Chapter 58: Forced to Go Abroad

I watched the smile on Nancy’s face collapse instantly, the sand blown away by the wind. I raised an eyebrow while Yvette droned on. “Didn’t you mention that Owen was joining your company? I came for him today; where is he?!”

Was Yvette here just for me? What was she up to? Though I had the same name as Owen, the illustrations suggested they’d never connected us or figured we were the same person. They probably thought I was just a random applicant.

But now I was surprised. My mind flashed to my artwork I’d noticed in her office. Could it be that Yvette had met me and thought I was Owen? Then again, something felt off. Did we agree not to reveal my true identity? How could she sell me out like that! Nancy sensed my seething glare and explained, “Yes, I did tell you Owen joined our company, but you…”

“And now… Oh, um… He’s gone, and I can’t get in touch with him anymore,” she added, a pedantic tone devoid of any special concern. “That day we were busy with something else.”

Joined the company? That must be talking about the time when he gamely escaped a bad one south and stepped in to save the day. Later, she’d treated me and Owen… My way to visit me once at the hospital, on the other end of the line… I overheard her talking about them on the phone, and now it seemed that I had been the caller.

Surprised, I recalled the events of that day. I remembered Verite showing up at the digital studio shortly after I arrived, only to be mistaken by my uncle as my mistress. There’d been a massive argument afterward.

Everything started to make sense, and I gaped at Yvette in astonishment. Yvette must have wanted to meet Owen, but she’d come to the hospital instead of meeting him directly. That was impossible. Based on what I knew about Verite, Ed had never been her priority.

Yvette questioned me with a frown. She had no idea what was going on in my mind. Nancy eyed me. Then, the truth dawned on me. I understood what exactly happened, and I didn’t try to probe further.

“You’re leaving for Timbuktu, aren’t you? If you’re short on illustrators, Owen can help. He’s pretty talented for an assistant, and he’ll definitely be helpful.” Leaving? I chased away my thoughts and looked at Yvette. Memories of countless documents and materials I’d pored over in my previous life flooded my mind like a tidal wave.

When Randall had left for abroad, Yvette had gone with him. They’d gone through a lot during their time abroad, and it was then we realized she truly loved him. She began meddling in his affairs. She went as far as to use every means possible to buy him a house and a car just to be with him. It seemed that the pivotal turning point in their story was finally here.

Yvette looked down at me as she spoke. “I guess I’ll make do with him.” Her tone and manner rubbed me the wrong way. I refused to go with her if she looked down on me that much. She shouldn’t think she could order me around. I straightened my arms and declared, “I’m staying here, and I’m not going anywhere!”

She threw her hands up and pointed out in a cold tone, “You owe me three million dollars. If you’re not coming, pay me back now,” she declared. “We’re just…”

(That money is joint property. I’m not paying it back. Go ahead and file a lawsuit if you want to.)

Sentences erupted. I glared at her and snapped, “Are you out of your mind? If you despise me that much, why drag me along! There are plenty of illustrators in the office. Your Le is learning tomorrow, and if you don’t like anyone here, can’t you just find another? Why be here?”

The audacity! If I had the money, I’d walk away without a second thought. I took a deep breath, playing along while trying to win over another man.

Randall, meanwhile, gazed at me with soulful eyes. “Owen, our companies are closely tied, and Yvette has shares in ours. During our last trip to Japan, and since she’s here for that, I have to get her someone suitable.” No clues; all their companies were ultimately linked. Still, I’d never expected Nancy to be so… disinterested. I haven’t finished my work.

Dio Yvette and prioritize her above all else. Save fun in Japan. Think about it. Turite ja jak, korpu can enjoy poraselt alused. Think about all the luxury goods and gourmet food; there’s no need to rush just to… open? Come on, I mean that it’s only a trip, but all this unnecessary evidence of infidelity…needed to be shown to you someday!

58 Forced to Go Abroad

Yvette wore an expressionless face as she demanded, “Give me Owen’s number. I’ll contact him myself.”

Nancy panicked. “Sure, I’ll have the HR team look it up for you,” Yvette replied with a faint hum.

Curious, I fixed my eyes on her and asked, “Why are you so insistent on finding him? Is he really that important to you?”