Chapter 2 Challenge

I had made up my mind to bow out and let Yves have his fun. He could elope with Joyce for all I cared. Once I was done changing the details, I went to the salon to get my hair done, then a whole skincare routine. No point being frugal for a man if he would only spend the money on another woman.

That necklace cost about 450 grand. If I were a betting woman, I'd say this key holder was a little souvenir for Joyce as well, but he decided to show some generosity to me. I'd respond in kind. He wanted freedom? He could have it.

Once I had my hair done and my skin tended to, I picked up the papers and went to Yves' company. The receptionist noticed me, and her eyes lit up. "Hi, Mrs. Gordon!"

"Hi. Is your boss in today?"

"Yes. Mr. Gordon had a meeting this morning."

I nodded and took the elevator. Back when Yves and I got married, I Venmoed all his employees a handsome amount of money. So, I knew for a fact that they recognized me.

I got out on the sixteenth floor, my heels clacking. Yves' assistant greeted me. "Hey, Joyce."

"Where's Yves?"

"In his office, but Ms. Cherny's there too." He huddled closer. "Might not be the best time to see him."

I smiled. "It's the other way around. In fact, it's the best time to see him. I brought him lunch."

Yves' assistant looked at the bento box in my hand, stunned. I ignored him and made a beeline for Yves' office.

I opened the door and was greeted by a cloying voice, "Had a fight with Tiffany again? She has too much time on her hands. Independence is important for women. Housewives always let their thoughts get the better of them because they don't have anything better to do."

"She's not as capable as you are, Joyce. Thanks for getting us that Westmore deal. When the money comes through, you're getting a raise."

"Really? I don't need a raise. Money means nothing to me. I just want to be by your side."

I chuckled, and the couple inside noticed. I dropped the act and went inside. Joyce was on Yves' lap, her arms around his neck. If I hadn't heard the conversation, I'd think they were going to screw right there and then.

Yves panicked and pushed Joyce aside. Joyce dusted herself off and smirked at me. "Hey, knock before you come in. Where's security? We've got a trespasser here!"

She acted like she owned the place. Yves patted her shoulder. "That's my wife. Tiffany."

Joyce feigned surprise. "Oh, that's your wife? She's so different from the other women."

The sarcasm, unfortunately, did not go over my head. Yves looked at me, stunned. Of course, I looked beautiful. I had my hair done and styled myself meticulously. My accessories made me stand out even more.

"What brings you here?" Yves snapped out of his trance.

"Are you here to check on him, Tiffany? We were talking about the Westmore deal. I don't think you'd understand that."

I smiled, unfazed. "Go on, you guys. I made some soup, and I thought Yves would like it. I'll be going soon." I placed the thermos on the table and was about to leave, but Yves called out to me.

"Wait. Why don't we have lunch together?"

I looked at Joyce. There was disdain and challenge in her gaze, as if she thought I was nothing but a leech who fed off my husband. Still, I wanted to see what she was up to. Therefore, I agreed to the proposal.

"Fine. Where are we going?"