“Tomorrow,” Eleanor Vance declared, her voice laced with casual indifference, “you’re quitting the company. Go find a woman and get married.” She nestled against me, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest as if I were nothing more than a plaything. “I’ve fallen for a handsome young man, and he’s taking your place. He’s too innocent; I don’t want him getting any ideas because of you.” I swallowed the bitter tang of jealousy, my gaze fixed on Eleanor. “Is this for real, this time?” Eleanor smiled, a soft, chilling curve of her lips. “Absolutely. I’m going to marry him. He’s pristine, unlike you.” … My body felt like shattered glass, my eyelids heavy as lead. Eleanor kicked me. Caught off guard, I tumbled from the bed, my lower back slamming into the dresser with a sharp, involuntary grunt. She watched me with that same casual indifference. “Don’t sleep. You’re resigning from the company today. I’ve fallen for a handsome young man, and he’s taking your place as my Chief of Staff. He’s too innocent; I don’t want him getting any ideas because of you.” I stared at Eleanor, unblinking. “Is this for real, this time?” Her smile was gentle, almost affectionate. “It is. He’s the one I want to marry. He’s pristine, unlike you.” A bitter laugh escaped me. Five years, and I still hadn’t melted Eleanor Vance’s heart. I’d known about this man for six months, but I’d always assumed he’d be cast aside, just like all the others before him. I never imagined it would be me who got discarded this time. “Clean out the villa. Take your things, or I’ll toss them. Don’t want him to be unhappy seeing them around. Move out today, then head to the company to process your resignation.” I lifted my head, meeting her gaze. When did she become so utterly ruthless with me? “I’ll move out, but I’m not resigning. I earned that position. Why should I give it up for him?” It was the first time I’d ever questioned her. “Earned it? The ‘skill’ of warming my bed, perhaps?” Eleanor always knew how to hit where it hurt. “You? An art student, becoming Chief of Staff? Do you honestly believe that was through your own merit? Julian Blackwood, that position was a gift from me.” Her dismissive words negated five years of my tireless effort. My palms clenched into painful fists as I listened, struggling to control my emotions. Finally, I managed a calm, even tone. “Fine. I’ll resign.” Eleanor leisurely rose from the bed and dressed. With a sneer, she pulled a card from her pocket and tossed it onto the floor. “There’s a hundred thousand dollars in there. Call it compensation for the past five years.” The card skittered to a halt at my feet. I lowered my gaze, then bent to pick it up. Eleanor scoffed. “Still the same gold-digger, I see.” “Money’s great,” I countered, forcing a lightness I didn’t feel, trying to keep my emotions from bleeding through. “More reliable than a sugar mommy.” “Go make breakfast,” she ordered. “We’re done. Eleanor, my dear patroness, why don’t you have your new pretty boy make it?” Her brow furrowed in displeasure. “Already giving me attitude after taking my money?” “Hm. You can pay, but I might not make it.” “Fine. Be that way.” With a final, dismissive glance, Eleanor stalked out of the room. After she left, I finally sank to the floor, all strength drained from me. It was truly over. … The first time I saw Eleanor Vance was at an art exhibition. The gallery buzzed with renowned figures and influential titans, and Eleanor was there, seeking a partnership. That day, I witnessed someone push their proposal with such unwavering determination. Rejected time and again, yet never deterred. That version of Eleanor made me fall in love at first sight. A passion ignited, deepening with every beat of my heart. I defied my family’s arrangements for a strategic marriage alliance, resolutely leaving my hometown to apply for a position at her company. Slowly, through conversations with employees, I learned her preferences. From then on, I hit the gym, meticulously cared for my skin, honed my cooking skills, and devoured every book on her industry. I wanted to become the person she’d most desire, even before she truly noticed me. To ensure she did notice me, I worked tirelessly to secure new clients for the company. Out of pure devotion, I wanted her company to thrive. Before every business