Jessica, seeing Chloe’s determined expression, scoffed.
- “Chloe Miller, do you even understand the principles of design? How dare you boast in here? You’re shameless. Know your place.”
Chloe met her gaze.
- “Save your concerns. The results will speak for themselves in three days.”
Later, Alex approached Jessica.
- “Jessica, I’ve checked. When Chloe Miller was in school, she won numerous awards in design competitions. If she wins, our department will lose face.”
Jessica smiled slyly.
- “I have a plan.”
That night, Chloe was hunched over her desk, sketching furiously.
- “Done at last!” she exclaimed, stretching her tired muscles. “Just some final tweaks to make tomorrow.”
Michael, who had been lingering in the office, watched her.
- “Pack up. Chloe Miller, after I win this contest, I’ll have you expelled from Thompson Enterprises.” He was playfully mimicking Jessica.
Chloe giggled.
- “Let’s go. I’ll take you home.”
- “Thank you, Mr. Thompson.” As they walked past a fountain, Chloe looked at the water. Water. Ripples. I’ve got an idea.
- “Mr. Thompson, you go ahead first,” she said. “I’m going to revise the draft.”
- “Come back! It’s late! Go home!” Michael insisted.
The next day, in the packed conference room, Jessica presented her design.
- “This is the design for our second-generation product, with an overall white theme, pure and minimalist, emphasizing the formula’s purity and the product’s integrity, as well as the product itself. This is my original design.”
- “Wow! This competition is pointless!” a colleague whispered. “Let’s just declare Sister Jessica the winner!”
- “Exactly!” another agreed.
- “This is my design!” Jessica declared, looking triumphant. “Chloe Miller, have some shame! I worked for three days and nights on this masterpiece! Don’t think your secretary position gives you the right to steal my work! Chloe Miller, a design thief like you is a cancer in this industry! Get out of Thompson Enterprises!”
- “I agree! Expel Chloe Miller immediately!” the room buzzed with agreement.
- “Enough!” Michael commanded. “Chloe Miller, you claim this is your design? Where is your proof?”
- “My initial design used white for purity and simplicity, pure and minimalist,” Chloe began.
- “Stop parroting my words!” Jessica snapped.
- “Just as our products eliminate toxins, we use natural ingredients,” Chloe continued, ignoring Jessica. “We choose natural ingredients. Sweet talk won’t make this your design. Since women are made of water, hydration comes first in skincare. Our second-generation product has better moisturization with a lightweight texture. Therefore, I made it transparent with water ripple patterns.” She revealed her design, a stunning, fluid bottle that truly evoked the essence of water.
The room fell silent, then a murmur of appreciation spread.
- “This does seem like Chloe Miller has a better design!”
- “Bullshit! Jessica’s design is clearly superior!” Jessica yelled, her face red.
- “This woman! How dare you go behind my back and secretly make a second version?!”
- “Who’s better?” Chloe asked, looking around the room. “I trust that everyone can judge for themselves.”
Michael, a pleased smile on his face, announced,
- “Chloe Miller, you’re now a full-time employee. Starting tomorrow, you’ll be the new designer in our department.”
- “Thank you, Mr. Thompson!” Chloe beamed.
- “Meeting adjourned,” Michael said, then added, “Everyone, I have an announcement to make. Based on Jessica and Chloe Miller’s performances, the company has decided that Chloe Miller will serve as the leader of design team two, overseeing new product development. The former design director, Jessica, is demoted to team three leader. Let’s give them both a round of applause!”
Jessica stood, stunned.
- “She actually won!”
- “What’s there to be proud of?” Jessica scoffed, regaining her composure. “She just slept her way to the top! First with manager Anderson, and she got beaten by his wife when she was caught! Chloe Miller, you used your body to reach my level! How dare you act so superior? You’re nothing special!”
Chloe, calmly, pulled out her phone.
- “I recorded everything you just said. Mr. Thompson hates gossipers. If he sees this, you’ll all be fired.” She looked at Jessica. “Jessica, look at her. Apologize now and I’ll let this slide.” She started a countdown. “Three, two…”
Jessica, seeing the panic in the faces of her gossiping colleagues, swallowed hard.
- “I’m sorry,” she mumbled.
- “You too,” Chloe said, looking at the others.
