“I heard he just pretended to be the CEO’s husband and got chewed out by Secretary Oliver.”
“Hilarious. Trying to fake being the CEO’s husband in front of her personal secretary? Who doesn’t know about the relationship between the CEO and her secretary? Like he’d ever tolerate that.”
So it was out in the open now—Irenee was keeping another man. And I, her actual husband, had been the last to know.
I didn’t give a damn about what they thought. I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.
“I’m outside the building. Come down and get me. I’m here to make some things clear.”
Not long after, a middle-aged man came rushing downstairs. The moment he saw me, his eyes widened in shock and disbelief.
“President Broderick! What happened to you?! You look… like hell! I’ll take you to the hospital right now!”
I waved him off and forced myself to speak through the pain. “The injuries can wait. I’ve got a mess to clean up first.”
Then I fixed my eyes coldly on him.
“Director Barnes, got something you haven’t told me? When exactly did that bastard called Secretary Oliver get into the company?”
The mention of that name made Drew’s expression freeze. Then his face turned awkward.
“President Broderick, President McCulloch personally recruited Haynes to be the secretary two years ago. She really favored him,” he explained.
“I’ve also heard some rumors about their relationship, but I’m in R&D—I only caught wind of it and didn’t pay it much attention. Thought it was just gossip,” he added.
At that, he looked at me in surprise. “Don’t tell me they really…”
I nodded.
Drew’s face fell. He immediately lowered his head in guilt. “President Broderick, I—”
I didn’t let him finish. I knew what kind of guy he was—only cared about research and development, stayed out of all the other crap. I couldn’t blame him. After all, Irenee was my wife. If anyone should’ve seen it coming, it was me.
“Take me upstairs. I’ll handle the rest.”
With Drew leading the way, I made it back into the building and up to the top floor without a hitch.
But just as we reached the CEO’s office, we ran into Haynes. The moment he saw me, his face twisted with anger.
“You shameless bastard! How the hell did you get up here? Didn’t I give strict orders that you’re banned here?”
Then he caught sight of the director beside me and snapped, “You brought him up here? He offended me, and you still dared let him in? You trying to get yourself fired, Director Barnes?”
I gave him a mocking look. “You think you can fire Drew? This company runs on his research. Eighty percent of our R&D depends on him. If he leaves, the whole operation collapses. You really didn’t know that?”
For a second, Haynes’s face showed a flicker of guilt, but then he snapped back with fury.
“And who gave you the right to speak? Besides, it’s no big deal. Fire one, hire another. As long as there’s money, there’s always talent ready to step in. You think leaning on that director gives you any leverage over me?”
He warned me, “I’m telling you now—even with him backing you up, the CEO won’t touch me.”
“One word from me and she’ll have him thrown out on the spot,” he boasted.
His arrogant gaze swept over Drew. “I’m getting you fired. Pack your shit and get lost.”
Drew might be the quiet type, always buried in his work, but even he looked ready to explode. His face flushed red with anger.
“I was brought into this company by President Broderick himself. If he tells me to leave, I’ll go. No need for you to act like you’re in charge.”
Haynes sneered at him. “President Broderick? You mean that guy standing next to you?”
He scoffed. “You dumb R&D guy! You believe whatever people tell you? He’s a liar! He was just downstairs claiming he was the CEO’s husband!”
