Chapter 2

Today, I was on an out-of-town business trip, meeting a key client to close a crucial contract. Landing this deal would guarantee my promotion to senior project manager.

I had spent weeks preparing every detail in private.

Right as Mr. Miller and I reached the most critical point of our negotiation, the phone in my pocket buzzed violently, over and over.

"Excuse me, Mr. Miller."

I offered an apologetic smile, pulling out my phone to turn on Do Not Disturb so our pitch wouldn't be interrupted.

The screen lit up with a message from Chloe. For some inexplicable reason, my thumb tapped the notification.

"Babe, I'm so bored without you here. I invited Tyler over to keep me company. You don't mind, right?"

What? She brought her male best friend into our home?

Fury surged straight to my head.

Every man naturally detests those so-called "best guy friends" with murky boundaries. Bringing him straight into our private house was crossing the line completely!

Before I could type a reply, another picture popped up. The moment I saw it, my pupils constricted, and the blood in my veins turned to ice.

In the photo, Chloe and her best friend, Tyler, were completely naked, wrapped in a tight embrace on a bed.

And Chloe was looking straight into the lens, an almost provocative smirk of triumph plastered across her face!

Beneath the image was a caption, stabbing into me like a poisoned blade:

"Babe, I was just too lonely, and his body is so hot. I couldn't help myself. Please forgive me just this once."

"Chloe! What the hell are you doing?!"

My rage blew past all restraint. I slammed my hands down, shot up from my chair, and roared at the screen.

"Enough!"

A voice dripping with cold fury snapped from across the table.

I snapped out of it. Mr. Miller was already standing up, his face dark as thunder. The warm, receptive demeanor he had held moments ago was replaced by pure disgust.

"I thought your firm came here with genuine professionalism. Clearly, I was mistaken. Mr. Foster, since your personal life is so thrilling and demanding, let's not waste each other's time. This partnership is off!"

Panic gripped me like an icy bucket of water poured over my head. I woke up to reality.

"Mr. Miller! Please, let me explain! It's a misunderstanding! Just give me one more chance!"

I scrambled around the conference table, practically bowing as I chased after him to apologize.

Mr. Miller coldly shoved my hand away, marching out of the room without looking back once.

It was over. The project was dead in the water.

My hands shook uncontrollably as I dialed Chloe's number. I had to know what kind of psychotic episode she was having!

Ring...

It barely rang once before she cut the call!

Right after, a ping came through.

A text from Chloe: "Babe, stop calling. You're going to ruin the mood for us. Talk later, bye!"

"Aaargh!"

A guttural roar ripped from my throat as my fist smashed against the polished mahogany table.

Trembling, I typed back: "Chloe, I put up with your tantrums, but I never imagined you were this shameless!"

I hit send. A harsh red exclamation mark flashed on the screen.

Refusing to believe it, I dialed again. She had blocked my number, along with every single messaging app!

"Chloe! You bitch!"

I clenched my fists so tight my knuckles turned white. Pure wrath consumed my sanity.

I had to get home. That woman owed me an explanation, right now!