- “Sorry,” they muttered.
- “What? I can’t hear you! Speak louder!” Chloe demanded.
- “We’re sorry!” they all chorused.
- “That’s better,” Chloe said, putting her phone away.
Michael, observing the scene, then announced,
- “I’m going to Seattle on business tomorrow. Chloe Miller, prepare to accompany me.”
Jessica’s eyes widened.
- “Mr. Thompson always took Jessica on his business trips before! Why is he taking Chloe Miller now?!” She stopped Chloe in the hallway. “What did you do to make him choose you? Why you instead of me?!”
- “Because I’m better than you,” Chloe replied, a confident smirk on her face.
- “Lies! You slept with Mr. Thompson!” Jessica accused.
- “How did you know?” Chloe shot back, a dangerous glint in her eyes. “You were the one who gave me Mr. Thompson’s location that day! You were the one who spiked Mr. Thompson’s drink!”
Jessica’s face went pale.
- “What nonsense are you talking?! I have an acquaintance there! She witnessed it firsthand!”
- “What acquaintance?” Chloe pressed. “The waiter who locked me in the room?!”
- “What waiter?!” Jessica stammered, clearly flustered. “I have no idea what you’re talking about! Stop trying to frame me!”
Michael, walking by, overheard the commotion. Chloe quickly changed the subject.
- “Mr. Thompson, the documents for the trip to Seattle are all prepared.”
- “Hmm,” Michael replied, then turned to Alex. “Did you find out who drugged you last time?”
- “We’ve identified one suspect, but there’s likely… someone behind him,” Alex reported.
Could it be Jessica? Chloe thought. She sent me the hotel location. Moreover, she seems to be aware of what happened.
- “Mr. Thompson, your coffee is ready,” Jessica said, appearing with a cup.
Michael took the coffee.
- “I will investigate this matter. Go and pack your things first, Chloe Miller.”
- “Understood,” Chloe replied, walking away.
Later, as Chloe was leaving the office, a man leered at her.
- “Hey, gorgeous. Let me show you something special.”
- “Pervert!” Chloe exclaimed, pushing him away. She quickly called Michael. “There’s a pervert near you! Be careful!”
- “I’m coming right now!” Michael said, his voice urgent.
The man grabbed Chloe.
- “Sweetheart! Stop her! Don’t let her escape!”
Michael arrived, furious.
- “What do you think you’re doing?!”
The pervert, seeing Michael’s intimidating presence, immediately backed down.
- “Do you like her? If you like her, she’s all yours to keep. Do whatever you want with her.”
- “Stop! Don’t hurt him!” Chloe cried, seeing Michael about to lash out.
- “Watch out!” Michael pushed her out of the way as the pervert’s accomplice tried to attack.
- “Let’s go!” Michael said, grabbing Chloe and pulling her away.
The pervert and his accomplice looked at each other.
- “You just let them escape like that? We had an agreement to make money together!”
A new voice, cold and menacing, cut through the air.
- “I warned you not to touch Michael Thompson. Next time, I’ll end you.”
Back in Michael’s car, he was tending to Chloe’s scraped arm.
- “Does it hurt? Let me blow on it for you.” He gently blew on her arm. “One last time.”
Chloe felt a strange flutter in her chest.
- “I feel much better now. Okay, that’s enough. Uh, thanks for yesterday.”
- “You’re my employee,” Michael said, avoiding her gaze. “It’s my duty to protect you.”
- “Just an employee?” Chloe mumbled, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Suddenly, Jessica burst into the car.
- “Mr. Thompson! Chloe Miller told me you were attacked! Are you okay?!”
Michael sighed.
- “If something had happened to me, would I still be standing in front of you?”
- “I told you that you needed bodyguards! You refused!” Jessica huffed. “Were you so eager for some alone time with Chloe Miller? Having your little private moment?”
- “Alone time? What nonsense are you talking about!” Michael snapped.
- “Don’t you have feelings for Chloe Miller?” Jessica pressed. “You like me!”
- “What do you mean I like you? You were the one who liked me first!” Chloe interjected, exasperated.
- “When did I ever like you?!” Michael retorted.
- “Then why did you tell your grandma that I’m your husband? You even wrote down all of my preferences in your little notebook!” Chloe countered, pulling out her small notebook. “If this isn’t love, then what is it?!”
