Chapter 4

Our wedding anniversary was at the end of the month.

We had already planned to celebrate it with a formal dinner.

In reality, this was no simple party.

With prominent business figures attending, it was a crucial opportunity for Hayes Group.

In the past two years, with rapid digital advancement, even leading corporations were feeling the impact.

Hayes Group, having lagged in innovation, was hit the hardest.

I had worked day and night with my team to develop new products.

We were just waiting for this banquet to officially launch them.

This was Hayes Group's best chance to attract investment and support.

At this critical juncture.

Neither internal affairs nor potential investors could tolerate any mishap.

I repeatedly emphasized to Scarlett that she absolutely could not miss it.

Because Hayes Group needed to not only demonstrate the commercial value of its new products.

But also project an image of a united and harmonious front between its CEO and her husband to the observing partners.

Only then could we avoid any scandal impacting the stock market.

But Scarlett seemed to think this occasion was just like any other.

A mere show, something to be done whenever.

So, when Leo faked an illness and begged her to keep him company, she didn't hesitate.

I also knew full well.

There was another reason she agreed.

She wanted to teach me a lesson, a payback for making her unhappy that day.

I stared numbly at the countless unanswered calls on my phone.

The partner next to me already looked extremely displeased.

Around me, eyes full of amusement studied me.

It was then that a message popped up on my phone.

"Julian, Ms. Hayes is with me."

The next second, a photo flashed across the grand screen at the banquet.

The two in the picture were intimately posed.

Scarlett leaned on Leo's shoulder, her lipstick smudged, cheeks flushed.

Just one photo.

That single photo.

The carefully cultivated image of a perfect, harmonious marriage was instantly shattered, revealing its cracks.

No one would bet their money on a new product that could implode at any moment.

The surrounding murmurs were too loud.

So loud that my mind buzzed, and I couldn't hear anything clearly.

The dazzling lights overhead, the clinking of glasses, the mocking laughter echoed, one after another.

For a moment, I couldn't even tell if I was dreaming or awake.

It wasn't until deep into the night.

When scattered stars twinkled, that the guests began to disperse, one by one.