Before the man on the other end could finish, the call abruptly disconnected.

Edward's eyes turned to ice, his handsome features darkening like a gathering storm.

William ventured cautiously, "Mr. Hawthorne, what's wrong?"

Edward's expression was grim, thunderous.

"Does Emily have another man in her life?"

She wasn't living in the villa he provided. Some guy was with her at night-close enough to answer her phone while she was in the shower. That level of intimacy? Every sign pointed to one conclusion: his wife was very likely seeing someone else.

William was taken aback, his tone disbelieving.

"That can't be. Why would a woman married to someone like you even look at anyone else?"

Edward let out a cold, humorless laugh. "Do you even know what she's really like?"

He'd left for overseas right after their wedding and spent two full years building his career abroad. The truth was, he probably knew even less about her than his own secretary did.

William responded carefully, "From what we've gathered, Mrs. Sterling has a calm and kind personality. She leads a healthy lifestyle, respects her elders, and is warm and generous to those around her. Everyone who knows her speaks highly of her. She doesn't seem like the type to."

Catching himself before overstepping, William rephrased, ".to act inappropriately."

Edward remained silent, his long fingers tapping rhythmically against his phone.

After a moment's hesitation, William gently suggested, "Mr. Hawthorne, could this perhaps be a misunderstanding?"

"A misunderstanding?" Edward's voice was sharp with cold anger. "We've been married for two years. She never once reached out to me first. Now there's suddenly a man around her, and I'm supposed to pretend it's all innocent?"

Aside from that one drunken mistake last night, he hadn't violated their marriage. For two years, he'd done his best to provide for her from afar, even though she felt like a complete stranger.

If she didn't want to be with him, fine-she could have filed for divorce. But this? This was downright disrespectful.

William fell silent. He didn't dare say another word.

"Turn the car around," Edward said abruptly.

William blinked. "You're not going to see Mrs. Sterling anymore?"

Maybe this was all a big misunderstanding. If they could talk face to face, things might be cleared up. But on the other hand. what if he walked in on something awkward? The embarrassment would be unbearable.

Edward's eyes were shadowed, simmering with suppressed fury. "There's no need. Take me back to the office."

--

Meanwhile, at The Lodge Apartments.

Alice stepped out of the shower, wrapped in a soft towel, and immediately caught the delicious aroma of food filling the apartment.

She took a deep breath and glanced toward the dining table, where a tall, clean-cut young man stood. He looked relaxed in casual wear, his features handsome and gentle.

"Tony, you've outdone yourself again," she grinned. "I'm literally drooling over here."

This was Anthony Hayes, her childhood best friend. After university, she'd rented an apartment near his. They often dropped by each other's places for meals-their friendship was that close.

Anthony lounged comfortably in his loungewear, his short hair tidy. His features were sharp, and there was a lazy confidence in his bright eyes.

He shot her a sidelong glance. "Enough flattery. You're in your twenties-shouldn't you know how to cook by now?"

Eyeing the spread on the table, Alice couldn't resist snatching a piece of ribs. One bite and she was in heaven.

She beamed, "Soon, soon! When I finally cook my first meal, you'll be the first to try it, I promise."

Anthony raised an eyebrow. "Please don't. I still want to live a few more years. Let Elbert be your taste-tester."

The little boy sitting at the table, around eight or nine years old, was sneakily munching on a rib. When he heard his name, he grinned at Alice, dimples showing. "Alice, I'll totally be your taste tester!"

He had fair skin, lively bright eyes, and features that closely resembled Anthony's. Honestly, he was almost too good-looking for a boy.

Alice lifted her chin proudly. "Elbert, you're the best. From now on, I'm counting on you."

Elbert Hayes grinned even wider, happily devouring his rib.

Anthony set bowls of soup in front of them and mentioned casually, "Someone called your old phone earlier."

"Who'd be calling that number?" Alice frowned. That was her backup phone-she still kept her old SIM card mainly because switching numbers was too much hassle.

She wiped her hands, picked up the phone, and checked the screen. There were two missed calls from an unknown number-the first one she'd missed, the second one Anthony had apparently answered.

"Did they say who it was?"

"Nope. I was cooking, so I just said you'd call back and hung up. Try calling them back."

