Chapter 41
Richard's POV
"You shouldn't be wasting company funds on luxury items right now," I said. "The company is struggling. We need to spend money on what matters most."
Grace looked down at the box in her hand, then back at me with something like amusement. "Richard, these cufflinks aren't for you," she said calmly. "You're not the only person I can give gifts to."
Her words hit me like a slap in the face. Not for me? Then who? The thought of Grace buying gifts for another man made my stomach churn.
"And I paid for them from my personal account, not the company's." Her eyes flickered between us meaningfully. "Those shopping bags you're carrying—I assume they're charged to mine and Richard's joint account?"
I quickly grabbed the shopping bags from Laura's arms, desperately trying to salvage the situation.
"Grace, you've got it wrong again. These are for clients," I lied smoothly.
Cold sweat broke out on my forehead. If my father heard about this, I might lose my CEO position. He'd already threatened as much.
Laura stared at me, stunned by my betrayal.
"Here—please—you can have all of this," I babbled. "Just come back to the company."
Grace looked at the bags with undisguised contempt. "No thank you. Laura's taste is far too gaudy for me."
"If I were choosing, I certainly wouldn't pick these tasteless things," Grace said disdainfully, glancing at the bags before casually handing them to the saleswoman who had served her.
"My husband bought these, but they're not quite right. You can have them."
I watched in horror as she gave away tens of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise with a casual wave. The saleswoman looked both shocked and delighted. Laura trembled with rage beside me, and I knew I'd pay for this later.
---
Grace's POV
I watched the saleswoman's eyes widen as I handed her the shopping bags Richard had been clutching. Laura's expression? Priceless.
"I'm serious," I said. "Consider it thanks for your excellent service."
"I... thank you, ma'am," she stammered, gripping the bags as if they might vanish at any moment.
"Grace, what are you doing..."
"Richard, I'm doing you a favor. Unless you'd prefer your father finding out you brought outsiders to pick out gifts?"
I turned and interrupted his protest with a smile.
Richard's jaw clenched. Laura looked ready to explode! I had the upper hand and I was flaunting it—publicly humiliating her!
To protect their secret, they could do nothing but endure it.
I turned to leave, but something made me stop. Call it intuition, call it vindictiveness. I didn't give a damn what it was called.
"Actually," I turned back toward the display case, "I'd like to see your finest diamond bracelet. My husband needs a gift for a client."
The saleswoman practically stumbled over herself to show me the collection. I let my fingers trail over the diamonds, each one glittering brilliantly.
"This one," I pointed to an exquisite piece with diamonds that had to be at least 10 carats. "How much?"
"Two hundred thousand dollars, ma'am."
I didn't even blink. "I'll take it."
Behind me, I heard Richard's sharp intake of breath. Good. Let him sweat.
"Shall I charge this to your husband's account?" the saleswoman asked carefully.
"Yes," I said firmly.
Richard finally snapped, pulling me aside.
I looked up at him, seeing the desperation in his eyes. Good. Let him taste helplessness too.
"Grace, I know I was wrong. Come home with me. I'll agree to everything you asked..."
"When will the share transfer agreement be signed?"
I interrupted Richard, as if that was all I cared about.
Richard looked down displeased, saying coldly, "When do you want it?"
"Next Monday. I'll arrange the time and let you know."
I moved to leave, but Richard blocked my path.
"Where have you been staying?" Richard asked. "I've been calling—"
"Enjoying my freedom," I said simply. "You should try it sometime. Though I suppose you've been enjoying yours for years, haven't you?"
Before Richard could respond, Laura suddenly swayed. Her hand flew to her forehead, her face turning dramatically pale.
"Richard..." she whispered. "I don't feel well..."
Please. I'd seen this performance before. The damsel in distress routine that never failed.
Sure enough, Laura's knees buckled. Richard lunged forward, catching her before she hit the ground.
"Laura!" His voice was hoarse with concern. "Someone call 911!"
I stood perfectly still, watching the scene unfold with detached interest. The saleswoman rushed to help. Other shoppers gathered, murmuring with concern. Richard cradled Laura against his chest, stroking her hair.
"It's okay," he whispered into her hair.
In the end, the choice was always obvious.
Richard lifted Laura in his arms, her head lolling against his shoulder. He turned toward the exit, then seemed to remember I was still standing there.
"Grace, I—"
"Go," I said flatly. "She needs you. Apparently, she always has."
He hesitated for just a moment before turning away. I watched him carry Laura through the mall, her arms wrapped around his neck, his face etched with worry.
I stood there for a moment, watching the direction he disappeared. The saleswoman looked at me with something like pity in her eyes.
I suddenly felt it was really unlucky to have run into them today.
---
Back at my apartment, the cufflinks sat on my coffee table, still in their pristine packaging. I'd removed my heels and changed into comfortable clothes, but the weight of the day hadn't lifted.
I pulled out my phone and scrolled to Alex's contact.
Me: Are you free for dinner tomorrow evening?
The response came within seconds.
Alex: I have back-to-back meetings until 8 PM. Would 8:30 work?
Me: Perfect. I'll make a reservation.
I stared at the screen, at the simplicity of the exchange. No drama. No hidden meanings. Just straightforward communication.
My phone buzzed with another message.
Alex: Everything okay?
I smiled despite myself.
Me: Yes. Just wanted to see you.
Alex: The feeling is mutual.
I set down the phone and picked up the cufflinks box, running my fingers over the embossed logo.
These cufflinks weren't for Richard. They never had been.