Chapter 2
Rhett spun betrayal into something almost innocent, dressing up her gold-digging as a noble pursuit of true love.
Last time, those words stabbed me so deeply that I was left bleeding, completely losing all sense of reason.
But now, I just find it laughable.
I slowly lifted my head, keeping my cool as I glanced at Rhett's face, red from excitement, then at Ivan, pretending to be concerned, but really plotting behind those calculating eyes.
The conference room was quiet, with only the soft hum of the air conditioner in the background.
They were all just waiting for me to react.
Waiting for me to break down, beg, or explode, just like I did last time.
That way, they could act like the poor victim and the noble rescuer, feeling totally justified.
I suddenly let out a quiet laugh.
Rhett was stunned, and Ivan's smile stiffened a bit.
They probably didn't expect me to react this way.
I reached out and picked up the pen they'd prepared for me on the table.
The cold metal felt distinct in my hand.
Without hesitating, I popped off the pen cap and signed my name at the bottom of the divorce agreement smoothly.
[Malachi Fisher.] The letters were steady, final, no turning back.
I dropped the pen, the paper giving a soft rustle.
I looked up at Rhett and Ivan, both stunned, my voice flat and emotionless.
"Alright," I said.
"Fine, you two can have each other," I said.
Rhett's eyes went wide, and Ivan's brow furrowed. His fake nice-guy act almost slipped.
I stood up, the chair legs scraping against the floor with a harsh, grating sound.
"From now on, we're finished," I said.
After that, I didn't bother to look at their stunned faces. I just turned and walked out of the conference room.
My steps didn't falter for a second.
"Malachi," Rhett cried out from behind me, her voice laced with disbelief and panic.
She was clearly freaking out, totally thrown off.
"Did you really just sign it?" she stammered. "Is that it? Aren't you going to say anything?"
I didn't turn around, my hand resting on the doorknob.
I paused for a second.
"Oh, almost forgot," I said.
I turned my face halfway, my voice still calm, sharp as an icy needle, puncturing her forced calm.
"May you two stay chained together for life," I said.
"Hope you two stay chained together for life so you don't go mess up anyone else's world," I said.
I pulled the door open, stepped out, and shut it firmly behind me.
The thick wooden door sealed off any sound from the room behind.
The hallway light was harsh, almost glaring.
I walked on, step by step, my heartbeat steady, my breath even.
Only I knew underneath this calm shell, something dead and cold was waking up in the ashes, sharp-eyed and ready for revenge.
Let them have what they want?
Of course. Why not?
I would walk away with my head held high, and trade that for the most brutal ending they could ever imagine.
That was only fair, wasn't it?
I didn't go back to that so-called "home."
There was nothing left of mine there, not even a trace of warmth.
I went straight to the company, the one I built from scratch, now just that pathetic little place crawling with Ivan's spies.
By three in the afternoon, the whole office was wrapped in a sluggish, wary atmosphere, everyone just waiting to see what would happen next.
A few employees spotted me and immediately avoided eye contact, burying themselves in fake busywork.
The receptionist seemed like she wanted to say something, but in the end, she didn't dare to speak up.
I headed straight for my office.
Just as my hand touched the doorknob, the door to the vice president's office next door swung open.
Ivan stepped out, straightening his suit cuffs, his face showing just the right amount of surprise and concern.
"Malachi? What brings you to the office?" Ivan asked, acting all worried.
He walked over quickly, lowering his voice like he was trying to be considerate. "Rhett just called me. She said you were upset and signed the papers before heading out.
"Don't take it too hard, Malachi. You can't force love.
"And as for the company, relax. With me around, nothing's going to fall apart."
Not a single crack in his act. He was already playing the boss, smooth as ever.
I stared at Ivan, and all I could think was, 'That's the same phony face he used last time. It got me to "voluntarily" hand over control, then filled the place with his own people, cut me out, and step by step gutted everything I'd built.'
"Move," I said.
My voice was quiet, but icy enough to make him step back.
Ivan's smile froze for a moment, something dark flickering in his eyes before he smothered it with another layer of pretend worry.
"Malachi, I know this is tough, but don't bring your personal stuff into work," Ivan said, acting concerned.
"If you keep this up, what will the staff think?" he added.
He stepped in front of the office door, blocking my way, his tone laced with a barely concealed threat.
"And Rhett said she wants you to wrap up the handover ASAP before you start having second thoughts," Ivan said.
'Before you start having second thoughts.'
Were they worried I would back out, or that I would figure out the trap they'd already set for me?
A few employees were sneaking glances from behind their desks, and Ivan's cousin, who doubled as the finance director, stepped out of the finance office, everyone watching us.
They were all waiting for me to snap, to fall apart, to be tossed out like some stray dog.
That way, Ivan could take over the company and make it seem like he had every right to do it.
I let out a laugh.