CHAPTER 35: CHAPTER 35: HIS WIFE HOLDING ANOTHER MAN’S ARM, TRENDING EXPLODES

Fordham Group CEO’s Office.

The ashtray on the solid wood executive desk was filled with cigarette butts. Julian Fordham had always been a meticulous and disciplined person. He disliked the feeling of being controlled by desires, even with tobacco, he limited himself to no more than three cigarettes a day.

But lately, when it came to matters involving Victoria Monroe, he had increasingly been losing control.

Clearly, they were about to sign the contract with Willis. At this critical juncture, he felt as if something was bound to happen.

As soon as he closed his eyes, Rhys Hawthorne’s defiant face would appear in his mind.

He unflinchingly told himself word by word that he was determined to have Victoria Monroe.

The cigarette in Julian Fordham’s hand was twisted out of shape. He feared Rhys would be disappointed; his eighteen-year bond with Victoria Monroe couldn’t be severed by mere flattery.

Once the contract was signed, he would have no more worries. Then he could take a few days off and spend some time with Victoria Monroe.

Victoria Monroe loved him so much. Her anger signified that she cared about him.

As long as he sincerely made amends, she would surely understand him.

Julian Fordham opened his eyes and instructed, "Move the important schedule ahead, postpone the unimportant ones for now, and clear a seven-day vacation for me to arrange the honeymoon with Victoria."

"Understood."

"Also, hire a professional photography team to take our wedding photos."

Assistant Prescott nodded, "Yes, boss. It’s about time. Don’t forget tonight’s charity gala. The Willis couple are special heavyweight guests, the contract signing is imminent, make sure nothing goes wrong."

Julian Fordham pinched his nose. He intended to return home early to be with Victoria Monroe, but it’s alright; this was the last bout of busyness.

After signing the contract and Rachel Hayes’ immigration application was approved, he would send her abroad. Soon, the public would forget about this matter.

By then, he would formally announce Victoria Monroe’s identity; they’d still be as good as ever.

Rhys Hawthorne, after all, was a person from Portoros. In Kenton, he wouldn’t have the capacity to dominate.

Whether this marriage could be undone wasn’t up to Rhys Hawthorne, but with Victoria Monroe.

Julian Fordham tried his utmost, wanting to win back Victoria Monroe’s heart quickly.

"Let’s go." He pressed the cigarette butt into the ashtray.

Such galas occurred regularly. No longer novel, all he felt was exhaustion.

He checked the home surveillance; Victoria Monroe wasn’t home.

He called Mrs. Xu; ever since he and Rachel Hayes were on the news, Mrs. Xu transformed from steadfastly reliable to bristling all over.

"Is my wife home?"

Mrs. Xu’s tone was indifferent, "Sorry sir, I clocked out at six. Even you don’t know where your wife is, how could I, an outsider, know?"

Julian Fordham was speechless. Mrs. Xu had already hung up. Her concerns were far from his.

Though Julian Fordham was certain Victoria Monroe wouldn’t do anything with Rhys Hawthorne during their marriage, he still cared somewhat.

If she hadn’t spent extensive time with Rhys Hawthorne, she wouldn’t carry that distinct scent.

Thinking of another man’s covetous gaze at his wife drove Julian Fordham mad.

He called Victoria Monroe but no one answered.

His unease grew intensely, "Turn around."

The driver hesitated, "President Fordham, we’re already here."

The car had entered the venue; it was a one-way street. Besides exiting, they could only proceed.

Julian Fordham saw the Willis couple standing not far away. The impulse that flashed through his mind vanished.

"Then park."

The attendant opened the car door for him. Julian Fordham steadied his expression, stepped out.

From afar, Willis called to him, "Julian."

Julian Fordham had an official, courteous smile as he walked steadily toward Willis.

Just then, behind him, Rachel Hayes’ voice rang out, "Julian."

Julian Fordham’s face froze. His lifting leg went rigid, caught in the dilemma.

Earlier, someone called, saying Rachel Hayes wanted a gown. Distracted, Julian Fordham casually agreed without much thought.

It’s just a dress, it’s no big deal.

But seeing Rachel Hayes’ attire today, his face changed drastically. Of course, he recognized — this dress was Victoria Monroe’s order!

His spine chilled; should Rachel Hayes be photographed and exposed online for Victoria Monroe to see, how would he explain?

Their relationship was already precarious. This dress would cut sharply into her heart once more.

