Everyone said I couldn’t handle failure—that I slandered others out of jealousy and resentment.
Only Vivian stood by me, appearing to defend me with unwavering trust. She claimed she believed in me, like always—unconditionally.
But the truth was, everything I had, she had quietly handed over to someone else.
Through the narrow gap in the office door, I watched as Vivian’s expression turned somber. She opened a drawer, took out a document, and passed it to Gabriel.
“This is Ethan’s latest research data,” she said quietly. “With this, you’ll have the leverage to firmly establish yourself in the American market during the press conference in three days. Think of it as a welcome-home gift.”
Gabriel accepted it with a satisfied smile, pride gleaming in his eyes.
Seeing the scene unfold, a surge of bitterness flooded my chest. I suddenly had no intention of speaking to either of them. Instead, I clenched the divorce agreement in my hand and turned to leave.
“Mr. Cole, that was quick. You’ve already finished meeting with Richard?” The secretary asked casually, her voice echoing down the hall.
The moment she spoke, Vivian’s head snapped toward the door. Her expression shifted to panic as she quickly stepped out and rushed toward me.
“Ethan? Why are you here? Is something wrong?” she asked, trying to sound composed.
“You remember Gabriel, don’t you?” I said flatly. “You took him in as an apprentice at the Cole Family Clinic. He just returned, saying he wants to collaborate with me. Even mentioned inviting me and my wife to dinner to show his appreciation.”
Vivian shot Gabriel a subtle glance. He instantly hid the document behind his back and stepped forward with a grin.
“Yes, Brother Ethan! I’ve been meaning to thank you in person. I hope I’m lucky enough to earn that honor!”
He extended his hand toward me—confident, polished, like a man of power.
For a moment, it felt like our roles had reversed—he, the accomplished professional; I, the struggling apprentice hoping for a chance.
I fought down the bitterness rising in my throat and replied coolly, “No need.”
Just then, my phone vibrated. Before I could check the message, Vivian quickly interjected.
“Ethan, go take care of whatever it is you’re working on. I still have some things to go over with Gabriel. I’ll see you at home later, alright?”
The way she hurried to send me off—her impatience was all the answer I needed.
“You two go ahead,” I said with a calm smile. “See you tonight.”
---
After returning home, I quietly packed all my belongings. Not long after, a delivery team from an auction house arrived at the Chambers' residence.
Apparently, Vivian had purchased something a week ago, but left the wrong contact number. Unable to reach her, they found me instead.
As I signed the delivery slip, the auction staff opened the package to verify its contents.
Inside the box was a pair of exquisitely crafted wedding rings.
I froze, stunned. I looked down at the plain, almost crude, rings in my own hand—and felt a sharp chill settling in my chest.
Right on cue, Vivian called.
“Ethan, I bought a piece of jewelry for a client, but my phone died earlier. Can you bring it home for me? I’ll have Secretary Angela pick it up later.”
“Oh, and don’t overthink what happened today,” she added. “You and Gabriel are in the same field. It wasn’t easy for me to persuade him to offer some guidance.”
“You’ve always hoped my father would recognize you. This could be your best opportunity.”
Listening to her speak as if everything she did was for me, I almost laughed out loud.
She had betrayed her own values—become a thief—for Gabriel’s success.
And now, with her goals within reach, she wanted to use the Chambers family’s approval as chains to bind me once more?
“I know you mean well,” I replied calmly. “Take care of yourself. I’ll wait for your good news.”
She exhaled, her tone softening, reassured by my apparent trust.
I hung up and carefully placed the box aside.
Vivian, you’ve lied to me countless times.
This will be my first—and only—lie to you.
That night, her secretary came by to collect the box, explaining that something had come up at work and Vivian had to leave on a sudden business trip.
But the next morning, a photo flooded the headlines—one of a mysterious female billionaire proposing successfully to her long-time love.
Though the image was pixelated and the faces obscured, I recognized the rings on their hands immediately. They were identical to the ones in that box.
So that was your "business trip."
Beneath the article, I left a comment:
"Wishing you a happy marriage and a child very soon."
