chapter 2

Victor never publicly acknowledged our relationship at work.

He always said he wanted respect earned through merit, not because he was married to me.

But now, faced with this chatter about him and Luna, he showed no displeasure. Instead, he just sent more digital gift cards.

Maybe he saw I had claimed the digital gift card, so he sent me a private message.

"Tomorrow night, The Regent Palace. Luna's celebration. As the General Manager, you should also attend. Bring her a congratulatory bouquet, and I'll overlook your little outburst today."

Reading this, I immediately opened a shopping app and placed an order.

Victor wanted to play games? Fine, but I would not let him use the CEO position I’d helped him secure to glorify another woman.

The next evening, I arrived at the opulent Regent Palace with my gift.

Luna was there in a clingy cocktail dress, intimately draped over Victor's shoulder.

She spotted me, waved excitedly, and exclaimed, "Ivy! You’re here!"

I approached them with a cool smile and presented my offering.

The look on both their faces was truly awful.

Victor cried, "I told you to bring flowers! What the hell is this?!" Victor's smug grin vanished, replaced by a furious scowl as he stared at the funeral wreath I brought.

I plucked a single white lily from the arrangement, offered it to them, and retorted, "It is flowers. Couldn't you tell? You were the one so insistent that I bring them."

Luna's eyes welled up with instant tears. Her lip trembled and she cried, "Ivy… I know you've never liked me… but how could you wish this on me…?"

Victor's heart seemed to break for her. He pulled her protectively into his arms and, with a sharp crack, slapped me across the face, snapping, "Ivy Sullivan! Have you lost your mind?!"

The commotion drew stares from other employees.

Whispers erupted as they saw the wreath.

"Is that VP Sullivan? How could she bring a funeral wreath to Luna's party?"

"I always heard rumors she had a thing for the boss. She must have been jealous and did this on purpose to draw his attention."

"Seriously? From what I’ve seen, she’s always been such a capable, competent strong woman. Yet how could she ever do something so disgusting?"

Victor glared at me with pure venom, jabbing a finger toward the door.

He snarled at me, "Ivy, get out! And don't bother coming back to the office!"

Buried in Victor's chest, Luna shot me a look of pure triumph. I just smirked and sneered, "You're firing me?"

Just then, a group of distinguished-looking middle-aged men entered the venue.

My smile widened.

These were the major shareholders who had built this company with my father. With them here, it was not Victor's or Luna's stage anymore.

But then, upon seeing Victor, the lead shareholders bowed their heads respectfully to him.