Chapter 6

The intern's face went ashen, and she apologized profusely.

Marcus turned to look at me, signaling that he was aware and handling it.

But if he hadn't deliberately avoided family and marriage in interviews for the past decade,

if he hadn't deliberately enhanced Chloe's presence in the company,

why would I be treated with such disdain?

He walked directly to the main table, pulled out the chair next to him, and motioned for me to sit down.

Only then did I realize how bizarrely the main table seats were arranged.

Marcus was at the head, and Chloe and I were seated on either side of him, forming a stable yet awkward arrangement.

He calmly unbuttoned his jacket, and added, a little too quickly:

"Don't overthink it, Chloe always helps me navigate networking and takes the brunt of the social drinking, so she habitually sits beside me."

When it was time for the speeches.

Chloe, as one of the company's long-standing directors, stepped up first.

She raised her glass to everyone, but her gaze was locked on Marcus's face.

"For the past decade, I've dedicated all my youth and passion to this company. The person I want to thank most is Mr. Sterling." Her voice was slightly choked up, laced with boundless affection.

"Thank you, for shielding me from the storms and for giving me boundless opportunities. All these years, the company has been my home, and Mr. Sterling, you are my family!"

She heavily emphasized the last two words.

All eyes, like searchlights, were simultaneously fixed on my face.