Marion smiled shyly at the teasing comments, but her eyes turned red.
Her fingers were hidden beneath the table, gripping the fabric of her skirt so tightly to the point even I was worried that she could not hold back her tears.
Anyway, only I noticed how Rowan had been on edge the entire time. The polite smile he wore did not reach his eyes. His hand around the wine glass tightened with such force that his knuckles turned pale.
It was as though he were suppressing something that threatened to break free.
After the banquet ended, Rowan and I walked out together. He draped a coat over my shoulders and held my hand.
Yet, his unease was impossible to miss as we made our way to the car.
After getting in the car, he seemed distracted. My husband hesitated for a long time, not even starting the car.
Finally, he turned to me and said, "I just remembered something came up in the lab. You go ahead and head home first. I’ll grab a taxi back later."
Just like that, he left in a rush.
Then, without hesitation, I slid over to the driver’s seat and drove home alone, parking the car in our community lot.
But instead of getting out, I reached for my phone, my fingers steady as I tapped to open the monitoring app.
I had installed a 360-degree pinhole camera in the car, leaving no blind spots…
…on the heels of Rowan's leather shoes.
The screen showed Rowan entering the office. Shortly after, Marion followed, shutting the door firmly behind her and locking it with a deliberate twist.
Rowan stepped forward to grab Marion down and kissed her lips passionately.
When he finally let her go, he asked in a fierce tone, "Does anyone else get to do this with you? Including that man who approached you today?"
Marion bit her lip, refusing to answer.
Seeing her like this, Rowan’s frustration grew and he shoved her down onto the table.
After more than half an hour, the two leaned against each other, breathing heavily.
"Why didn’t you reject him outright today? Were you trying to provoke me?" Rowan demanded.
"And why shouldn’t I?" Marion asked back angrily.
"You and your wife are so affectionate in public. Everyone calls her Mrs. Bradford, praises her abilities and respects her. But me? I’m nothing but a dirty secret, hidden away like a rat that can’t see the light of day!"
"I’ve already given you more than enough, Marion. Don’t be greedy. Money, connections and even a feature in C-Magazine. I’ve provided it all. What we have is just an exchange, nothing more. Do you think you’re worthy of comparing yourself to my wife?"
"But I really love you. When you love someone, you become possessive. I just wish that old witch would leave and give up the title of Mrs. Bradford."
Rowan's expression turned icy in an instant. "Marion Sterling, I warned you not to bring matters between us in front of my wife."
"This is the red line. Don't even try to cross it."
Marion's defiant look softened immediately. "I know. I was just joking. How could I even dare?"
Rowan pinched her chin firmly as he warned her once again. "Sensibleness is the basic quality of a lover. Remember that?"
"Yes," Marion nodded obediently.
Satisfied, Rowan closed his eyes and kissed her again, but I noticed the fleeting flash of unwillingness on her face.
"Let's do it again tonight. Wear something sexy. I'll take you to a hotel," Rowan said, his tone casual as he patted her on the butt.
"All right," Marion responded shyly.
I watched the entire scene silently.
Then, I turned off my phone and saved the evidence.
Earlier, just after the banquet, I had received a message from Marion. [Mrs. Bradford, do you think Mr. Bradford will let me fall in love with another man?]
I did not reply.
Just as I was about to step out of the car, I suddenly paused, as if warned by something so-called woman’s intuition.
