Chapter 2

"Cian, stop causing trouble. I have my reasons. I'll explain it to you later."

Suddenly, my father-in-law stepped forward and slapped me across the face. I staggered back two steps before regaining my balance.

"Cian, get the hell out of here right now."

"Frost Group is Genevieve's business. Why should we explain anything to you?"

"You're nothing but a son-in-law who married into the Frost family. Sure, you saved our Frost family when we were in crisis, but Genevieve has repaid you over the years. She gave you the position of vice president, provided you with a comfortable life. Don't you dare overstep your bounds!"

Faced with my father-in-law's angry rebuke, I looked up in disbelief.

Genevieve and I were childhood sweethearts. Since we were kids, I always knew she'd be my wife, and I respected her father as my own.

When Frost family's funds were cut off, I joined them against my own father's wishes. My father-in-law, fearing I'd swallow up Frost Group and merge it into Thornton Group, made two demands.

First, I need to marry into the Frost family.

Second, I am not to interfere with the Frost family's finances.

When my father saw how determined I was to marry into the Frost family, he became so angry that he revoked my shares on the spot, telling me to get lost and never asking about me again.

Everyone looked at me with disdain.

"So it really was for the Frost family's money. No wonder he married into their family. Now his true colors are showing."

"Look at Professor Langdon - he absolutely refused. But this guy publicly embarrassed Mr. Frost. Isn't it just because he's upset about not getting any shares?"

Ignoring the slander and mockery from the audience, I looked at Genevieve seriously.

"Genevieve, do you think that way too?"

A flash of guilt crossed Genevieve's face.

"Cian, I didn't..."

Lorne immediately sensed something and hurriedly said loudly,

"Cian, don't be angry with Genevieve. If you mind that Genevieve gave the shares to me, I'll tell Genevieve right now that I'll give you my shares. After all, you've been running around doing so much work."

"Besides, helping Genevieve is something I'm more than willing to do. How could I ask for her shares in return?"

Lorne looked at Genevieve openly, his eyes full of tender affection.

Genevieve's already scant remorse vanished instantly.

"Cian, I've really misjudged you. I thought you'd been selflessly devoted to me all this time, wanting nothing in return. But it turns out you were really after the Frost Group's shares. What they said was true."

"You've really disappointed me."

Seeing Genevieve's cold gaze fixed on me, I suddenly realized she was no longer that little woman hiding behind me, seeking my protection.

The Frost Group had overcome their difficulties and, thanks to my efforts, was growing by leaps and bounds, even expanding into foreign markets.

I stared at the haughty expression of someone in power on Genevieve's face, then glanced at Lorne, who was holding her tightly in his arms.

I knew this relationship had run its course.

I yanked off the ID badge from my chest and tossed it in front of her.

"Genevieve, since you think that way too, I'm leaving."

"Go ahead and live happily ever after with your Mr. Langdon. I'm done being the cuckold."

The silence descended upon the room as Lorne's face instantly flushed red. He swung a punch at me, bellowing,

"You bastard! My relationship with Genevieve is a pure teacher-student bond. I've lived my entire life with integrity, and you dare to slander me like this?"

I was about to strike back when Lorne suddenly clutched his chest and crouched down.

"Genevieve, my chest hurts terribly. Take me to the hospital."

Genevieve's face drained of color as she hurriedly supported Lorne.

"Professor, what's wrong?"

"Hang in there, I'll get you to the hospital right away."

She then threw her head back, eyes blazing red, and snarled at me,

"Cian, if anything happens to my mentor, I'll make you pay with your life."

She shouted for someone to bring the car around and helped Lorne towards the exit.

Everyone around started shaking their heads.

"Professor Langdon's health isn't good. I can't believe Mr. Thornton would humiliate him like that and even try to get physical."

The business partners silently left, and soon everyone was gone, leaving me sitting alone in the vast lobby.

After a long while, Genevieve's call came through, but I didn't answer.

Several minute-long voice messages followed.

"Cian, get to New York-Presbyterian Hospital right now. Mr. Langdon apologized, saying he was emotionally unstable right now, which was greatly affecting his condition.