Alice hit redial, but the phone just rang and rang. No one picked up.

Anthony placed a piece of beef in Elbert's bowl. Elbert took small, happy bites, clearly enjoying himself.

Anthony glanced at Alice. "No answer?"

"Probably a wrong number," Alice muttered.

"He asked for 'Emily Sterling' specifically. Didn't sound random to me." Remembering the cold tone on the other end, Anthony raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me it's that husband of yours-the one you've never even properly met?"

Flashback to two years ago: her grandfather had fallen seriously ill, and his final wish was to see her married. The marriage had been arranged between her grandfather and an old family friend. With no romantic prospects at the time and trusting her grandfather's judgment, she'd agreed. Just like that, she'd married a total stranger.

On the day they signed the marriage license, she'd had an accident on the way and broken her glasses. Severely nearsighted, she'd missed her only chance to clearly see her new husband's face. Anthony had never let her live it down. Eventually, she'd gotten laser eye surgery just to avoid any future disasters.

Alice shot him a look. "Can you not joke about this right now?"

Anthony looked surprised. "What's up? You're usually all sass when I tease you. Something wrong?"

Alice scrolled through her phone but found no new messages or missed calls from her all-but-invisible husband. She sighed. "I'm getting a divorce."

Even though he hadn't replied yet, she could feel it in her bones. No man would put up with an unfaithful spouse, even if it was unintentional. Divorce was inevitable.

"Should've done it sooner," Anthony remarked bluntly. "Next time, I'll introduce you to someone decent-you know, a guy who doesn't vanish overseas right after marrying you. Someone who actually knows how to be a husband."

Alice gave a wry smile. "Wow, thanks."

--

After dinner, Anthony left with Elbert.

Back in her room, Alice collapsed onto her bed. The walls were covered with sheet music, and instruments stood in every corner. Too tired to practice, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through the music charts. A small smile touched her lips when she saw her name still lingering on the list. She started reading comments, losing track of time.

Just before bed, a random thought struck her, and she sat up suddenly.

"Wait a second. It should be daytime over there now. Why hasn't my so-called husband texted me back yet?"

No calls, no messages-what was his problem?

She considered calling him herself, but in the end, she just pulled the blanket over her head.

Forget it. She'd deal with it tomorrow.

--

The next morning, at GrandVerse Group headquarters.

A girl in a sweet, flowy dress stepped into the elevator heading straight to the 33rd floor. A man in a suit and glasses followed closely behind her.

"I'm just going to freshen up in the restroom quickly."

"Of course, Miss. I'll wait outside."

She stood in front of the mirror, carefully reapplying her lipstick, when two voices drifted out from one of the stalls.

"Alice has only been with the company for two years and she's already Edward's secretary. How'd she manage that?"

"Lots of people here are more qualified than her. Who knows what she did to get that position. Probably not entirely on merit."

"Right? I heard she's a bit too friendly with a lot of the higher-ups. Now that Edward's back-good-looking, powerful-maybe she's trying her luck with him, too?"

The girl's hand paused mid-motion. Her pretty face tightened slightly in displeasure.

She let out a soft, cold laugh, then turned and walked out of the restroom without another word.

--

Meanwhile, in the CEO's office-

William stood with his hands folded, speaking quietly. "Mr. Hawthorne, the Grants have sent Sophia Grant to discuss the partnership."

Edward's expression remained unreadable, though his brow twitched almost imperceptibly.

"Get James Grant on the phone."

"Right away, Mr. Hawthorne."

William had already guessed Edward wouldn't meet with Sophia. Everyone knew she was hopelessly infatuated with him-completely obsessed. The only reason Edward tolerated her at all was out of respect for James.

When Edward was abroad for those two years, things were finally peaceful. Now he'd barely been back a week, and she was already showing up at his doorstep.

William stepped out of the office, glanced at Sophia and her assistant waiting nearby, and motioned for Alice to come over. He spoke in a low voice:

"Please escort Miss Grant to the conference room. Make sure she's comfortable. I'll contact Mr. Grant directly."

"Understood." Alice nodded and led Sophia to the meeting room.

She was well aware that Sophia's feelings for Edward were hardly a secret. He might ignore her, but Sophia clearly had other ideas.

