A client splashes water in my face. I'm trembling as I endure his insults and mockery while Wayne Gale stands and watches calmly. His arm is around his assistant as he says, "I can't believe you're incapable of handling such a menial task, Georgina. My company doesn't need useless staff!"

I wipe the water from my face and down my drink. Then, I fill it again and splash the client back.

Whoever wants this job can have it. I quit!

My stomach knotted with pain. I had just come home from the hospital and had barely stepped inside when Wayne Gale grabbed my wrist.

"So, feeling bold now, huh? Do you even know what Mr. Murphy said about me?" he demanded. "He thinks I've been spoiling you! Georgina Lawson, you messed up this contract, and you're going to apologize to him!"

I yanked my hand free and replied flatly, "I'm not going. I don't need a disrespectful client. If the company insists on working with someone like that, fine. I'll resign."

My words sent a surge of anger through him. He stared at me, as if he hadn't expected me to stand up to him like that.

Ignoring him, I walked over to the coffee table, retrieved the medication the doctor had prescribed, and swallowed a pill. Then, I glanced back at him.

At that moment, Wayne was glued to his phone. Whatever he saw on the screen made his lips curl into a smile.

"I've got to go. They need me at work."

"Okay," I said indifferently.

My calm demeanor seemed to throw him off, but he turned on his heel and left anyway.

As he walked out the door, he instructed, "Find a time to explain things to Mr. Murphy."

Once Wayne was gone, I completely ignored his orders and opened my laptop to reply to an email.

I typed, "Professor Quigley, I've made my decision about the listed company you mentioned. I'm joining."

He had reached out to me six months ago about switching jobs. When I told him I was in the sales department at Wayne's company, regret washed over his face.

"Georgina, don't let your education go to waste. Wayne's business is high-risk. You should pull out while you can," Professor Quigley had urged.

I know he meant well, but back then, I was head over heels for Wayne. We had been together since university, four years in school and another four after graduation. I had always thought we were inseparable.

However, Wayne started straying. He had a new flame now—Hannah Yates, his secretary.

A dry laugh escaped me. Even now, he treated me like his maid; despite knowing about my stomach issue, he still insisted I drink.

I decided I wasn't going to be tied to him any longer. Without a second thought, I typed my resignation letter.

Right then, my phone screen lit up.

Hannah had posted a photo on Instagram. It was a shot of Wayne's back with the caption, "I mentioned I wanted something delicious, and now he's in the kitchen cooking!"

On the day we officially became a couple, I prepared a lovely spread. Wayne praised me, saying I was great at handling things both at home and at work.

Even when I wasn't feeling well, he'd only order takeout. I used to think he didn't know how to cook, but it turned out he just didn't want to cook for me.

With a chuckle, I liked Hannah's post and left a comment. "True love goals!"

Almost instantly, Wayne called, irritation clear in his voice. "Georgina Lawson, what is wrong with you? Hannah and I are just colleagues, friends! How could you comment like that and embarrass her?"

Without missing a beat, he added, "Get over here and apologize right now! And bring some barbecue ribs with you."

Did I hear that right? He wanted me to cook?

A mocking laugh escaped me as I replied, "Listen closely, Wayne Gale. I quit."

Without waiting for a response, I hung up, a rush of liberation coursing through me. Eight years together, and Wayne hadn't valued me. Cutting my losses now was the only choice I had.

It was clear my attitude had set him off. Just as I was about to leave with my bags that day, Wayne came home.

The moment he saw me, his face flushed with anger. "Georgina, haven't you had enough of this?"

I met his gaze and said, "Perfect timing. Here are the keys. We're done."

Suddenly, he let out a mocking chuckle. "Oh, playing hard to get, huh? So, how long is it this time? Three days? Five? Georgina, you've pulled this trick so many times, it's getting old. Maybe try something new."

Wayne was convinced I was just throwing another tantrum, threatening a breakup. After all, I had been foolish enough to pull this stunt before.

Wayne crossed his arms, completely unfazed. "Leave if you want. But once you walk out that door, don't expect another chance from me."

I took a deep breath. "No need for any more chances. It's been eight years, Wayne. I'm exhausted. It's over."

With that, I tossed him the keys and walked out without a backward glance.

Behind me, he yelled, "Georgina, don't come running back when you regret this!"

I never did things I'd regret. The only blemish in my life was the eight years I had spent entangled with him. After all that time, I was genuinely worn out.

Now that it was time to leave, I felt no guilt.

…

After leaving the house, I checked into a hotel.

In the silence, thoughts rushed in like a flood. I sorted out my affairs and submitted my resignation.

When HR found out, the manager was stunned. She texted me, "What happened, Georgina? You were doing so well. Why leave so suddenly?

"Is it because of Hannah? She's gone way too far, throwing her weight around just because she's close with Mr. Gale. She's stalling half our projects already! If you leave, what will happen to the rest of us?"

Even she could see that Hannah was truly something else. But no matter how people complained, they still had to follow her lead.

Wayne could dig his own grave, but I refused to let him ruin my career.

All I replied was, "This is Wayne's choice. Just stick to the protocol and get the paperwork finalized."

The HR manager instantly understood I was cutting ties with Wayne for good. I could even sense her panic through the screen.

