Chapter 3

Stacks of cash sat displayed on the stage as employees below whispered among themselves.

One commented, "OMG! Mr. Scott is being super generous! Half the company shares—that must be worth millions! People like us could never earn that much!"

"Hey, that's Ms. Cline we're talking about. Haven't you noticed? Mr. Scott might as well move her into his house at this point," another replied.

"But isn't Mr. Scott married? I heard he's been with his wife for years."

Another chimed in, "So what? I've seen Mrs. Scott, and she's nowhere near Monica's level! She's overweight, and her face is all puffy, covered in freckles—nothing like the young and beautiful Ms. Cline.

"Plus, Mrs. Scott is just a housewife, while Ms. Cline has helped Mr. Scott land tons of partnership deals!"

I smiled silently and joined the other employees in applauding the celebration. When Reynold spotted me, panic flashed across his face.

He stammered, "H-Honey? What are you doing here? I was just in a good mood and decided to give Ms. Cline a bonus, that's all..."

Meanwhile, Monica had no intention of playing it down. She turned to me with a smug, almost taunting look and said, "Mrs. Scott, don't take it the wrong way."

She added, "Mr. Scott has always been considerate toward his employees. He gave me half the company shares and a 5.21 million cash bonus because I've earned it with my hard work!"

The previously lively banquet hall fell completely silent as everyone waited to see who would emerge victorious—the wife or the mistress.

Nonetheless, I could not be bothered to argue with her. I had come specifically to gather evidence of Reynold transferring marital assets to his mistress, and with the video I had just recorded, my mission was accomplished.

I replied flatly, "Ms. Cline has contributed a lot to the company. It's only right that she's rewarded."

Reynold visibly relaxed, his shoulders dropping with relief.

"All employees who help the company make money should be properly compensated. Honey, go ahead and continue your work. I'll just look around on my own," I continued.

Seeing me walk away, Reynold assumed I was angry and hurried after me, frantically explaining his relationship with Monica. He insisted they were strictly employer and employee. He even claimed that Monica had secured billion-dollar contracts for the company, so he rewarded her with shares and cash.

I secretly scoffed at his explanation. Those billion-dollar contracts were from long-term business partners who renewed them out of loyalty to me—Monica had nothing to do with it.

Reynold had already taken away my ability to have children for Monica. Yet, he still had the audacity to act like a loving husband. His hypocrisy disgusted me.

I simply said, "I understand Ms. Cline has contributed greatly to the company. You can reward her however you see fit!"

After I left, he texted me. "Let's celebrate the company's anniversary, just the two of us another day. I'll prepare a big surprise for you!"

Sitting by the hotel pool, I finalized property division details with my lawyer over the phone. Just as I hung up, Monica approached me.

"Mrs. Scott, why are you sitting here all alone?" she asked with a challenging smile. "Why aren't you celebrating with everyone else?"

"Are you feeling embarrassed? I mean... It's such an important day, so why are you dressed so..." She left the sentence unfinished, but her eyes clearly conveyed her contempt.

My expression turned cold. "What do you want?"

She smiled slightly. "I'm just a secretary. What could I possibly want? I was just wondering, if Mr. Scott had to choose between you and me, who would he pick?"