"Miss Grant, may I offer you something to drink?"

Sophia gave Alice a deliberate once-over, then replied in an overly sweet tone, "And who are you supposed to be?"

"I'm Mr. Hawthorne's secretary, Alice."

"So you're Alice?" Sophia let out a derisive snort, her eyes full of contempt.

"Yes." Alice chose not to react to her tone and repeated politely, "What would you like to drink, Miss Grant?"

Sophia didn't bother hiding her disgust. She barely looked at Alice before muttering, "Coffee."

Alice raised an eyebrow slightly, glanced at Sophia, then prepared two cups of coffee and set them on the table.

Sophia took a sip and immediately spat it back out.

"What is this? It's disgusting. Get me another one."

Ginny Lewis, her assistant, took a sip and nodded slightly. "It smells rich and tastes smooth." But since Miss Grant said it was terrible, then it was terrible-no arguing.

Alice smiled faintly at Sophia. "If this isn't to your liking, Miss Grant, I'll prepare another one for you."

She made one cup after another-five or six in total-yet Sophia found something wrong with every single one.

"Too bitter."

"Too sour."

"Too cold."

Alice was running out of patience, but she handed over yet another cup and said, "Miss Grant, Mr. Hawthorne is waiting. Please enjoy your coffee."

Sophia raised an eyebrow smugly and reached for the cup. "Oops-it's hot!"

Scalding coffee splashed all over Alice's arm.

"Hiss-" Earlier, Sophia had insisted the coffee be served hot, so Alice had used freshly boiled water. Even through her sleeve, the burn was intense. She drew a sharp breath.

A flash of triumph crossed Sophia's eyes before she slammed her hand on the table. "Trying to burn me with boiling coffee? Apologize. Now."

Alice clutched her arm, her lips pressed into a tight line as she stared coldly at Sophia. If this weren't a client, she wouldn't have held back. But for now, she had to.

Sophia crossed her arms and sneered, "What are you staring at? Apologize now-unless you want me to make sure you're blacklisted across the entire capital."

"You're welcome to try," a deep, calm voice came from the doorway.

Alice turned quickly to see Edward standing tall at the entrance-sharp suit, commanding presence, as if he owned the very air around him.

She froze, completely caught off guard.

Right behind him, William stepped forward immediately. "Miss Grant, this way, please."

"Edward, what are you doing?" Sophia refused to move, her eyes fixed on him. "I came here to discuss business. You can't treat me like this."

She hadn't even gotten a word in with him, and now he was throwing her out?

Ginny Lewis rushed to plead. "Mr. Hawthorne, Miss Grant didn't mean to harm your secretary. Please, for Mr. Grant's sake, let this go?"

Edward glanced at Alice's scalded arm, his tone icy. "Do I need to repeat myself?"

"My apologies, Miss Grant," William said firmly as he began to escort her out.

"Let go of me! Edward, if my brother finds out how you're treating me, he'll be furious-he's your best friend!"

"Mr. Hawthorne. Miss Grant." Ginny tried to intervene, but as Sophia was led further away, she had no choice but to follow.

--

Sophia was unceremoniously escorted out of the GrandVerse building by William. Her face was flushed with rage.

"You'll regret this! I'm telling my brother, and he'll make you pay!"

"Goodbye, Miss Grant," William said curtly before turning back inside.

Fuming, Sophia stomped her foot in frustration.

"Miss, are you alright?" Ginny caught up, only to be slapped sharply across the face.

Humiliation flashed in the secretary's eyes, but she still lowered her head and said, "I'm sorry, Miss."

Sophia's beautiful face was twisted with cold hostility. "Edward actually threw me out over a secretary? Keep an eye on her. If she dares get close to him again, I'll make sure she regrets it."

--

Back in the executive lounge.

Edward glanced at Alice's reddened, burned arm and said calmly, "There's a first-aid kit in my office. Go treat that. If it's too painful, go to the hospital."

Alice nodded quickly. "Thank you, Mr. Hawthorne. Some ointment will be enough."

She followed him back to his office, cleaned the burn, and applied the medication. The pain eased significantly. Turning to him, she said sincerely, "Thank you for stepping in earlier."

