Chapter 4

Jake's face did a complete 180 the second Chloe appeared.

He turned to the camera, voice quivering with fake hurt.

"Chloe! This guy's bullying me!"

"I tried to turn off that loud shredder, and this new guy attacked me!"

"He spilled his own coffee on his papers and blamed *me*! Yelled at me!"

He twisted the story so hard, acting like the biggest victim ever.

Chloe's soft, soothing voice came through the phone.

"Calm down,baby. I’m here. No one’s gonna hurt you. I’ll fix this."

I could see she was in a fancy boardroom—company logo blazoned behind her.

Probably at that international summit—make-or-break for the company's future.

And she paused it—for his stupid tantrum.

"Be a good boy, honey. Hand him the phone."

Her voice dropped to subzero.

She addressed the crowd behind Jake—ice in every syllable.

"Who hurt my Jake?"

"Give them the phone. I'll handle this myself. Let's see who's got balls big enough."

Jake's grin could've split his face.

He thrust the phone at me—chin high, eyes glinting with glee.

I took it calmly.

My face filled the screen.

Chloe saw me—and her face blanched. Panic flashed in her eyes.

"Liam?! What are you doing there?!"

Her brows knit—like I was the worst inconvenience.

"Don't do this! I'll explain when I'm back—please!"

I stared at her face—the one I used to dream about.

Now she just looked ridiculous.

My cold silence made her voice sharpen—edging on threats.

"Don't be petty, Liam! This meeting's critical—the company's future's on the line!"

Blamed me for being "petty."

Her stupidity made me laugh—bitterly.

I spoke into the camera—voice like steel.

"Perfect, Chloe."

"I've seen all I need to see—about your leadership, your judgment."

Before she could process it, I flipped the phone back to Jake—who fumbled to catch it.

I pulled out my phone and called Dad.

It rang once.

My voice stayed calm—but it cut through the entire copy room.

"Dad, assessment's done."

"Tell Chloe Miller to get back here—with divorce papers."