- “My grandma misunderstood!” Michael insisted, his face reddening. “Besides, that notebook contains work-related notes only! I note down details for you, Director Anderson, Taylor, and Lee too!”
- “Moreover, aren’t you into men?” Chloe teased, remembering his earlier declaration.
- “That was just an excuse to reject you!” Michael exclaimed.
- “Who needs your rejection? You narcissist!” Chloe scoffed. “Do you dare to say you don’t like me?”
- “Think whatever you want,” Michael grumbled. “You clearly like me but you won’t admit it.”
Alex Davis, arriving on the scene, shook his head.
- “Director Thompson, do you like her?”
Michael, caught off guard, stammered,
- “I… Of course not! I prefer gentle and caring types, not someone who is loud and chatty all day!”
Alex smirked.
- “Director Thompson, the reason she likes you is because you fell for her first. Therefore, you are obviously the one who has a crush on Chloe Miller.”
Michael’s eyes widened.
- “Are you saying… I’m… secretly pining for Chloe Miller?! If you dare to spill this, you’re dead!”
Just then, Grandma arrived, carrying a basket.
- “I brought some food for both of you! Have some first.” She looked at Chloe’s wrist. “Isn’t this the gift Director Thompson asked me to prepare for his wife that day?”
Jessica, seeing the bracelet, snickered.
- “Is there a problem? My husband gave me this.”
Grandma looked at Jessica’s bracelet with disdain.
- “It seems your husband isn’t that great. This bracelet looks cheap.”
Chloe, seeing Michael’s uncomfortable expression, quickly interjected,
- “Mr. Thompson, this bracelet is expensive! When you asked me to choose a gift from Adam, this bracelet was an option. Mr. Thompson, you don’t even remember what you gave your wife?”
Michael groaned.
- “Mm-mm. All men are the same.”
Alex, ever the loyal assistant, tried to steer the conversation.
- “Hey, what’s wrong with Mr. Thompson?”
- “You know exactly why!” Jessica hissed at him. “You know I like Chloe Miller, yet you mention gifts from Adam! You’re more trouble than you are help!”
- “But your marriage is a sham, and you’re getting a divorce soon,” Alex whispered to Jessica.
- “But she doesn’t know that!” Jessica retorted. “Should I explain it to her?”
- “Stay out of it,” Michael commanded. “I’ll talk to her myself. By the way, her birthday is in two days. Prepare a decent birthday gift. Something better than that trashy bracelet her ex gave her.”
- “Understood,” Alex replied, then paused.
- “Wait,” Michael said, looking at Alex’s choice of glasses. “Never mind. With those ugly glasses, your taste is clearly terrible. I’ll choose it myself.”
The next day at the office, Chloe found a beautifully wrapped gift on her desk.
- “What’s going on here?” she wondered.
Jessica, seeing the gift, approached.
- “Cut the act! Don’t play dumb! This birthday gift is from Mr. Thompson! She’s just showing off! Some people have stolen Jessica’s position through shady means, and have even schemed to get such expensive gifts from Mr. Thompson! Mr. Thompson’s divorce from his wife must be her doing too!”
Chloe, exasperated, grabbed the gift.
- “Michael Thompson, you’re setting me up! You’re so good at spreading gossip, why don’t you spread it to Mr. Thompson? Let me state again, these are Mr. Thompson’s gifts for his wife, and they have nothing to do with me!”
A colleague scoffed.
- “Mr. Thompson is divorcing his wife! Why would he buy her all these gifts?!”
- “Exactly!” another agreed. “She’s just making excuses out of guilt! Mr. Thompson is divorcing his wife for her! Soon she’ll be the future Mrs. Thompson of Thompson Enterprises!”
Another colleague, looking at the gift, had a sudden realization.
- “I have a wild theory! Could it be that Chloe Miller is Mr. Thompson’s secret wife?!”
- “That’s impossible! Are you serious? Chloe Miller? She’s unworthy!”
Jessica’s mind raced. She remembered Chloe’s phone call. This is my husband’s phone. Why do you have it? Because your husband is in my bed. The voice on the phone sounds just like Chloe Miller’s. I sent Mrs. Thompson to catch Chloe Miller, but she never showed up. If Chloe Miller is Mrs. Thompson, then everything makes sense. Fine. I’ll test this again. Let me see if you’re really Mrs. Thompson.
