Chapter 2 · Rotten Rose

Her abrupt words only amplified Jarin's panic. "Darling, why are you saying this all of a sudden?"

He could not understand her sudden coldness. After a tense moment, he seemed to realize. "Has someone been spreading lies about me to you?"

Without waiting for her reply, he stood up abruptly, his face darkening, and made a call. "Bring every female I have interacted with recently to the manor immediately."

Shortly after the call ended, the manor's maids and company staff were lined up. Glancing at them, he spoke sharply.

"All of you--tell my wife every single detail of your recent contact with me."

The staff exchanged nervous glances. A maid in uniform stepped forward quickly.

"I have only seen Mr. Voss once recently. When Mrs. Voss was on her period, he asked me to teach him to make ginger brown sugar syrup and questioned me carefully about how to ease her pain."

Encouraged, others stepped forward one by one.

"I just joined the company. The first time I met Mr. Voss, he noticed Mrs. Voss was upset and wanted to cheer her up, so he asked me what gifts would please her."

"Mr. Voss spoke to me because Mrs. Voss hadn't been eating well. He repeatedly asked me to prepare various appetizing pastries for her."

...

One after another, they spoke--all confirming that Jarin had approached them only for Zoe's sake.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Everyone turned. Lynn, the president's secretary, stood there in a tight, well-fitted uniform skirt.

"Sorry I'm late; I had some personal matters to attend to."

Hearing the earlier chatter and seeing the gathered staff, she smiled and approached Zoe, speaking politely. "Don't worry, Mrs. Voss. Mr. Voss and I only discuss work. Everyone knows he loves only you. He barely speaks to us outside of business--how could there be anything improper between us?"

At those words, Zoe finally lifted her eyes.

Lynn's smile was proper, her manner respectful.

Had Zoe not seen what she had with her own eyes, she would never have guessed the illicit relationship between her and Jarin.

Nor would she have detected the provocation hidden behind those smiling eyes.

Watching Zoe stare at Lynn, Jarin's temple throbbed. He spoke in a cold, sharp tone.

"You work for me--and you will understand this: my wife is my weakness. I can forgive mistakes at work, but anyone who dares stir trouble in front of Zoe will face only one consequence."

The group chorused their obedience and dispersed. Once Lynn, the last to arrive, vanished from sight, he pulled Zoe back into his arms.

"Now do you believe me?" She might have imagined it, but his voice trembled slightly. "Darling, never say those words about leaving or disappearing again. I would die without you."

Chapter 2

Her abrupt words only amplified Jarin's panic. "Darling, why are you saying this all of a sudden?"

He could not understand her sudden coldness. After a tense moment, he seemed to realize. "Has someone been spreading lies about me to you?"

Without waiting for her reply, he stood up abruptly, his face darkening, and made a call. "Bring every female I have interacted with recently to the manor immediately."

Shortly after the call ended, the manor's maids and company staff were lined up. Glancing at them, he spoke sharply.

"All of you--tell my wife every single detail of your recent contact with me."

The staff exchanged nervous glances. A maid in uniform stepped forward quickly.

"I have only seen Mr. Voss once recently. When Mrs. Voss was on her period, he asked me to teach him to make ginger brown sugar syrup and questioned me carefully about how to ease her pain."

Encouraged, others stepped forward one by one.

"I just joined the company. The first time I met Mr. Voss, he noticed Mrs. Voss was upset and wanted to cheer her up, so he asked me what gifts would please her."

"Mr. Voss spoke to me because Mrs. Voss hadn't been eating well. He repeatedly asked me to prepare various appetizing pastries for her."

...

One after another, they spoke--all confirming that Jarin had approached them only for Zoe's sake.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Everyone turned. Lynn, the president's secretary, stood there in a tight, well-fitted uniform skirt.

"Sorry I'm late; I had some personal matters to attend to."

At those words, Zoe finally lifted her eyes.

Lynn's smile was proper, her manner respectful.

Had Zoe not seen what she had with her own eyes, she would never have guessed the illicit relationship between her and Jarin.

Nor would she have detected the provocation hidden behind those smiling eyes.

Watching Zoe stare at Lynn, Jarin's temple throbbed. He spoke in a cold, sharp tone.

"You work for me--and you will understand this: my wife is my weakness. I can forgive mistakes at work, but anyone who dares stir trouble in front of Zoe will face only one consequence."

The group chorused their obedience and dispersed. Once Lynn, the last to arrive, vanished from sight, he pulled Zoe back into his arms.

"Now do you believe me?" She might have imagined it, but his voice trembled slightly. "Darling, never say those words about leaving or disappearing again. I would die without you."