Chapter 1

At the company’s New Year’s Eve party, the CEO’s husband lost a big dare and had to choose an employee to drink a wedding toast with as a bonus.

As he walked toward me with a blush on his face, my colleagues began to cheer.

“They’re already an old married couple, and they’re still showing off their affection.”

The next second, my husband stepped past me and hugged Julia Snow, who was standing beside me. All my colleagues froze.

None of them expected my husband to drink a wedding toast with a female subordinate right in front of me.

But I wasn’t upset at all. I was the first to clap and break the silence.

“Have a few more drinks, and I’ll get you some more. Drink all night if you like. You don’t need to come home.”

I muttered the last words, “don’t need to come home,” in a low voice.

Then I set down the two bottles of wine and pushed the door open to leave, amid everyone’s shock. My husband quickly chased me out and grabbed my arm. “Don’t overthink it, Vivian Mercer.”

“Julia’s brother has leukemia and urgently needs the bonus for treatment. I had to choose her.”

“But don’t worry, I’ll keep my distance from her from now on.”

“Julia even gave you some luxury travel tickets to thank you.”

Only after seeing me nod silently did Ethan Cole Reed breathe a sigh of relief and turn away.

He didn’t realize I was already utterly disappointed in him and no longer believed a single word he said.

Since he didn’t care about me at all, I wouldn’t play along with his games anymore.

I picked up my phone and replied to the headhunter I had contacted two weeks ago.

“I promised you last time. I’ll bring the core technology.”

——

As soon as I arrived at my desk, I saw the so-called luxury travel tickets Julia Snow had left for me.

A wrinkled gift voucher lay on the table.

“That’s Julia’s gift for Vivian. My aunt got a stack of those the other day.”

“Aren’t these just unwanted coupons? And you’re calling them luxury travel tickets?”

My colleagues glanced over, whispering mockingly. “Shut up. Vivian’s back.”

When they saw me return, they quickly turned around.

I sat down without a word, tossed the ticket into the drawer, and didn’t bother looking at it again.

Just then, the phone rang like a death knell. It was Ethan Reed.

“Vivian? Where’s the bonus I asked you to approve for Julia? Why hasn’t it gone through yet?” His voice burst out with harsh criticism.

“How long are you going to drag this out? Don’t you know Julia desperately needs the money?”

When I stayed silent, his tone softened.

“Vivian, Julia urgently needs funds for her brother’s treatment. You know that, so why haven’t you approved it yet?”

“I filed the bonus application a long time ago, but Finance hasn’t released the money yet.”

Hearing disappointment in my own voice, I answered slowly.

“Then why don’t you go push for it? Julia is so kind and pitiful—don’t you know how to help her?” Ethan lowered his voice a little.

“Vivian, just do me this favor, alright?”

Hearing that gentle demand, my chest tightened. Just a favor for her? Then what am I to you?

You care about everything she faces, so I’m supposed to just do you a favor, right?

I muttered inwardly.

Julia, with nothing more than a junior high diploma, should never have been in this company. Ethan had slipped her in through the back door.

Everyone could see favoritism written all over his face.

“Also, Vivian.”

Ethan’s voice came again.

“Julia submitted an application for promotion to department manager.”

“Please help polish her materials and photos and send them to management.”

I froze when I heard this. “Didn’t I just get promoted to department manager two weeks ago? How is she applying?”

“She has a sick brother who needs money, right? Managers earn a good salary. What’s wrong with you making a little sacrifice?” Ethan replied.

Chapter 2

“Just handle her work as a side task from now on. It’s not much.”

I trembled when I heard this. I worked diligently for three straight months to win a unanimous vote for my promotion to department manager.

And with one careless word, he instantly turned me into her subordinate.

Now he expected me to clean up her messes and even provide her food, drinks, and entertainment!

I thought back over the past five months.

From the moment Julia Snow joined the company, Ethan Reed dumped all of her tasks on me.