In that company, he was the boss, and I was his right hand. I had closed countless deals with my ideas, and my professionalism and market instincts were sharper than his.

We were a team, always playing good cop and bad cop. That was how we brought in so many clients.

Wayne had once said I was his indispensable partner. With me, the company thrived. However, somewhere along the way, he started believing it was all his doing.

"I got to where I am today on my own," he had snapped during our last argument. "Don't think that just because you've been around, you're the reason for our success. The company will do just fine without you."

And that was when I knew. Since I meant nothing to him, I'd let him deal with his so-called bright future on his own.

…

The next day, I went to the office as usual. As I was resigning, I had to manage the handover properly.

When I arrived, Wayne and Hannah approached me. He looked at me condescendingly and said, "Fine, since you're going through with this, hand everything over."

Hannah, on the other hand, smiled sweetly as she gazed at me. "Georgina, your desk is mine now. Please pack up your things and move out as soon as you can."

I nodded in acknowledgment. "Got it. But first, I need you to go over the handover details with me."

I printed three copies of the handover documents—one for the company, one for the person taking over, and one for my own records.

When I handed them to Hannah, she glanced at the papers with a smile. "Don't forget your client records."

"They're all in the system. Besides, I already submitted the client list to the company," I replied.

Wayne froze at my words, disbelief flickering in his eyes. "You're really quitting? You're willing to walk away from everything you've built over the years?"

I nodded. "Didn't you say it yourself, Mr. Gale? The company will do just fine without me. In that case, I'd love to see how you plan to turn things around."

Wayne's expression darkened upon hearing that. With a dismissive wave, he ordered, "Hannah, keep an eye on her!"

Of course, Hannah obeyed immediately.

I carefully reviewed the handover document. After confirming everything was in order, I signed it and started packing up my things.

But just as I was ready to leave with my personal items, Hannah blocked my way. "Sorry, Georgina, but we'll need to check your things. It's just to prevent any leaks of company secrets."

I chuckled and met her gaze. "Who do you think you are to go through my things? The boss' wife?"

Her cheeks turned red with embarrassment as several colleagues turned to look. She stood rooted to the spot, a hint of malice flashing in her eyes.

Right then, a voice rang out behind me. "Her orders are my orders!"

Wayne stepped forward, and Hannah's face brightened with delight. She shot me a triumphant look before throwing herself into his arms, complaining, "Mr. Gale, I'm so glad you're here. Without you, I'd have no place in this company!"

"There's no one more deserving to be here than you."

Wayne wrapped an arm around Hannah, then turned his attention to me. "Georgina, leave everything here for inspection!" he barked.

I glanced down at the box in my hands. It contained nothing but loose items like a calendar, a mug, and some tissues. With a smirk, I turned the box upside down, sending everything crashing to the ground.

The noise drew everyone's attention. I kicked the box aside and spat, "See for yourself. It's all trash. I don't need them anymore!"

Then, I flipped him off. "Wayne Gale, don't think I'll ever forget what you did to humiliate me today."

With that, I pressed the elevator button and strode away.

Meanwhile, Wayne's face twisted with fury, his expression turning as dark as it could possibly get.

…

Later, I went to see Professor Quigley. He served as the intermediary, introducing me to Logan Quigley at Prime Net Technologies.

I froze when I saw them together, struck by their uncanny resemblance.

Professor Quigley chuckled. "Logan's my son. He's always asking me to introduce some top talents. Since I don't have many options, I usually send my students his way.

"I've always thought highly of you, but you never seemed interested. Well, guess I can check that off my list now!"

He patted Logan on the shoulder and said, "I've done my part. Now, it's up to you two."

In the private room, Logan invited me to sit.

"My dad has told me a lot about you, Ms. Lawson. You're quite the rising star in this industry. I heard you've closed some major deals at Bright Star Technologies," he remarked, a warm smile tugging at his lips.

"You flatter me, Mr. Quigley. Every company has its own unique traits. The key is to tailor solutions to fit the specific needs of each company and its projects while meeting client expectations. It's just what a professional should do."

"Exactly, well put!" A spark of admiration showed in Logan's eyes, and I knew I had made the right decision coming here.

In truth, Logan had a stellar reputation in the industry. Back when Wayne first set up his company, Logan had been the benchmark he aspired to reach. Unfortunately, he could never quite measure up.

…

After finishing our meal, Logan and I reached an agreement and signed the contract without a hitch.

However, as soon as I stepped out of the hotel, I ran into Wayne and Hannah.

Feigning surprise, Hannah widened her eyes and gasped. "No way! Georgina, did you follow us all the way here? I told you, Mr. Gale. There was no way she'd give up on you."

"Georgina, you'd better humble yourself while you still can. Maybe then I'll consider forgiving you," Wayne said with a sneer.

His words made me laugh. Even now, he had the audacity to be so shameless.

"Do you really think you're worth following?" I shot back.

"What did you say?"

A scoff escaped me. "I'm saying you're not worth it. I didn't come here for you. I have business with someone else."

"Who? Him? You move fast, Georgina. But everyone in the industry knows you're my woman. No man's going to want used goods," Wayne retorted.