She finally understood why Sophia had targeted her-it wasn't about work. She'd been seen as a rival.

Mr. Hawthorne really did have that kind of effect. Just being his secretary had already made her a target. She couldn't imagine the pressure his wife must be under.

It also made her more cautious. That night with him-they couldn't let anyone find out. If it got out, she was finished.

Edward sat at his desk, his expression unreadable as he studied her. "What were you so afraid of back there?"

Alice met his gaze, then understood what he meant. "Miss Grant is a business partner. I didn't want to create tension that might affect the collaboration."

Edward let out a cold laugh. "Do you think we're that desperate for business? That GrandVerse will collapse without her?"

"Of course not." She bit her lip. "GrandVerse and the Grants have a long-standing relationship. It just seemed unnecessary to escalate things-"

He cut her off before she could finish.

"Alice, remember your position. You're my secretary. Everything you do reflects on GrandVerse. Since when do we bow and scrape to anyone?"

She stared at his sharp, cold features, completely stunned.

This was the first time she'd ever been criticized for being too accommodating.

She'd always been taught to play it safe, be polite, and avoid conflict. But Edward was different. No wonder people said he was difficult-he truly didn't play by the rules.

Still, having a boss who had your back like that? It felt pretty good.

"I understand, sir. It won't happen again."

Just then, William knocked and entered. "Mr. Hawthorne."

Alice took her cue. "I'll return to my work, then," she said, and quietly closed the door behind her.

William spoke softly, "Miss Grant has left, but. she didn't look very happy."

Edward didn't even blink, clearly unconcerned.

William placed a folder on the desk. "Here's the updated file on Mrs. Hawthorne-"

Edward looked up and took the folder with his long, slender fingers, flipping it open to skim the contents. He read only a few pages before stopping.

The report clearly stated that his wife had been living alone these past two years-no signs of anyone else sharing her space.

His sharp features remained calm, though something unreadable flickered in his eyes. He absentmindedly rubbed his thumb along the edge of the paper.

William, watching him closely, finally spoke up carefully. "Mr. Hawthorne, according to the findings, Mrs. Hawthorne has been living quietly on her own all this time. No questionable behavior. Do you think perhaps. there's been a misunderstanding between you?"

The marriage hadn't been about love. It had been arranged by Edward's grandfather.

His grandfather and Mrs. Hawthorne's grandfather went way back-legend had it the man had even saved Mr. Hawthorne's life once. So when they promised a wedding between their grandchildren, it was practically set in stone.

Edward hadn't agreed at first, of course. But after several emotional appeals involving his grandfather's "final wish," he'd finally given in and signed the marriage certificate.

On that very same day, one of his overseas ventures ran into trouble. He had to fly out immediately, and just like that-two years passed.

They barely knew each other to begin with. There was no real emotional foundation. Trust was always going to be fragile. Misunderstandings were almost inevitable.

Edward's expression didn't change. He quietly closed the file and said, "Get the car. We're going to the estate."

--

Rose Estate.

By the time Edward arrived, his grandfather was in the garden, meticulously trimming his beloved roses.

The old man glanced up, then let out an annoyed grunt when he saw Edward alone.

"Where's your wife, huh? Don't tell me you came back by yourself again!"

Edward walked over calmly and plucked a leaf from a bush as if making a point.

"Grandfather, how much do you really know about Emily?"

"Hey, hands off! You brat! You barely come home, and now you're messing with the roses your grandmother planted? Show some respect!" Mr. Hawthorne swatted his hand away and glared. "Of course I know her. She's my granddaughter-in-law."

"If you've got something to say, just say it. No need to beat around the bush."

Edward glanced at the red mark on his hand. The old man never held back.

"You always tell me to bring her home. I thought I should learn a bit more about her first."

The old man's mood shifted instantly-storm clouds clearing, replaced by a bright smile. "So you're finally taking your wife seriously, are you? Excellent! Let's talk inside. I've been waiting forever for you to come around!"

He handed his clippers to a maid and practically dragged Edward into the living room.

Two cups of coffee were served.

Old Mr. Hawthorne looked at him, clearly ready to launch into a speech. "I'm telling you, Emily is perfect for you. Sweet, polite, incredibly respectful-you won't find anyone better, even among those high-society girls you know. She's got class and a good head on her shoulders."

