Chapter 4
I picked up the bank card, rose to my feet, and grabbed my suitcase, deliberately stepping on the scattered IOUS–the last remaining proof of my connection to Mason–as I walked to the door.
Mason stood there, momentarily lost.
Only when my hand touched the doorknob did he snap back to reality, rushing to block my path. “Ava, don’t be angry. I’m sorry for saying those things…”
I didn’t respond, simply turned the doorknob, walked out, and never looked back.
At the hotel reception.
I presented my bank card to pay, but the staff informed me the balance was insufficient.
With an apology, I used the $20,000 travel allowance that the international company had wired me.
After tossing my luggage into the hotel room, I checked my bank statement and discovered all my money was gone. The transaction history showed charges at romantic restaurants, couples‘ suites, and luxury boutiques.
Mason had never taken me to any couples‘ places or bought me gifts, so there was no question who had been enjoying my money.
Just then, the former HR manager messaged me: “Ava, if you’re in a hurry, go see Mr. Huntington tomorrow morning to get his signature.”
I replied with a simple “OK.”
Early the next morning, I returned to Mason’s company.
When I passed by the HR department, I glimpsed his silhouette through the glass.
The HR staff was busy processing Ivy’s onboarding, gushing, “Miss Lockwood, Mr. Huntington is so good to you! You two are perfect together!”
Ivy turned toward Mason, and I noticed the Executive Vice President badge prominently displayed on her chest.
With a smug expression, she said, “Mason, won’t people gossip about you making me VP right away? I mean, Ava was with you for seven years and only made team leader.”
Mason brushed it off, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “You’re my wife. Who would dare say anything? Or… do you not want to use our connection?”
They looked every bit the loving newlywed couple.
Since I’d run into Mason anyway, saving me another trip, I knocked and entered, emotionlessly handing him my resignation letter. “Mr. Huntington, please sign this.”
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Chapter 4
A flash of triumph crossed Mason’s eyes as he deliberately took his time, scanning the letter before offering at mocking smile.
“Playing the dignified card with this resignation? Don’t forget your grandmother’s poor health and her chronic conditions. With your meager savings, you’ll be broke in days!”
Ivy seized the moment to twist the knife. “That’s right, Ava. Don’t let a moment of pride ruin your grandmother’s retirement security.”
The silent HR manager suddenly spoke up, clearly confused. “But… Mr. Huntington, Ava’s grandmother passed away. She took bereavement leave for the funeral recently.”
At these words, Mason froze, his fingers trembling around the resignation letter. Looking at me, he seemed surprised by my calm expression and suddenly appeared guilty.
“Why… didn’t you tell me?”
Seeing his shifting gaze, I remembered the Mason of years ago–the simple man who chopped wood and cooked for my grandmother, his handsome face smudged with soot, flashing a bright smile.
And my grandmother’s last words, tears streaming down her face as she clutched my hand: “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I
should never have encouraged you and Mason to be together…”
Despite the piercing pain still spreading through my heart, I replied coldly, “Mr. Huntington, it was a personal matter. Am I required to report that to you?”
Ivy frowned, about to reprimand me.
But in the next second, Mason suddenly pulled me out of the HR office.
My wrist turned red from his grip, though I could feel him trembling.
I winced, and he immediately let go, placing the resignation letter back in my palm with rare vulnerability. “Ava,
don’t be rash. Wait for me. We’ll talk after work, okay?”
Just then, Ivy burst through the door.
“Mason, your father just called. He needs to speak with you urgently.”
Mason turned away hastily, with all the appearance of someone fleeing the scene.
Seeing how he still feared his father, I shook my head and prepared to leave when Ivy stuck out her foot to block me, lifting her chin proudly. “Ava, please clear out your office quickly. I’m moving in.”
The VP’s office wasn’t even the same as the team leader’s office. I knew she was deliberately trying to antagonize me.
But it didn’t matter anymore since I was leaving anyway. I did need to collect my personal items.
Just as I finished packing my things, there was a knock at the office door.
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Just a Stand In?! My Billionair
Y’S OTHER Wife
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Chapter
Opening it, I found an auction house employee holding an elegant gift box, smiling ingratiatingly. “You must be Mr. Huntington’s partner? This is the bracelet Mr. Huntington bid on for you at the auction recently. Would you mind trying it on?”
I stood there, stunned.
What was this–a parting gift?
People nearby didn’t catch what the employee said, but seeing the luxury logo on the box, they started whispering:
“That’s Bulgari! Even the cheapest one costs at least $200,000! No wonder Ava’s resigning–she’s found herself a sugar daddy!”
Before I could respond, the auction employee had already taken out the bracelet, asking me to extend my hand.
Just as the clasp was about to close, Ivy appeared from nowhere, yanking the bracelet from my wrist with a contemptuous look.
“Ava, I know your family is poor, but I never imagined you’d stoop to stealing my bracelet by pretending to be me. I’m Mason’s partner, not you. Isn’t this going too far?”
Hearing this, the auction employee became flustered, apologizing profusely.
Ivy waved dismissively to indicate it wasn’t his fault, then turned to me with fake sympathy.
“It’s fine. Ava grew up in the countryside and probably hasn’t seen nice things before. It’s understandable to be tempted… but this company can’t tolerate petty theft.”
I simply rubbed the red mark where the bracelet had been forcibly pulled away, giving a bitter smile.
I should have known Mason would never be this generous with me.
Seeing this, the crowd quickly changed their tune, showering Ivy with flattery: “Miss Lockwood, Mr. Huntington treats you so well!”
“That Ava has some nerve, pretending to be you! We shouldn’t show her any respect–just throw her out!”
Everyone’s eyes darted between us, clearly waiting for drama. But I remained silent.
I was about to pick up the cardboard box when Mason arrived.
Seeing the boss approach, people rushed to defend Ivy:
“Mr. Huntington! Ava was caught stealing! She tried to take Miss Lockwood’s bracelet right in front of her. That bracelet must be worth hundreds of thousands. Shouldn’t we call the police?”
“Exactly! A vain gold–digger like Ava doesn’t deserve to work at our company.”
Ivy gave everyone a sweet smile, waving off their comments while deliberately showing the bracelet to Mason, saying softly:
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Chapter 4
“Don’t listen to them, Mason. I love the gift you gave me.”
Mason’s face instantly darkened.
I lowered my eyes, waiting for him to accuse me of vanity, of being a gold–digger.
But in the next second, he snapped at Ivy:
“Take it off!”
