I stared at the man in front of me, stunned.
In high society, there's one cardinal sin: bringing an illegitimate child into the household.
I'd tolerated his brazen affairs, but this humiliation hit different—like a slap across the face.
Maybe he caught my disbelief, because a flicker of guilt crossed Ethan's eyes.
He pulled a check from his pocket and slid it toward me.
"Five hundred thousand. Consider it compensation. That's my own flesh and blood—I can't just ignore the child."
"But don't worry. You're the wife the Sanchez family married with full ceremony. She can't threaten your position."
Five hundred thousand.
Added to my savings, it was just enough to buy back the old house, whose price had skyrocketed tenfold.
I said nothing. Expressionless, I tucked the check away and nodded.
Since the sincerity I'd given had been fed to the dogs, the money I'd put out still had to come back.
Seeing me take it, Ethan visibly relaxed.
He gave a few hollow reminders to take care of my health, then turned and hurried downstairs to comfort his precious darling.
The next day, I drove to the entertainment subsidiary to discuss business.
The general manager invited me to tour the departments.
The moment I stepped into the studio, I sensed something was off.
"I already told you I hate this color! I want that flagship custom gown—do you not understand simple words?"
Vanessa was seated at the makeup mirror, jabbing her finger at the styling director.
"Miss Fox, that piece was designated by the brand for the global spokesperson's shoot. It's not meant for a newcomer promo. We don't have the authority to reassign it."
"Don't have the authority? Ethan said all the company's resources are mine to pick from first!"
"Are you looking down on me? I could have Ethan fire every last one of you right now!"
The staff exchanged glances. No one moved.
"It really won't work, Miss Fox—"
Before he could finish, Ethan burst through the door, his expression dark.
"Can none of you understand simple words?"
The moment her backup arrived, Vanessa's eyes turned red.
"Ethan, they're all bullying me. I said I wanted that red dress, and they won't let me wear it."
He looked at the woman in his arms, tears streaming down like rain on pear blossoms, and gently wiped the corner of her eye.
"Alright, it's not a big deal. Look at you—you've cried yourself into a little spotted cat."
"You're usually so fierce with me. How are you letting people push you around?"
With the CEO personally backing a newcomer, the staff exchanged helpless looks. No one could very well refuse now.
Only the director looked conflicted. "Sir, this violates protocol. The Best Actress's team already signed a contract."
"Besides, this needs Ms. Henson's approval."
"Enough." Ethan cut him off. "Rules are dead; people are alive."
"Have Ms. Henson handle the penalty fees. She can manage this little matter."
"Mr. Sanchez is certainly generous." I pushed open the glass door, my heels clicking crisply against the marble. "Ten million in damages, and you'll pay it just like that."
The director and staff who'd looked so troubled moments ago saw me like a lifeline.
"Ms. Henson!"
When Vanessa spotted me, she immediately tugged Ethan's sleeve.
"Ethan, do I really need Ms. Henson's permission just to wear an outfit?"
"She's way too jealous, isn't she?"
I ignored the provocation in her eyes, lifted my chin, and looked straight at Ethan.
"If you insist on letting her breach this contract for a dress, you might as well hand her my VP position too."
