Matthew could only hang his head, unable to argue.“You’re a man, and you can’t even protect your mother? She raised Melanie, and this is how she’s repaid? Melanie, Melanie... Is the whole Murphy family indebted to her?” My words were bitter, but I just couldn’t keep quiet at a time like this. How did I ever fall for such an idiot?"Do you know how humiliated she has been her entire life? Her husband cheated on her right in front of her, keeping his mistress under the same roof. In the end, she had to raise that woman's bastard child.”I was enraged, even yelling words I never thought I would say. My outburst surprised me.“Now, this despicable Melanie, along with that woman who brought her a lifetime of shame, are ganging up on her. How could Grace not fall ill?”Matthew looked at me without saying anything back."Ask Melanie why she insists on taking Grace to the hospital. Does it come from a sudden sense of duty to treat her right and save her life?" I glared at Matthew.He

"Do you think Grace had an easy time raising you?" I continued, “Your mother only gave birth to you and caused havoc to the Murphy family. But you’ve teamed up with your mother to bully Grace? Do you think you would be here today if Grace weren’t so kind?"“Chloe, spare us your nonsense! Our family matters are none of your business!”I pressed on. “When you can’t sleep at night, reflect on your past. How many times have you been on the brink of life and death? Has Grace ever given up on you? "She took you to the hospital tirelessly, though she couldn’t even buy clothes for herself. Even I have spent time and money caring for you countless times. And I was an outsider who only joined the Murphy family later. Do you have an ounce of conscience regarding Grace?”Others in the office joined in, criticizing her. After all, most of the people in this building were familiar with her. Melanie had lost all moral integrity.“Chloe, don’t pretend to be righteous. You’re no saint, either. Yo

Matthew’s slap sent Melanie sprawling. Her body skidded across the floor before she finally stopped. She lay there and writhed in a fit of hysterical sobs. She cursed, drawing disdainful gazes from everyone present.Benjamin spat, “Leave, all of you! Listen to me, Melanie. It’s not over. The cops will dig up every detail. As long as you’re involved, you’ll pay. Matthew, take your bitch and get lost. You’re the reason your mother fell so ill.”Benjamin did not flinch nor stutter as he continued, “I’m not afraid of you. Sooner or later, that bitch will ruin you.”Matthew realized how humiliated he was with a crowd of furious onlookers staring at him. He grabbed Melanie by the hair and dragged her into the elevator, leaving our office floor in defeat.Carol waved to disperse the crowd, saying, “All right, that’s enough! Let’s get back to work, everyone!”I returned to my office and sank into my chair, panting. I had to suppress my fury.Meanwhile, Carol and Eleanor entered. The latt

Ivanna sat up and looked at me, saying, “Matthew will regret it one day. His protectiveness over Melanie is just an expression of his insecurities. He always feels his inadequacies around you.“You outshine him in every way, whether it’s Tanum Corporation’s founding or your decision-making skills.”“I didn’t mean it that way, Ivanna.” I was puzzled, wondering how my abilities could pressure Matthew.“That’s the unfortunate truth. Matthew fears you but doesn’t want to accept it. That’s why he’s constantly trying to change that. He wants to surpass you and be a real man, but he can’t do it,” Ivanna said.I couldn’t agree more and added, “Add Melanie’s deliberate seduction to that.”“You’re right. So, Matthew finds a sense of masculinity with Melanie. He revels in a woman’s adoration and dependency. That was why he wanted to take the lead when you were pregnant. Matthew showed his fear of you surpassing him.“It’s not just his vulnerability, but his whole family’s. That’s why they’r

"I'll tell you next time." There was a mischievous tone in his voice that made even this familiar aspect of him seem somewhat endearing. My mind involuntarily wandered for a moment.Seeing that I was still staring at him, he raised an eyebrow. "Are you jealous?"My face flushed, and I tried to conceal my embarrassment. "Of course not."He poured a glass of juice and gently placed it in front of me, his gaze fixed on my face. "Hold on a second."Then he lifted my chin and lightly wiped the corner of my mouth with his index finger. The gesture was an extremely intimate one.Feeling awkward, I flinched slightly. Harmony's gaze remained fixed on our table. I was sure our actions would be completely visible to her."What's there to be afraid of?" He furrowed his brow slightly and asked in a calm tone."Didn't you see the things online today?" I intentionally asked him. I was certain there was some deliberate intention behind his earlier actions."So what?" he replied, deliberately s