Michael approached Chloe’s desk.
- “Mr. Thompson, was the gift on my desk from you?” Chloe asked.
- “Well, isn’t it better than that tacky bracelet your husband gave you?” Michael teased. “Listen, these gifts were carefully chosen just for you.”
- “I don’t want them,” Chloe said, pushing them back towards him. “Take them back.”
- “Why not? Don’t you like them?” Michael pressed. “If you don’t, I’ll get you new ones.”
- “What are you trying to do?” Chloe asked, a blush creeping up her face.
Michael leaned in close.
- “I said I like you. Don’t you feel anything for me? You smell amazing.”
- “Stop it!” Chloe pulled away. Do I like him? Maybe. But I won’t be the other woman who breaks up a family. “You’re married, Mr. Thompson. And I have a husband. We’re not single and available. Let’s keep our distance. As for the gifts… Give them to your wife.”
Later, Michael called his «wife.»
- “She rejected your gifts? Yeah. She told me to pass them on to you.”
His wife, a cold voice on the other end, said,
- “She’s obviously jealous. Did you tell her that we’re in a fake marriage?”
- “I don’t know how,” Michael admitted. “By the way, if you want those gifts, come to Thompson Enterprises.”
- “There’s no need,” his wife replied. “You’ve given me enough already. I can’t accept any more. Besides, these are for her.”
Wait. Thompson Enterprises? Chloe, who was actually his «wife,» thought, a strange suspicion forming in her mind. What a coincidence. She then received a call from Michael.
- “What are you sneaking around here for?” he asked, seeing her through his office window.
- “Nothing much,” Chloe replied, playing it cool.
- “What are you up to?” Michael pressed.
- “Hi! Just doing what you wanted. Chatting warmly with my wife.” He winked at her through the phone.
- “What broken door? You cheapskate!” Chloe muttered under her breath.
Suddenly, her phone went dead.
- “What’s wrong? What happened? Why did you hang up so suddenly?” Michael asked from his office.
- “It’s nothing,” Chloe replied, retrieving her broken phone. “I just got scolded by my stingy boss.”
- “It seems like every time we talk, you end up mentioning him,” Michael said, a hint of annoyance in his voice. “If you really hate him that much, why don’t you come and work at my company?”
Chloe chuckled.
- “Actually, I don’t hate him that much.”
- “So you like him?” Michael asked, a hopeful note in his voice.
- “Well, maybe just a little.”
Michael sighed.
- “It looks like we’ve both fallen for someone we shouldn’t have.” He then turned to Alex. “President Thompson, the money tree. I’ve got something to handle. I have to go.”
Alex, looking at the money tree, muttered,
- “President Thompson, the leaves on that expensive money tree you bought… Chloe Miller is almost plucking all the leaves off.”
Chloe, still at her desk, heard this. She smiled. Chloe Miller. I’m looking forward to meeting you, Madam Thompson. I’ll find out soon enough. The mysterious wife of Mr. Thompson. Is it really you? Chloe Miller.
Three days later, Michael called Chloe.
- “Chloe Miller! Didn’t we agree to get a divorce in seven days? There are still three days left. Why are you in such a rush? You invited me to the cafe. Let’s just meet and talk face to face.”
- “Hello? Hello,” Chloe said, picking up the phone. She heard a knock at the door. “Was someone at the door earlier? There’s a lady on the phone outside.”
- “Wasn’t it you who arranged this?” Michael asked, confused. “Then who…”
Chloe looked out the door. It was the woman from the hotel. Oh. That mistress from last time.
Michael’s voice came back.
- “In three days, we’ll meet at number six Xingyang Road. First, you’ll accompany me to see my Grandpa. After we explain the situation to him, we’ll go to the County Clerk’s Office to finalize the divorce.”
- “Fine. I’ll see you in three days,” Chloe replied, hanging up. I’m still curious about what his mistress looks like. Should we go and take a look?
She shuddered. “No way. Last time I was mistaken for a homewrecker. They beat me up pretty badly. Maybe next time.” She still managed to get away.
In three days, I’ll be single again, Chloe thought, a strange mix of emotions swirling inside her.
