While my colleagues were grinning from ear to ear, holding their generous year-end bonuses, I happily stepped onto the stage. Mia, the CEO's secretary, held a single scallion tied with a red ribbon and threw it at me with a mocking smirk. "Director Hastings, here is your year-end bonus: one scallion." A wave of snickers rippled through the audience as malicious glances darted my way. I looked at Mia with a cold face. "What is the meaning of this?" She looked at me arrogantly. "Some people are just like a scallion, so they get a scallion. Is there a problem?" I ignored her. Suppressing my anger, I turned around, pushed open the door to my CEO husband's office, threw the scallion onto his desk, and demanded an answer. "What do you mean by giving me a scallion for a year-end bonus? Are you intentionally humiliating me?" Ethan laughed dismissively and said, "It's just a joke. Is it really worth interrogating me over? It's just a little bonus, why are you being so petty?" "Besides, if you hadn't embarrassed Mia in front of the client last time, I wouldn't have played this joke on you to vent her frustration. In the end, it's your own fault." So, he humiliated me with a scallion just because last time, Mia acted out in front of our partners and almost ruined the deal, and I reprimanded her, making her lose face. My heart felt a dense, pricking pain, like rows of needles piercing it. Since you care so much about Mia's pride, I'll grant your wish. "Since my year-end bonus is only worth a scallion, I resign." ... It turns out that years of marriage couldn't compare to an outsider who just showed up. I looked at him in disbelief. "So, to vent Mia's frustration, you used a scallion to humiliate me." "Ethan, do you have any idea how big of a mistake she made during that negotiation? She publicly embarrassed the client. If I hadn't reprimanded Mia right in front of Mr. Lee, do you think we would have secured that deal?" "You were the one who told me I had to win that contract no matter what. Don't you know how much effort I put into it? Mr. Lee is notoriously difficult to deal with. I had to swallow my pride and flatter him just to get him to consider working with us." "And what did you do? Just to boost Mia's status, you shoved her into my project without even telling me. I tolerated that. But when she almost ruined the deal, you actually blamed me? Ethan, do you even have a heart?" A flicker of guilt crossed Ethan's face. Just then, Mia walked in. Hearing my words, she squeezed out a look of grievance. "Mr. Sterling, did I make things difficult for you again?" "If I had known, I would have just let Mr. Lee humiliate me. Even if it was uncomfortable, I should have endured it. Even if I had to kneel and grovel, I should have endured it." "It's just that I thought, since our company is now publicly listed and was recognized as a leading enterprise in Seattle this year, if we still have to sell our dignity to please clients, wouldn't we look weak and invite contempt? That's why I stood up for myself. I didn't expect Director Hastings to make such a big deal out of it." "I'm sorry. I just wanted to protect the dignity of the company and you, Mr. Sterling. I didn't want people to think our partnerships were won by selling our dignity and groveling." I sneered internally. Her so-called "difficulty" was just being asked to drink two glasses of wine at the dinner table. I had already drank almost a whole bottle and even took the drinks meant for her. And what did she do? She threw a glass of wine right in Mr. Lee's face, publicly humiliating him. If I hadn't humbled myself, apologized, and reprimanded Mia, promising to teach her a lesson to appease him, Mr. Lee would have walked out right then and there. There would have been no partnership. And Ethan knew all of this. He had even promised to give me an explanation. But with just a few twisted words from Mia, his heart instantly biased towards her. His so-called explanation turned out to be teaching me a lesson. Since that was the case, I decided it was time to lay all my cards on the table. Hearing Mia's words, a look of heartache flashed in Ethan's eyes, and his gaze towards me grew sharper. "Chloe, Mia did nothing wrong in this matter. She's right. We are a publicly listed company now; the old ways don't suit us anymore." "We need to maintain a certain image. If others knew we had no dignity when doing business, wouldn't we become the laughingstock of the industry?" Hearing Ethan's defense, Mia shot me a triumphant look. "That's right, Director Hastings. Even though you are the Sales Director, I have to say this: next time you negotiate a deal, please stop putting on this 'bitter suffering' act in front of Mr. Sterling. I know that now that Mr. Sterling's net worth is over a hundred million, you feel insecure, but you shouldn't use such low-class tactics to win his sympathy." "You always make it seem like getting deals is so hard, deliberately lowering your status, letting the clients make things difficult for you, and then playing the victim." "This really damages the company's reputation. Although I understand that a middle-aged woman feeling inferior to her successful husband might feel insecure about living off him, you shouldn't jeopardize the company's future." "Giving you a scallion for your year-end bonus was my suggestion to Mr. Sterling, precisely to make you realize your place and stop thinking you're so smart." So, giving me a scallion was Mia's idea. And regarding those partnerships... Yes, our company was publicly listed, but the market was practically saturated. We