Chapter 3
But as Bethany ate, tears started to fall.
Her tears, one after another, hit the table.
She didn't want to cry, especially not in front of Shane.
But she couldn't help it.
All the grievances she'd held onto for half her life completely unraveled in that moment, right in front of that piece of slow-braised pork.
She put down her fork, covered her face, and her shoulders shook violently.
Shane didn't say a word. He took a tissue and handed it to her.
He didn't tell her to stop crying.
He didn't ask her what was wrong.
He sat quietly beside her, giving her the space to cry her heart out.
Bethany cried for a long time.
She let out all the pain, the unfairness, and everything she'd kept bottled up for years.
By the time she was done, her voice was gone, and all that was left were quiet sobs.
She took the tissue and messily wiped her face.
"Sorry, I lost my composure."
"It's okay," Shane said softly. "If you need to cry, go ahead. It's us here."
Bethany finally calmed down a bit.
She looked at Shane and said softly, "Sorry you had to see me like this."
"Not at all." Shane looked into her eyes and said seriously, "Bethany, you don't have to pretend with me."
His words almost brought Bethany to tears again.
She turned away, gazing out the window at the night.
"I-I just can't figure it out."
"Hmm?"
"What did I do wrong? Why are they treating me like this?" Bethany's voice trembled with confusion and pain. "Is it because I'm not a son?"
Shane fell silent.
He didn't know all the details, but seeing the bruises on her face and hearing that line about not being a son, he could pretty much piece it together.
He knew that in some families there was a deep-seated cultural bias toward sons over daughters.
He didn't have an answer for her.
Because there was never any sense to this kind of unfairness.
All he could say was, "It's not your fault."
Those simple words were like a warm current, melting the coldness in Bethany's heart.
He was right.
It wasn't her fault.
They were the ones to blame.
That messed-up family and those ridiculous rules should be blamed.
She took a deep breath and picked up her fork again.
"Let's eat. The food's getting cold."
This time, she ate calmly.
It was as if she was trying to make up for all the years she'd been deprived.
Shane watched her take small bites and didn't press her with any more questions.
The two of them finished the late dinner in comfortable silence.
Shane packed up the food containers and got ready to leave.
As he reached the door, he suddenly turned back.
"Bethany."
"Hmm?"
"So, what's your plan now?"
Bethany froze.
She realized she had no idea what would come next.
She had a falling out with her family. She didn't know what would happen with her job.
She and her brother worked at the same company, in different departments, but they still crossed paths.
Given her father's personality, he would definitely show up at the office and make a scene.
She couldn't imagine how her coworkers would look at her or what her boss would think of her.
She wasn't sure she could stay there any longer.
Shane read her silence. "If you trust me, come by my office tomorrow."
He handed her a business card.
It was a sleek black card, minimalist in design, with a name, a title, and a phone number.
It read: [Shane Madison, Riverstone Capital, Founder.]
Bethany's heart skipped a beat.
Riverstone Capital was a rising star in the investment world in recent years, moving with bold execution and sharp instincts as it backed several breakout hits.
The last round of funding for the internet company she worked at was led by Riverstone Capital.
She never would have guessed that the founder of this mysterious rising star in venture capital was the guy who used to sit next to her in high school.
Shane seemed to see right through her surprise and smiled. "Don't look at me like that. I got lucky."
He slipped the business card into her hand.
"My company happens to be hiring an assistant to the investment director, and I think you're perfect for the job."
"Me?" Bethany shook her head instinctively. "I can't do this. I've never worked in investments."
"I trust my judgment," Shane cut her off. "You majored in finance in college, and your grades were excellent. I remember that. Plus, you're smart and you work hard."
He looked at her, genuine sincerity in his eyes.
"Most importantly, Bethany, you deserve better opportunities and a brighter future."
His words were like a ray of light, lighting up the darkness for Bethany.
She held the business card, still warm from his hand, her feelings all mixed up inside.
"Can I really do this?" she asked uncertainly.
"Just come by for an interview tomorrow at ten," Shane replied gently, not answering her doubt directly. "I'll be waiting for you."
With that, he opened the door and stepped out.
As the door closed, Bethany stared at the business card in her hand, feeling like she was in a dream.
He offered her a job as an assistant to the investment director of Riverstone Capital.
It was an opportunity she'd never even dared to imagine was now suddenly right in front of her.
She couldn't tell whether it was a trap or a salvation.
But she knew it was the only thing she could do now.
She couldn't go back to her old job and let her family keep calling the shots.
She had to leave.
It was time to start over.
*****
The next morning, Bethany did her best to hide the bruises on her face with her priciest concealer.
She changed into the business suit she'd brought with her and took a cab to Riverstone Capital's office.
The company was located in the most prestigious office tower in the CBD, occupying three full floors.
The sleek decor and the nonstop hustle of the staff made it clear this place was a powerhouse.
Bethany gave her name, and the receptionist politely led her to a conference room.
"Mr. Madison will be with you shortly. Please wait here," the receptionist said.
Bethany nodded and took a seat in the conference room.
She was a little nervous, her palms damp with sweat.
It wasn't long before the door opened.
Shane wasn't the only one who walked in.
Behind him were two middle-aged men in suits. They carried an air of authority and looked like senior executives.
Bethany's heart skipped a beat.
'Are they about to put me through some kind of panel interrogation?' she thought.
Shane took the seat at the head of the table, gave her a reassuring smile, and gestured for her to relax.
Then Shane introduced the two men.
One was the HR director, and the other was the investment director she'd be reporting to.
And with that, the interview kicked off.
The interview was way more formal and intense than Bethany had expected.
The HR director grilled her about her past work experience and career plans.
The investment director challenged her with several highly technical questions and even put her through an on-the-spot case analysis.
Even though Bethany was nervous, she relied on her strong professional background and clear, logical thinking to answer every question.
She could sense the two directors' attitudes shifting. Their eyes softened from initial scrutiny to genuine appreciation.
Shane barely said a word the whole time, quietly listening.
He was like an observer. He gave Bethany no special treatment and definitely didn't making things harder for her.
That helped Bethany concentrate even better.
She knew she had to earn this chance on her own merit.
The interview went on for over an hour.
Finally, the HR director closed his notebook and exchanged a look with the investment director.
"Ms. Stephens, your performance was outstanding. In principle, we're quite impressed," the HR director said, keeping it businesslike. "What are your salary expectations?"
Bethany threw out a number.
It was nearly twice her old salary.
She expected them to negotiate down and had already prepared herself for a back-and-forth.
But to her surprise, the HR director nodded. "That works. That's standard for us."
He paused, then added, "If you're okay with everything, you can start next Monday. There will be a three-month probation period."
Bethany was stunned. 'Did I get hired, just like that?' she thought.
She looked at Shane in disbelief.
Shane gave her a slight nod, a faint smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
That look on his face was like he was saying, "See? I told you so."
Bethany finally felt her heart settle.
A wave of joy and excitement washed over her.
She had made it.
She had earned this dream opportunity through her own efforts.
"Yeah, that works for me. Thank you both. Thank you, Mr. Madison," she said, standing up and inclining her head respectfully.