Chapter 10
“I know an available position. Our marine biologist, Henry, is looking for an assistant. But since you’ve been a housewife for four years after graduation, you’ll probably need to prepare well for interviews. They’ll definitely evaluate your skills. But what about your family’s company, BlueWave Technologies? Wouldn’t you work there?”
“I don’t want to tell my mom about the divorce yet. Knowing her personality, she’d never approve. Besides, BlueWave Technologies has received significant funding from Wright Group. I want to make my own way based on my abilities.”
“Alright, Anna. I’d love for us to become colleagues. Henry is incredibly intelligent and charming,” Emily said excitedly. “It would be perfect if you could become his assistant.”
I smiled too. “I look forward to it. Before that, I really need to prepare well for the
interview.”
“Yeah. I think Seth will be thrilled,” Emily said with a laugh. “If he finds out you’re interested in joining.”
I groaned. “Please don’t tell me I’ll have to work directly with him.”
“The Price family heir himself? Oh, he’ll probably make your life miserable for at least the first month, just like the old days.” Emily couldn’t help but laugh.
Seth and I had been rivals since childhood, always competing and challenging each other. If anyone could distract me from my failed marriage, it would be having to prove myself to him again. “I’ve actually been thinking about this,” I admitted. “Emily, I need to reclaim my life. My career. Something that truly belongs to me.”
Hours later, I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down my dress. The diamond necklace gleamed against my skin.
I wasn’t dressing up to please Blake. This was strategic–maintaining an advantage for what would undoubtedly be a difficult negotiation. I’d mentally prepared my talking points about the divorce, about my return to medicine.
Taking a deep breath, I touched the diamond at my throat. After tonight, this might be the only thing I’d take from the Wright family.
1/3
Chapter 10
I heard the garage door opening downstairs. Blake and Claire were back.
Claire waltzed into the living room still wearing her ballet outfit, looking tired but excited. Blake followed closely behind, carrying her bag like a dutiful assistant rather than the CEO of a major airline company.
When Claire spotted me, her eyes immediately went to the necklace. For a split second, her expression changed–surprise mixed with something darker–before returning to her usual sweet smile.
“Anna! You’re wearing the necklace! It looks so nice on you!”
Blake shifted uncomfortably. “Claire…”
“What, Blakey? Don’t you think so?” She turned to me, her voice lilting with fake
innocence. Then she gasped. “I told you giving this necklace would be a good apology. See,
Anna clearly loves it–she’s already wearing it!”
The words hit me like an ice pick to the heart. So this diamond necklace wasn’t meant for
me at all. It was just an apology gift because of the “misunderstanding” in our bedroom
this morning. And it was chosen by Claire.
Blake looked at me with a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance, but not a hint of
guilt.
“Claire, that’s enough,” Blake said.
At dinner, I waited until Martha had served the main course before bringing up what really mattered.
“Blake, I’m planning to apply for a position at EcoMarine Group.”
His fork froze halfway to his mouth. “You’re doing what?”
“Emily helped me connect with a position there, and I need to prepare for the interview.
Blake set down his utensils with careful precision. “I don’t agree with this. Wright family
wives don’t need to work.”
“I’m not asking for permission,” I said calmly. “I’m informing you of my decision.”