Chapter 18 The Business Game
Wendy had already figured it out in the car.
“Henry has his own difficulties.”
Chase nodded. After all, it was the Quinn family’s reputation that got dragged through the mud. He and Wendy were just business partners now–he had no reason to be angry over Henry.
With that in mind, he stood to leave, but Wendy quickly stepped in front of him.
“There are still tons
of reporters outside–and probably at the house too. If they don’t see us go home together, the speculation will keep going. During our ‘collaboration, you’re going to have to stay with me.”
“You-”
He frowned, staring at her. Wendy just smiled. “It’s only for show. What, are you scared?”
Scared? He was a man–what was there to be scared of? He wasn’t the one who’d be taken advantage of.
So Wendy got back to work, and Chase was ordered to stay in her office. He called a few of his professors to apologize.
“Chase, the Lemuria exchange program is a rare opportunity. They can’t keep waiting for you… is something going on over there? I can help if you need me.”
Trouble was sitting just feet away. Chase glanced over at Wendy and lowered his voice. “No need. It’s just some family stuff. What did the hospital say?”
“They’re happy you’re staying. And with Quinn Group investing because of you, keeping you is like keeping the boss. If you’re willing to go back, they’re offering to make you an attending physician–skip the residency. What do you think?”
“Whatever you and the hospital think is best.”
“Alright, I’ll let them know.”
There weren’t many prodigies in medicine. Chase was one of them. Even before graduation, hospitals had competed for him with generous pay and benefits. But he’d chosen to marry Wendy and wasted years of his life.
Even if he couldn’t go abroad, he needed to get far away from her.
During the shareholders‘ meeting, everyone was attacking Wendy for her private life–some even blaming the fact that she was a woman.
“At least I never cheated on my husband,” Wendy snapped. “Chase showed up today to prove that. Or do you just not like seeing it? And let’s be honest, Mr. Zach–when it comes to messy private lives, I’m nowhere near your level.”
Chapter 18 The Business Game:
“You–1”
The loudest accuser had been Mr. Zach.
Finished
Wendy smiled coldly. “I know exactly what’s going through your heads. But don’t forget–this is Quinn Group. Even if you force me out, my mother will take the reins again. If not her, then my sister. And even if my whole family dropped dead, I still have a husband. You guys? Don’t flatter yourselves.”
“This is Quinn Group, yes. But we’ve all built it with our own blood and sweat. We’re not about to sit by and watch you run it into the ground. What exactly is going on with you and that Harrison boy?” Maine was at least reasonable. He cleared his throat. “People like us–we entertain all kinds of deals and appearances. If something happened, it’s none of our business. But the needs to stay clean.”
company
Wendy waved him off, annoyed. “There’s nothing dirty about it. Henry and I are clean.”
Mr. Zach wouldn’t let up. “Then how do you explain the clients we’ve already lost over this scandal?”
“Explain? Wendy chuckled and raised her hand. Sam immediately handed her a folder.
“Mr. Zach, you haven’t been home much lately, have you?”
“What?”
The room went still. The other shareholders looked confused as Wendy glanced through the folder
“You bought a villa in Riverville recently. Been staying there a lot. But as far as I know, Madam Zach still lives in Dragon Bay. The security guards insist she lives with you–so, who exactly are they talking about?”
Mr. Zach’s face turned dark at the mention of Riverville. Everyone else in the room turned to stare at him.
Men like them usually kept secrets, sure–but they knew how to cover their tracks. They never used their own names to buy property. It was always bought under a mistress’s name, or someone in the family.
They didn’t expect Wendy to dig this deep.
“How did you…”
The folder contained a lot more. But Wendy, in a rare good mood thanks to Chase, decided not to push it further. She closed the file and pressed it down on the table.
“I know a lot more than this. And it’s not just you, Mr. Zach.” She leaned back in her chair, completely at ease. “You can all try to oust me. But my mother’s even tougher than I am.”
Over the years, she’d turned a blind eye to the small tricks these shareholders played. Everyone
Chapter 18 The Business Game
But no one was allowed to get greedy.
Too much ambition was dangerous.
Finished
After the meeting, everyone left with ugly expressions. Wendy had made it perfectly clear–this was a warning. Mr. Zach’s little scandal was her way of sending a message.
“Cocky little brat,” Mr. Zach cursed as he stormed into his office. Harry followed behind and shut the door.
“How the hell did you let her find out about your side piece?”
Mr. Zach was livid. “No way she knew! I was careful! Damn it. That girl’s gotta go.”
“You can’t. Didn’t you hear her? Even if she dies, there’s still Madam Mandy. You think lay a hand on her daughter and live to tell the tale?”
“Then what do we do?”
“Wait and see.
you can
Back in her office, the room was quiet. Wendy looked around but didn’t see Chase. She was about to go look for him when she noticed the door to the private lounge was open.
She often worked late. The lounge was where she rested during overtime.
The soft yellow light inside was on. Wendy stepped toward it on tiptoe.
Chase was lying on the bed, fast asleep.
She sat down beside him and gently traced the lines of his face. She’d always known he was handsome–and kind. That gentle face of his had a way of making people feel calm.
She just hadn’t realized how attractive he looked even with that cold expression.
“Stop being difficult. Let’s live well together,” Wendy whispered as she bent down and kissed his cheek. “Stay with me.”
Chase wasn’t sure when he’d fallen asleep. All he knew was, there was now a warm body curled up next to him. He shifted slightly–and realized it was Wendy.
She’d fallen asleep beside him without a single guard up.
After lying still for a while, Chase got up and stepped out.
What the hell was this?
They hadn’t even shared a bed this many times while they were married. Now, divorced, and suddenly they were napping together?
Exhausted, Chase went to make himself a coffee.
Chapter 18 The Business Game
Finished
“Sir?” Sam was holding a coffee herself and turned at the sound of his footsteps.
Chase gave a nod. “You’re still here?TM
Sam sighed. “The media mess won’t clean itself up. PR is working overtime. I have to supervise. Isn’t the president in her office?”
“She’s asleep.”
