Chapter 9
Victoria Reed didn’t work at Westwood Corp, yet she navigated its hallways like she owned the place.
Meanwhile, Amber Chase-Blake’s wife of three years-couldn’t even tell you which way the damn doors opened.
In the past, this realization would have cut deep. But now, Amber felt nothing but a fleeting tightness in her chest before pulling out her phone to call Zach.
“You don’t have a security pass?” Zach sounded surprised.
‘Nope.”
Lach rubbed his temple, not prying into her personal situation. “I’ll have my colleague come down. We might as well sign the contract in the lobby since we’ve lready worked out the terms.”
Thanks, I appreciate it, Director Pratt.”
Amber sat down on one of the lobby sofas, back straight, waiting quietly.
the revolving doors suddenly swung open, and a woman stepped in, her eyes scanning the area before locking onto Amber. She marched directly toward her.
You SLUT! You’re the side piece he’s been keeping, aren’t you?! You had the NERVE to come to my home! I’ll fucking kill you!”
imber looked up just as the woman hurled a water bottle at her. She couldn’t dodge in time, and water drenched her completely.
he woman was Zach’s wife. She’d been tailing his car all morning, convinced Amber was his mistress. She grabbed Amber’s blouse, ripping several buttons off
HOMEWRECKER! SHAMELESS WHORE! Everyone look! Mistresses these days have the balls to show up and taunt the actual wife!”
he Westwood Corp lobby was already busy, and heads immediately turned toward the commotion.
imber clutched her collar and shoved the woman away. “I’m Director Pratt’s assistant, not his mistress. Next time, get your facts straight before you publicly
ccuse someone.”
But the enraged woman wouldn’t listen. She lunged for Amber’s hair.
umber stepped back, catching sight of the elevator doors opening. Blake Westwood emerged first with Victoria Reed beside him, followed by several Westwood
Corp executives.
lake stared at the scene with cold detachment while Victoria covered her mouth in feigned surprise. “Oh my God, is there some kind of misunderstanding?”
he woman grabbed Amber’s shirt hem and began sobbing hysterically.
You fucking WHORE! You home-wrecking BITCH! Look at your slutty face! You’ve definitely fucked Zach in his office, haven’t you? I gave him FIFTEEN YEARS of my life, and this is what I get!”
Amber frowned as she was pushed backward.
I told you, there’s nothing between us.”
After crying for a moment, the woman dropped to her knees.
‘Please leave Zach alone. I’m begging you, please.”
She started banging her head against the floor-a wife begging her husband’s supposed mistress to leave him. The spectacle was so shocking that several onlookers pulled out their phones to record.
Amber had no interest in reasoning with someone this irrational. Staying would only humiliate her further.
As she turned to leave, she noticed Blake had already walked away. Victoria stood beside him, tilting her head up with a radiant smile, saying something that made them look like the perfect couple.
Amber’s feet suddenly froie. The woman seized the opportunity, grabbing a vase from a nearby table and hurling it straight at her.
DIE, BITCHI
Amber’s health had been fragile lately, and she collapsed instantly.
In her hazy consciousness, she thought she saw someone rushing toward her, but she couldn’t focus. Something warm trickled down her forehead, blurring
her vision.
When she regained consciousness, she was in a hospital room.
Zach sat by her bedside looking distraught. “I had no idea she was following you. I’m so sorry you got dragged into this mess.”
His face showed exhaustion. “I swear I’m not having an affair, but she refuses to believe me. I’ve explained countless times, but she twists everything. I finally filed for divorce, which only convinced her more that I’m cheating. She’s been causing scenes at my workplace for two years now. After leaving Westwood Corp, I initially worked at other major companies, but she got me fired from three consecutive positions. That’s why I ended up at this smaller firm.”
No wonder. Amber had always wondered how someone who’d reached executive level at Westwood Corp would end up at such a modest company. Now it
nade sense.
‘Director Pratt, did you bring me to the hospital?”
Lach looked confused. “The police contacted me. I assume someone from Westwood Corp called them.”
Amber nodded. She thought she’d seen Blake before passing out.
How pathetic. She’d supposedly fallen out of love, yet in that critical moment, he was still the first person she thought of.
Amber, I’ve covered your medical expenses. I’ve also transferred $5,000 to your account for emotional damages. Can we settle this privately?”
Amber wasn’t one to hold grudges. She could see a deadness in Zach’s eyes.
hree years ago, Zach had been vibrant and ambitious, becoming an executive at Westwood Corp by just thirty-six. Now, barely three years later, he seemed lecades older-not physically, but spiritually.
f his wife was truly determined to destroy his career, she was like a leech, draining him completely.
What happened to your wife?”
She’s at the police station. They’re waiting for you to wake up.”
umber nodded and checked her phone. The money had indeed been transferred.
he needed cash right now, and $5,000 wasn’t insignificant.
I’ll tell the police I want to settle this privately. But please make it clear to your wife that we’re strictly professional colleagues.”
ach frowned, his head seemingly pounding again. “If she were capable of listening to reason, things wouldn’t have escalated this far. Just stay away from her if ou see her again.”
With her head bandaged, Amber realized this minor injury had netted her $5,000-not a bad deal, all things considered.
he was discharged by evening and immediately checked nearby apartments on her phone.
With only $6,000 to her name, she needed to be careful with expenses.
standing outside the hospital, she figured it was too late to view apartments. She’d have to settle for a hotel tonight.
As she considered calling a rideshare, a car pulled up in front of her. The window rolled down, and a man’s voice called out.
‘Amber?”
Julian?”
“What happened? Where’s Blake? Shouldn’t he be with you?”
Julian had always been kind to her, and she trusted him.
“Julian, Blake and I are getting divorced.”
Something flashed in Julian’s eyes. He opened the car door. “Get in. Do you have somewhere to stay?”
Amber slid into the backseat, gazing out the window. “I’m looking for an apartment near my workplace.”
“You mean around Riverside Drive? I have a place in that area that’s sitting empty. You can move in there.”
“Julian, thank you, but that’s not necessary.”
“What’s with the formalities? I’ve got properties all over the city.”
Refusing further would seem petty. Her eyes grew misty. “Okay.”
Julian reached over and gently patted her head.
The window remained open, and in the distance, beneath a large oak tree, a car had been parked there watching them the entire time.
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