Chapter 1

Jason, my wife Vivian's assistant, shared the exact same birthday as I did.

Vivian gave Jason a designer watch worth a fortune. "Your performance has been outstanding. I'll promote you to VP next month."

Then, without even looking at me, she tossed a cheap gift box in my direction.

I opened it. Inside lay a pregnancy test stick.

Vivian's voice was cold, utterly devoid of warmth. "I'm pregnant. You're going to be a father. This birthday gift should make you happy, right? Resign by the end of the month and give your VP position to Jason. From now on, you'll stay home and take care of the baby."

I let out a hollow laugh. I'd been diagnosed as sterile six months ago. How could she possibly be pregnant with my child?

As for the VP position, I didn't even care about it.

But even if I handed the role to Jason, he didn't have what it took to keep it.

In Vivian's office, I stared at the pregnancy test stick, a bitter irony twisting inside me.

Jason was diligently massaging Vivian's shoulders, shooting me a smug, challenging smirk.

I took a slow breath and looked at Vivian. "Could the test be wrong? Are you really pregnant?"

Vivian sounded impatient. "Why would I fake something like this?"

"I'm going to the hospital for another check later. Jason will accompany me. You just finish up here and draft your resignation!"

Jason offered me a thin, counterfeit smile. "Ryan, I know a stay-at-home dad. He's quite experienced. Should I introduce you? You could pick up some baby care tips in advance."

As he spoke, he made a point of adjusting the expensive watch on his wrist-the one Vivian had given him.

I forced down my rising anger. "I'm overseeing two key projects right now. All the groundwork is laid. If I leave abruptly, the clients might object-"

Vivian cut me off, slamming her palm on the desk. "Ryan, what are you implying? That this company can't run without you?"

Looking at her furious face, I sighed inwardly.

For years, I had given everything to Vivian Corp., all to protect Vivian's legacy.

Years ago, after her parents died in that crash, she had clung to me, shaking and sobbing, saying I was the only one she could lean on.

From that day on, I gave everything to help her.

Now, Vivian Corp. was thriving, stronger than ever. And most of that was because of me.

The two projects I led were critical to the company's future.

It had taken me six months to secure the clients and clear every initial obstacle. Now, just as we were on the verge of reaping the rewards, Vivian ordered Jason to take over.

Wasn't this just a blatant grab for my success?

Jason had joined the company six months ago. He was Vivian's junior from college, which instantly earned him the role of her assistant.

Vivian was excessively generous with him. She brought him to galas and high profile events, saying it was to broaden his perspective and build his network. All so he could help the company prosper later on.

In reality, their flirtatious behavior had long crossed the line between a professional superior and subordinate.

To any outsider, Jason looked every bit like Vivian's husband!

I had argued with Vivian about Jason before, and each time, I was the one who ended up apologizing.

The Vivian standing before me was nothing like the woman I had married.

took a slow breath and spoke to Vivian with deliberate calm. "Those two projects are critical to the company. The clients trust my judgment-"

Before I could finish, Jason cut in, his voice slick with sarcasm. "Ryan, you're always talking about your 'abilities.' But let's be real. If the company hadn't given you a chance, what would any of that even be worth?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but Vivian spoke over me, her voice sharp with impatience. "Enough. Stop acting like the company can't survive without you. Jason is just as capable. He simply needs the opportunity to prove it. Hand everything over to him. That's all."

Looking at Vivian's dismissive expression and Jason's smug, mocking face, I simply nodded.

"No need to wait until month's end. I resign now. I'll also have the divorce papers drawn up. Please be ready to sign!"