“Shut up.”
I cut her off coldly.
Richard’s brows furrowed.
“Amanda! How dare you speak to Lauren like that? Everyone knows she’s my most capable assistant!”
I scoffed. “Oh really? If she’s so exceptional, then tell me what exactly has she contributed to the company? How many major deals has she secured for us?”
For a moment, Richard was speechless.
Lauren lowered her head, putting on a show of remorse.
“She is right. I do have many shortcomings. I haven’t been able to relieve much of Mr. Coleman’s workload.”
Seeing this, Richard immediately patted her shoulder like she was the one being wronged, then turned to glare at me.
“Amanda, that’s enough!”
“Lauren’s been working around the clock on this merger. Can’t you see her effort?”
“What right do you have to question her?”
“Around the clock?” I laughed dryly. “Yes, so dedicated she had to spend our anniversary trip day and night with you. How exhausting for her.”
Richard’s face turned red. He raised his voice.
“Can you stop being so sarcastic? Lauren is my secretary. It’s her job to assist me. What’s wrong with that? Are you asking me to drop everything just to cater to your unreasonable demands?”
“My unreasonable demands?”
I repeated, letting out a bitter laugh at how ridiculous it all sounded.
I pointed at Lauren.
“You two shared a room until dawn last night, while I, your wife, slept alone.”
“She touched your hand right in front of me and you didn’t even flinch.”
“Ever since she joined the company, no matter what happens, the moment she opens her mouth, I’m automatically in the wrong.”
“I can’t even question anything anymore?”
“And all of this, in your eyes, is just me being unreasonable?”
Richard opened his mouth but had no response.
Lauren quickly stepped in, putting on her best innocent act.
“Madam, you’ve misunderstood. I have nothing but respect for Mr. Coleman. I’d never dare to have any other intentions.”
I let out a cold laugh.
“No other intentions? Even a dog wouldn’t believe that!”
That hit a nerve. Like a lit fuse, Richard instantly stepped in front of her, shielding her behind him.
“Amanda, that’s enough!”
“Lauren is my employee and my friend. I won’t let you insult her like this!”
I stared into his eyes, hoping to find even a flicker of guilt, of hesitation.
But there was none. Only anger. Only stubbornness.
I suddenly felt exhausted.
I didn’t want to hear another word. I turned and walked away.
“Amanda!” he shouted behind me, his voice edged with panic. “Where are you going?”
I didn’t look back.
That evening, I sat alone on the terrace, drinking.
Eventually, Richard returned.
“Amanda,” he called softly, trying to smooth things over.
“There are a lot of mosquitoes out here. Come inside.”
I didn’t respond. I just stared out at the pitch-black sea.
He sighed and walked over, reaching for the glass in my hand.
I shifted slightly, just enough to avoid him.
His hand hung awkwardly in the air for a moment before dropping.
“Don’t do this,” he said gently. “Let’s talk calmly and rationally.”
I finally looked up at him.
Then I set down the glass, stood and walked past him toward the room.
“Alright. Let’s talk about the divorce agreement.”
“Amanda!” He rushed after me and grabbed my wrist. “What do you want from me?”
“You know how much I love you. I don’t want a divorce!”
I stopped in my tracks and turned to look him directly in the eye.