dinner, I’d pop hangover pills, then drink as if my life depended on it. Within a month of working for Eleanor, I’d landed myself in the hospital multiple times. Alone in this sprawling city, I’d lie there, hooked up to an IV drip, but I was elated because I’d closed the deal. She would be pleased, I thought. Step by painstaking step, I finally made it to Eleanor’s inner circle. When my manager informed me I could join a project Eleanor was personally overseeing, my heart swelled with joy. I stayed by her side, watching her meticulously refine proposals, and I felt my affection for her deepen even further. The day we secured the project, Eleanor took me and the client out to dinner. At the table, just as I was about to intercept a drink meant for Eleanor, she pressed her hand over my glass. “Even men shouldn’t drink themselves to death like this. You’ll ruin your stomach.” The table erupted in teasing. “Since when does Ms. Vance care so much about her subordinates?” My face flushed, and I stole a glance at her, only to find her eyes on me. I quickly looked away. The dinner dragged on until past midnight, and Eleanor was visibly tipsy. I tried to ask where she lived, but she was too far gone. Reluctantly, I took her back to my place. I gave her my only bed, grabbing a blanket and settling onto the sofa. In the middle of the night, I felt a sudden shift in the room, a light tread. Half-asleep, I wondered if it was an intruder, my eyes snapping open. It was Eleanor. She stood before me. “You’re sleeping on the sofa?” “Yeah, I’m a guy. Tough as nails. The sofa’s fine.” “Hmm. Or we could just… sleep together?” The words tumbled out of her lips, a startling invitation. A strange impulse made me agree, and we simply fell into bed together. I was too desperate to be close to her. After we got together, Eleanor was good to me. She’d spend time with me, doing many things. If it weren’t for the parade of other men in her life, I might have actually believed I was her only one. But I was different from them; no one else had ever lasted this long by her side. I believed that if I stayed long enough, one day, she’d settle down. But I was wrong. … After packing up the villa, I realized how few of my own possessions were actually there. Most of what filled the house were relics of my time with Eleanor: the iridescent purple conch shell we’d found on the beach during our first trip together; the clay figurines we’d molded side-by-side, one for her, one for me; the portrait sketched for us by a street artist under a bridge. These were the things that had once convinced me Eleanor felt something for me, too. Looking at them, I knew Eleanor wouldn’t want them anymore. So, I decided to discard them all—these shared memories that were, perhaps, only my own. Once everything was gone, the house felt unnervingly empty. It struck me then that my five years of devotion had been just as hollow. Leaving the villa, I headed straight for the company. If I was resigning, there was no reason to stay in this city. When I reached the executive assistant suite, I found a crowd of people gathered around a strikingly handsome young man. He had a bright smile, impeccably dressed, with the naive air of a college student, clearly fresh-faced and inexperienced. Secretaries giggled as they accepted bubble tea from his hands. “Thanks, Ethan, you’re too kind! So thoughtful on your first day.” He beamed even wider. “It’s the least I can do, on behalf of Eleanor. It’s my pleasure.” He picked up another cup of bubble tea. “I’ll take this one to Eleanor.” Just then, Eleanor herself walked in through the door. She completely ignored me, walking straight to Ethan, a warm smile gracing her lips. “Did I hear you call my name?” Ethan’s clean, clear eyes fixed on Eleanor, an undeniable tenderness brimming within them. “This is for you.” I expected Eleanor to refuse. Six months ago, she’d somehow heard that bubble tea was full of artificial sweeteners and had ordered me to stop drinking it. Whenever I craved one, she’d unceremoniously snatch it from my hand and toss it in the trash. Yet now, Eleanor took the cup and drank, a picture of pure contentment. “Mm, Ethan’s bubble tea is delicious.” “Of course! It’s pure milk. I’d never let you drink that artificial stuff, Eleanor.” A bitter pang struck me. So, he was the one who told her