Chapter 298: Exposing the Affair

The next day was Zack's grand opening ceremony. Though not a Snowville local, he'd sent invitations to many, clearly eager to integrate into the community. Even the Boltons received one. Normally, a company of his size wouldn't merit a Bolton visit, but my curiosity compelled me to attend.

Carter ruffled my hair, saying, “If you want to go, just go.” He’d been incredibly busy, yet still managed to check on my mood and encourage me to eat more at breakfast. To him, my body seemed like that of a growing child; I needed enough sleep, early mornings, more milk, and more exercise. He was the ideal boyfriend, managing my daily life so smoothly I had nothing to worry about.

“But remember, don't get too close. You don't want to get blood on you,” he cautioned.

“Alright, and what about you?” I asked, my eyes expectant.

Carter gave me an apologetic look. “Chloe, I’m going to be really busy these days. I won’t be able to accompany you.”

“It’s fine, I understand.”

“Wherever you go, take your bodyguard with you.”

“Okay.”

I watched him immediately return to his work. He'd stayed up late the previous night. Sometimes, being too capable is a burden. Life was tough for him. But then I realized he and Bill were both workaholics, using late nights and work to combat loneliness and fill the emptiness. Although Carter had less time to spend with me, I felt more sympathy than frustration. I wished I could help share his load.

Damian knocked, reminding, “Mrs. Zoey, we can leave now.”

“Okay.”

Carter was still responding to emails. I stood behind him, wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing his cheek. “Don’t work too hard.”

He gently pulled me onto his lap, his deep gaze locking with mine. His voice was soothing. “Didn’t you want to go on a world tour for our honeymoon? If I don’t take care of things now, when will we have time for that?”

I gazed at his chiseled face, marveling at his efficiency. I’d only mentioned it briefly, and here he was, already making arrangements.

“Carter, I’m so glad I’m marrying you.”

“Chloe, marrying you is the greatest blessing of my life.”

As I left the estate, despite the freezing temperatures, my heart felt warm because of his tenderness. With him by my side, everything seemed easier. Today, Anna would get the results about the child, and soon, the truth would come to light.

I took a car to the opening ceremony. Many important people had shown up, proving Zack had worked hard behind the scenes to win favor with elite families. That’s why he’d garnered such attention. His hair, neatly gelled, and sharp features gave him the look of a business tycoon. But despite his appearance, he was neither graceful nor sincere. He was bloated, sly, and had the demeanor of a wolf in sheep's clothing—the kind of man who smiled at you one moment and plotted against you the next.

His wife looked well-kept. Over the years, Bridget had stayed home, caring for their children, spoiled by him. She had aged naturally, without enhancements like Monica’s, yet still looked much prettier. She possessed an inherently warm, gentle quality, and her smile exuded kindness. She wore an elegant dress, her arm wrapped around Zack’s as he graciously accepted congratulations, clearly basking in his success. Bridget's family looked proud; Zack was bringing them honor.

Suddenly, two people appeared at the entrance. Bill, in a sharp black suit, was nothing like the pudgy Zack. Bill maintained a disciplined fitness routine and ran every morning. His face showed no wrinkles, only the calmness of years well-lived. Broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, he had the kind of mature man look that young women adored. Sadie, believing Bill was simply taking her out to see the world, was dressed in professional attire, looking energetic beside him. Her confident expression suggested she still had no idea who she truly was.

However, when Zack saw them, his smile froze. One was his lover's sugar daddy, the other his hidden illegitimate daughter. This was the ultimate bombshell! Only I, who knew everything, couldn’t help but mentally cheer. The enemy would reach the battlefield in five seconds!

Bridget, unaware, tugged at Zack’s arm. “Isn’t that Mr. Gardner? When did you become close with him?”

Zack had spent twenty years building his career, barely managing to crack the top fifty in Bafria. He was still a far cry from established families like the Gardners and Hudsons. To them, the Gardners were industry giants, and Bill's appearance was as significant as a royal visit.

Zack, puzzled, recalled Bill's arrogant behavior at the Hudsons' wedding banquet, looking down on him. How could he possibly be here in person? Still uncertain, he walked over to greet him. “Mr. Gardner, it’s an honor to have you here.” He extended his hand to shake Bill’s, but Bill only glanced at him before his gaze shifted to Bridget. “Is this your wife?”

Zack immediately withdrew his hand, trying to cover the awkward moment. “Yes, this is my wife. Bridget, meet Mr. Gardner.”

Bridget, overjoyed by her husband's success—with the Boltons and now Bill present—her face flushed with excitement. “Mr. Gardner, it’s such an honor to meet you.”

“Mr. Harrison, your wife is very beautiful,” Bill said almost absentmindedly, before turning to leave.

Zack was left in stunned silence, his mind racing. Having learned about Bill’s personality through Monica, he wondered why Bill would say something like that about someone else's wife. Did he mention Bridget to him last time?

I walked to Bill's side. “Dad, you’re here.”

Sadie, impatient, asked, “Dad, why are we here? It’s just some small company opening. What a waste of time.”

Bill ignored her, calmly saying quietly, “I brought you here to watch a good show.”

“A good show?!” Sadie didn’t understand. What could possibly be interesting at this ribbon-cutting?

The ceremony began, with the host passionately giving a speech. “Now, let’s take a look at the journey of Harrison Group over the past twenty years.” As stirring music played, the screen slowly unfolded. Instead of the expected motivational video, a much more intimate moan filled the room.

“My god! You’re amazing, honey.” Sadie’s disdainful expression changed instantly. She had heard that voice for twenty years—how could she not recognize it? It was her mother's voice! Before Zack could react, the screen revealed intimate footage of him and Monica. Zack’s face was visible, but Monica’s was blurry. What was even worse was Monica’s burning question: wrapping her arm around his neck, she said, “Am I better than your wife?” “You’re so horny. How could that tired old hag compare to you?”