Chapter 10

Dr. Leah was busy formulating a topical medication while Lianne applied the cream on Zane. Lianne focused on the task at hand. Even though Lianne had never been physically close to someone of the opposite gender, there was nothing to be shy about since he was a patient. Rosiness crept onto Zane’s cheeks, but the severe rash hid his embarrassment well. Although Zane had been married for more than a year, he only met his wife once when they got married. Besides that, he had no experience of coming into close contact with a woman. Hence, he did not know what to do. The girl rubbed the cream on his back before moving onto his chest. As her head bobbled before his eyes, he caught a whiff of her faint bodily scent. “I’ll do it,” he blurted in a gruff voice, startling Lianne, who was concentrating on the job. Lianne looked at him in bewilderment. “Was I too rough, Mr. Atlas? Did I hurt you?” Zane pulled a sour face. “Pete, send her home.” Lianne looked out the window. Since dawn was over the horizon, she did not want to trouble anybody. “It’s okay. I can take a cab home.” Zane replied, “Suit yourself.” Lianne was at a loss. She could never read the minds of men. Once Lianne was gone, Dr. Leah nosily commented, “Zane, Ms. Simpson seems to be a nice girl.” Zane replied, “Do you want to make her your daughter-in-law?” Dr. Leah responded, “That’s not what I’m trying to say.” Zane asked, “What are you trying to say then?” Dr. Leah had no words. Why did she have to open her mouth? … Lianne experienced hell for the next few days and had to walk on eggshells. Her mind scrutinized every bit of work she had done in the few days. Despite completing every task in a satisfactory manner, the CEO managed to find fault in her work. All of a sudden, he had become a scary boss. Lianne was not the only one getting the sense that the CEO was out to get her. Even Liam felt it. While having lunch with Lianne in the company cafeteria, he asked, “Did you get on Mr. Atlas’ nerves, Lianne?” She needed to let out her distress too. “I want to know if I did something wrong. At least then, I can change. However, I don’t know what I did to him.” Liam had been working alongside Zane for many years, and Zane’s behavior was strange to him. Zane would let go of incompetent employees or female workers who coveted the spot as the wife of the CEO. The issue was Zane’s curious attitude toward Lianne despite her impeccable work performance. Plus, Lianne kept things professional. Liam gave it some thought before sympathetically patting Lianne on the shoulder. “Try and dig deeper. You might figure out what could’ve upset him.” Lianne was speechless. She reflected for a moment. Zane started to give her hell after she rubbed cream on him. Did word get back to his wife that she drove him home the other day? Was the CEO giving her an attitude because his wife did not want him getting too close to her? Among her many guesses, Lianne believed this possibility was most likely. Bearing the assumption in mind, Lianne was careful to watch her behavior. She kept her distance from Zane outside work. After lunch, Lianne put a cup of coffee on Zane’s desk as usual. “Mr. Atlas, for this afternoon…” Zane suddenly interrupted her. “I want someone else to deliver the coffee from now on.” It only confirmed Lianne’s suspicion. She heeded his order and went on to report his itinerary. “Mr. Atlas, you have a meeting with the Weston branch’s investment committee at half-past two. You are attending Mr. and Mrs. Quay’s golden anniversary tonight. I have prepared a list of gifts. Please take a look.” Zane did not bother to pick his head up. “Put it here.” Lianne handed over the list. “As it is a celebration of their golden anniversary, attendees are expected to bring a companion. Are you going with your wife, or shall I arrange you a plus-one?” While Lianne was talking, Zane suddenly lifted his chin and looked at her. His eyes were cold. “Get out.” Lianne was at a loss for words. How was she supposed to know that Zane’s fit of rage was her mention of his cheating wife? Lianne left the CEO’s office to clear her head with a cold splash of water in the restroom. To her dismay, she bumped into Dave in the restroom. He stood in front of the restroom as if he had been waiting for her. “What? Did you fail to get into Mr. Atlas’ pants?” “Dave, nothing good ever comes out of your mouth.” Lianne was afraid of Zane because she got her paycheck from him, but there was no way the others could push her around. Dave scoffed. “Once again, you managed to give me a lecture without a single swear word. Though, Lianne, we have a long way ahead of us. Let’s wait and see who gets the last laugh.” Lianne flashed him a bright smile. “Fine. We’ll wait and see.” … That meeting with the committee went very well that afternoon. Zane got a call from his attorney after the meeting. “Mr. Atlas, I have drafted the divorce papers and sent a copy to your e-mail. See if there’s anything you need to add.” Zane replied, “Sure.” His attorney only wanted the best for Zane, so not only would his future ex-wife be left with nothing, but she would also have to pay for Zane’s mental distress. Honestly speaking, Zane did not care about the measly compensation, but he did get satisfaction from the payback. Nobody could get away after betraying him. Zane returned the call to his attorney. “Contact the woman tomorrow. Get her to ask for the divorce.” He promised his grandmother to wait until the woman asked for a divorce. However, she never said he could get the lawyer to talk some sense into the woman. Now that Zane was happy, Lianne was not so much of an eyesore anymore. “Attend the Quays’ fiftieth wedding anniversary with me tonight.” Lianne was delighted. “So you’re not mad at me anymore, Mr. Atlas?” Zane answered, “Was I ever?” Lianne responded, “No?” All he did was give her a few days of bad attitude. Perhaps it was not an angry response in his book. … Mr. and Mrs. Quay were not fans of huge celebrations, so they kept their guest list short. Still, a lot of people were dying to get an invite, seeing that the Quay family was from high places. In the end, many attended the celebration. Despite the presence of many, Zane was still the center of attention on his arrival. Besides, Zane never brought a female companion along. For once, he came with a plus-one. Hence, Lianne got a lot of attention as well. Since Lianne had attended many major events with Zane, she could deal with the probing eyes. Zane wanted to greet the celebrating couple, so Lianne went to a quiet spot to enjoy the dessert. With a glass of wine in hand, Morgan approached Lianne. “Care to dance, Ms. Simpson?” Lianne smiled. “I’m sorry, Mr. Quay. I can’t dance.” The ability to dance was one of the requirements as the CEO’s assistant. It was just a tactic to turn Morgan down, and they both knew it. Morgan played dumb. “I can teach you.” Lianne answered, “Didn’t you ask me whether or not I had a boyfriend the last time? Why don’t I give you an answer now?” Morgan uttered, “Are you going to reject me by saying you have a boyfriend?” Lianne grinned. “I don’t have a boyfriend.” Morgan asked, “Does that mean I can pursue you?” Lianne answered, “I have a husband.”