Chapter 1

Beyond rage, I felt tears threatening to spill. After smoothing down my newly changed gown, I took a deep breath and steeled myself for what I was about to do.

Under Max Davis's stunned gaze, I stormed over and shoved the woman hard. She slammed against the wall before sliding to the floor, knocking over a wine glass that drenched her outfit.

As she screamed, I turned and slapped Max across the face. I said coldly, "Care to explain how you plan to tie my hands?"

"You're insane!" Max cursed, rushing to help the woman up from the mess.

She glared at me with pure hatred, but when she turned to Max, her expression transformed into a wounded innocence.

She remained silent, letting giant tears roll down her cheeks. Somehow, she managed to look heartbreakingly pitiful, and undeniably beautiful.

I grabbed a napkin from a passing waiter and threw it at her face. "Coco?" I let out a bitter laugh. "The assistant?"

Coco Hale flinched and retreated, prompting Max to step between us. He stated, "Suri, it was just a harmless joke. Why are you making such a big deal out of this? Stop being so petty."

Max added threateningly, "Think about how it would look if this made the news: 'CEO's Wife Assaulted An Employee'."

I retorted, "Oh, you're worried about bad press? I wonder what would make a better headline—me pushing an employee, or a CEO offering to help his assistant assault his own wife?"

Max's face turned crimson with embarrassment. "We work our employees so hard. Letting her blow off some steam by pushing you isn't a big deal. You weren't even hurt."

I laughed in disbelief, having never seen Max stoop so low. "Then why don't you let her push you around instead?"

Max frowned. "I told you it was a joke. She doesn't know you and pushed the wrong person. Let it go before you make an even bigger scene."

When Max tried to grab my arm, I pulled away, noting the irritation in his eyes. I demanded coldly, "Wrong person? Then why hasn't she apologized? What kind of assistant doesn't recognize the CEO's wife? Is she even qualified for the job?"

Max froze, knowing he had no defense. He could not utter a single word and could only shield Coco with his body while avoiding my gaze.

This business dinner was Max's idea. He insisted it was a chance to network with industry leaders and expand into overseas markets, so I agreed to come along.

After a full day of travel, we arrived at the hotel, and Max suddenly informed me that his "assistant" had messed up the reservation—there was no room for me.

At the time, I found it odd that a married couple would need separate reservations. However, Max had claimed he would be spending late nights with industry leaders, and it might be awkward for me to share a room.

Since the main hotel was fully booked, I reluctantly went to another one, even though it was inconvenient and almost made me late for the event.

Thinking back clearly, what kind of idiot would deliberately book two people from the same company in different hotels? It had all been part of her scheme.

Alas, I was stupid enough to believe Max's excuse about needing to have late-night discussions with industry leaders.

It was almost laughable.