Later that day, Grandma called.
- “Chloe! What is it, Grandma?”
- “That boss who brought you home last time,” Grandma said excitedly. “He seems to be downstairs now. Maybe he needs something from you.”
- “Mr. Thompson is downstairs?!” Chloe exclaimed, rushing to the window. “Grandma, please go back inside! I’ll go and check on him.” She hurried downstairs.
- “What are you doing here?” Chloe asked Michael. “How did you know I was here? Obviously, my grandma saw you from upstairs.”
- “What do you really want from me, Chloe Miller?” Michael asked, his voice soft but intense. “I love you. I know you feel the same way. Why can’t we be together?”
- “We’re both already married!” Chloe protested, her heart pounding. “I won’t become a homewrecker who destroys families.”
- “You’re not breaking up my family,” Michael said, stepping closer. “My marriage is a fake. I only did it to appease my grandfather and secure the family inheritance. I found a contractual spouse. We only met on our wedding registration day. I don’t even remember her face.”
- “A sham marriage?!” Chloe gasped. “That’s exactly my situation! Give me three days, okay? I’ll finalize the divorce with her.”
- “Wait, hold on!” Chloe said, her head spinning. “This is too much to process. My husband and I are in a sham marriage, too.” She looked at him, a sudden thought striking her. “Did you used to be called Olivia Bennett? Did you change your name before?”
- “I never changed my name. I’ve always been Chloe Miller,” she replied.
Michael smiled.
- “At least now I know. We’re both in fake marriages. After we both get divorced, let’s be together.”
Suddenly, Alex Davis ran up to them, looking frantic.
- “Hell must be freezing over! What is it?” Michael demanded.
- “Mr. Thompson, you asked me to investigate the drugging incident. It was indeed Jessica’s doing!” Alex blurted out.
- “Bring her to my office! Understood?” Michael commanded, his face hardening.
- “You wanted to see me, Mr. Thompson?” Jessica asked, feigning innocence, when she arrived in Michael’s office.
- “You’re the one who drugged me, aren’t you?” Michael’s voice was cold.
- “It wasn’t me! I didn’t do it!” Jessica insisted. “Did that Chloe Miller poison your mind against me?!”
- “I called you here not to listen to your excuses,” Michael said, his voice cutting her off. “I overheard everything. You’re fired. Pack your things and leave immediately.”
Jessica’s eyes widened in disbelief.
- “Mr. Thompson, I’ve served you for so many years! Don’t I deserve some credit?! Now you want to drive me away because of Chloe Miller?!”
- “Not pressing charges is me being generous,” Michael replied, his voice chillingly calm. “Or would you prefer the legal consequences? Oh, and find me a lawyer tomorrow. Have them draft the divorce papers. I’ll be officially divorced in two days.”
Jessica, defeated, left the office. Alex, who had been listening, asked,
- “Mr. Thompson, are you planning to be with Chloe Miller after the divorce?”
Michael smiled.
- “We both entered into sham marriages. We agreed that after we end these marriages, we’ll officially be together.”
Alex, still reeling from the revelation, thought, Mr. Thompson and his wife have a fake marriage. No wonder she’s so indifferent toward him. This won’t do. I must stop Mr. Thompson from being with Chloe Miller.
Jessica, packing her things, saw Alex.
- “What are you doing here?”
- “Alex Davis, please beg Mr. Thompson for me!” she pleaded. “I was just confused for a moment!”
- “I can’t help you with this,” Alex said, his voice firm. “You should pack your things quickly and leave the company.”
Jessica scoffed.
- “What’s there to be proud of? Once I’m with Mr. Thompson, you’ll be the first to go.” She then saw something on Alex’s desk. “What are you looking for? Can’t I just pick up a pen?” She picked up a document. “A marriage certificate? It can’t be. No. It’s Mr. Thompson’s marriage certificate!”
- “This is my personal item,” Alex said, trying to snatch it back.
- “I don’t believe you! Show me!” Jessica demanded.
- “Why should I show you? This is my private property!” Alex retorted.
Jessica, now with the certificate, thought, It seems that Mr. Thompson and Chloe Miller don’t know who their sham marriage partner really is. If Mr. Thompson finds out that Chloe Miller is actually his wife, we must keep them from finding out.