about the sweeteners. It wasn’t that she disliked bubble tea; she just disliked my bubble tea. After a long moment, she finally noticed me standing to the side. “Oh, this one’s for you. You must be Julian, right? Eleanor mentioned you. I told her I wanted to start from the bottom, but she insisted I take your position directly. I’m so sorry about that. This is my apology.” I froze, and the bubble tea Ethan handed me clattered to the floor with a sudden thud. Ethan looked at me, his face a picture of confusion. “Julian, you… Are you upset I took your job?” His eyes were already glistening with unshed tears. Eleanor frowned. “If you don’t like it, don’t drink it, but why throw Ethan’s bubble tea on the floor? Go process your resignation, now.” I hadn’t even touched the cup, and it was still my fault. I swallowed the bitter lump in my throat, walking slowly to my desk. “I’ll resign once I’ve packed my things, Ms. Vance. No need for you to worry.” “Eleanor, don’t be like this to Julian. He couldn’t have meant it. Besides, I’m new. I don’t know anything. Maybe you could keep Julian on for a while longer, to help me out?” Part of me did want to stay, because this position was something I’d earned. Eleanor could dismiss it with a flick of her wrist, but I knew the effort I’d poured into it. Yet, at this moment, it all felt absurd. This position was merely Eleanor’s to give and take. I looked up. “Thank you for the thought, but I’ve decided to resign.” I quickly packed my desk into a cardboard box. “Eleanor, please try to convince him!” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the look Ethan gave Eleanor, and a familiar ache tightened in my chest. My hands moved faster; I truly wanted to leave. Suddenly, a figure blocked my vision. “Ethan asked you to stay. Didn’t you hear?” “Ms. Vance, you’re the one who told me to resign. Have you forgotten?” Eleanor’s patience wore thin. “A hundred thousand. Stay and familiarize Ethan for a month.” I shook my head. “Two hundred thousand.” I looked up, forcing a smile. “Deal.” Eleanor’s eyes held an unreadable flicker of emotion, but she merely uttered, light as air, “Still a gold-digger, aren’t you?” It was only a month. I needed to hand over all my responsibilities. After all, I had poured my heart into this work. Once she left, Ethan approached me. “Julian, this is my desk now. Why don’t you sit over there?” Ethan pointed to a desk near the restroom door. I caught the mischievous glint in his eyes; he was clearly not as innocent as he seemed. I shrugged, unfazed, and carried my box to the designated spot. At noon, Ethan treated the entire company to lunch. Everyone fawned over him, gathering around and trying to curry favor. No one even called me to join them. I didn’t care; these petty tactics meant nothing to me. But when we returned, Ethan suddenly cried out, “My ring! It’s gone!” A swarm of secretaries immediately surrounded him. “What ring?” Ethan’s gaze swept over me. “It’s Eleanor’s and my engagement ring. It’s very expensive.” “What?!” Everyone’s eyes turned to me. Someone spoke up. “Whoever took Ethan’s ring, hand it over now.” Their gazes were filled with suspicion and disdain as they swept over me. I ignored them, continuing to pack my things. But someone couldn’t stand it any longer and walked directly to my desk. “Are you still going to pretend?” I looked up. It was the secretary closest to Ethan. I glanced at Ethan; he was watching me too, a flicker of triumph in his eyes. “What do you mean?” “What do I mean?” The secretary sneered. “We were all out just now. You know what you did.” “Some people are just shameless. No talent, so they get jealous of Ethan.” “Exactly! Still trying to cling to Ms. Vance, as if he’s even worthy!” Everyone began to close in on me. Ethan, meanwhile, put on his most innocent, pure expression. “Everyone, don’t make it difficult for Julian. He might just have made a mistake, maybe it wasn’t intentional. Julian, just hand it over, and I’ll pretend this never happened.” “I didn’t take it. I told you, if you don’t believe me, call the police.” I pulled out my phone, but in the next second, a secretary slapped it to the floor. “Who knows what you’re planning? Calling the police is too much trouble. Let’s just search him directly!” With that, he lunged at me. “You wouldn’t dare!” I pushed him away. He