Chapter 117 You're not My Secretary Anymore

Chapter 117 You're not My Secretary Anymore
She leaned back, studying him like she was assessing his worth. "You owe a lot of people, Henry. And I'm interested in buying your debt."

His eyes widened. "What?!"

A thin smile curved her lips. "That way... you work for me now."

Henry swallowed hard, brow furrowing deeply. "Who are you?"

She crossed her arms, that sly smile still in place. "You don't need to know."

His eyes narrowed, jaw tightening. "I don't work for someone who won't even give me a name."

She chuckled, leaning back casually. "You don't need to know who I am. All you need to know is that I can save you... or put you in prison."

Henry's fists clenched. His mind raced, searching for an escape. "What do you want from me?"

Her smile widened. Her eyes gleamed with meaning. "Henry... do you know you have a son-in-law now?"

He frowned, confusion crossing his face. "Son-in-law?"

She enjoyed his shocked expression as he blinked rapidly. Then something clicked.

He looked up sharply, studying her with suspicion. "Audrey... married Elliot Harrington?"

She startled slightly at his words. Her jaw tightened, gaze sharpening. "I didn't expect you to guess that. Seems you already knew about their relationship."

Henry didn't react. He'd heard it from Vincent's men. He'd assumed it was just his stepdaughter's scheme to escape the loan sharks.

"You're... joking, right?"

She tilted her head, lips curving mysteriously. "Why would I joke?"

Henry ground his teeth, mind spinning. This couldn't be real. Audrey—that wretched girl—married someone like Elliot Harrington? The cold, powerful, obscenely wealthy CEO?

"Impossible," he muttered, almost to himself.

She chuckled, enjoying his shock. "Oh, but it's reality." She crossed her legs elegantly. "And it seems you missed your daughter's happy moment, didn't you?"

His hands clenched. "Why are you telling me this?"

"So you realize how advantageous your position is now." Her tone was casual. "You have a connection to the Harrington family. And that... is something we can use."

Henry startled. His eyes narrowed. "So that's what you want? Use me to pressure them?"

Her smile widened. "Henry, Henry, Henry. That's how the world works. Mutual benefit. Mutual use. Just like now."

He waited in silence.

"I just want us to work together. You help me, and I make sure your life doesn't end miserably." It sounded like an offer—but Henry heard the command beneath.

He swallowed. "And if I refuse?"

"I think you're smart enough to know the answer." She sighed dramatically. Her gaze turned cold, piercing. "You don't have a choice, Henry."

He was silent for a long moment. His face tensed, mind racing through possibilities.

This was insane. Too risky. But... if she could really pay his debts, wasn't this his best escape?

He lifted his head slowly, meeting her gaze. "You'll really pay everything?"

She smiled thinly, eyes gleaming with certainty. "Every cent. I'll clear everything you owe, erase your name from every loan shark's list, and make sure no one comes after you again."

Henry's jaw tightened. The offer was too good to refuse. But behind every good offer, there was always a price.

"What do I need to do?"

She leaned back, that sly smile still on her beautiful face. "Simple, Henry. I just need you to... appear."

He frowned. "Appear?"

"Don't you want to meet your son-in-law?" She smiled cynically. "Elliot Harrington is holding a press conference soon. When he does, you'll come forward and claim to be Audrey's father."

Henry froze. His eyes bulged, heart racing. "What?! I—"

"Don't panic." Her voice stayed calm. "You just need to say you're her father. That you want to see her after all these years. Make it emotional... touching."

He shook his head quickly. "But I'm not her biological father! And my relationship with Audrey isn't what you think—"

"You think I don't know?" One eyebrow arched, making him feel cornered.

How deeply had she investigated him?

"That's why, before you say anything else... do as I say." Her tone sharpened with threat. "If they won't accept you, exposing Audrey's past becomes an option. The Harrington family wouldn't want the public knowing the truth about you two, would they?"

Henry swallowed hard. The hidden threat made his skin crawl.

He understood exactly what she meant. She wasn't just asking him to appear publicly—she was creating pressure on the Harrington family. They wouldn't want Elliot's reputation tarnished by his wife's connection to someone like him.

"You're twisted," he muttered, gaze wary.

She just smiled, like she'd received a compliment. "I just know how the world works, Henry. Play your part, and I'll play mine."

Henry looked away, mind spinning. This was insane. He hated Audrey—she'd always been an obstacle to his plans. But if this meant saving himself... why not?

"You'll really pay all my debts?" he asked again, needing certainty.

She nodded, expression unreadable. "As I said. Every cent."

Henry clenched his fists, then exhaled long. "Fine. I'll do it."

Her smile widened, satisfaction clear. "I knew you'd make the right choice."



"You're serious about firing Audrey?" Liam asked hesitantly, watching his boss behind the desk.

Elliot exhaled, leaning back with an unreadable expression. His eyes stared at the documents before him, like searching for answers among the papers.

"I haven't discussed it with her yet," he finally answered, voice softer than usual.

Liam stared at him in disbelief. "So you're making this decision without telling her?"

Elliot rubbed his face with his palm, frustration creeping in. "Liam, you know how this world works. After the press conference, everyone will know she's my wife. I don't want her treated unfairly by other employees... or worse, by the media."

Liam nodded understanding, but doubt remained. "But is that the right call? Audrey's a competent secretary. She's never traded on her status."

"I know," Elliot murmured.

Liam leaned back, thinking. "Are you sure she'll agree to this?"

Elliot was silent, mind drifting to his stubborn wife. He knew Audrey wasn't the type to accept unilateral decisions. And more than that... he wasn't sure he was ready to let her go from his professional side.

"Was there something else?" Elliot finally asked, ending the conversation.

Liam shook his head, rising slowly. "No. Just those documents. I'll go now."

"Send Audrey in."

Liam hesitated. "You're really firing her?"

"Just call her."

Seeing his boss's mood souring, Liam quickly left. Moments later, the woman in question stood before him.

"You needed me, sir?" Her tone was professional.

Elliot clicked his tongue, face tightening. "Don't call me that."

She smiled softly. "What is it?"

He didn't answer. Just gestured for her to come closer. She obeyed.

Once beside him, he gently pulled her waist and sat her on his lap.

She gasped, slightly pushing against him as he hugged her, resting his head on her chest. "E-Elliot..."

"Just for a moment," he murmured, tightening his arms.

She exhaled, letting him. Slowly, her hand rose, stroking his back gently. Occasionally, she kissed the top of his head.

For Elliot, her presence was the only place he found peace.

"What's wrong?" she asked, breaking the long silence.

He lifted his head. His eyes looked tired—it made her chest ache.

"Kiss me."

Her eyes widened. "No!"

He pouted. She couldn't help but laugh. She did as asked—briefly.

"Not enough," he whined, unsatisfied.

"Seriously!" She rolled her eyes. She kissed him again—longer this time.

As she tried to pull away, he caught her neck, deepening the kiss until it grew urgent and lasted.

When they finally broke apart, breathless, he looked at her with sad eyes.

"I need to tell you something."

She frowned, waiting.

He exhaled slowly. "Starting today... you're not my secretary anymore."