She had only a junior high education and couldn’t draft a weekly report, so Ethan always asked me to write it.

She couldn’t prepare a speech for the year-end awards ceremony, so Ethan pushed me to scramble one for her. I earned first prize at that ceremony with my hard work. Yet in the end, Julia stood on stage, stumbling through my speech as she accepted the award.

I did all of Julia’s work, but in the end, I got nothing, while she reaped the rewards.

Even when she got drunk and behaved recklessly at work, Ethan blamed me for not stopping her.

Now she was my boss, and she expected me to do everything?

Why was Ethan so blind? A shiver ran down my spine.

In five years of marriage, he had never posted a single photo of us online, always saying he’d do it “next time.”

At every company annual meeting, when he mingled with executives, he pretended not to know me.

When I confronted him in private, he whispered,

“Isn’t this better for us? Why seek such attention?”

“On our fifth anniversary, I’ll make you department manager and livestream our honeymoon to the entire company!”

I still remember that promise.

But instead, he embraced Julia and handed her the manager’s role.

And the promise of posting our photos was delayed again and again—ninety-nine times—until I finally gave up hope.

At first, my colleagues privately called me the future president, President Reed’s jewel.

But as Ethan ignored me more, and his parents treated me with disdain, those gazes turned scornful. “She’s just a houseguest. He probably eats leftovers at home.”

“The CEO thinks she’s unpresentable and won’t even post a picture.”

Hearing their gossip, I pretended not to notice, though my heart grew colder each day.

I should have awakened sooner. Everything Ethan did in the past six months showed he didn’t love me.

“Alright, Vivian,” Ethan’s tone softened again over the phone.

“I won’t keep you up too long. Next year, when Julia gets promoted, I’ll make you department manager.”

At this, the corners of my mouth twitched.

“Alright, get the paperwork done. Don’t delay her appointment as manager,” he added gently.

“Julia worked so hard to get into this company. It hasn’t been easy, and she has to care for her brother with leukemia.”

“You helped her, and she’s thankful. She even gave you travel tickets.”

Hearing this, my chest tightened.

“He only sees Julia now. To him, she’s perfect.” While he and Julia surfed and sunbathed, I was drowning in work at the company.

He and Julia enjoyed a candlelit dinner on an island in the lake, while I drank myself into gastric bleeding over a single order.

I always followed his instructions and worked tirelessly for the company.

But while I labored, they had fun, and when they returned, they stole my achievements and honors.

I shook with rage.

“Ethan, has my manager done it yet?” Julia’s languid voice floated through the phone.

Ethan instantly brightened. “Alright, Julia.”

Chapter 3

He was all smiles, chatting on the phone as he walked out, clearly discussing a trip with her.

Seeing this, I trembled all over. To my shock, he didn’t even glance at me.

The next day, at the company’s promotion meeting,

A row of employees wearing large red flowers stood up.

After they accepted their commendations, Ethan Reed slowly walked onto the stage. A photo of him and Julia Snow appeared on the big screen, their wedding pictures taken on a white sandy beach.

The audience burst into excitement, applauding and cheering.

Ethan stepped forward and took Julia’s hand.

“I announce that the new department manager is Julia Snow!” he continued. “I also have great news: we’re getting married next month!”

The employees erupted in cheers.

“I was wondering why Miss Snow was kept for last. So Ethan wanted everyone to share in the joy!” Julia’s supporters chimed in.

“I didn’t expect Julia to be so secretive.”

On stage, Julia couldn’t suppress her smug smile but pretended to cover her face.

“I told Ethan to keep it low-key, but he insisted on announcing it at the meeting.”

“Miss Snow, don’t be so modest! You’ve got the double blessing of promotion and marriage!” Veteran employees applauded.

“Ethan and Julia are a perfect match. Unlike some people reaching above their station—they can’t even get close.”

I clearly felt contemptuous, pitying glances from colleagues around me. My fists clenched as I shook with anger.

