Chapter 10

As Dr. Sander diligently mixed the topical medication, Abigail carefully applied it to Xander with unwavering focus. Despite never having been so intimately close to a man, she remained composed and determined, reminding herself that he was a patient in need of her help. Xander, however, could not help but blush, though his severe allergic reaction hid it well. Having been married for over a year, he had only met his wife once and never experienced such closeness with another woman, leaving him feeling unexpectedly vulnerable. As Abigail applied the medication to his back and chest, her smooth forehead danced in his line of sight, while her delicate fragrance tantalizingly filled his nostrils. "I can handle it myself." He suddenly interjected, his voice deep and somber, startling the intently focused Abigail. Bewildered, she looked at him. "Mr. Zane, did I press too hard and hurt you?" Xander maintained a stern expression. "Paxton, take her home." Abigail glanced out the window at the faint light of dawn, not wanting to inconvenience anyone. "No need, I can just take a cab home." Xander replied dismissively, "Suit yourself." Abigail thought to herself, 'Men's hearts are as deep and inscrutable as the ocean floor.' After Abigail left, Dr. Sander could not help but remark. "Xander, that Ms. Renee seems like a genuinely nice girl." Xander shot back. "You want her to be your daughter-in-law?" Dr. Sander defended herself. "Did I say that?" Xander pressed. "Then what did you mean?" Dr. Sander hesitated, questioning why she had felt compelled to speak up in the first place. Over the next several days, Abigail's life turned into an emotional rollercoaster, each moment feeling like she was treading on thin ice. She meticulously analyzed her recent work, confident she had executed everything flawlessly, but the once approachable CEO had transformed into a nightmarish boss. Not only Abigail, but Keith also sensed Xander's growing discontent. During lunch in the cafeteria, he could not help but ask, "Abigail, what on earth did you do to upset Mr. Zane?" Abigail sighed, desperate to confide in someone. "If I knew where I went wrong, I'd change. But for the life of me, I can't figure out what I did to upset him." Keith, having worked alongside Xander for many years, had never seen him behave like this. In the past, when employees made mistakes, Xander would just fire them. If any female employees had designs on the title of Mrs. Zane, they would be sent packing without hesitation. The enigma was that Abigail's work performance was outstanding, and she harbored no ulterior motives. Xander's attitude toward her was genuinely baffling. After pondering for a moment, Keith sympathetically patted Abigail on the shoulder. "Think carefully. Maybe you'll figure out what made him so unhappy." Abigail racked her brain and realized Xander's displeasure had started after she had helped him with his medication. 'Could it be that word got back to Mr. Zane's wife about the day I drove Mr. Zane home? Is his wife uneasy about her husband being too close to a young assistant like me, and that's why he has been giving me the cold shoulder? This seems like the most plausible explanation.' With this hypothesis in mind, Abigail became even more cautious in her behavior, ensuring there was no contact with Xander outside of work. One afternoon, as per usual, Abigail placed a cup of coffee on Xander's desk. "Mr. Zane, this afternoon—" Xander suddenly interrupted her. "From now on, have someone else bring me coffee." Abigail felt her suspicion had been confirmed. She acknowledged his request and diligently briefed him on his upcoming schedule. "Mr. Zane, you have a Western Investment Task Force meeting at 2:30 p.m. Tonight, you'll attend Mr. and Mrs. Cobain Sr.'s golden wedding anniversary celebration. I've prepared the gift list for your review." Without looking up, Xander said, "Leave it here." Abigail handed over the gift list. "Since it's a golden wedding anniversary, couples are expected to attend. Will you be going with your wife, or should I arrange for a female companion?" As she spoke, Xander suddenly looked up at her, his icy gaze piercing through her. "Get out." Abigail had no idea that Xander's sudden burst of anger was because she had mentioned his unfaithful wife. After leaving his office, she headed to the restroom to wash her face and regain her composure. Unexpectedly, she encountered David. He blocked the restroom entrance, seemingly waiting for her. "What's the matter? Has your charm lost its effect on Mr. Zane?" "David, you never have anything nice to say." Abigail retorted, unafraid of anyone but her paycheck-provider, Xander. David sneered. "You can insult someone without using a single curse word. Impressive. But Abigail, life is long, and we'll see who has the last laugh." With a radiant smile, Abigail replied, "Alright, let's see how it unfolds." The afternoon's task force meeting went smoothly, and after it concluded, Xander received a call from his lawyer, Michael Quinn. "Mr. Zane, I've drafted the divorce agreement you requested and sent it to your email. Please let me know if anything needs to be added." "Alright," Xander replied. Michael made sure Xander would not be at a disadvantage, not only ensuring his soon-to-be ex-wife would leave with nothing but also demanding she compensate him for emotional damages. In all honesty, Xander was not particularly concerned about the money, but it was a satisfying outcome. Anyone who dared to betray him would have to face the consequences of their actions. After reviewing the agreement, Xander called Michael back. "Contact her tomorrow and have her initiate the divorce proceedings." He had promised his grandmother he would wait for his wife to ask for a divorce, but he never said his lawyer could not give her a little nudge. With his mood lifted, Xander's view of Abigail improved significantly. "Tonight, you'll accompany me to Mr. and Mrs. Cobain Sr.'s golden wedding anniversary celebration." Abigail was elated. "Mr. Zane, are you not upset with me anymore?" "Was I ever upset with you?" Xander asked. "Never?" Abigail thought, 'Though he had been cold to me for days, maybe he didn't see it as being upset.' Mr. and Mrs. Cobain Sr. were not fans of extravagant banquets. There were not many guests, but their status was undeniable. Many people desperately wanted to attend, so the celebration was still quite crowded. As soon as Xander arrived, he instantly became the center of attention. Moreover, it was rare for him to bring a female companion to any event, so Abigail also drew the crowd's attention. Having attended numerous high-profile events with Xander, she was able to confidently handle the scrutinizing gazes. As Xander went to greet Mr. and Mrs. Cobain Sr., Abigail found a quiet corner to enjoy some refreshments. Malcolm, holding a glass of wine, approached her. "Ms. Renee, may I have the pleasure of a dance with you?" Abigail smiled. "Mr. Cobain, I'm sorry, but I don't know how to dance." As a high-level executive assistant, she certainly knew how to dance, but this was merely her way of politely declining Malcolm's invitation. Both understood the situation perfectly. Malcolm, feigning ignorance, insisted. "I could teach you." Abigail replied, "Last time, you asked me if I had a boyfriend. How about I give you an answer today?" Malcolm asked, "Are you going to use the 'I have a boyfriend' excuse to refuse me?" Abigail smiled. "I don't have a boyfriend." Malcolm queried. "So, I can pursue you then?" Abigail responded. "I have a husband."