Chapter 6
Kris's POV
I stared at the news alerts on my phone screen, my fingers trembling so badly I could barely grip the bottle.
First headline: "Silicon Valley Tech Giant Spotted at Music Training Center, Harrington Tech CEO's New Romance Exposed" The accompanying photo was a paparazzi shot from this afternoon—Zane humbly standing at the front desk filling out enrollment forms, next to a swooning receptionist.
Second headline: "Exclusive Scoop: Mystery Female Teacher Enters Tech Mogul's Mansion Late at Night, Suspected Private Tutoring" This photo was even worse—Ainsley carrying her handbag toward that multi-million dollar mansion, timestamp showing 8:15 PM.
But the third photo completely destroyed me—a distant shot taken from outside the mansion: through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, you could vaguely make out two figures sitting at a piano, one playing, one standing beside...
"Kris! Look what you've done!"
Vivian's shriek came from the bedroom, the sound of her heels clicking against the floor growing closer.
I didn't even bother looking up. "What have I done?"
"Patterson Group just sent an email terminating all cooperation with our company!" She slammed her phone down in front of me. "And Morrison Investments, Blackstone Advertising—they've all pulled out! Who the hell did you piss off?"
I glanced at the emails—all basically the same: due to inappropriate conduct by business partners, all business relationships were terminated effective immediately.
"It's all because of her!" I pointed at Ainsley's photo on my phone screen. "That bitch found herself a new sugar daddy to get revenge on me!"
"Her?" Vivian leaned in for a closer look and let out a cold laugh. "That little white rabbit you kept for three years? Kris, tell me—what exactly did you do to her?"
"I didn't do anything! She's the one who betrayed me!" I roared. "What did I give her for three years? A house, a car, credit cards, my feelings! Now she's found someone richer and kicked me to the curb!"
Vivian's eyes turned dangerous. "House? Car? Kris Murphy, what did you use to buy her a house and car? Company money?"
Shit, I'd let something slip.
"That was... that was an investment! I invested in her music career!"
"Investment?" Vivian's voice was sharp as a blade. "I've been over the books. All those questionable fund transfers over the past year—now I understand completely! You've been using company money to keep your mistress!"
"She wasn't a mistress! We broke up before you and I—"
"Broke up?" Vivian laughed coldly. "When exactly did you break up? Before or after you slept with me last night?"
I was speechless. Indeed, when I'd been with Vivian, Ainsley and I hadn't officially broken up yet.
"Vivian, let me explain—"
"I don't want to hear anything!" She turned and stormed off. "Clean up your own mess, Kris Murphy! I'm not tying myself to a bankrupt loser!"
The door slammed shut, leaving me alone in the living room with rage burning in my chest.
This was all Ainsley's fault! If not for her, my company wouldn't be in trouble, Vivian wouldn't have turned against me, and I wouldn't have ended up like this!
What had I given her for three years? A warm home, a comfortable life, all my feelings!
And what did she do? Found herself a better sugar daddy and dumped me like trash!
No, I couldn't just take this lying down.
I was going to show everyone exactly what kind of person Ainsley Powell really was!
The glass doors of Harrington Tech headquarters spun before me as I stumbled inside, reeking of alcohol.
"Sir, please show your visitor credentials!" the receptionist professionally blocked my way.
I slapped my crumpled business card onto the marble counter. "Kris Murphy, CEO of Eclipse PR! I need to see Zane Harrington!"
She glanced at the card and shook her head. "I'm sorry, but Mr. Harrington is currently in a board meeting—"
"I don't need an appointment!"
I pushed past her, stumbling toward the elevators. Security moved to stop me, but alcohol gave me manic strength.
"Zane! Come out here! I need to talk to you about Ainsley!"
My voice echoed through the elegant lobby as everyone stared in shock.
Who cares! Let them all see, let them all know what kind of woman their CEO had been bewitched by!
Security chased after me, but I'd already made it into the elevator. I frantically pressed buttons, finally choosing the top floor—the CEO had to be on the top floor holding meetings!
The elevator slowly ascended, each floor adding fuel to my rage. Through the glass doors of the elevator, I saw my own reflection—face flushed red, eyes bloodshot—but I didn't care anymore.
Ding—
Top floor.
Stepping out of the elevator, I saw luxurious hallways and several closed doors. In the distance, I could hear discussion coming from one of the rooms.
That had to be it!
I stumbled toward the sound. Through the nameplate on the door, I saw "Board Room."
When I burst through that heavy door, the scene I witnessed brought my inner malice to its peak.
The massive conference table was lined with suited elites on both sides—each one a Silicon Valley power player. And sitting at the head was Zane, clearly presiding over what was obviously a high-value acquisition meeting.
These people, these high-and-mighty successful individuals, had no idea what kind of woman their CEO had been fooled by!
"Sir, you cannot enter!" Security was chasing behind me.
"Get away!" I shook them off, scanning the conference table with bleary eyes before finally locking onto Zane. "Mr. Zane Harrington! We need to talk about your new toy!"
The entire boardroom fell silent instantly. A dozen pairs of eyes stared in disbelief at this madman who dared interrupt the CEO's important meeting.
Zane slowly set down his documents, and when those ice-blue eyes looked at me, I felt a chill from hell itself. But I was past caring.
"You have ten seconds to explain, then get out." His voice was low as a beast's growl.
"Explain?" I let out a cold laugh, stumbling toward the conference table. "I'm here to give all you board members some good news! Do you know what kind of trash your CEO's new flame really is?"
I saw the confused glances exchanged between board members, saw the shock on their faces. Perfect—this was exactly the effect I wanted.
"Ladies and gentlemen," my voice echoed through the spacious boardroom, alcohol making me bold, "your CEO has been bewitched by a canary I kept for three years!"
Yes, let them all know! Let this high-and-mighty tech tyrant taste humiliation too!
"Ainsley Powell—spent my money, used my resources for three years, and now she's latched onto your boss! She acts so pure and innocent, but she'll do anything for money!"
As I said these words, I saw the expressions changing on the board members' faces. Confusion, shock, some beginning to whisper among themselves.
But when I looked at Zane, all I saw was pure killing intent.
"Last warning." His voice was so low it seemed to come from the depths of hell.
But I couldn't stop anymore. Three years of anger, three days of desperation—it all exploded in this moment:
"You think that shy, innocent act she puts on for you is real? She was the same way with me, and now she's still spending nights at your place—"
"Enough."
Two words. Simple. Deadly.
Zane shot to his feet, his six-foot-three frame casting a massive shadow across the boardroom. I had never seen such terrifying eyes—like an enraged beast.
"Everyone out. Now." He spoke to the board members, his voice devoid of any warmth.