Chapter 21
Another morning, another endless meeting.
Aaron had heard enough of his department heads’ stale clichés and excuses. “Enough. We’re done for today. If I don't see an effective plan for rectification by next week, you can start looking for new employment.”
He gathered his notes and strode out of the conference room. Rounding the corner in the hallway, he ran straight into Ethan.
“Aaron, such a temper for a morning meeting. Is life at home not treating you well?”
Aaron didn't break his stride, heading toward his office, but Ethan had no intention of letting him go, keeping pace beside him.
“You aren't planning on skipping the gala in a few days, are you? We’re all looking forward to meeting your wife.”
Aaron shot him a look of pure contempt. “Of course I’ll be there.”
Ethan’s excitement spiked. “Let me guess—you’ve been busy at home coaching her on what to say, haven't you?”
Aaron’s jaw tightened. He stopped in his tracks, his gaze turning razor-sharp. Ethan instantly clamped his mouth shut.
“I don’t understand why you’re so obsessed with my wife. If you’re really that bored, I can transfer you to a subsidiary to focus on market expansion.”
Ethan flashed a mocking grin. “Not at all. Just… curious.” With that, he straightened his back and sauntered off.
Aaron returned to his office, tossed his suit jacket aside, and irritably loosened his tie.
Ethan has more than just idle curiosity.
He must still be seething over me taking the Chairman’s seat.
That was a plan he and my father had been building for years—possibly even since my father was on his deathbed.
He pulled out his phone, tempted to call Kinsley, but thought better of it, assuming she was still in class.
He opened their chat window instead. It was filled with a long scroll of messages from her: daily greetings, photos of things she found interesting—the flowers in his garden, a bee huddled inside a bloom.
Little things she wanted to share.
Most of the time, he had replied with one-word answers or nothing at all. The chat was a graveyard of her one-sided enthusiasm.
A sudden wave of guilt washed over him. I have been so cold to her. He clicked through the photos, examining them one by one, a faint curve forming at the corners of his mouth.
Aaron: Where are you now?
Kinsley: In class.
Aaron: I’ll pick you up later.
Kinsley: No need. You don't have to adjust your schedule for me.
He wanted to warn her about potential trouble, but he feared it would only add to her stress. Let it be. If something happens, I’ll be the one to clean it up.
By the afternoon, Kinsley was finally free. She hummed a melody, walking slowly toward the parking lot, when someone suddenly stepped into her path.
“Excuse me, are you Kinsley?”
The man held up a photograph, glancing between the picture and her face. A chill raced down Kinsley’s spine. She realized instantly—this was trouble. Her mind raced with possibilities. Who is he? He looks a bit like Aaron. A relative? He seems cunning, hostile.
Can I deny it? But he has a photo. She steadied her nerves. “I’m sorry, I don’t know you.”
The man politely handed her a business card: Ethan Hoffman.
Kinsley forced a polite smile of her own. “I’d like to correct that. I’m not a ‘secret wife.’ I simply dislike noise and unwanted attention.”
Ethan let out a cold laugh. “A lowly bit-part actress who dislikes the spotlight? Where on earth did Aaron find someone so… unique?”
Kinsley thought about calling Aaron, but held back. “I don’t know you. What do you want?”
Ethan chuckled and held out a slip of paper. “This is a check for $500,000. Take it.”
Kinsley eyed it warily, her hands tucked firmly at her sides. “What are you trying to buy?”
Ethan’s eyes raked over her. “You’re beautiful and smart. Let’s make it short. I know you were bought and paid for. He married you just to tick a box and steal the seat that belongs to me. Give me the truth—admit this is a sham marriage—and the $500,000 is yours.
If you can provide more details—how he found you, what you discussed, how you really act together—I’ll double it.”
He stared at her with a smug, absolute confidence. Kinsley looked at the check. The string of zeros was a number she had never seen in her life. It’s true. Just say it, and it’s all mine. It was a fortune, far more than what Aaron had offered her. But she just smiled politely.
“I’m sorry, but our marriage is real.”
Ethan’s smile vanished, his eyes turning predatory. “Impossible!” He surged toward her. “You’re just a pretty face! He’s using you as a tool!”
“I don’t need to explain myself to you,” Kinsley replied coldly, turning to walk away.
Ethan grabbed her wrist, yanking her back. “Don’t walk away from me, you bitch. He bought you from some club, didn't he? How much does he pay to sleep with you? I’ll pay you ten times that. Think about it.”
Kinsley winced at the pain in her wrist, wanting to scream for help, but she couldn't afford a scene. She steadied her voice, raising it just enough to be firm.
“I don’t know you, and you have no right to slander my life. If you can’t prove these accusations, I won't be so polite. My phone is recording.”
Ethan paused, then let out an arrogant laugh.
“A bitch who thinks a marriage license makes her a Hoffman? You’re just a cheap bedwarmer to him, or maybe a convenient throat. Don’t think you’re getting anything out of this. Work with me instead—stop playing the virtuous victim. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
Kinsley’s hands trembled with rage. She balled her fists and shot back, “You are incredibly rude. Even if you are a Hoffman, I have no reason to continue this conversation.”
I love Aaron. He treats me well in a way you could never comprehend. I won’t betray him—not for any amount of money. This isn't about the cash; it’s about a kind of love you will never understand.
She turned to leave. “Hey, don’t you walk away! If you don't accept, don't blame me for what happens next…”
Before he could finish, a tall frame stepped in from the side, shielding Kinsley. She looked up, and her racing heart instantly calmed.
“Aaron…” She felt a sudden urge to cry.
Aaron pulled her into his arms, his eyes fixed on Ethan. “I told you I’d bring her to the gala. Why are you so impatient that you had to come here and harass my wife? Should we settle this privately, or should I involve the rest of the family?”
Knowing he had lost, Ethan didn't answer and slunk away.
Kinsley was still shaking. Aaron rubbed her back, his voice softening. “It’s over now. Thank God I came to pick you up.”
He held her as they walked toward the car. “How did you find me?” she asked.
“I saw Ethan’s car and knew he was coming for you. I was searching everywhere.”
Before she could thank him, a chorus of chirpy voices called out from behind them. “Hey—Kinsley! Is that car your boyfriend’s?”
Emma and two other girls stood a few steps away, eyes wide with interest. “Was that you in the passenger seat the other day?”
Kinsley’s heart sank. Photos, videos, social media… A dozen catastrophic scenarios flashed through her mind. She couldn't confirm it—she couldn't give them any more fuel. Ethan’s confrontation had already terrified her.
Aaron’s hand was still resting on her waist. Thankfully, from their angle, Emma and the others couldn't see it. She took two steps forward, slipping out of his embrace.
“No,” she said quickly, forcing a stiff smile. “He was just asking for directions. You girls have such vivid imaginations.”
The girls exchanged glances and walked off, clearly disappointed by the lack of gossip. Only when they were out of sight did Kinsley realize her palms were slick with sweat.