I told Henry that the contract negotiations fell through, and his attitude changed instantly.
He mocked, "Amelia, I thought you were so capable, but it turns out you're just like this. You can't even negotiate a contract properly. All you do is spend my money. How are you any different from a trophy wife? At least a trophy wife is pleasant to look at and can be shown off. What do you have now? You're not even as good as that."
Maybe I had been mocked and ridiculed too much, so I didn't feel anything when I heard these words.Henry stopped cursing after a while, probably because his mouth was dry.
I slowly spoke, "Are you done? Did I say this matter couldn't be resolved? Although Quinn didn't agree to sign the contract, she decided to give the Phillips Group a chance. As long as we submit a design that satisfies her, the contract can still be signed."
Henry asked suspiciously, "Are you serious?"
I replied, "Of course, but I'll be doing the design myself this time. You need to pay me more. Doing the design will take my time and effort. Pay me what you pay your chief designer per month, and overtime will be calculated separately."
Henry was silent for a long time before speaking, "Aria is a designer; I don't need you."
I snorted coldly, "Yeah, but what she designs is garbage. Were you just blinded by her looks to hire her? If her design wasn't so bad, Quinn wouldn't have terminated the cooperation. What's more important to you, your girlfriend or the project? Think about it."
Anyway, Henry had no way to deal with me now and had to rely on me to get things done. I could say whatever I wanted and hit him where it hurt.
After saying that, I hung up, not giving him a chance to curse at me.
In the evening, I didn't get a call from Henry, but I did get one from Aria.
I didn't know how she found out I was in the hospital, but she came straight to my room.
She walked in wearing high heels and a red dress, looking bold and bright, her heels making sharp sounds on the floor.
Aria gritted her teeth, "Amelia, why are you so persistent? Henry doesn't like you anymore. Why are you still clinging to him? Can't you have some dignity? Why are you so cheap, always throwing yourself at men?"
I crossed my arms and found her impotent rage amusing. "That statement suits you better. After all, approaching a married man is indeed quite cheap."
Aria's face turned red with anger, and she raised her hand to hit me.
But I grabbed her wrist and twisted it hard, making her scream in pain.
These days, I had been eating well and feeling good, even my strength had increased.
She took two steps back, clutching her wrist and looking at me in disbelief. "Amelia, how are you so strong? I knew it; you're just faking your illness to make Henry change his mind. You really stop at nothing. Too bad his heart is with me. No matter what you do, it won't work."
I remained calm and asked her in a puzzled tone, "Hasn't Henry fired you yet? After all, he lost such an important project because of you. If he doesn't fire you, the board won't let it slide."
I knew Henry too well. He really hated trouble. Whenever a woman displeased him, he kicked her out without hesitation, no matter how much he pampered or loved her before.
I originally thought Aria was special to him, someone he would always favor.
But Aria came to me. If she hadn't been wronged by Henry, she wouldn't have come to me in such a rage.
It turned out, in Henry's eyes, she was no different.
Aria's face changed several times. Realizing she wouldn't get anything from me, she didn't make a move but left with a threat, "Amelia, I won't let you off. We'll see. I'll be waiting for the day Henry divorce you."
I didn't take her words to heart. Not long after Aria left, I received a message from Henry.
He agreed to my terms: a two-million-dollar commission for the project, a two-hundred-thousand-dollar salary, and overtime pay at 1.5 times the rate.
The next morning, after Brian checked my health, I asked if I could be discharged for a day.
He paused and adjusted his glasses. "Is there something you need to do?"
I nodded. "Yes, I need to go to the company to get something."
Brian offered, "I'll go with you."
I was a bit surprised. "Aren't you busy today?"
Brian replied, "Yes, but I'm more worried about my patient having an accident. Besides, Ms. Ramirez asked me to take good care of you."
I agreed, "Then wait for me to change clothes."
I didn't want to go to Henry's company in hospital gown; it would only invite his ridicule.
I changed into a pale yellow dress. My complexion had improved from the hospital stay, making my skin look more delicate. I even put on some lipstick, which made me look more spirited.
After doing this, I said, "Let's go."
Brian looked at me twice and nodded.
I pointed to his work clothes. "Are you going out like that?"
"I forgot." He took off his work clothes, revealing a white shirt underneath. The slightly open collar showed his sexy Adam's apple, and he paired it with black jeans, looking simple yet elegant.
This was my first time at Henry's company. He never allowed me to come before, and our marriage was a secret.
I walked to the front desk and said to the receptionist, "I'm here to see Henry."
The receptionist asked, "Ma'am, do you have an appointment?"
I took out my phone and showed her the message. "Henry asked me to come to work. I'm here to get something."
The receptionist then said, "Ma'am, please wait a moment while I confirm."
If I had known it would be this troublesome, I would have told Henry yesterday to have Ryan pick me up.
I thought for a moment and called Ryan. He wasn't surprised when he arrived.
Ryan said, "Mrs. Phillips, Mr. Phillips is already waiting for you in his office."
"Mrs. Phillips? Mr. Phillips is married?" The receptionist looked at me in disbelief.
I just smiled at her and said nothing.