His Public Love Was a Private Lie Novel

Chapter 3 That overseas market deal was the company's first big expansion, and I had been hands-on from day one. "Ms. Bennett, we have a board meeting soon," someone reminded me. I nodded. I was only back at the office to collect my materials. On the way to the conference room, I overheard voices from the break room. "Look who's back! The office eye candy herself. Can't stand that smug look of hers." One woman rolled her eyes. "Who knows how much she lost out there? Bet our handsome Mr. Hill had to bail her out again. Unreal." "Ornament? Please. She's pushing thirty.

There's always a newer, younger, hotter girl." "Yeah, remember when they said Mr. Hill's Facebook was all about her? Now he doesn't even have a Facebook. Hilarious.' >> That was the gossip, me, the topic of their lunch break nonsense. I never flaunted what I'd done. Never needed to. But let's be real, Cylyn Group wouldn't be where it was without me. Now I was just a punchline. Fine. I wasn't about to waste time explaining myself to people who weren't even playing the same game. The boardroom was full when I arrived. I took my usual seat.

Cyrus looked around, then said slowly, "Everyone, I'd like to introduce a new colleague." The door opened, and in walked none other than Vivian. His eyes lit up the second he saw her. Vivian walked gracefully to his side, acting more like his wife than I ever did. "Everyone, this is Vivian. She has a master's in Marketing from the University of Toronto and is currently pursuing her PhD." I stared at Cyrus. He had once sworn never to allow nepotism in the company. A team member asked, "Mr. Hill, which department will Ms. Valtor be joining?" As far as I knew, no department was hiring.

Cyrus looked at me, then back at the room. "She'll be heading our overseas market operations." The room erupted in shock. She was dropped into the position I had built from scratch. Everyone looked uncomfortable on my behalf. They didn't know the details, but they knew that market was my work. Cyrus and Vivian didn't seem to care. People expected me to lose it. Instead, I stood up and clapped. "Congratulations, Vivian." She looked stunned. She hadn't expected grace. I finished clapping and walked out of the room. Cyrus chased after me. "Evelyn, wait..." "I trust Mr.

Hill's decisions." He said, without a flicker of shame, "You're almost thirty. We don't have kids. It's time for you to focus on that. Let Vivian handle the work. You just focus on being Mrs. Hill." I wanted to laugh. What a noble excuse to push me aside. "Evelyn, don't get the wrong idea," Vivian added quickly, following behind. I smiled sweetly. "Vivian, I'm not misunderstanding anything. I was congratulating you. Look how thoughtful Mr.

Hill is, handing you my job so I don't overwork myself." "Do you have to be so passive-aggressive?" Vivian's eyes brimmed with tears, like I'd just slapped her. "Interpret it however you want." What Cyrus had done was steal everything I'd built. And now I was the petty one? Handing my hard-earned market to Vivian, was that supposed to be kindness? If I hadn't planned ahead, she'd already be basking in the rewards of my work. Now I knew why he'd asked me about the market before he left that day. He had wanted to impress her. Good thing I'd already arranged to walk away with what was mine.

Cyrus scowled. "Why do you have to say things like that?" I said nothing. Vivian, near tears, added, "It's my fault, Cyrus, don't be mad at Evelyn. I shouldn't have taken over so suddenly." Then she dropped to her knees. "Evelyn, if you're angry, hit me." Where did she even find the time to rehearse this drama? Let her kneel if she wanted. I didn't care. But Cyrus panicked and rushed to pull her up. He took a deep breath and glared at me. "This is my company. What I say goes. I made you Ms. Bennett.

I can unmake you just as fast." Vivian lowered her head, pretending to feel guilty, but her smile was barely contained. Fine, Vivian. Enjoy your prize. Lucia Morh Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she's not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.