Chapter 3

To be honest, when Chloe first joined us as a representative for our partner company, I actually considered her a friend. Back then, Liam even warned me, saying she wasn't as innocent as she seemed and told me to keep my distance.

I spent so much energy trying to smooth things over between them to make the partnership work.

But that changed at the annual charity gala. Chloe traded her clunky glasses for a stunning red silk gown, and overnight, Liam's tune changed completely.

He never told me to stay away from her again. Instead, they grew closer and closer. He started introducing her to our most important clients and investors.

By the time I realized what was happening, my hard-earned professional network had been handed over to her.

Liam treated Chloe with a strange, delicate tenderness.

Once, after Liam and I had a massive blowout over a major investment decision, we didn't speak for three months. I told him, "If you think Chloe aligns better with your vision, I'll step down from the executive team."

But Liam actually cried. He held me and said, "You're the only one I care about, Evelyn. Chloe's family is going through a rough patch and her company is sinking. I'm just helping her out of pity while integrating their assets."

And I, like a fool, believed him.

He treated me like an idiot. Their "strategic partnership" became a convenient shield for their constant flirting.

And now, he had officially kicked me out of the game just to clear a path for her.

I felt like the biggest joke in the world.

By the time I snapped out of my thoughts, the sun had set. My mom came home and noticed my sour expression. She smiled softly. "Fight with Liam again? He called me saying you blocked him. He wants you to unblock him."

I muttered a vague excuse and headed out. HR had scheduled my final transition meeting.

When I entered the conference room, the prime seat to Liam's right—which had always been mine—was empty. Without hesitating, Chloe slid right into it.

Liam didn't object. He casually accepted the cup of coffee she handed him, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on me.

He was waiting for me to bow my head and apologize.

Too bad for him.

I walked past them and sat at the far end of the long conference table.

"Alright, everyone," Liam announced, his voice professional. "Starting today, Chloe will be taking over as Creative Director. She will also head our partnership with Vanguard Group. Evelyn will be relocating to our New York branch to oversee the expansion."

Ethan, the senior executive from Vanguard Group, suddenly looked at me and smiled. "What a coincidence. Our headquarters in Paris is actually looking for a Creative Director with exactly your caliber, Evelyn."

I ignored the VP's question and opened my mouth to speak to Ethan, but Liam stood up, grabbed my arm, and pulled me out of the conference room.

"Evelyn, when are you going to stop this?" Liam hissed the moment the door shut.

"First the silent treatment, and now you block my number?"

"I'm warning you, unblock me right now, or don't even think about stepping foot in my office again."

I stared at his angry face for a second. "Good. I wasn't planning on it anyway."

Liam's face flushed with anger. "Fine! Don't come crawling back begging for my attention later!"

I turned to leave, but he suddenly grabbed my wrist again, his eyes softening slightly with a strange urgency. "The transfer deadline is tonight. Review the relocation package and benefits again. Make sure you didn't miss anything..."

Before he could finish, Chloe stepped out of the room with a folder. "Liam, babe, I'm a bit confused about this European market budget draft. Do you have a few minutes?"

"Sure, let's take a look," Liam said instantly, focusing his attention on her papers.

I let out a cold laugh and walked away. By the time Liam looked up to say something else, I was already at the door. "Evelyn, make sure you double-check those contract details! Double-check them!"