“Killian, w-when did you wake up? Did you hear anything?”
I replied blandly, “What exactly did you want me to hear?”
Ember’s voice turned casual. “Oh, nothing. Just a colleague reminding me to head to the venue early. I’ve got a surprise for you later.”
I said calmly, “Alright. Let’s go early.”
Perfect. I had a surprise too.
Before I could walk to the parking lot, Mateo appeared at the door.
He rolled down the window, smiling at Ember.
“Sister Ember, today’s the company’s IPO day, and your promotion to Vice President; I can’t wait.”
Then he turned to me, his gaze filled with playful amusement.
“Brother Killian, right? We met yesterday. I’ll be working closely with Sister Ember from now on, so I hope you’ll be a little more open-minded.”
Seeing me unmoved, Ember shot me a glance.
“Killian, Mateo is greeting you. You’re ten years older than him. Don’t you even have this bit of basic courtesy?”
I looked at her coldly. “I’ve always been broad-minded. You two seem so well-matched. Maybe I should step aside.”
Hearing this, Ember immediately snapped again.
“Killian, why are you being so passive-aggressive? Mateo kindly came to pick us up. Do you really have to act like this?”
I sneered. “Pick me up? No need.”
With that, I turned to get my own car, but Ember grabbed my arm.
“Alright, don’t be childish. Let’s just go together today.”
Then she pulled me into Mateo’s car without giving me a choice.
But I remembered clearly that Mateo hadn’t owned a car before.
When we arrived at the venue, everyone who saw Ember greeted her respectfully as Director.
It was as if her promotion was already set in stone.
Ember clung to Mateo’s arm, giving me a perfunctory explanation.
“Mateo’s shy. This makes him feel more secure.”
I sneered inwardly. She was so gentle with him.
When it came time to sit, Ember led Mateo to two empty seats.
“Killian, not enough seats. You can just stand over there.”
Mateo glanced at me with a mocking smile.
“Sorry about that, Brother Killian.”
A few people nearby watched with delight in their eyes.
“Director Ember, today’s the company’s IPO day. The general manager will also announce the list of promotions. The event team already leaked it. The VP position is yours!”
“Director Ember, once you’re promoted, don’t forget us loyal supporters!”
Some people even began fawning over Mateo, calling him Manager Mateo.
Ember curled her lips in pride. “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of all of you.”
Just then, someone pointed at me and asked, “Director Ember, why is he here?”
Ember let out a soft laugh, completely unconcerned.
“He hasn’t accomplished anything in life. I heard many VIPs would be here today, so he just came along to try his luck.”
Hearing that, someone sneered. “Director Ember, you must be joking, him?”
“He’s ridiculous. Yesterday, he looked like a beggar, and now he’s all dressed up like he matters. Does he really think he’s somebody?”
Mateo pretended to speak up for me.
“Everyone, don’t say that. Brother Killian is still Sister Ember’s husband. How could he possibly be unemployed? Sister Ember said he’s great at cleaning toilets. Once I get promoted to manager, I’ll make sure to find a role for him.”
The group erupted in laughter.
Ember shot me a cold look.
“Killian, Mateo doesn’t hold grudges. Shouldn’t you be thanking him?”
Facing their little performance, I replied flatly, “He looks like a toilet himself.”
Hearing that, Mateo immediately pouted and whined, “Sister Ember, did you hear how he’s talking to me?”
