Chapter 7

I finally looked up, met Chloe's gaze, and smiled as I spoke:

"Director Chloe, that was beautifully said. Marcus and I have always considered you family."

I paused, then my smile deepened as I changed the subject:

"Just like our whole family loves Patches."

"After a while, you just grow fond of them, don't you?"

Chloe's cheeks flushed slightly, and she asked curiously:

"Patches? Which department is that from?"

Marcus's assistant quickly whispered:

"Patches is Mr. Sterling and his wife's Ragdoll cat."

The color drained from Chloe's face instantly.

I curved my lips and raised my glass, lightly clinking it against hers:

"When we first picked it up, it was so skinny, rubbing against people for food."

"Now its fur is sleek, it's plump, and occasionally it scratches the couch, acting like it owns the place."

The air seemed to freeze.

The guests who had been whispering moments before now wore expressions of exquisite amusement, wanting to laugh but not daring to.

Marcus suddenly turned his head, uncharacteristically lowering his voice and asking coldly:

"Audrey, do you really have to humiliate her in this setting?"

I leaned my head towards him, feigning an affectionate couple, and whispered slowly, word by word, into his ear:

"You know, our daughter has graduated high school."

"Or has the glory of the past decade made you forget whose name the company bears? Is it Sterling? Or Montgomery?"

I had never spoken harshly to him.

This was the first time.

He was shocked by my bluntness.

For Lily to have a harmonious family environment, so as not to shatter her filtered image of her father.

And to make Marcus truly believe my sincerity about returning to domestic life, so he would work harder.

I had never punctured the illusion he had diligently built for himself over the past decade.

Now, with a gentle poke.

Marcus froze, his face turning pale as he asked:

"You... what do you mean?"

"Nothing, don't be nervous!" I raised my voice.

"I just wanted to use this occasion to announce that next week, I will be officially rejoining the company."

"At that time, I hope everyone present will give me their full support."