All around me, my coworkers applauded, and some stared, enjoying the scene.

I stood and tried to leave, but they clearly wouldn’t let me go easily.

As I stepped toward the exit, a colleague shouted,

“Vivian, it’s such a big day for Ethan, and everyone’s applauding. Why aren’t you clapping?”

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on me, mocking me.

I stayed silent, but then Julia spoke on stage.

“Everyone, don’t blame Vivian. He’s probably tired and wants to celebrate privately with Ethan and us.”

Though she said this, the sarcasm on her face lingered, only tinged with smugness.

Onstage, Ethan didn’t even look my way.

“Everyone, let’s go. Tonight we’ll celebrate at a five-star hotel—it’s Julia’s and my wedding banquet!”

I quietly slipped out, pulled up the resignation letter I had already written, and sent it with one click.

After submitting my resignation, I figured that since I was leaving Ethan anyway, I had to make things clear to his parents. Ethan drove Julia to a music festival.

She had emptied my pockets again, leaving me nearly broke, so I took the bus to his house.

When I arrived, the brightly lit gate bore the words “Reed Family.”

It was absurd; I had paid for this villa in full, planning to live there with Ethan.

But he secretly moved his parents in and replaced the lock with a digital one, registering all his family members’ faces except mine.

After work, he retreated to this villa to relax. I, meanwhile, had to stay in the company dormitory.

I rang the bell five times before Ethan’s parents reluctantly came and opened the door.

“Vivian? Why are you here?”

Ethan’s mother scowled. “Shouldn’t you be working overtime at the company? Leaving all the burden on Ethan alone?”

“Ethan’s out, so I came to check on him.” Hearing this, I only wanted to sneer.

“You come to check on him, yet arrive empty-handed?”

Ethan’s father’s voice rang out from the living room. He tossed the tea leaves from his cup, nearly splashing hot water onto my shoes.

“I don’t know who sent me this lousy tea,” he scoffed.

“Look, the oolong Julia gave me is much better.”

Chapter 4

“Premium tea is worth ten thousand dollars a pound. Vivian, take a look!”

I walked over and saw the box of tea he had tossed aside and the box of premium tea Julia Snow had supposedly sent.

“Dad, I ordered this Yunshan Oolong from overseas for you, didn’t you know?” I asked, confused.

I had given this fine tea to Ethan Reed and asked him to pass it to his father. How could it be Julia’s gift?

At that, Ethan’s father’s face suddenly stiffened.

“Ethan said it himself—Julia sent it. How dare you claim that?”

“This is what you brought. Five dollars a pound of cheap street-stall stuff. Take it back!” He threw another tin of tea at me.

“Spending so little and pretending it’s a grand gift!”

I picked up the tin of green tea, trembling all over. This must have been what Julia had given me.

“Vivian, it’s late, and as you can see, we haven’t prepared dinner.”

Ethan’s mother opened the door, clearly intent on sending me away.

Ethan’s father didn’t even speak further.

To the Reed family, I was always an outsider.

“Mom, Dad, we’re back!”

Just then, the door opened. Ethan walked in, holding Julia’s arm.

At the sight of them, his parents beamed.

“Julia, you’re here! Come in, sit down! We’ll prepare dinner for you,” his mother said warmly.

When Julia saw me, she quickly ducked behind Ethan, her eyes red.

“No, Auntie. Someone doesn’t welcome me. I should go,” Julia said timidly. At this, Ethan’s parents’ expressions hardened.

“Vivian! Are you bullying Julia?” Ethan’s father snapped coldly. “Let me tell you—she’s more worthy of this home than you are!”

“You claim you bought this Oolong? Then take it back! I don’t want it!” He hurled the tin across the table.

Ethan’s mother chimed in.

“Vivian, Julia is just a girl from a small town. How could she manage such an expensive gift? How much thought must have gone into it!”

“You bought a few dollars’ worth of tea from a street stall and dare to claim you gave it? How shameless!”

