Chapter 5

Soon after my daughter graduated high school, the company's thirtieth anniversary celebration arrived.

Having been a stay-at-home mom for many years, I had long been out of touch with company affairs.

But I decided to attend the gala nonetheless.

The moment Marcus and I stepped into the ballroom, I knew this evening was Chloe's main stage.

I wore a custom champagne gold gown, an elegantly reserved statement.

Chloe, however, wore a midnight blue gown that perfectly echoed the color of Marcus's tie.

As if they were the meticulously matched couple.

"Mr. Sterling, Mr. Miller and the others have been waiting for a while."

She familiarly handed Marcus a drink, practically ignoring my presence.

He gently patted my hand in reassurance, took the glass, and hurriedly instructed:

"You find a seat for a bit, I'm going to say hello."

Then he was led by Chloe into the swirling center of clinking glasses and chatter.

I was left standing there.

Before long, whispers like a tide surged around me, undisguised.

"Is that Mr. Sterling's wife? She just seems... completely outmatched by Director Chloe."

"Shhh! Keep it down. But honestly, look at Director Chloe and Mr. Sterling together, *that's* what you call a perfect power couple, a strong alliance."

"Right, I heard she's been a stay-at-home mom for ages. She knows Mr. Sterling likes Director Chloe but doesn't dare make a scene."

"No kidding, Chloe practically built this empire alongside Marcus for at least fifteen of those years. If I were a man, I'd pick Chloe too!"

I maintained a faint smile, pretending not to hear.

A short while later, a young woman wearing an intern badge, holding a drink, with eyes full of fervent adoration, walked directly towards Chloe, but was blocked by a passing guest right in front of me.

She impatiently turned sideways, and her gaze furrowed as it landed on me.

"Excuse me, ma'am,"

Her tone carried a hint of condescending scrutiny.

"This is the main table area for VIP guests. To avoid disturbing Director Chloe and our distinguished guests, it's best if unauthorized personnel don't linger here."

After she spoke, she even pointed her chin towards Chloe, a blatant attempt to impress.

Chloe glanced at the scene, her smile deepening, showing no intention of helping me out of the awkward situation.

Everyone around us was waiting to see me embarrassed.

Before I could speak, Marcus's assistant rushed over, his voice grave:

"Brittany, this is Mr. Sterling's wife, Ms. Montgomery-Sterling."