Chapter 2

Dominic had returned. The chill from outside still clung to him. His expensive suit jacket was draped on another woman's shoulders. In fact, he didn't even spare Isobel so much as a glance. He merely tugged his tie off and handed it to her without thinking, just like what he usually did. "This is Zara Clarke. You should know her. We went to the same college. She's also the celebrity I just signed." His tone was flat, and it was clear he didn't want to explain much. He acted as if backing Zara up and signing that outrageous wager agreement had never happened. After saying that, he dropped to one knee right before Isobel's eyes and tended to a tear-streaked Zara. The hands that had once put a wedding ring on Isobel were now gently taking off Zara's shoes. "Jenny, take Ms. Clarke to freshen up. I've set aside some clothes for her in the safe," he instructed. Isobel's throat tightened as she watched Jenny Smith, their housekeeper, lead Zara away. She was about to question him, but his hand closed gently over hers. "Isobel…" He put on that gentle, familiar expression she knew so well. "You mentioned a couple of days ago that you want to start working again, right? Zara's contract gives us a foothold in the entertainment industry. Since you know her from college, you can work as her assistant for now." Isobel's eyes widened in disbelief. "What are you talking about? I majored in computer science! Besides…" Before she could finish, Dominic waved her off and turned to look in the direction where Zara had gone. His tone left no room for debate. "Enough. It's decided." As she watched him leave, Isobel felt like she had fallen into an icy pit. After their son's condition stabilized, she finally felt her career drive return. For the sake of their son, Myles Knight, she even planned to pivot toward research that blended neuroscience and computer science. She had worked so hard to get Dominic to agree. But now, for that scandalous woman, he dismissed her years of expertise and her dream as if they meant nothing! Isobel bit down hard on her lip, almost tasting blood. Then, she barely managed to force back the tears spilling from her eyes. After storming back into the bedroom, she grabbed the two technical reports she had spent countless nights finishing and went to Dominic. With a flicker of hope, she pleaded, "Dominic, I'd like to prove that I'm capable of being the Director of Technology." Her voice trembled ever so slightly. "This report highlights a critical flaw in the latest project. If it isn't corrected, it could spell disaster after launch. The other report contains the proposed solutions…" Dominic's gaze remained fixed on the screen of his phone. He showed no sign of taking the reports from her. Just then, Zara's weak voice came from behind. "Dominic, I'm not feeling well. My head's dizzy…" Dominic shot up abruptly, barreling past Isobel without a second thought. Isobel staggered back, which sent her reports scattering across the floor. As she scrambled to pick them up, Dominic's hurried steps crushed the page with the solution. It was the core result she had worked painstakingly on for three sleepless nights! "Hey!" she cried out instinctively, reaching to push his foot away. Dominic didn't even glance at her as he picked Zara up. His voice was tight with a worry Isobel had never heard before. "Where does it hurt? I'll get the family doctor at once!" He was about to leave with Zara when his gaze flicked to Isobel. When he saw her sitting on the floor and struggling in vain to retrieve the paper, he frowned in irritation. "Isobel, look at yourself right now." Dominic's voice was icy. "Don't ever bring this trash to me again. From now on, your main job is to take good care of Zara." Trash? Did he just dismiss the work she poured her heart into and the technical results that could decide the company's fate? Right at that moment, Isobel heard the sounds of her heart shattering into pieces. As if that wasn't enough, while carrying Zara downstairs, Dominic added, "Instead of wasting time on useless reports, focus on something practical. From today on, Zara needs rest because of her fragile emotions. Move to the guest room and spend more time with Myles. Don't let his cries disturb Zara." As Isobel watched him leave, the light in her eyes gradually dimmed until it vanished altogether. She stayed on the ground for a long time before getting up. She didn't shed a tear as she simply gathered the scattered report. She gently brushed off the dust and footprints, then neatly placed the papers on his desk. This was the last thing she'd do for Dominic. Isobel made up her mind, then called someone. After hearing her request, a voice brimming with excitement came through the phone. "No problem! I'll have everything ready by the end of last month for you to move abroad to join the research institute!" The call ended. As Isobel watched Dominic gently reassure Zara downstairs, she wiped tears from the corners of her eyes. This time, she would leave not as Dominic's wife, but as herself, Isobel Atkinson.