Chapter 1 The Odd Request
The words hit my head.
Why did it line up so perfectly?
I forced my heartbeat down and turned to Chen Yuxuan.
"Why here? Why not a restaurant?"
He pulled me closer, voice calm.
"Wife, this is the moment for the Director position.
Meeting outside draws too much attention.
At home we can talk privately. President Li has eaten everything.
He keeps saying he misses home cooking. Your cooking is safe with me.
This dinner is basically a family test. If he sees we get along, the promotion is mine. "
I stayed quiet. Chen Yuxuan held up one finger.
"Wife, the Director pays this much."
I blinked. "One million?"
He smiled.
"That is before bonuses and shares. We could clear the mortgage and start thinking about a baby."
I felt a small give. The mortgage took every paycheck. A child had never felt possible.
I looked straight at him.
"Just President Li?"
"Of course. I am not stupid enough to let colleagues know about a private meeting."
He frowned.
"Wife, what is wrong today? You always supported my work before."
His face looked normal. His words sounded fine.
Maybe I was overthinking. Maybe the post was just chance.
I lowered my eyes.
"Husband... I am scared. The way your boss looked at me last time made me uncomfortable."
I had met Li Chengde at the company gala. He held my hand too long and stared from head to toe. I had nightmares that night.
Chen Yuxuan laughed and pinched my cheek.
"You are imagining things. His wife is famous for being fierce. He would never risk it."
He patted his chest.
"I am here. If he tries anything, I will be the first to swing a bottle at his head."
He kissed my forehead.
"Stop worrying. We have work tomorrow. Sleep."
He rolled over and his breathing evened out.
I lay awake, the filthy comments looping in my mind.
When I was sure he was asleep, I picked up his phone.
The password worked.
I opened the browser.
The history showed search results about a drug.
The last search, three hours old, read about whether knockout drops could go undetected.