Zayn leaned in cheerfully, gently tapping Lucas's tiny nose. "My smart boy knows that his mommy is the better-looking one! Lucas, I can't wait for you to grow up and take over your mom's responsibilities so she can relax!"I smirked to myself. Lucas was not even a month old, and Zayn was already so eager. I could not help but wonder how he would react when he realized I was the one in control, not them.After Lucas was born, Yvonne visited more frequently, happily running errands despite my demands. She would occasionally mutter, "Why doesn't he look anything like me? He's like Candice's carbon copy."Zayn always reassured her, saying, "Well, Candice carried him for nine months. It's normal that he looks like her now."Soon, Lucas began showing signs of exceptional intelligence. Zayn proudly told everyone that Lucas had inherited his brains while ignoring how much the boy increasingly resembled me.In elementary school, Lucas skipped three grades. He completed all his high school
The room buzzed with murmurs and speculation. The crowd could not deny the striking resemblance between us."They're practically identical! Who wouldn't believe they're mother and son?" someone called out."And look at Ms. Rogers. She's so plain one will just lose her in a crowd. How can she be the mother of someone as handsome as Professor Summers?"Yvonne, desperate and flustered, blurted out the truth, "During the IVF procedure, Zayn personally switched Candice's eggs with mine! Lucas is my son with Zayn—he only looks like her because she carried him!"The crowd erupted in outrage."Ms. Summers went through IVF 18 times, and Mr. Yeager switched her eggs with his mistress'? That's beyond cruel!"Another voice shouted, "Just when we thought the affair and baby swap was shocking enough, they pulled this out!"Yvonne paled, realizing too late the impact of her desperate confession. However, Zayn remained calm. After all, the Summers Group shares were finally in his son's name, in
"Let go of me, you little bastard!" Zayn struggled against Lucas's grip.I stepped forward and, with all my strength, slapped Zayn across the face with a resounding crack.As he reeled from the blow, I shook my stinging palm and warned him, "Watch who you're calling names."I mocked him, saying, "Zayn, do you actually believe you're someone just because you've been mingling with upper-class society for the past 18 years?During those years, Zayn had transformed from the humble CEO who had once groveled before me into someone who thought he could order me around, drunk on the flattery of clients, employees, and his devoted mistress.That slap was his wake-up call, a reminder of his proper place. The shock on his face was almost comical—he had grown too accustomed to his perceived superiority.He wanted to fight back, but the crowd's condemning stares made him realize he had no ground to stand on. After all, from switching the eggs to trying to seize control and push me out, he was
I took a sip of coffee and shrugged casually. "Because you were actually competent at the job. And as for why I didn't expose you right away—well, first, you were cheap."I remembered how Zayn had initially offered to work for just one dollar a month to gain my trust. He had said, "Honey, I just want to work for you. This dollar represents not just a salary but also my complete devotion to you."I had been so touched that I even planned to transfer some of my shares to him after Lucas was born. Instead, I discovered his dollar salary was just another manipulation, so I decided to play along.After all, why would I turn down a free employee when market-rate CEOs command at least 2 million dollars a year?The money he had saved me could count as interest on his debt to me.His face turned pale at my blunt answer. "A few million a year is nothing to you. That can't be the only reason."I was surprised. After 20 years of marriage, he did know me somewhat. "Well, there is a second rea
Zayn exploded in rage. "Do you know who I am? I'm the CEO of this company! You're just a security guard—how dare you treat me like this? You're fired!"Most people would have panicked at such a threat from the CEO, but the guard merely rolled his eyes. "Maybe figure out why the system won't recognize your face first."It was then reality hit Zayn. He had been standing outside for 15 minutes, and though dozens of employees had seen him, not one had offered to help him inside.He pulled out his phone and checked the Summers Group's website, finding an announcement from two days ago.[CEO Zayn Yeager and his secretary, Yvonne Rogers, have been terminated due to personal misconduct severely damaging the company's reputation.]Zayn's hands shook so badly that he almost dropped his phone. Yvonne peered at the screen and shrieked, "We've been terminated?!"In a fury, Zayn tried calling Lucas, only to find he had been blocked. He spat, "Ungrateful brat!"He screamed in anger and attempt