hadn't even established a firm foothold yet. What capital did we have to throw attitudes at our partners? One misstep could send us crashing down, never to recover. But looking at him now, it seemed Ethan had completely forgotten where he came from. With bloodshot eyes, I looked at Ethan in disbelief. "Is that what you think too?" Ethan nodded. "Of course. Mia is right. We are a publicly listed company now; negotiating deals doesn't require much effort. It was all just a tactic you used to play the victim and make my heart ache." "Considering our years together, let this scallion serve as a lesson. Next time, you are not allowed to do anything that damages the company's dignity." My expression remained flat, but because of our years of history, I still wanted to give Ethan one last chance. "So, you don't intend to give me the year-end bonus I rightfully earned?" "I've told you many times, this bonus is very important to me. It concerns a very important matter. I must have it." "And you clearly promised you would give it to me." Ethan's face stiffened. At this moment, Mia feigned surprise and chimed in, "But the year-end bonus that belonged to you this year has already been used by Mr. Sterling to buy me a car." With that, Mia pulled a Bugatti car key from her pocket and dangled it triumphantly in front of me. Looking at the Bugatti key in her hand, my emotions erupted again. "This is the year-end bonus you gave her? She hasn't contributed a single thing to the company this past year and even ruined several key projects. Not firing her was already a mercy, and she gets a Bugatti for a year-end bonus?!" "And you used my bonus to buy it for her." "Ethan, is this the fairness you've always preached?" A flash of anger mixed with embarrassment crossed Ethan's face, and he quickly defended himself loudly. "Mia is new. I gave her this reward just to motivate her to work hard." "You're my wife. You already have everything. Do you really need to care about that little bonus?" "What's wrong with using your bonus to motivate an employee?" I sneered. "There are so many new employees in the company, but I don't see you using Bugattis to motivate them. Ethan, do you even believe your own excuse?" Ethan's face stiffened slightly, then he stubbornly replied, "Now that the company is public, do I still need to care about what others think?" "I also don't allow my employees to sacrifice their dignity to please clients." But I clearly remembered the client, Mr. Lee. Ethan had demanded that I secure the partnership no matter how difficult they made it. But when it came to Mia, she couldn't suffer even the slightest grievance. Since the feelings were gone, arguing further would only humiliate myself. "Since that's the case, I resign." "Also, let's get a divorce." Ethan looked at me in disbelief, as if he had misheard. "Chloe, did I hear that right?" "You want to resign and divorce over this little thing? What exactly are you trying to do? Do you really care about that little bit of money that much?" I stared at him intently. "It is quite important. So since you won't give it to me, let's separate." I was originally the heir to the wealthiest family in New York, but to be with Ethan, I made a pact with my family. As long as I helped Ethan succeed in his startup and he was willing to share his wealth with me, or if my personal account reached a balance of one hundred million dollars within six years, the family would recognize our marriage. They would accept his status as the Hastings family's son-in-law. Otherwise, I would have to divorce him, return to the family to accept an arranged marriage, and inherit the family enterprise. But after Ethan's company went public, he didn't give me any shares. He said he had to treat all employees equally and couldn't give me shares just because I was his wife, as it would make people think it was a "mom-and-pop" shop, which would look bad. He said he had to be fair and treat me like an ordinary employee. So I had to rely on my own abilities to reach a deposit of one hundred million dollars. For the past year, I had been desperately socializing, pulling in business from all over, and swallowing my pride, all to fulfill the pact with my family. With this year-end bonus of over thirty million dollars, I would have reached the one-hundred-million-dollar goal. I never expected that Ethan would casually take this money to buy Mia a Bugatti. And all I got was a scallion. Since he treated me like this, I had nothing left to hold onto. Ethan jumped up, looking at me fiercely. "Chloe, so it really is about this little bit of money. Why are you so obsessed with money?" "It seems Mia was right. You're only with me for the money." "These past few years, you've been stingy and calculating with your salary, and you even asked me for shares before. Fortunately, I was smart enough not to give them to you. It seems I was right." My heart was pierced once again. So, he knew I wanted shares back then, and he didn't give them to me not because of some so-called fairness, but because he was guarding against me from the very beginning. My mother had told me back then that Ethan's intentions were not pure, that he didn't treat relationships as innocently as I did. I didn't believe her then. Now it seems, I was indeed a poor judge of character. Seeing me stay silent, Ethan felt even more certain that his assessment was correct. His gaze towards me grew increasingly mocking. "I hit the nail on the head, didn't I? You have nothing to say for yourself, do you?" Seeing his angry and defensive state, I felt even more that my sacrifices