grew even more arrogant. “Afraid to be searched? I bet you’re guilty! Everyone, come on! Let’s help Ethan find his ring!” The others exchanged glances, probably considering Ethan’s position. Then, they all charged. I was outnumbered. I couldn’t fight off so many people alone, and soon I was pinned to the ground. I couldn’t believe this was happening. These were the colleagues I’d worked with for five years. Clearly, in the face of self-interest, everything else was false. A secretary ripped open my bag, spilling its contents onto the floor. After a quick rummage, finding nothing, he demanded, “Where did you hide the ring?” “Could it be on him? After all, that ring is so valuable, isn’t it?” Ethan’s vague suggestion prompted someone to start tearing at my clothes. “You wouldn’t dare! This is illegal!” I roared, pushing her away. “This company is not above the law. Today, anyone who dares to lay a hand on me will regret it bitterly.” Perhaps it was my ferocity, but for a moment, no one dared to advance further. “What are you all doing?” A voice cut through the tension. It was Eleanor Vance. Everyone fell silent, Ethan included, though he quickly ran to her. “Eleanor, it’s all my fault. I lost your engagement ring. Everyone was just trying to help Julian return the ring, but he…” Ethan was practically sobbing, playing the victim. Eleanor’s gaze fell on me. “Did you take it? If you did, just return it. It’s just a ring. When did you become so petty?” Her words were a final, damning verdict. Even though I knew what to expect, a chill still seeped into my heart. “I didn’t take it!” I stood there, resolute. Perhaps I had never defied her so openly, for Eleanor’s brow furrowed slightly. Then Ethan spoke again. “If Julian really doesn’t want to return it, then forget about it. Even though it means a lot to me, Julian has been with the company for so many years after all.” His face looked even more aggrieved as he leaned into Eleanor. Perhaps out of sympathy, Eleanor’s expression grew even darker. “I told you to return it!” Her eyes, sharp as knives, cut into my face. My heart clenched. Five years of devotion, Eleanor. What did I ever mean to you? “I think we should just search him! Won’t we know for sure then?” someone suggested. Eleanor’s frown deepened. However, the next second, Ethan looked at her with feigned adoration. “That’s a good idea. If he doesn’t have it, it will prove Julian’s innocence. Don’t you think so, Eleanor?” He maintained his clean, innocent tone, but a hint of triumph and malice laced his words. I instinctively shook my head. Eleanor seemed to hesitate for a moment, then she looked at me. “Since you say you’re innocent, you shouldn’t be afraid of a search, should you?” My eyes widened in disbelief. In the next instant, I heard something inside me irrevocably break. This was the woman I had loved for five years. I looked at her. “Eleanor Vance, do you truly want to search me?” “Will you strip yourself, or shall I have them do it?” Her voice was cold, decisive, sealing my fate. Perhaps she wasn’t unaware of Ethan’s petty schemes. She was simply willing to indulge him, willing to play along, even if it meant trampling my dignity underfoot. “Fine. I’ll strip.” I removed my jacket, then my shirt. Only my underwear remained. Everyone watched me, their gazes mocking and assessing. Eleanor Vance, from this day forward, let mountains and rivers separate us. We will never meet again. I raised my hands to finish stripping. “Enough!” Eleanor suddenly bellowed. I paused, but then continued. Eleanor suddenly rushed forward, grabbing my hands. “I said enough! I said strip, and you strip! Julian Blackwood, have you no shame?!” I looked up at the woman before me. Shame? “Oh, yes. For so many years, when have I ever had any shame?” I yanked my hand free. She seemed momentarily stunned. I laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. “Ms. Vance, is that enough? Or should I take off more?” Eleanor snapped back to reality, then erupted in fury. “Get out! All of you, get out!” A vein throbbed on her temple, but I didn’t spare her another glance. Walking out of the company building, I wiped away the tears stinging my eyes. I pulled out my phone and dialed a number. “Mom, I agree. I’ll come back and inherit the company.” …
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