Renee saw her moment and stepped in. She said, Sir, Ms. Dolton has lofty ambitions. Her heart’s clearly not in this. Please don’t let her upset you. If you’re looking for a capable household manager, I’m avable.”


    Veronica’s lips curled into a cold smile. Without saying a single word, she took a few steps back, making room for Renee.


    Renee seized the moment, stepping forward with a deliberate arch of her chest, her words loaded with meaning. “What do you think, sir?”


    Her eyes glinted flirtatiously, her honeyed voiceced with suggestion.


    She had spent years grinding in the design industry and still had little to show for it. If she couldnd a man with money and power like this one, someone who could drop five million dors just like that, it would be her best shot yet


    But Heath’s eyes were fixed on the figure slipping away in the crowd. His expression darkened as he snapped, “Get lost.”


    Renee bit her lip, still unwilling to give up. She insisted, “Whatever she can do, I can too. If she refuses, I’m willing.”


    The way she hinted at it couldn’t have been more obvious. Any normal man would’ve reacted.


    However, Heath recoiled from her touch in disgust, his voice sharp and ice–cold. “I’m really starting to question what standards yourpany uses to hire employees. I’m seriously concerned for my wife’s future here.”


    With that, he turned on his heel and stormed off to his car without a backward nce.


    Renee stood frozen, as if struck by lightning.


    Wife? Veronica was his wife?


    A wave of jealousy and fury surged within Renee’s chest. She didn’t know why fortune favored


    that woman.


    T


    Meanwhile, Veronica had just gotten home when Malcolm called. Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t told him about anything that had happened with Heath.


    Malcolm’s heart had been in poor condition over the past few years. As such, she was afraid that all her drama would take a toll on his health. Back when she was in the hospital, she had even begged Calvin to keep everything from him.


    Nervously, she answered the call.


    As always, Malcolm would ask her if she had already eaten. “Sweetie, Calvin told me that you’ve returned to designing. No matter how busy you get, make sure you eat, alright? Don’t shortchange yourself. I’m old, not useless.”


    His gentle voice came through the line. It sounded a little raspy but unmistakably kind, each word pressing right into her heart.


    Her eyes filled with tears.


    Malcolm had always been like this. No matter what happened, he supported her unconditionally.


    She swallowed the lump in her throat and, for the first time in a long while, said tenderly,‘ Got it, Grandpa. I’ll make stewter. Don’t worry I won’t forget to take care of myself.”


    “That’s good,” he said, pleased. Then, he added, “By the way, the tenth of the next month is Reynard’s 60th birthday banquet. This old bag of bones won’t be making the trip, but when you and Heath go, bring him a painting.”


    Veronica didn’t refuse. “Alright, Grandpa.”


    In recent years, Malcolm hadn’t been in good health and rarely painted anymore.


    In the past, he’d always prepared something decent for Reynard’s birthday, but never anything with a personal touch.


    But this time, she could tell that Malcolm was doing it for her. He didn’t want the Tate family to look down on her.


    Tears rolled silently down her cheeks. She forced herself to remainposed during the call Only when Malcolm reminded her to grab a bite to eat did she finally hang up.


    Veronica washed her hands and cooked herself a proper dinner.


    Just as she finished, a message popped up from Calvin.


    “Damn it! Are the media blind or what?”