“Of course. Please ring if you need anything” the assistant replied before withdrawing
Alone again, Gwyneth idly scrolled through trending news stories
Just then, the door creaked open.
The project manager entered with someone, mid–conversation. “Given Everprosper Group’s reputation, we should discuss this partnership thoroughly-
He froze mid–sentence when he spotted Gwyneth. “Ms. Jenkins, I didn’t realize presence.
Gwyneth started to speak, then went rigid as Zachary stepped into the room pushed back her chair. Tll move. Take the room.””
The project manager paled at the thought of displacing Harrison’s companion.
be here Clearly, no one had informed him about her
the one person she’d hoped to avoid. Her expression darkened as she
“Please, Ms. Jenkins, make yourself comfortable,” he said quickly, motioning to his assistant. “Wendy, would you show Mr. Flynn to the conference room next door?”
Turning back to Zachary with a professional smile, he added, “Mr. Flynn, perhaps we could go over the partnership terms in private?”
“I’m not going anywhere. Zachary advanced on Gwyneth, his gaze zeroing in on the diamond glittering on her finger.
His jaw clenched. She turned down my proposal, but now she’s wearing Harrison’s ring–right here in the Lopez Group offices:
“Then I’m leaving,” Gwyneth said, suppressing a shiver under his intense gaze. As she moved to step
past him, his hand shot out to seize her wrist
This time, she twisted away, her eyes turning frosty. “You’re here on business. Why are you picking fights?”
“Me picking fights?” Zachary whirled on her, his voice trembling with anger. “You’re the problem here! I told you Harrison is married. Why are you still throwing yourself at him?”
The project manager slammed the door shut, his thoughts spinning. ‘Married! Since when? And who’s this woman! More importantly–how did she know Zachary! He couldn’t make sense of it, but he knew this conversation wasn’t meant for outside ears.
Gwyneth massaged her temples. You’d do better to worry about your Everprosper Group
A harsh laugh escaped Zachary. “Don’t you understand? The Lopezes have ice in their veins. You’ll never be more than his dirty little secret. Is that really what you want, Gwyneth? To spend your life as his hidden mistress?”
The final words lingered in the air, and Gwyneth’s hand froze on the doorknob.
She’d wasted years on Zachary, playing at being his wife without ever getting the ring. He spoiled her behind closed doors but acted like she didn’t exist in public. The realization burned: she’d never been his partner, just his carefully hidden mistress.
But with Harrison, things were different. Their marriage might have been jus business, but yesterday, he’d pulled her close and introduced her to someone as his wife without hesitation.
Thineen years with Zachary, and she’d received less recognition than from a business arrangement. The hypocrisy took her breath away.
Zacary misread her hesitation, “Gwennie,” he pressed, voice dripping with condescension, “my door’s always open. When you come crawling back
Before he could finish, Gwyneth whirled around and advanced on him.
Zachary’s face lit up. Is Gwennie finally seeing reason? Is she coming back to me?‘ he thought
The next moment, Gwyneth’s stiletto heel struck Zachary’s shin
with a sharp crack. He jerked back pain shocking him into clarity.
“Gwyneth!” Zachary’s vision swam as agony and rage coursed through him.
Ignoring the project manager’s shocked Intake of breath, Gwyneth steadied herself. “How many times do I have to reject you? Let me spell it out–1 want nothing to do with you. Who I associate with is none of your business.”
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