"These tickets and the watch were rewards for Evan's outstanding performance last month. I just forgot to change the address when I sent them to you."
I could feel my fingers trembling as I gripped the tickets.
"So, when you told me last night that you were too busy with work to go to the beach with me, you were actually planning to go to the Maldives with him?"
"Carson, what are you talking about?"
Her voice suddenly rose, drawing the attention of a few employees who had lingered.
They turned their heads, curiosity written all over their faces.
"I went to the Maldives for a business trip, not for fun. And definitely not to be with Evan," she snapped. "Can you stop acting so childish?"
I looked at her, noticing how flawless her makeup was and how carefully her hair had been styled. At that moment, I felt a deep sense of unfamiliarity.
"Just a business trip? Do two people really need to go together to a resort for a business meeting?"
"Mr. Rutherford," Evan finally spoke, stepping forward and giving a slight bow.
"You've misunderstood Miss Watson," he continued, his voice smooth and polite as he met my eyes directly. "The meeting with AquaWave Corporation was arranged by their chairman, specifically to take place in the Maldives. Miss Watson has been preparing the materials for this deal for weeks. She's been working overtime for the past two weeks to make sure everything is perfect."
He maintained a neutral expression, but there was a faint, almost imperceptible hint of pity in his gaze.
"If this situation has upset you," Evan added, "I'm happy to give you the tickets instead. After all, your marriage is more important."
"Evan!" Francine snapped, her voice anxious. "That's your reward. Why should you give it to him?"
She turned back to me, her eyes flashing with anger. "Carson, you've really disappointed me. Do you know why I work late every night? It's for our future!"
"Do you not trust me at all?"
I glanced at Francine, the frustration building in my chest. "Can you explain to me what Evan has done for the company to deserve a million-dollar watch as a reward?"
Her brow furrowed, and her voice sharpened with impatience. "This was a decision made by senior management. It has nothing to do with you."