A long silence hung on the line before Luke finally spoke. “Earlier today was an accident. I didn’t mean—” “Save it,” Vespera interrupted. His voice churned her stomach. “Intentional or not, it doesn’t change the fact that you laid your hands on me.” “Fine, fine, it’s my fault. Just tell me where you are. I need to know right now!” “I already told you—I’ll come back.” “You better be home tonight. If you’re not, I’ll tear through Halewick to find you!” His voice, laced with barely controlled fury, revealed his dwindling patience. Vespera relented, promising to be home within the hour. She knew he would find her if he became enraged; she wasn't about to reveal her new location.

Rebecca drove her back. “This bastard has done so many awful things to you, yet he still acts like a king. His temper, his insane need for control… Vera, if he finds out you tricked him into signing the divorce agreement, I’m genuinely afraid he’ll choke you to death.” Vespera gazed at the city lights, her tone light and teasing. “Looks like I should keep some arsenic on hand. If he tries, I’ll make sure I get him first.”

Luke was already at the villa, striding toward her. Worry etched his face, but simmering frustration was evident beneath. She barely acknowledged him, changing into her slippers and moving further inside. A sharp pain shot through her waist as she bent, causing her to wince. Luke instinctively reached for her. “Don’t touch me!” Vespera recoiled, as if his touch were filthy. She would endure the pain rather than allow him to touch her. His expression darkened. He withdrew his hand, silently following her. He produced his phone. “I installed surveillance cameras in my office. You can check them anytime. What happened today won’t happen again.”

This was unexpected. She’d assumed he would dismiss it, as usual. Her gaze flickered to the screen before a slow, knowing smirk played on her lips. “Afraid I’ll catch you off guard again? Or just worried your sugar baby might embarrass herself next time?”

Luke stiffened. “There’s nothing between me and Tina…”

“Fine, I admit it. I think she’s fun and cute, but that’s it. She’s like a sister. My father asked me to mentor her.”

“We’re signing with Vortex Group next week. The Sowle family made a simple request, and I had no reason to refuse.”

What a convenient excuse. Just a sister. All for the company's sake—naturally, he'd indulge her, give her whatever she wanted, even if it meant hurting his wife. Vespera wondered when he had become so hypocritical. Disgust flickered in her eyes as she stared at him. After a pause, she played along, feigning realization. “Oh, so that’s how it is? Just a sister? But didn’t she say you spent plenty of nights together? A brother sharing a bed with his sister—that’s incest.”

Luke’s jaw tightened. “She’s just a spoiled woman who talks nonsense.”

“But isn’t that what you like about her? How fun and cute she is?”

He sighed, hearing the sarcasm. “Anyway, there’s nothing between me and her. Take a trip, clear your mind. When you come back, we’ll start trying for a baby. From now on, you can focus on being Mrs. Munoz. I promise that title will always belong to you.”

She smiled slowly. She understood. The title of Mrs. Munoz would be hers—as long as she ignored his infidelity. As long as she played the perfect wife, he could indulge his desires, and she was expected to accept it. But she wasn't obligated. He chased thrills, sneaking around with Tina, vacationing, sleeping together, watching sunrises like lovers. He’d shattered her heart, piece by piece, and now expected her to pick up the fragments, bear his children, and remain by his side. He was cruel and selfish.

“Darling, I love you.” Seeing her faint smile, Luke believed the storm had passed. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tight, as if truly afraid of losing her. His embrace was warm, but her heart was cold. With each revelation, her resolve to leave grew stronger.

Luke helped her upstairs and called their family doctor, Lionel Page, to examine her injury. It wasn't serious—no bone damage—and only then did he relax. Vespera entered the bathroom, followed by Luke. “I’ll help you.” “No need.” If he dared touch her with the hands he’d used on another woman, she would poison his coffee. He sensed her resistance, which annoyed him, but he didn't push her further. “I’ll be outside. If you need anything, just call me.” “Mm.”

When Vespera emerged in her silk nightgown, Luke waited by the door. The scent of her shampoo filled the air as she passed, her skin flushed and warm. Her bare shoulders and collarbones gleamed, and the curve of her waist made his breath catch. His eyes burned with desire. She walked to the bed. Noticing his look, she said, “My waist hurts. If you’re thinking of doing anything tonight, I’m afraid I won’t be able to satisfy you.”

Luke embraced her from behind, kissing her shoulder. “I’ll be gentle…”

“I’m exhausted, and I’m in pain. I’m really not in the mood.” He felt frustrated by her disinterest, but forcing her wasn't an option. He released her. “Get some rest.” His face remained impassive as he left.

Vespera had decided not to work the next day, and she contacted her project team, inviting them to dinner to announce her resignation. Everyone was disappointed. The Eclipse Group knew she was the president's girlfriend. Initially, people speculated she'd used connections, but her countless successful deals proved her exceptional competence. She understood both management and technical aspects, and had been more dedicated than Luke himself. Each successful deal brought her more happiness than anyone. Privately, employees joked she was securing her place as Mrs. Munoz. And now, she was leaving.

“I’m sorry, everyone. But for personal reasons, I can’t stay at Eclipse Group anymore. Keep working hard, and if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. Also, feel free to hang out with me anytime,” she said, toasting them.

Christine Ramsey, from Project Team Three, teared up. She was closest to Vespera, and her departure left a void. But they understood. Luke had brought the Sowle woman into the company. Days earlier, Vespera had caught them being intimate in the office; Tina wasn't fully dressed. The dinner held a heavy sense of farewell. Toward the end, someone asked about Vespera's future plans. She hadn't decided. A colleague suggested, “Maybe you should look into Tavian Group. Their president just returned from Westhaven and is building his team. I heard they still haven’t found a chief secretary who meets their standards.”