked myself inside the guest bedroom.

She kicked at the door several times, but I ignored her completely.

Speaking a single word to her now felt repulsive.

The next afternoon, I met with a trusted divorce attorney in downtown Seattle.

If I was ending things with Rachel, I would reclaim every single asset I had built.

Why should the fruits of my blood, sweat, and tears be used to fund her boy toy?

After meeting with my lawyer, I arrived at the company, only for Rachel to storm into my office with an irritated scowl.

"Neil, there is an elite charity gala tonight. You are coming with me."

Seeing her demanding attitude, I shook my head coldly.

"No."

Her face instantly darkened. "This is an order! Are you defying your CEO now?"

"Your former mentor, Gerald Bennett, will be attending tonight."

"He is now the head of the city's top four commercial chambers. Everyone in the regional business circle bows to him."

"You were his star student. As long as you come along, our company can secure a massive breakthrough."

I understood immediately―she wanted to exploit my personal connections for profit once again.

Then again, I had not seen Mr. Bennett in years.

As his student, it was only right for me to pay my respects.

"Fine. I will be there on time."

That evening, I prepared a thoughtful gift.

Mr. Bennett had always loved traditional artisan roasted tea, so I bought two premium tins.

It was not extravagantly expensive, but it carried genuine sentiment.

At the gala, I exchanged polite nods with several familiar business partners.

Finally, I spotted my mentor standing in the center of the crowd.

Mr. Bennett was visibly surprised and delighted to see me.

"Neil? It has been far too long! How have you been, son?"

We exchanged warm pleasantries, and I handed him the gift box of tea.

Before he could take it, Rachel stepped forward and slapped the tins out of my hand, sending them crashing to the floor.

"Neil, how could you be so disrespectful? Mr. Bennett is your esteemed mentor! We should present him with something worthy of his status."

With a smug grin, Chase stepped up carrying several luxury designer gift boxes.

The estimated value was easily several hundred thousand dollars.

Mr. Bennett looked at me, a puzzled frown creasing his brow.

Just as I opened my mouth to speak, Rachel shoved me aside.

"Mr. Bennett, Neil is my husband, and I am Rachel Brooks, CEO of Hendricks Enterprises."

"And this is Chase Campbell, my executive assistant. He is exceptionally talented and driven."

"Our company would never have reached this level of success without him."

Rachel completely pushed me out of the conversation, hogging the spotlight.

From the way she praised Chase, a stranger would have assumed Chase was her husband.

Mr. Bennett gave me a strange, knowing look.

He then bent down, picked up the tins of tea himself, and smiled warmly at me.

"No need for lavish gifts. This artisan tea has always been my favorite."

"Neil, we haven't caught up in years. Walk with me for a moment."

I followed Mr. Bennett away from the noisy crowd. After a long silence, he spoke gently.

"My boy... did you choose the wrong woman?"

His words made my nose sting with suppressed emotion.

He was indeed the mentor who knew me best; he saw through the facade in an instant.

I pressed my lips together. "I am sorry, Mr. Bennett. You had to witness this mess."

"I am already filing for divorce. Tonight, I came only as myself―your student."

Mr. Bennett smiled and patted my shoulder reassuringly.

"Whenever you face hardship, come to me. I am more than just your old teacher."

"This banquet is full of foul air; I don't care for it. Come to my estate in two days, and we will have a proper chat."

After squeezing my arm with a quiet sigh, he turned and left the gala.