“We didn’t prepare dinner for you tonight. Leave at once!”

With that, they moved toward me, trying to drive me out. Hearing this, Julia burst into tears and stepped forward as if to stop me.

“Sister Vivian, it’s all my fault. Please don’t be upset with me.”

“I must be in the way. I’ll leave now. Just enjoy dinner with your family. Don’t worry about me.”

Julia dabbed at her tears, preparing to go.

At that moment, Ethan embraced her, then turned and glared at me.

“Don’t mind her. She’s petty and malicious—she’s just finding excuses to bully you!”

Shaking with rage, I picked up the tin of tea.

“Ethan! Tell your parents! Who bought this Yunshan Oolong?”

But Ethan’s expression turned icy.

“Stop twisting the truth, Vivian. Julia gave this to them!”

My whole body trembled with fury.

“Take your cheap tea back to the street stall and get out!” Ethan barked.

“We’re having dinner. None of it is for you,” his parents said coldly, ordering me to leave. Looking at the four of them, I finally realized I had always been an outsider.

Seeing this, Julia’s lips curled slightly.

“That’s not right. Let Vivian stay for dinner.”

She stepped toward me, tugging at my sleeve. But Ethan’s father cut her off coldly.

“Leave now, Vivian. And let me be blunt—don’t ever come back. You’re not worthy of our Ethan.”

Chapter 5

"He's the company president, and Julia Snow is a glamorous woman. They're a perfect match."

"Don't contact each other anymore. Don't tarnish Ethan Reed's reputation."

Ethan Reed's father said calmly. Hearing this, I couldn't control myself any longer. I picked up the tin of Yunshan Oolong and slammed it to the ground.

"You drink the tea I gave you and live in the villa I bought for you, and now you're saying that?"

"If you're brave enough, leave! Don't live in my house!"

Hearing this, Ethan's father also turned his face.

"The villa is now registered in Ethan's name. Stop talking nonsense! Grab your lousy tea and get out!"

"If you don't go, I'll call the police."

Seeing this, a cold shiver ran down my spine.

I turned and glanced at Ethan, hoping he'd try to persuade me to stay.

But his eyes were cold, his fingers tightened, and he said nothing.

Seeing this, I turned, slammed the door, and walked out into the night.

Outside, the night breeze blew across my face.

Looking at the lights of countless homes, I suddenly didn't know where to go.

Returning to my desk at work would surely invite my colleagues' ridicule.

The small rental house was far away, but it was the only place I could go now. I went back to the office to get my keys. As soon as I pushed open the door, I saw that my computer, books, and teacup had been cleared out. In their place, the desk was piled with Julia's belongings.

I searched for my keys, but couldn't find them.

I felt a surge of fury, so I called Ethan.

The phone rang for a full three minutes before he picked up.

"What's wrong with you, Vivian? Didn't I tell you not to call me?"

Hearing this, my chest tightened.

"Why are all of Julia's things all over my workstation? You've lost my keys, you know?" I lashed out.

"Your desk is by the window, has good light, and Julia wanted it, so I gave it to her," Ethan said softly. "As for your keys, don't ask me!"

"That's my desk! Why does she just take it?"

"What do you mean by yours? I'm the president of the company. I can give my desk to whoever I want!" His tone darkened. "Can you please be more sensible, Vivian?"

"Julia isn't feeling well. She needs a place in the sun, so why not let her bask in the sunshine? How can you be so cold-blooded?!"

He said coldly, "Besides, didn't Julia give you a travel ticket? Isn't that enough?"

Hearing this, I almost laughed.

"What's a free ticket?"

"Stop joking! The company is mine, and I can give the position to anyone I want." Ethan said in a low voice, "Believe it or not, I can order you out of the company with a single command!"

After that, he continued softly,

"I have another thing to tell you. Julia is now living in the bedroom that used to be yours in the villa."

