Chapter 3

I checked into a budget hotel three blocks away from the office.

As soon as I set up my laptop, my phone screen lit up.

It was a friend request on SnapChat.

The profile picture was an abstract line drawing. The username was "Celeste Therapy."

The request message read: *Hi Chloe, I’m Julian’s psychological advisor. I’d like to discuss his mental health with you.*

I accepted the request.

She immediately sent a long voice message.

I converted it to text.

*Chloe, sorry to bother you. Julian’s depression index is incredibly high right now. This is directly linked to your long-term, high-pressure control over him. As his partner, I hope you can cooperate with my treatment plan and stay away from him for now.*

I stared at the words "high-pressure control."

My fingers flew across the keyboard.

*If you’re a professional, Celeste, you should know that leaking a patient's private info is a major HIPAA violation.*

She replied instantly.

*Julian signed a waiver. He authorized me to intervene in your relationship crisis.*

*Chloe, you lack "chill vibes."*

*A man needs a safe harbor, not another boss.*

I actually laughed out loud.

To dress up being a homewrecker in such professional jargon—she really was something.

I didn't bother replying.

Arguing with people like her was a waste of time.

I opened WhatsApp and messaged Marcus, our Legal Director.

*Marcus, look up a firm called "Celeste Therapy."*

*Specifically, check if this Celeste woman actually has a valid state therapy license.*

Marcus replied with a quick, "On it."

I closed my phone and opened the project spreadsheet on my laptop.

Julian thought my moving out meant I was surrendering.

He had no idea that I was the only person in the entire company who knew how to run the backend architecture for our next-generation software.

The next morning, I went to the office.

As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I saw Julian’s assistant, Liam, looking around anxiously.

Seeing me, Liam rushed over.

"Chloe, Julian said you don't need to attend the morning meeting today."

I stopped in my tracks.

"Why?"

"Julian said you've been emotionally unstable lately and need some rest." Liam looked down, unable to meet my eyes.

*Emotionally unstable.*

Another term Celeste must have taught him.

I bypassed Liam and walked straight to the conference room.

I pushed the door open. The room was packed with department heads.

Julian sat at the head of the table.

And right next to him sat a woman in a crisp white shirt and rimless glasses.

Celeste.

The room fell dead silent the moment I walked in.

Julian frowned.

"Chloe? What are you doing here?"

"I’m the Chief Technology Officer. Why wouldn't I be here?" I pulled out a chair opposite him and sat down.

"And who is this?" I looked at Celeste.

Julian cleared his throat.

"Everyone, let me introduce our new corporate wellness consultant, Celeste."

"To help ease the team's stress during this product launch sprint, Celeste will be hosting regular counseling sessions."

The department heads exchanged uneasy glances.

Celeste stood up and smiled warmly at me.

"Hi Chloe. I've heard so much about you."

"Julian mentioned that the turnover rate in the dev department has been incredibly high."

"In psychology, we find that this is often caused by the negative emotional projection of the manager."

With her very first sentence, she threw me under the bus.

I leaned back in my chair.

"Are you suggesting I'm the reason the devs are leaving?"

"I'm merely presenting a hypothesis based on behavioral science," Celeste said, pushing up her glasses.

"Often, an excessive obsession with perfection stems from inner insecurity."

"Perhaps you need to heal yourself first, Chloe, before you can lead a team effectively."

Julian nodded in agreement.

"Celeste is right, Chloe. You’ve been way too uptight lately."

"Hand over your current projects to your deputy. Take a month of paid leave."

Hand over my projects.

And there it was. The real trap.

I looked at Julian.

"We are at a critical stage of development, and you want me to hand over my projects?"

"Chloe, don't always value work over your own life," Julian sighed, looking grand and noble.

"You're hurting yourself, and you're hurting everyone around you."

"This is Celeste’s professional recommendation."

I didn't look at Celeste. I kept my eyes locked on Julian.

"Are you sure you want to bench your CTO right now, Julian?"

"I'm doing this for your own good." He looked righteous.

"Fine," I said, standing up.

"Since the CEO and our 'wellness consultant' think so, I'll take my leave."

I closed my laptop and walked out of the conference room.

Behind me, Celeste's soft voice echoed through the room:

"See, everyone? This is a classic case of defensive resistance. We just need to give her some time."