Chapter 235

My left face burned, a searing pain shooting straight to the bone.

Just as Sally was about to come at me again, the office door burst open.

Ryan stepped in, yanked me behind him, and shoved Sally back hard. He demanded, “Hey, old lady, what do you think you’re doing?”

Sally’s anger flared even more when she saw Ryan suddenly appear. She snapped, “I’m teaching this venomous woman a lesson. Mind your own business and get out of my way.”

Ryan said, “You’re not laying another finger on her. Try touching her again and see what happens.”

Both Sally and I were stunned. Ryan’s aura was so fierce, it was like he was born to command–something one only saw in people with real power.

Sally seemed intimidated by Ryan. She spat, “Victoria, so this is your little side piece, huh? Figures–he looks just like a pretty boy living off women.” With that, she stormed out, fuming.

I took a shaky step back and slumped into the chair.

Ryan turned around and looked down at me. He said, “Ms. Murphy, your face is getting swollen. I’ll go grab some medicine for you.” With that, he dashed out.

A bunch of people came in–acting concerned, but just here for the show. Since Sally was Jared’s mom, her coming here and slapping me was proof enough that my marriage to Jared was falling apart.

Now, whether I got to stay here or not was up in the air.

These people were all opportunists. Ever since I parachuted in as the boss, they never really accepted me. Now that it looked like I might be stepping down, the ones working under me were practically buzzing with excitement.

Before long, Ryan came rushing back, panting, his arms loaded with all kinds of medicine. He said, “Ms. Murphy, check these out–any of them good for you?”

I picked up a tube of anti-swelling cream, squeezed some out, and slathered it over my cheek. The cool touch instantly soothed that stinging burn. “Guess I made a fool of myself in front of you,” I said.

But Ryan just stared at my flushed cheek, his jaw tight with anger. He said, “Who does she think she is, hitting you like that? And Jared–what a loser. How could he just stand by and let his mom treat you that way?”

Hearing that, I suddenly laughed. I said, “Couldn’t have said it better myself. Sometimes, he is a loser.”

Ryan said, “You don’t have to keep living like this. There’s more to life than just Jared–why keep clinging to him?”

I replied, “Yeah, I know. But you should head out now–let’s not give people the wrong impression.”

I remembered how Sally had just called Ryan my pretty boy before storming off. I didn’t want to drag an innocent person into this mess, especially when Ryan already had his debts to worry about.

“I’m not afraid of what people say,” Ryan said softly.

I waved my hand and said, “I know you’re a good kid, but I’m the one who’s worried. Go take care of your stuff.”

Only then did Ryan finally turn and leave.

Around five o’clock, Jared rushed into the office, looking all flustered.

I was dozing off in my chair, and the loud bang of the door jolted me awake.

Jared crouched down in front of me. While I was still dazed, he reached out and gently touched my cheek. He said, “Let me see–does it hurt? I’m sorry–I never thought my mom would show up and do this to you.”

I pushed him off me, and Jared almost went sprawling.

He caught himself with one hand on the floor, then slowly got back up. He said, “Victoria, my mom…”

I cut him off, “You can either compensate me, or I’ll call the police. It’s up to you.” I pointed at the security camera across the room and added, “Everything’s on tape.”