"Come back later and collect your things!"

"You're insane! That's my room!" Hearing this, my blood rushed to my head, and I shouted, "Just try to touch it!"

Ethan sneered,

"I'm telling you that your pillows and quilts are stacked outside the door. Come back and clear them out!"

"I bought that villa for you. Believe it or not, I'll kick you all out!"

I whispered, "Have you forgotten whose name is on the property deed?" Ethan chuckled sinisterly. "If you mess around, I'll call the police!"

"Julia's family is struggling, so what's wrong with letting her stay with us for some peace? Why are you reacting so strongly?" he said harshly.

"Vivian, have you forgotten that I'm the company's president?"

"If you weren't in management, believe it or not, I'd kick you out!"

Hearing this, a fresh wave of rage welled up in my chest. I could feel every humiliation like a brand, burning and permanent; betrayal tasted sour and metallic in my mouth. I did not know how to survive this hollow life.

Chapter 6

I've always been the one working the hardest for the company, yet the department manager position he promised me was handed to Julia Snow. And he still has the nerve to bring this up!

"Vivian, let me tell you something," Ethan Reed continued.

"My mom was furious. She was clearing out some clutter the other day and throwing away the silver box in your safe. It looked like some broken necklaces and other junk. You’d better buy her some nice jewelry."

"Otherwise, if you come to the Reed family empty-handed, we won’t let you in!" Ethan said harshly. Hearing the words silver box, I froze.

"What did you say you threw away?"

"An old silver box, just a worthless piece of junk," Ethan said with contempt.

Hearing this, I trembled all over.

"Ethan! That was my mother’s treasured dowry!"

Hearing this, Ethan faltered, his voice a little unsteady, but he quickly recovered.

"It was just a broken box. How much could it be worth?"

I suppressed my fury. "The box held what my mother left for me. You knew that, Ethan!"

He replied lazily, "I know. Are you upset now about throwing it away? You haven’t treated my parents well for a long time!"

"Find it for me, Ethan," my tone hardened.

"It was flushed away long ago. How could I possibly find it for you?" He said coldly, with disdain.

"Stop pretending, Vivian. Hurry and buy my mom the same set of jewelry!"

"Buy it for you? Dream on." Hearing this, I almost laughed aloud. "Ethan, thank your mother. You’ve finally shown me the true face of your family."

I whispered through clenched teeth.

"Whatever you say!" Ethan barked. "If you don’t buy it, then get out of the company! I’m the president, after all."

His tone was firm, though I caught a faint tremor in it.

"Vivian, we’ve been married five years. I’ve given you five years of my youth, and this is your attitude?"

"I just realized today how ungrateful you are! I was desperate to promote you in the company."

"I’m telling you, Julia will be at your desk tomorrow. You don’t need to come to work anymore. Go beg on the street!" he snapped.

After hanging up, I felt my hands shaking. I buried my face in cold water, finally calming my anger.

I stared at the fading light outside the window, emotion surging in my chest.

Five years of love, a villa, and a row of shops—I’d given so much to Ethan, and in the end, he turned his back on me like this.

By now, I’d seen through his entire family. There was no reason to hold back.

I silently dialed a number.

"Mr. Sullivan? This is Vivian, who contacted you the other day."

Eric Sullivan’s voice was calm on the other end.

"Ms. Vivian, what are your thoughts? Are you sure you’ll bring your core technology?"

"Yes, all of it—along with some high-value clients."

I nodded slowly, then, after a long paus,e asked,

"Eric, do you still stand by what you said that night?"

He was silent for a moment before replying softly, "Yes, we’ll discuss it later."

I nodded again. "Okay, see you then."

After hanging up, I thought back to my conversation with Ethan. All I wanted to do was laugh. He still thought I’d buy his mother a set of silver jewelry.

I lowered my head, gazing at the photo of the silver box my mother left me.

He had no idea the storm he’d stirred up. Not even his whole company would be enough to cover it!