Chapter 27

Jared’s apology seemed genuine enough, coming with both a gift and a substantial investment offer. But I wouldn’t forgive him, nor would I ever let him matter to me again.

Even if he broke up with Tracy tomorrow, he’d be nothing more than a useful contact now—someone to leverage but never let influence my life.

“Aren’t you going to open it?” A flicker of disappointment crossed his face as he noticed my lack of interest.

“I’m sure it’s expensive,” I said, making a show of wiping my eyes. “I should go.”

Jared remained silent as I walked out.

Right outside the office, I spotted Tracy coming toward me, her arms full of documents.

I’d been absent from the office and never realized how many projects Tracy managed. The office gossip surprised me—she wasn’t just competent, but downright impressive.

And she wasn’t some middle-class girl either—her family was wealthy. She wasn’t here for the salary; Jared was her real target all along.

In my previous life, Jared had hidden her well, forbidding me from making scenes or interfering. To keep me quiet, he’d showered me with material comforts while completely neglecting me emotionally.

Tracy must have truly loved Jared. I’d heard she terminated her first pregnancy just to calm Yvonne down. When Jared learned what she’d done, his anger melted into pity, and he gifted her company stock and a villa as compensation.

At this memory, my face hardened as I pushed open my office door.

When Tracy unexpectedly knocked, I prepared for confrontation, only to find her delivering documents.

“Mrs. Holcomb, here’s my analysis of the hotel’s financial reports with recommendations. You might want to review them. After six years away, your professional knowledge must be quite outdated."

“Let me know if you need anything. If I can’t help you personally, I have connections,” Tracy said, meeting my eyes with unexpected warmth. Her tone suggested she saw me not as a rival, but as someone Jared cared about.

I couldn’t tell if this came from supreme confidence or genuine kindness toward a romantic competitor.

If she meant it kindly, I might actually withdraw gracefully. But if this was just arrogance—if she didn’t even consider me worth competing against—that would be humiliating.

Tracy had every advantage—a wealthy background, top marks in finance from abroad, and connections in all the right circles. Her glamorous hobbies, from downhill skiing to weekend racing, gave her minor celebrity status in those scenes.

No wonder she viewed me as just another unremarkable housewife.

“How thoughtful of you. The rumors about your generosity are clearly true,” I said with practiced sweetness. My performance outshone even hers.

I stood and offered my hand. “Everyone knows you’re the best at what you do, Tracy. I’d appreciate your help. This paperwork’s been killing me.”

Tracy smiled warmly as she shook my hand. “No need to be so formal, Mrs. Holcomb. Helping you is part of my job.”

“Let me take you to lunch sometime,” I said with a grateful smile.

“We should bring Yvonne along,” Tracy replied. “She’s such a sweetheart.”

I nodded. “Yvonne’s always telling me how kind you are.”

When Tracy left, I turned back to my desk and caught Jared watching us through his office window, his face unreadable.

I focused on my documents, ignoring Jared’s gaze. Let him think what he wanted—I’d match Tracy’s act move for move. If she thought me unworthy as an opponent, she was about to get a rude awakening.

At around five, Jared called my office. “Yvonne’s going stir-crazy at home. Let’s take her out for an early dinner.”

I had zero interest in a family outing. “I’m buried in work,” I said. “Why don’t you take her? And feel free to invite Tracy if Yvonne needs company.”

“Victoria,” Jared cut in sharply when I brought up Tracy again. “Tracy’s not family, and Yvonne is our responsibility.”

The irony wasn’t lost on me—he was so careful to protect Tracy from domestic duties. His protectiveness spoke volumes.

“Fine then,” I said. “But I’m bringing work. There are things we need to discuss.” If I had to play happy family, I’d make it painful for him.

“We’re done for the day—no more work talk.” Jared’s voice hardened. “Victoria, some people are born with talent. Others develop it over time. You don’t need to push yourself as Tracy does—you’re not her.”

My face went cold. So in Jared’s eyes, Tracy’s brilliance came naturally, while all my efforts amounted to nothing more than pathetic imitation.

“You’re not wrong, darling.” I sighed dramatically. “If Tracy were your wife, you’d have that storybook marriage—perfect harmony.

“What a shame you ended up with me—all effort, no talent. Do you ever regret settling down so early? Before you could find your perfect match?” My tone walked that fine line between playful and poisonous.

“Victoria, what’s wrong with you?” Jared snapped, exactly as I’d predicted. My words had struck a nerve, and his outburst was nothing but a cover for his panic.

I melted into a sweet smile as I apologized, “Don’t be angry, darling. I was just being honest. We both know I’m the inferior partner here."

“Recognize your flaws and improve them. I’m not looking down on you, so don’t give up on yourself.” With that, Jared hung up before I could respond.