If anyone was over the moon about Ruth’s divorce, it was Richard. The day she moved out, he even showed up to lend a hand. After unloading the last box, Ruth realized the place still needed some furniture, so she headed to the furniture store downstairs. Richard tagged along like a loyal puppy.

A lovey-dovey couple ahead was too wrapped up in each other to watch where they were going. As they nearly crashed into Ruth, Richard pulled her close to his side. Still not used to his touch, Ruth snapped, “Richard, what’s the big idea?”

He looked hurt. “Ruthie, I just didn’t want them to knock you over.”

Feeling bad for overreacting, she said, “Sorry.” Now single for real, she had no reason to hold back, but old habits were hard to break. Besides, Richard had always been too respectful. When she said she wasn’t comfortable, he never crossed the line. The man was a genuine sweetheart.

“Okay, Ruthie, I get it,” he said.

After picking out furniture, she stopped by the next-door supermarket to buy groceries, planning to make lunch and prepare nutritious meals for Ross. She invited Richard to stay. He was thrilled, still trailing her like a shadow.

At Jean Group, Shermaine’s return had certain executives on Jameson’s payroll on edge. In just two days, she’d fired several top brass. To add to the tension, Joshua showed up daily for lunch and never missed her quitting time, making it clear how much he adored her. Executives unhappy with her authority kept mum. One wrong word to Joshua could mean trouble. Joshua’s business style was cutthroat. Take Black River Company as an example. It was practically bankrupt, but the Wright family was still hanging on, too proud to file for bankruptcy.

Shermaine wasn’t just poring over company accounts. She was investigating Jameson’s personal finances, too. Her days of hard work finally paid off. She’d tracked down where most of that ten billion dollars had originated, along with years of expenses where he’d embezzled from corporate funds. Joshua stopped by for lunch, but Shermaine, buried in work, could easily tune out even his presence—just like when she got lost in her numbers.

Seeing it was well past noon and she showed no signs of stopping, Joshua walked over and lifted her right out of her office chair. Shermaine jolted. “Joshua, what’s going on?”

“Time to eat,” Joshua said.

“I’m not hungry.”

“Lunchtime’s here.” He carried her to the sofa, tilted her face up, and nipped her lower lip. “Sheary, don’t overdo it.”

“I’m good,” she said bluntly.

Thank goodness she was only a major shareholder in Oliger Company, which she and Lily owned. If she had to run it, she’d be busier than him.

“Let me finish these files first,” she said, trying to head back to her desk.

But Joshua pressed her against the sofa. “Still not hungry?”

“Nope.”

He didn’t reply, just deepened the kiss, his hands wandering to stoke the heat. She wore a white silk blouse today to play the CEO role, paired with a black pencil skirt, her blazer hanging on the chair. Seconds later, two blouse buttons were undone as he kissed her collarbone. “One last time, hungry now?”

Her lips were flushed and glossy, like ripe cherries. She arched an eyebrow. “Not in the slightest.”

Joshua laughed, nipping at her ear. “Sheary, you’re not being good at all.”

“When have I ever been good?”

“You were on my birthday.” Joshua brought up that night—how obedient Shermaine had been, letting him do whatever he wanted without protest. The thought got his blood boiling, making him want to pin her down and have an intimate moment with her right there and then.

Shermaine looked him straight in the eye, yanking his tie. “Joshua, behave. Let me finish this document first.” She added, “Five minutes.”

Joshua had no choice but to give in, pecking her lips. “Ms. Jean, you need to keep your word. I’ll be timing you.”

As she pushed him away and sat up, her collar hung open, making Joshua’s Adam’s apple bob. His gaze grew hot.

Shermaine sensed his intention. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Oh, I am thinking.”

She stood and went back to her desk, resuming work. Joshua sat on the sofa, tugging at his tie. The more he tried to suppress his thoughts, the stronger they became. Shermaine in her business suit was just as irresistible as she’d been in that bunny costume on his birthday.

Exactly five minutes later, Shermaine kept her promise, joining Joshua in the company cafeteria. Jean Group’s chef really knew how to cook. When the two showed up, employees having lunch were stunned. Maybe because of the imposing presence of the two big shots, everyone felt restless while eating.

Jameson had just been bailed out of the police station. Without time to rest, he received a call from the company saying Shermaine was holding another shareholder meeting.

‘What’s Shermaine up to now, holding another shareholder meeting?’ he wondered.

All in all, a very bad feeling welled up in his heart. Without much time to take care of himself, Jameson went straight to the company. Jason, who held shares, naturally went with him.

After spending a few days in the police station, paling and sleeping badly, he no longer looked high-spirited at all. Jameson surveyed Shermaine; her presence radiated with authority. He snapped, “Shermaine, what’s the point of calling this shareholder meeting?”

“You’ll see in a minute,” she replied.

Jameson took his seat, determined to find out her game. He already sired contrat.

As shareholders trickled in, the meeting quickly turned to its main agenda, and Jameson realized it was called to oust him as chairman. His face paled with shock as he stared at his daughter.

“All in favor of removing Jameson as chairman, please raise your hand,” she said, presenting evidence of his embezzlement.

To his horror, eight out of ten shareholders voted yes. Embezzling corporate funds was a grave offense, especially given the large amount involved. And even his majority shares couldn’t save him now. He had to repay every cent or face a lawsuit from the company.

With overwhelming support for his removal, Shermaine didn’t bother counting. “Jameson, you’re no longer chairman of Jean Group. Repay the misappropriated funds within three days.”

Jameson’s eyes reddened, his face twisting in fury. “Shermaine, do you want to destroy me?”

Shermaine’s voice was flat. “Aren’t these consequences of your own actions?”