"Honey, try this homemade chicken soup I made for you. I've been simmering it for six hours just to make sure you and our little one get all the nutrients you need," Zayn said with pride.He playfully held up his right index finger to show the blisters and said, "Look what I went through for you both."No one would have guessed that the man in an apron was Zayn Yeager, the famously aloof and unapproachable CEO of a publicly traded company, who was often described as such in the media.My stomach suddenly churned violently, forcing me to rush to the bathroom and throw up. Zayn followed close behind, gently rubbing my back."Our baby is already giving you such a hard time. Just wait until he comes out—I'll teach him a lesson for making his mommy suffer!"His voice was filled with genuine concern as he continued, "Honey, you've been through so much, enduring 18 rounds of IVF just to have our baby, and now, you're dealing with morning sickness. I just..."He showed no disgust at my s
I smiled slightly, pretending not to notice anything amiss.Later, Yvonne made herself comfortable beside me, acting like she was in her home. It was a far cry from the timid scholarship student she had once been."Goodness, Candice, you look terrible!" she exclaimed dramatically, reaching for my arm, but I shifted away just in time to avoid her touch."Mr. Yeager, just look at how much Candice has sacrificed for you," she continued with mock concern. "Her complexion is so sickly, and her figure is completely gone—she's hardly the glamorous socialite she used to be."Yvonne scooted away from me with obvious distaste, making eyes at Zayn when she thought I was not looking, her words dripping with contempt.Before I could respond, Zayn frowned and snapped, "What nonsense are you talking about? Candice is still as beautiful as always!""Oh, I'm so sorry, Candice," Yvonne apologized with fake remorse. "I speak without thinking sometimes. You won't hold it against me, will you?"Then
Zayn exploded in rage. "Do you know who I am? I'm the CEO of this company! You're just a security guard—how dare you treat me like this? You're fired!"Most people would have panicked at such a threat from the CEO, but the guard merely rolled his eyes. "Maybe figure out why the system won't recognize your face first."It was then reality hit Zayn. He had been standing outside for 15 minutes, and though dozens of employees had seen him, not one had offered to help him inside.He pulled out his phone and checked the Summers Group's website, finding an announcement from two days ago.[CEO Zayn Yeager and his secretary, Yvonne Rogers, have been terminated due to personal misconduct severely damaging the company's reputation.]Zayn's hands shook so badly that he almost dropped his phone. Yvonne peered at the screen and shrieked, "We've been terminated?!"In a fury, Zayn tried calling Lucas, only to find he had been blocked. He spat, "Ungrateful brat!"He screamed in anger and attempt
I took a sip of coffee and shrugged casually. "Because you were actually competent at the job. And as for why I didn't expose you right away—well, first, you were cheap."I remembered how Zayn had initially offered to work for just one dollar a month to gain my trust. He had said, "Honey, I just want to work for you. This dollar represents not just a salary but also my complete devotion to you."I had been so touched that I even planned to transfer some of my shares to him after Lucas was born. Instead, I discovered his dollar salary was just another manipulation, so I decided to play along.After all, why would I turn down a free employee when market-rate CEOs command at least 2 million dollars a year?The money he had saved me could count as interest on his debt to me.His face turned pale at my blunt answer. "A few million a year is nothing to you. That can't be the only reason."I was surprised. After 20 years of marriage, he did know me somewhat. "Well, there is a second rea
"Let go of me, you little bastard!" Zayn struggled against Lucas's grip.I stepped forward and, with all my strength, slapped Zayn across the face with a resounding crack.As he reeled from the blow, I shook my stinging palm and warned him, "Watch who you're calling names."I mocked him, saying, "Zayn, do you actually believe you're someone just because you've been mingling with upper-class society for the past 18 years?During those years, Zayn had transformed from the humble CEO who had once groveled before me into someone who thought he could order me around, drunk on the flattery of clients, employees, and his devoted mistress.That slap was his wake-up call, a reminder of his proper place. The shock on his face was almost comical—he had grown too accustomed to his perceived superiority.He wanted to fight back, but the crowd's condemning stares made him realize he had no ground to stand on. After all, from switching the eggs to trying to seize control and push me out, he was
