Chapter 3

I decided to test him.

The next day, Nora brought me a contract. The formatting was a total disaster, and she had used three different fonts.

I snatched the folder, marched into Benjamin’s office, and slammed it onto his desk.

“Look at this. Is this the 'capable' intern you talked about? She can’t even format a basic document. How did she even pass her internship review?”

Benjamin flipped through the pages, frowning slightly. But then he sighed.

“She’s fresh out of college, Atalanta. There’s no need to be so harsh.”

“It’s a basic document, Benjamin.”

“She’ll get better with practice.” He dismissed it gently.

【He defended me again!】

【The chat says Benjamin is officially getting sick of this spoiled heiress!】

Later that afternoon, I asked Nora to bring me a cup of coffee.

When she brought it, it was barely warm, choked with milk, and sickeningly sweet.

I took a sip right in front of her and spat it back into the cup.

“What is this garbage? Are you here to work, or are you on vacation?”

Nora’s eyes instantly welled with tears. She lowered her head, her voice trembling.

“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Jefferson. I’ll make a fresh cup right away…”

【Just endure it. The chat says the more she bullies me, the more cruel she looks to Benjamin.】

Right on cue, Benjamin walked in. Seeing Nora’s red, tear-filled eyes, his frown deepened.

“Atalanta, it’s just a cup of coffee. Is it really worth throwing a tantrum over?”

I looked up at him.

“She can’t even remember my basic coffee order. You call that capable?”

“She’s only been here for a few days. Give her some time to adjust.”

Benjamin’s voice carried a distinct edge of annoyance. “Can you stop being so...”

He cut himself off, but I knew exactly what he wanted to say.

Stop being so unreasonable.

I let out a bitter laugh. I leaned back in my chair and waved my hand.

“Nora, get out.”

Nora glanced at Benjamin, then at me, and scurried out with her head low.

Benjamin walked over, pulled up a chair, and sat beside me, softening his tone.

“Babe, what’s wrong with you today?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re clearly angry.”

He reached out to hold my hand, squeezing my fingers. “Is this still about the other day? I already transferred Nora to you, didn’t I?”

I stared at him.

Did he truly not know what he was doing, or was he just playing dumb?

“Let me ask you something.” I looked straight into his eyes. “Do you honestly think she’s better than me?”

Benjamin blinked, then chuckled.

“How can you even compare yourself to her? You’re my wife. She’s just an employee.”

“I’m only helping her because she actually has potential.”

Outside the door, Nora was eavesdropping, her mind gloating triumphantly:

【He’s definitely comparing us in his head! The chat says his affection points just went up again~】

I ignored the voice and kept my eyes locked on him.

“Then why don’t you take Nora to our weekend date?” I asked coldly. “You two can talk about work the entire time.”

Benjamin sighed, pinching my cheek gently.

“What are you talking about? Of course I wouldn't go with her. My weekend belongs to you.”

A flicker of hope ignited in my chest.

【Atalanta is so gullible. She believes everything he says.】

【But the chat already revealed the truth. Benjamin is going to cancel on her, claiming he's too busy, and then he’s taking me out for my favorite Mexican food~】

The smile on my face froze.

No, I told myself. Those voices might not be real. Nora’s "system" could just be a delusion.

On Friday afternoon, I put on my makeup and a brand-new dress, waiting for Benjamin to finish work.

At 5:30 PM, my phone buzzed.

Benjamin: 「An urgent business dinner came up tonight, babe. I can’t make it. I’m so sorry. I promise I’ll make it up to you next time.」

I stared at the screen, the bright light burning my eyes.

I typed out a long reply, then deleted it all.

In the end, I only sent: 「Okay.」

The next day, I was scrolling through Instagram when I saw Nora’s new post.

There was no caption. Just a single photo.

A table full of Mexican food, and a man’s hands sitting across from her.

On his ring finger was the wedding band I had personally chosen for him.