CHAPTER 16
93%
Under Griffin’s intense pressure, the team cobbled together a proposal to save their jobs.
Rushed and lacking expertise, the document was riddled with problems.
Predictably, Hayes Enterprises lost the bid.
Griffin stormed through the office, exploding with rage and announcing a company- wide pay cut.
The staff was furious. How could they be blamed for losing a bid on a proposal thrown together overnight? Wasn’t this clearly a management failure?
They blamed Griffin for being distracted by Chloe, neglecting business operations, and driving me away. The company was suffering the consequences.
Making matters worse, the newly–minted Mrs. Hayes began appearing at the office draped in luxury jewelry and carrying designer bags, throwing her weight around like she owned the place.
Employee resentment grew stronger by the day.
The more principled staff members resigned immediately, while others quietly began job hunting.
Griffin failed to grasp the severity of the situation.
He reasoned that people come and go–the company wouldn’t collapse because of a few departures. His leadership skills and business instincts had built Hayes Enterprises; he could keep it going.
Losing one bid wasn’t the end of the world; there would be other opportunities. What Griffin didn’t realize was how much I had handled behind the scenes. Business strategies and project management had always been collaborative efforts between
- us.
Without me, his decision–making flaws became glaringly apparent.
Desperate to prove himself and compensate for the lost bid, Griffin hastily invested in a new venture without proper due diligence.
His recklessness cost Hayes Enterprises a fortune, creating serious cash flow problems.
While Griffin struggled to keep the company afloat, Chloe showed no sympathy for his situation. She continued demanding luxury items, her appetites growing with each indulgence.
What began as designer handbags escalated to limited–edition sports cars and eventually multi–million–dollar auction jewelry.
1/3
12:24 PM Mon 12 May
16
With the company in financial crisis, every credit card notification made Griffin’s head throb.
93%
He tried reasoning with Chloe, explaining the company’s difficulties and suggesting they cut back on non–essential expenses temporarily.
But Chloe threw tantrums, accusing him of being cheap and unwilling to spend on her. She insisted these purchases were insignificant for a company the size of Hayes Enterprises.
Chloe never cooked either. Whenever Griffin came home, she expected him to order takeout.
“Honey,” she’d whine, “you know how clumsy I am. What if I burn myself cooking? That would hurt so much. And the kitchen smells would get in my hair! You don’t want me turning into some frumpy housewife, do you? Just order whatever you want–professional chefs make better food anyway.”
When Griffin returned from business dinners, he’d find Chloe sound asleep.
If she detected alcohol or cigarette smoke on him, she’d wrinkle her nose in disgust, complaining about the smell and berating him for coming home late instead of spending time with her. She’d blame him for disturbing her beauty sleep. Living this exhausting reality, Griffin felt overwhelming regret for the first time. When I had been there, he’d come home to hot meals waiting, with me smiling as I handed him utensils. “Try this–I made all your favorites. You worked hard today, eat up! Restaurant food isn’t as clean or healthy as homemade meals, especially with your sensitive stomach.”
On nights when Griffin returned drunk from client dinners, a light would always be on. When he opened the door, I’d look up with sleepy eyes and a warm smile, then head to the kitchen to make him hangover soup.
He used to find my attentiveness suffocating, like an overbearing housekeeper. Now he realized that daily dedication over years had come from profound love. Griffin’s eyes reddened with emotion. He missed me terribly.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, I was thriving in my new marriage.
Alex, cold and dominant with others, was attentive and gentle with me as his wife.
If I admired something even briefly, it would appear the next day.
Casual comments I made and forgot, Alex remembered and fulfilled.
The latest runway fashions and couture filled my closet as soon as they were released.
2/3
12:24 PM Mon 12 May
93%
16
Every car in our garage was customized for me, and Alex spent millions at auctions on diamonds just to see me smile.
The estate gardens bloomed with roses–my favorite flower–tended daily by professional gardeners.
We employed a Michelin–starred chef because Alex didn’t want me to tire myself, but when I occasionally cooked, he savored every bite with genuine appreciation, kissing my forehead and thanking me softly for my efforts.
Alex always informed me of his whereabouts and spent every free moment with me, whether reading, shopping, or simply being together, as if my company was all he desired.
Unlike Griffin, Alex noticed and valued every effort I made, giving me both security and romance.
Our love story became the envy of everyone around us.
In this relationship, I discovered the beauty and warmth of genuine love, gradually healing the wounds from my past.
37
2
Add to Library – Read Anytime
3/3