Edward took a sip of coffee, his eyes dark and unreadable. "She's really that exceptional?"

The old man snorted. "Just because I'm old doesn't mean I've lost my judgment. Emily is a gem. Now bring her home already-I've been waiting two years for a great-grandchild!"

He added sternly, "I mean it. If I don't see her soon, I might just break your legs."

Edward: "..."

--

The next day, Alice walked out of a men's fashion store dressed casually, her hair in a simple ponytail, makeup-free but still bright and energetic.

A deep, calm voice cut through the air.

"Miss Sterling."

She looked up instinctively and saw Edward-dressed in a black shirt with his sleeves casually rolled up, his expression cool and detached, making people think twice about approaching him.

Her clear, fair face showed a flicker of surprise. "Mr. Hawthorne, you're here too?"

Edward let his gaze linger on Alice's face for a few seconds. It was the first time he'd seen her so casually dressed-no makeup, fresh and simple, like a college student out shopping.

"Just picking out a gift," he replied.

His grandfather wanted him to bring his wife home. On second thought, maybe he had been overthinking things-everyone seemed to admire his wife. Perhaps he had misjudged her all along.

Alice looked even more surprised-she never expected her aloof boss to personally pick out a gift. She ventured, "For your wife?"

"Yes." Edward glanced at her. "What are you here for?"

Alice offered a polite, professional smile. "Also buying a gift for a friend."

Anthony Hayes' birthday was coming up-she needed to find something for him.

Edward lowered his eyes slightly. "Someone special?"

Someone special?

Alice had almost forgotten the white lie she'd told earlier. She quickly smiled and played along. "Yes, someone important."

"Then let's look around together."

Edward walked inside at a relaxed pace, his long legs carrying him forward effortlessly. Alice frowned slightly, her delicate features tightening.

Given their complicated history, they should probably keep their distance outside work, right? But he didn't seem bothered at all. If she refused, it might seem like she was overthinking things.

So she followed him in. The mall's air conditioning was on full blast, and the place was fairly crowded. Still, Edward stood out the moment he entered-his looks, height, and presence made him impossible to ignore.

Within seconds, she noticed several girls stealing glances at him as they passed.

Alice didn't want to linger near him for too long. She quickly caught up and said directly, "Mr. Hawthorne, the jewelry department is on the fourth floor. We can check there."

The sooner he picked something, the sooner they could leave.

Edward glanced sideways at her, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Alright."

They headed straight to the fourth-floor jewelry store. As soon as they entered, a smiling sales associate approached them.

"Welcome! How can I assist you today?"

Edward strolled leisurely through the store while Alice and the associate followed. His gaze swept over the display cases until it settled on a massive diamond ring.

The associate jumped in immediately. "Excellent taste, sir. That's a top-tier design from one of our most acclaimed designers. The diamond is from South Africa-there's only one like it in the entire country."

Edward studied it for a few seconds, then turned toward Alice, who stood a meter away. "Come take a look."

Instantly, everyone's attention shifted to Alice-some curious, some envious, some skeptical.

The sales associate beamed. "Ma'am, you have such lovely poise! You and your husband make such a handsome pair. Would you like to try it on?"

Alice nearly choked. She shot the associate a quick glance. "Ah, no-you've misunderstood. I'm just his secretary."

The associate gave an awkward little laugh. "Oh, my apologies! You're both so good-looking-it's easy to assume!"

Alice returned a polite smile. A man and a woman looking at rings together-of course it looked suspicious. But as long as she clarified, no harm done. She looked back down at the diamond ring.

"Mr. Hawthorne, it's stunning-and very large. Any woman would adore it. But I heard from William that your wife prefers to keep a low profile. Perhaps something this flashy isn't quite her style?"

Edward looked down at the ring again, his dark eyes thoughtful. Then he pointed to another piece.

"What about this one?"

Alice leaned in for a closer look and saw a simple yet elegant ring.

It was beautiful.

She couldn't help but admire it. If it were her, she would absolutely love something like that.

It occurred to her then-she'd been married for two years, and her so-called husband had never given her a wedding ring.