John Upon arriving at the parking lot, John hurried over to his car. His driver, Spencer, was talking to James, Elizabeth’s driver. As soon as he saw his boss approaching, Spencer promptly opened the door for him to get in.“Mr. Walker,” said Spencer, his voice firm and respectful.John didn’t answer. He didn’t even look at his wife’s driver as he passed him, as if James were invisible.As soon as the car started moving, his grandfather’s words echoed in his mind, mingled with the image of Elizabeth being so affectionate with Oliver. But, like poison seeping slowly, another memory surfaced: his mother’s words, spoken two days earlier, when she saw her in the ICU holding Oliver’s hand.“Don’t be fooled by this charade. That girl knows exactly how to look perfect.”For the first time, John felt a twinge of doubt. What if his mother was right? What if Elizabeth really was just an excellent actress on that stage they called a family? But he didn’t let that uncertainty take hold. The te

The next fifty minutes passed at a breakneck pace. Pamela detailed every step of the project’s implementation, from the pilot testing phase on lower-traffic routes to full integration with AI for dynamic routing. John absorbed it all in silence, interrupting only to point out minor flaws or request additional simulations.When Anne returned discreetly to collect the empty cups and refill the water pitcher, she was barely noticed. “That’s all I have for today,” she said, finally closing her laptop. “Shall we present together to the committee tomorrow?”John leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms on the table, and watched her in silence for a few moments before answering. He was analyzing not only the project but the woman in front of him; he wanted to see if she was truly competent. After all, he knew how to separate business from his personal life. What Pamela intended in her personal life didn’t interest him.“Tomorrow you’ll present these topics to the committee. I’ll present t

“You didn’t think they were a gift?” he repeated, his voice cold, but with a hint of disbelief. “What did you think they were, then?”“I thought they were clothes to wear while I was recovering. Clothes to keep up appearances, and that… and that didn’t… suit me.”The last words came out in a lower tone as she looked away from him. She used the words John had spoken on their wedding day.John also remembered and understood. He had indeed been cruel, but his pride got the better of him, so he said nothing more. In fact, after that day, he never gave her anything other than the unlimited credit card. John had thought back then that she would refuse to wear those clothes and rush to the stores to buy the designer clothes that every woman loves. But she simply accepted it, resigned herself to it, and only wore the ones he had thrown at her feet.The silence that followed was broken only by the clatter of cutlery on the plate as John mechanically ate the rest of his coffee, barely tasting

“Unfortunately, I’ll have to go back home in a few days. Dad asked me to handle some matters regarding the oil fields. But as soon as I can, I’ll be back, and I believe it won’t just be a quick visit,” she said enigmatically.“All right. I have matters to attend to,” he said, walking away. Pamela watched John’s broad, imposing back, his neatly combed hair, and his steady stride. Yes, he was a handsome man and deserved someone his equal.She gathered her things, ignoring the curious glances that saw her acting like the company’s boss and the comments that surely followed; she didn’t care—on the contrary, she liked it when people talked about her.But that mattered little now; she had impressed John. With that thought, she gathered her belongings and documents into her purse, left the room with elegant steps and a slight smile on her lips, ready to put the next stage of her plans into action.*****JohnUpon returning to the office, John dropped the documents on the desk, pulled out hi

But at the same time, he felt the bitter taste of loneliness in his mouth. Because, deep down, none of that mattered. The whole world might bow before the power of the Walker Group, but his personal life was in chaos.“While the Walker Group dominates the world, my personal life is falling apart…” he thought, clenching his fist on the desk.He closed his eyes for a moment; he needed to maintain control. It didn’t matter what he felt. In the corporate world, weakness was not an option. And he was beginning to realize that Elizabeth was his greatest weakness; she unsettled him.As soon as he wrapped up the meeting with the CFO—it was already past five o’clock—John felt the weight of exhaustion settle on his shoulders. He was exhausted.Everyone present was also eager for that endless meeting to end. The reception at the penthouse had already begun, and John knew it, but the employees left the room trying to hide their haste and excitement. The Walker Group’s parties usually went on late