The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

"So you're telling me—a senior executive, in front of the entire company,noveldrama

deliberately provoked a former employee who'd already resigned and taken her own designs, dragged her back into the office, and then let her accuse our new staff member during a meeting? And on top of that, you treat a baseless plagiarism accusation like it's no big deal?"

Hawthorne finally closed the folder in his hands and looked up at Yvette. There was a darkness in his eyes she had never seen before.

She was used to his sharpness, his decisiveness. She'd always thought of his personality as cold and forceful-never one for pleasantries or emotional displays. Even with her, he'd never made exceptions, holding everyone in the company to the same strict standards.

Yvette hadn't started out as a senior manager. It was Hawthorne's relentless pressure and high expectations that had shaped her into who she was now.

She could stand on her own now, and she'd always believed Hawthorne respected women like her-why else would he have spent so much effort mentoring her?

But today, for the first time, she saw Hawthorne lose his temper to defend a young

woman.

Since the day she'd met him, she'd never seen him show such emotion over anyone. Gwyneth was the only exception.

That's why Yvette needed to know why.

She didn't want Hawthorne to simply point out her mistakes-she wanted to know, compared to this inexperienced girl, what was she lacking?

"Mr. Everhart was very clear-the company doesn't tolerate nepotism. Then why does Gwyneth get special treatment? Or do your words mean nothing after all?"

Yvette could hardly keep herself together.

Hawthorne regarded her coldly.

"My decisions are my own responsibility. Gwyneth isn't under your supervision, and you don't need to concern yourself with her. Focus on your own work. I expect this not to happen again."

He'd drawn a clear line in the sand-Yvette was forbidden from interfering with Gwyneth.

"Mr. Everhart, I'm not feeling well. I'd like to take three days off."

She said it out of pure defiance—she wanted to see if the company could still function without her for three days.

"Are you sure?"

Hawthorne's tone stayed even, his expression unchanged. Yvette had at least expected a word of concern.

She held her breath, her pride refusing to let her back down after being scolded like that.

"Yes."

"Alright," Hawthorne said simply. "Take three days. Get some rest."

Yvette was left speechless.

I.ne

She stared at him as he immediately turned his attention back to his work, making it clear he had

more to say. With a toss of

her hair, she stormed out.

The secretary, who had been watching the office door nervously, quickly

pretended to be busy as Yvette passed.

After work, Gwyneth joined the game development team for dinner at a trendy fusion restaurant.

She'd worked at a few companies

since moving to Greenvale, and she

had to admit, while Hawthorne's

vel

company had its share of office

politics and messy drama, something about the place felt different. The people were warmer, more genuine.

Maybe Hawthorne's favoritism had made others quick to adapt, but her supervisor genuinely seemed to appreciate her work.

"Gwyn, a drink?" Her supervisor came over and filled her glass before she could refuse.

Other than Gwyneth, there were three other women in the department; all about her age. Each of them had a small glass of wine in hand it seemed to be a tradition. No one pressured anyone else to drink; everyone just sipped quietly.

"Don't worry, Hans is coming to pick you up later, right? Trust us, none of us would

dare try to get you drunk-not even if you paid us."