over the years were worthless. "Ethan, from accompanying you when you started the business to desperately pulling in deals for the company now, you just think I'm doing it for money?" "This Mia has only been at the company for a year. You believe whatever she says, and whenever she makes a mistake, you think it's never her fault." "While I dedicate myself entirely to the company, you suspect me at every turn. Ethan, I hope you won't regret this." Ethan scoffed coldly. "But your constant calculating over money is also a fact. I didn't falsely accuse you. Now that I won't give it to you, you're threatening to resign and divorce. What else is there to say?" "Since you want a divorce, then leave with nothing. I just hope you don't regret it." Looking at his heartless and emotionless attitude, my heart went completely cold. "Fine. I will leave with nothing." With that, I turned and walked away, my back straight. At the office door, my colleagues cast various glances my way—some sympathetic, some gloating, and some indifferent. Mia's delicate voice came from behind: "Mr. Sterling, with Director Hastings gone, what will happen to the Sales Department?" Ethan sneered. "Will the company stop running without her? It's the perfect opportunity for someone capable to step up." My steps didn't falter, but a faint smirk appeared on my lips. Yes, let's see if the company keeps running without me. I quickly packed the items on my desk and headed straight to the underground parking garage. Looking at my secondhand Honda, which probably couldn't even buy a single part of Mia's car, my heart ached even more. I had thought about changing cars before, but to save money, I kept repairing this one, never bearing to part with it. Looking back now, it was truly a joke. Just then, my phone rang. It was my father. "The six years are up. It's time to fulfill our agreement." I let out a breath and raised the corners of my mouth. "I've decided to return and inherit the family business." My father didn't expect this answer. His tone was somewhat cautious. "Chloe, you mean returning alone to inherit the family? Did something happen between you and Ethan?" "I'm getting a divorce. I misjudged him all these years." There was a moment of silence on the other end. "I support your decision. But people of the Hastings family don't suffer grievances in silence." "I'm coming to bring you home right now." Hearing this, my nose stung, and tears threatened to fall. "Thank you, Dad." I hung up, drove home, packed a few personal items, and threw the rest into the trash. Then, I printed out a divorce agreement. Just as I was about to send it to Ethan, the villa door slammed open, and Ethan stormed in. He slapped me across the face. "Chloe, I never expected you to be so malicious as to scratch Mia's new car out of jealousy." "So what if I used your year-end bonus? How can you be so petty?" "Mia is still blaming herself, thinking you brought up divorce because of her. And you? You turn around and scratch her car. You've gone too far." "I'll give you one chance. Buy Mia a new car with your own money, and I'll forgive you. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless." I looked at him in disbelief, not expecting him to actually hit me for Mia's sake. "I didn't scratch her car, and I definitely won't pay to buy her a new one." Ethan sneered. "Who else could it be? Someone saw you go to the underground parking garage after leaving, and then Mia's car was scratched. Who else would dare scratch such an expensive car?" "If you do something wrong, you must accept the punishment. You ruined her new car, so you should compensate her with a new one." I refused again. "I went to the parking garage to get my car. I never even saw her new car, so how could I have scratched it?" "If you don't believe me, go check the security cameras." At that moment, Mia walked in looking deeply wronged. "Did Director Hastings say that because she knew the cameras in that section of the underground parking garage are broken for maintenance?" "I know you're jealous that Mr. Sterling bought me a new car while you're still driving a secondhand Honda, but if you wanted to drive my new car, you just had to ask. I would have let you drive it. Why did you have to scratch it?" "Do you know those few scratches will cost millions to repair? You knew I didn't have the money, so you did it on purpose to humiliate me, didn't you?" Ethan looked heartbroken, and his gaze towards me grew increasingly disgusted. "Chloe, you scratched the car, so whether it's buying a new one or repairing it, you must pay for it." Seeing his aggressive demeanor, I confirmed once again that our marriage was truly over. I didn't answer him. Instead, I handed over my divorce agreement. "This is the divorce agreement. I'm leaving with nothing. Sign it. I'm too tired to waste words on you." "As for the car, I didn't scratch it, and I won't accept the blame. If you insist on making me responsible, then call the police. Let them find the truth." A flicker of excitement flashed across Mia's face when she saw the divorce agreement, but upon hearing me mention the police, a hint of guilt mixed with her excitement. So, she had orchestrated the whole thing herself. "You really want a divorce? Chloe, you must realize that without me, you are nothing. Think carefully." "I've thought it through clearly. Sign it." Ethan snatched the divorce agreement, quickly signed it, and threw it at me. "I've signed it. From now on, even if you kneel on the ground and beg, I won't give you another chance." "Since you won't admit to scratching