Chapter 4
Cassandra's face went rigid, her expression cracking.
Edward didn't spare her another glance. He just took my hand and led me straight out of the dining room. The complicated looks from everyone prickled at my back.
Once we got back to the room and the door clicked shut behind us, I let out a huge sigh of relief.
[Whew, that was way too close. I seriously thought we were about to get caught up in some messy soap opera, wife versus mistress style.]
[But Edward was giving off major husband vibes just now. That 'we don't need anyone else meddling' line? Damn, that was hot.]
An arm wrapped gently around my waist from behind, pulling me back so my back pressed against a warm, solid chest.
Edward rested his chin in the crook of my shoulder, his deep chuckle rumbling through his chest.
"Were you worried about me just now?"
"No way!" I shot back, trying to sound tough.
[Of course, I was worried! He's my golden goose, my credit card, and my ticket to all those exclusive designer bags!]
"Don't worry," Edward said with a teasing smile. "I'm not going anywhere."
He gave my nose a gentle pinch. "Your golden goose, credit card, and exclusive designer bags? They're all yours, safe and sound."
I just stared at him, totally speechless.
Oh crap, I forgot he could read my thoughts.
This was like getting busted while lurking anonymously online.
I tried to steer the conversation away, stammering a bit. "Um... about Cassandra..."
"She won't be a problem for you anymore," Edward replied, his voice steady. There was no room for doubt.
[Damn, that's some serious boss energy! What's he gonna do, bankrupt her family's company or something?]
[Man, the way these rich families operate is seriously terrifying.]
Edward let out an exasperated sigh, let go of me, and headed over to the window.
His phone rang, the cold light from the screen lighting up his furrowed brow.
"What is it?" he answered.
The voice on the other end was low, and I could only catch a few words—"project," "data," "leak."
The tension in the room was so thick it could be cut with a knife.
[Company secrets leaked? Is this Cassandra's way of getting back at me?]
[No way. Cassandra's not exactly a criminal mastermind, and she doesn't have the motive. To hit Strathmore Holdings this hard and throw me under the bus... Could it be Lucas Reed? My dad mentioned lately that the new CEO at Reed Enterprises has been poaching a bunch of Sutton Group's projects. He plays dirty and moves lightning fast. Is it him?]
My mind was spinning with wild guesses when Edward abruptly hung up the phone.
He turned around, his expression dark.
"Something's come up at the company. I need to rush over right now," he said.
"Go on. Stay safe." I nodded, giving him my best sweet-wife look.
He reached the door but suddenly paused, turning back to me with a look I couldn't quite read.
"Grace," he said.
"Yeah?" I replied.
"Thanks for what you did at dinner."
He was gone before I could even respond, vanishing behind the door.
I just stood there, totally stunned.
[Wait. Did he... just thank me?]
[Is he actually thanking me for dissing Cassandra in my head? Man, this guy is just impossible to read.]
I had no idea something was coming.
The next day, I was lounging at home, binge-watching my favorite shows, when the butler burst in, looking totally freaked out.
"Mrs. Strathmore, something's wrong! The internet is flooded with photos of you and Mr. Lucas Reed from Reed Enterprises!" he said.
My heart dropped.
I grabbed my phone and opened social media. The first thing I saw stopped me cold.
The post read, "So much for the perfect marriage. @GraceStrathmore out last night with someone who's definitely not her husband."
It was already trending. A thread of high-definition paparazzi shots was spreading fast.
In a café, Lucas handed me a file folder, and I reached out to take it. The angle made it look like we were way too close.
The comments were already blowing up.
Netizen A: [Damn! She just got married, and she's already cheating on Edward?]
Netizen B: [Look at that file folder. It's got the Strathmore logo! Is she some kind of corporate spy or what?]
My blood ran cold.
I tried calling Edward, but he didn't answer.
Just as my heart was racing with panic, the door burst open.
Edward stood in the doorway, the air around him practically freezing. He was gripping a file like it was a chunk of ice.
He marched over and slammed the file hard onto the table.
The edge of the paper sliced across the back of my hand, leaving a sharp sting.
"Grace." Edward's voice was so cold it could cut glass. "Give me an explanation."
All the warmth and humor had vanished from his eyes. Now there was nothing but endless disappointment and a cold, merciless glare.
A chill settled in my chest and wouldn't go away.
[He can literally read my thoughts. He knows I'm being framed, but he still won't trust me.]
So much for trust and being a married couple. The moment his interests were threatened, it all became a weapon, and it cut deeper than anything else.