Chapter 3

After I had Lucky cremated, I buried him next to my mom’s tombstone.

Early on the third day, Professor Davies sent me the exact departure time. I replied with an ‘okay’ and then walked into the HR office.

I officially submitted my resignation. They must have always had it out for me, because the entire process was incredibly smooth.

As soon as I closed the HR office door, I heard them gathered inside, gossiping.

“Just like that, she quit. Must be nice to be the CEO’s wife. I heard Mr. Jackson’s grandma left her half his fortune before she died!”

“CEO’s wife? They’re not even close to being married. I bet she quit because Mr. Jackson gave her project to Miss Chloe.”

“But wasn’t that *her* project? It’s almost finished! Giving it to Miss Chloe now is just letting her take all the credit!”

“So what? Miss Chloe is Mr. Jackson’s sweetheart!”

It wasn't surprising they thought that. As soon as Chloe returned, Jackson gave her a General Manager position. Even though Chloe knew nothing, Jackson would personally hand her projects.

He even made me work overtime to revise Chloe’s proposals and attend dinners with Chloe’s clients, drinking until I ended up hospitalized with a bleeding stomach. Yet, he would only say it was something I owed Chloe.

Listening to the mocking whispers that occasionally drifted out, my heart was utterly calm. Nothing stirred within me.

I just hoped the remaining days would pass quickly.

All the paperwork was done. It was time to go home and pack my things.

I carried my belongings back to the house, only to see Jackson and Chloe laughing and chatting over breakfast in the dining room.

Watching them feed each other bites, my hands trembled uncontrollably.

Once, I accidentally used Jackson’s water glass. That very day, he hired a dozen housekeepers to disinfect the entire house, and warned me not to have any physical contact with him.

It turned out Jackson wasn't a germaphobe. He just didn't want to be intimate with me.

Seeing me return, Chloe deliberately tugged on Jackson’s finger, feigning innocence. “Jackson, you gave Vicky’s position to me. Will she be upset?”

Jackson scoffed. “I’m the CEO of this company. Does she really need to approve my decisions?”

“But Vicky hasn’t been home for days now.”

“She’s waiting for me to go coax her. Just ignore her.”

Hearing that, Chloe’s eyes gleamed with triumphant satisfaction. She leaned into Jackson’s embrace, pouting as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

I said nothing, turning to walk upstairs.

Jackson finally noticed me. A flicker of guilt crossed his face, then he angrily threw his knife and fork onto his plate, barking orders at me. “Stop right there!”

I kept walking. He rushed over in a few strides and grabbed my arm.

“Victoria, what’s your problem? Do you even remember you have a home?”

He reached for the box in my arms, but I sidestepped him. “No need. You’re busy!”

Jackson’s impatience flared. He was about to speak when Chloe called out to him. “Jackson, I want another fried egg. Can you make it for me?”

“Of course.” Jackson immediately turned and walked toward the kitchen.

I started to move, wanting to go back to my room, but Chloe blocked my way.

“What do you want?”

Chloe glanced towards the kitchen. The sweetness vanished from her face, replaced by pure jealousy and malice.

“Victoria! You heard it all, didn’t you? Jackson only cares about me. If his old hag of a grandma hadn’t forced him, he never would have married you.”

“I heard his grandma left you half his fortune? Don’t be shameless and think that money is yours!”

“I advise you to be smart about this. Hand over the property agreement. After all, one word from me, and he’ll kick you to the curb.”

She paused, looking at me, then pretended to cover her mouth and laughed. “Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot. Your family’s all dead. You’re like an unwanted stray dog now.”

“No wonder you’re sticking to Jackson like glue.”

Her tone was contemptuous, her eyes and lips full of amusement.

No matter how she insulted me, I wouldn't care.

But she shouldn’t have mocked my family. My blood ran cold instantly. I couldn't help but snap at her, “Chloe! Say one more word, and I’ll rip your mouth off!”

“Victoria! What are you doing?!”

Jackson overheard me. He must have feared I’d hurt Chloe, because he immediately barked at me to stop.

I froze. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Chloe raise an eyebrow, then exert pressure on my hand.

The next second, I was falling backward. My vision spun, and before I knew it, I was tumbling down the stairs, every inch of my body screaming in pain.

“Victoria!” Jackson dropped what he was holding and ran over in two steps, trying to help me up.

Chloe leaned into Jackson, her eyes glistening with tears. “Jackson, I didn’t mean to…

“It’s all my fault, Vicky. I’m so clumsy. I’ve caused trouble again. What should I do…?”

Her panic was perfectly timed. Jackson couldn't bring himself to blame her.

He frowned, looking at me. “Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital? Chloe didn’t do it on purpose, don’t blame her.”

I shook my head, turning my face away bitterly. I saw my scattered belongings.

My resignation letter and the classified documents were clearly visible on top.

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