The room buzzed with murmurs and speculation. The crowd could not deny the striking resemblance between us."They're practically identical! Who wouldn't believe they're mother and son?" someone called out."And look at Ms. Rogers. She's so plain one will just lose her in a crowd. How can she be the mother of someone as handsome as Professor Summers?"Yvonne, desperate and flustered, blurted out the truth, "During the IVF procedure, Zayn personally switched Candice's eggs with mine! Lucas is my son with Zayn—he only looks like her because she carried him!"The crowd erupted in outrage."Ms. Summers went through IVF 18 times, and Mr. Yeager switched her eggs with his mistress'? That's beyond cruel!"Another voice shouted, "Just when we thought the affair and baby swap was shocking enough, they pulled this out!"Yvonne paled, realizing too late the impact of her desperate confession. However, Zayn remained calm. After all, the Summers Group shares were finally in his son's name, in
Zayn leaned in cheerfully, gently tapping Lucas's tiny nose. "My smart boy knows that his mommy is the better-looking one! Lucas, I can't wait for you to grow up and take over your mom's responsibilities so she can relax!"I smirked to myself. Lucas was not even a month old, and Zayn was already so eager. I could not help but wonder how he would react when he realized I was the one in control, not them.After Lucas was born, Yvonne visited more frequently, happily running errands despite my demands. She would occasionally mutter, "Why doesn't he look anything like me? He's like Candice's carbon copy."Zayn always reassured her, saying, "Well, Candice carried him for nine months. It's normal that he looks like her now."Soon, Lucas began showing signs of exceptional intelligence. Zayn proudly told everyone that Lucas had inherited his brains while ignoring how much the boy increasingly resembled me.In elementary school, Lucas skipped three grades. He completed all his high school
Yvonne would tremble with anger as tears streamed down her face.Eventually, Zayn would try to smooth things over. He explained, "It's just the pregnancy hormones. That little one must be giving her a hard time."The mention of the baby softened Yvonne's expression, but when they were alone, she broke down. "She's torturing me on purpose! I'm just a secretary, not her personal assistant. Why should I run her errands?""Don't be upset," Zayn said as he comforted her, pulling her close. "Remember, she's carrying our baby. Once she delivers, you won't have to deal with her anymore.""That wench," Yvonne seethed through gritted teeth. "Just wait until our son grows up and inherits the Summers fortune. I'll make her pay!"I watched them on the surveillance feed with amusement, like a puppeteer pulling the strings of two marionettes.After my parents died in a car accident, every relative crawled out of the woodwork, trying to grab a piece of the Summers fortune. Even my parents' most
I smiled slightly, pretending not to notice anything amiss.Later, Yvonne made herself comfortable beside me, acting like she was in her home. It was a far cry from the timid scholarship student she had once been."Goodness, Candice, you look terrible!" she exclaimed dramatically, reaching for my arm, but I shifted away just in time to avoid her touch."Mr. Yeager, just look at how much Candice has sacrificed for you," she continued with mock concern. "Her complexion is so sickly, and her figure is completely gone—she's hardly the glamorous socialite she used to be."Yvonne scooted away from me with obvious distaste, making eyes at Zayn when she thought I was not looking, her words dripping with contempt.Before I could respond, Zayn frowned and snapped, "What nonsense are you talking about? Candice is still as beautiful as always!""Oh, I'm so sorry, Candice," Yvonne apologized with fake remorse. "I speak without thinking sometimes. You won't hold it against me, will you?"Then
"Honey, try this homemade chicken soup I made for you. I've been simmering it for six hours just to make sure you and our little one get all the nutrients you need," Zayn said with pride.He playfully held up his right index finger to show the blisters and said, "Look what I went through for you both."No one would have guessed that the man in an apron was Zayn Yeager, the famously aloof and unapproachable CEO of a publicly traded company, who was often described as such in the media.My stomach suddenly churned violently, forcing me to rush to the bathroom and throw up. Zayn followed close behind, gently rubbing my back."Our baby is already giving you such a hard time. Just wait until he comes out—I'll teach him a lesson for making his mommy suffer!"His voice was filled with genuine concern as he continued, "Honey, you've been through so much, enduring 18 rounds of IVF just to have our baby, and now, you're dealing with morning sickness. I just..."He showed no disgust at my s