the car, I'll handle it by calling the police." He took out his phone to call the police, but his assistant called him instead. "Mr. Sterling, something happened." "The partners who were supposed to sign contracts today didn't show up. They're all demanding to cancel their contracts." "Furthermore, not only did the bank loan not come through today, but they're calling in our existing debts early. The company is in complete chaos." Ethan's pupils contracted in disbelief. "What nonsense are you spouting? How is that possible?" "Everything was fine when I left the company. In just a few short hours, who has the power to do this? This is clearly trying to drive me to my death." Assistant Wang's tone was frantic. "Then, Director Hastings, think carefully. Have you offended anyone recently?" "This attack doesn't feel like normal business tactics; it feels more like a vendetta. They didn't leave any room for negotiation." "Mr. Sterling, you need to think of a solution quickly. The company's phones are ringing off the hook. The suppliers are calling like they coordinated it, demanding payment. But the bank loan didn't come through today, and our liquid assets have already been invested in other projects. We have no way out." Ethan stumbled back a few steps and was caught by Mia. "Mr. Sterling, could this be Chloe's doing?" "We haven't offended anyone recently. Besides her holding a grudge, who else would do this?" "She must have colluded with someone in the company to set you up. Don't worry, we are a publicly listed company. We won't collapse just because of her petty tricks. She's just trying to scare you." Ethan glared at me furiously, his eyes blazing with anger. "Chloe, how could you gamble with the company's future? Do you know this will cause massive problems for the company?" "If our competitors find out and deliberately spread rumors about us, these fake issues could be blown up into real ones. If the company loses its credibility, who will work with us?" "The company just went public. Doing this will affect our stock price, and if we're not careful, we risk bankruptcy. How could you do this for your own selfish gain?" "You've truly disappointed me. But let me tell you, I'm calling the company right now to revoke your position and blackball you from the entire industry. Let's see who dares to put on an act with you then." After saying that, he immediately called Assistant Wang. He started off with an interrogation. "Assistant Wang, did Chloe bribe you to put on an act with me?" "What benefits did she give you to help her like this? You know if you cause losses to the company because of this, I can have you sent to jail." "I'm telling you right now, I have signed the divorce agreement with Chloe. She leaves with nothing. I am now revoking all of Chloe's positions in the company and blackballing her from the industry." "Are you still going to betray me with her? If you don't tell me the truth, and if anything goes wrong with this partnership, I will hold you fully responsible." Facing Ethan's accusations, Assistant Wang was utterly bewildered. "Mr. Sterling, what are you talking about?" "What does this have to do with Director Hastings? Have you misunderstood something?" "A very important person has just arrived at the company. I suggest you come back immediately, or things will really go south." After hanging up the phone, Ethan glared at me, his eyes full of scrutiny. "Is this really not an act you and Assistant Wang put on to scare me?" I sneered and didn't answer his question directly. "I never try to scare people." "I suggest you head back to the company and see for yourself." An ugly look flashed across his face, and he glared at me viciously. "If I find out the company's issues have anything to do with you, I won't let you off." Watching his retreating back, I raised an eyebrow. "Ethan, enjoy your last days of glory." If my guess was right, the one taking action should be my father. I just didn't expect him to move so swiftly, practically paralyzing Ethan's company in just a few hours. After packing my personal belongings and leaving the villa, a stretch Lincoln stopped in front of me. "Miss, the Master sent me to pick you up first. There will be a grand show in a few days." I nodded and got in the car. Meanwhile, Ethan rushed back to the company. As soon as he entered, Assistant Wang briefed him on the situation. Then, he led him to the conference room. "This is Mr. Hastings from the Hastings family in New York. He is here today to discuss acquiring our company." Hearing the word "acquisition," Ethan's eyes widened in shock, his face instantly turning pale. "The Hastings family... wants to acquire my company?" He looked at the powerful middle-aged man sitting there, instantly understanding the truth. What happened to the company today had nothing to do with me; it was orchestrated by the Mr. Hastings before him, precisely for this acquisition. But why would the prominent Hastings family of New York set their sights on his unremarkable company? Could it be that he had offended someone in the Hastings family? He quickly adjusted his emotions, his eyes revealing a hint of flattery when he looked at the man. "Mr. Hastings, I built this company through hard work. It's my lifeblood. I wonder what it is about this company that caught your eye?" "Or perhaps I offended you in some way, causing you to target my small company? If you tell me, I will sincerely apologize." "I just hope you can give me a chance, considering I'm just a junior who doesn't know any better."
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