"Miss Hoffman, the people sent from Houston have tracked you down to Chicago. Should we follow your instructions and tell them you're dead?"

At a cocktail party, I was mingling and toasting with business partners when my assistant, Charlie, approached me hesitantly.I smiled faintly, "Of course. Tell them his wife has already passed away. If he doesn't believe it, show him the forged remains."Charlie chuckled, "Understood. I'd love to see how that scumbag reacts when he hears you're gone!"It's been over half a month since I returned to Chicago.

For the same half-month, Troy had been sending people to search for me. Now they've reached Chicago.

What he didn't know was that over half of Chicago's industries are controlled by the Hoffman Family. Even if he wanted to swat a fly here, he'd need my family's approval.Since I declared that we'd part ways forever, severing all ties, let him believe I was dead.Besides, Louise's threats of jumping off a building and claiming she was pregnant were all just to force him into giving her a legitimate status. A scumbag and a shameless woman, what a perfect match.After Charlie left, I declined all conversations and retreated to a corner, drinking one glass after another.

A young man came over with a smile, raising his glass, "Miss Hoffman, you seem upset. Why don't I keep you company?" He had bright eyes, a sweet demeanor and even an eight-pack. His name was Miles Davis, initially applying for a position at the Hoffman Group.But I had taken a liking to him at first sight. I hired him as a small assistant in my company, enjoying the novelty of having a young male assistant around. Yet, I felt no genuine desire.

Later, I realized that not everyone succumbs to the allure of youth and beauty. People are fundamentally different.As I sipped my drink, I listened to the intel Miles had gathered for me. He spoke about the situation in Houston.Ever since Troy discovered I'd left, he'd been dispatching people everywhere to find me. While he has some reputation in Houston, outside of it, no one knows who he is. Trying to find me in Chicago was akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.Troy couldn't comprehend why I left without a word and was desperate to bring me back for answers.

But his secretary wasn't happy about it.Her earlier threats of jumping off a building might've earned her a legitimate title, but my departure completely shifted Troy's focus away from her.Though he refused to sign the divorce papers at first, Louise got him drunk and coerced him into signing while he was intoxicated.

When the lawyer called to congratulate me on regaining my freedom, I exhaled deeply, a long-awaited relief washing over me.

But when Troy sobered up, he was livid. For the first time, he raised his hand against a woman, slapping the pregnant Louise multiple times. The altercation even escalated to a hospital visit.She was sent to the hospital during the day and by nightfall, Troy, overcome with guilt, went to apologize.

He pulled out a ring and proposed to her in the hospital, unknowingly caught on camera by a lurking paparazzi, leading to a live broadcast. The news stirred a massive uproar.Louise, elated by her victory, even re-added me on social media to flaunt her success.

[Felicia, I know you're not dead. You must've left Houston in disgrace, knowing you lost.]

[At least you have some self-awareness. An old woman like you, with neither youth nor charm, no sense of art or style, how could you possibly hold onto a man's heart?]

[Troy only hesitated to divorce you because you went through over ten rounds of IVF to conceive.]

[Now that the child is gone, you have no leverage. What can you possibly use to compete with me?]

[I'm going to be Mrs. Angelo now. Those paparazzi were all hired by me. Even if he regrets it, it's too late. Felicia, I'll crush you underfoot and show everyone in Houston how inferior you are to me!]

I read her message with indifference and couldn't help but laugh. Just as I was about to respond, I saw she'd already deleted me.A secretary turned mistress, truly believing she's now the main character.

Even if Troy stood before me, he'd have to bow and beg for mercy to earn a lifeline. Let alone a mere secretary.Still, not retorting left me feeling unsatisfied. I immediately called Charlie over, "Stop supporting businesses in Houston."Charlie instantly understood and chuckled, "Without your backing, it won't be long before Troy faces bankruptcy."Louise, your triumphant boasting and harsh words may feel satisfying now. But I'm curious, when Troy realizes you've caused all his troubles, what kind of expression will you wear?