When I got home, little Marshie darted over with eager meows, rubbing against my legs.
Marshie was a stray cat that Lucien and I adopted during college.
Three years ago, the day before our engagement celebration, I lost both Lucien and my parents in one heartbreaking blow.
Over the past few years, I moved homes many times, but I could never bring myself to part with my cat. Marshie was one of the few reasons I held on in this world.
I held Marshie close as she gently licked my swollen forehead and tears streamed down my face.
Just then, a notification from Valerie on WeTalkApp had popped up:
"You have one more month. If there's no progress, I want all the money back!"
No! I couldn't live without money, not right now. Aunt Bella's ICU medical bills were too expensive.
I had to find Michael's mysterious lover.
My phone rang—it was Michael.
"Mr. Shaw, you called," I said, keeping my voice steady.
"Landon Mackinzie from Mackinzie Industries is coming this afternoon. Prepare the meeting materials."
"Yes, sir."
I reluctantly agreed. If I couldn't unearth any leads, I'd have to go along with the gossip.
After all, no woman could escape jealousy.
I slipped into a figure-hugging skirt and arrived at the meeting venue, steeling myself as I adjusted my collar and passed the documents to Michael. But he didn't spare me a glance, not even a single glance.
Instead, it was Mr. Mackinzie who sat beside Michael who groped my buttocks under the table.
I jerked away as if struck by electricity, shooting him a fierce glare. He smirked back, his expression wicked and rubbed his chin suggestively.
Michael clearly saw it all but remained eerily silent.
"Mr. Shaw, your secretary looks really stunning," Landon's oily voice interjected.
"Go and join Mr. Mackinzie for dinner tonight," Michael's words made me grit my teeth, but I held my tongue.
Leaning in close, he whispered in my ear, "Partnership with Mackinzie Industries is crucial. Play along at dinner and I'll give you the answers you seek."
“Yes, sir！”
The dinner hadn't even started yet when Michael sent over a dress for me—a stunning burgundy gown.
I got dressed, fixed my hair and makeup and arrived early at the private dining room to arrange the dishes and drinks.
Sure enough, the moment Landon walked in, he pulled me to sit next to him.