Willis, unaware of his thoughts, viewed Julian Fordham as a successful rising star in business. Optimistically, he remarked, "Julian, your wife looks stunning tonight."

Julian Fordham forced a stiff smile. He could be thankful they entered through the internal passage, strictly prohibiting media photography.

He glanced at Assistant Prescott, Prescott understood immediately, silently withdrew, and instructed the bodyguards through the Bluetooth earphone, "Pay attention to security, ensure not even a single photo of Rachel Hayes leaks tonight."

*

Victoria Monroe watched the fleeting scenery outside, expression dim.

Back when she was a star, she wished every day could be stretched into three. Wearing glamorous gowns, darting through the night was routine.

The phone chimed with an incoming message.

It’s Rachel Hayes!

No idea when she changed her profile picture, but now it’s her wearing the dress she snatched from me.

Seeing her remarks, Victoria Monroe knew she was up to no good.

Click to view details, and a photo comes into view.

She’s holding a man’s arm, her white arm starkly contrasting the man’s suit.

It’s clearly a candid shot, the image somewhat blurry.

Yet her pride in her words is unmistakable.

Rachel Hayes: [Victoria, did he ever take you to such a banquet?]

This sentence is like a stab to the softest spot in Victoria Monroe’s heart.

This was Julian Fordham’s promise, not to have any physical contact with her, and to send her away as soon as possible.

The reality was that Rachel Hayes was gradually pushed into the public eye.

Luckily, she understood the situation from the start.

Even as she figured everything out, her nose stung, and her stomach churned.

Victoria Monroe covered her mouth and dry-heaved momentarily.

"Are you alright?" Rhys Hawthorne asked.

Only then did Victoria Monroe realize she’d forgotten to eat dinner, spending the entire day feeling miserable due to the cold, even muddled during hair and makeup.

She didn’t feel hungry, just waved her hand and said, "It’s nothing, just normal physiological reactions from pregnancy."

Rhys Hawthorne glanced at her pale little face but said nothing, handing her a thermal cup.

"It’s herbal tea, I haven’t tried it."

Victoria Monroe shook her head, "No need, I’m not thirsty."

Her emotions were overwhelming, unable to feel thirst or hunger, she only felt pain, from her heart to her stomach, even to every organ, each pore like being pricked by needles.

As they got closer to the entrance, they were walking the celebrity path, Victoria Monroe could only see dazzling lights.

She understood Rhys Hawthorne’s intention.

The project was still being prepared, and he wanted to create momentum for their comeback.

Tonight’s banquet was star-studded, with the media long awaiting.

Once they appeared, within five minutes, she and Rhys Hawthorne would be headline news!

It’s a heat level that even Julian Fordham couldn’t block.

Rhys Hawthorne casually placed his hand on the railing, somewhat nonchalant, "You have half a minute to consider, you can still change your mind now."

Victoria Monroe had two paths laid before her, the first to obediently return to being Julian Fordham’s pampered wife.

Yet the identity of Mrs. Fordham was beyond her, she was even more unseen than before.

Even if Julian Fordham still loved her, no one knew how long his love would last.

The second, to stay away from Julian Fordham, restart her life, return to the public scene at a high profile.

She didn’t hesitate for a second, took a deep breath, "I don’t regret it."

Whether retiring, or tonight’s comeback, she would never regret it!

In the dark, the man’s lips slightly curled.

The Alpha car stopped, the media having already set up cameras, eagerly awaiting the big personalities.

The car door opened, a pair of handcrafted high-end men’s leather shoes came into view, followed by a straight and long leg stepping out.

When the camera captured Rhys Hawthorne’s face, the media exploded!

"It’s... it’s Rhys Hawthorne, the Best Actor!"

"He hasn’t been in the spotlight for years, why is he here?"

"Wait, who’s he opening the door for? Could there be another surprise?"

The next second, Rhys Hawthorne circled the car to Victoria Monroe’s side, the media’s lenses were aimed at the car door.

As the door opened, Rhys Hawthorne gracefully extended his hand, a delicate hand slowly rested on his palm.

Victoria Monroe, in a silver evening gown, suddenly appeared in front of the camera.

In an instant, the scene was splendid like the stars, the flashes never stopped.

Reporters gushed with amazement, while frantically snapping away!

Pre-order the trending topics now, tonight’s will be explosive!

Julian Fordham had just entered the venue when he heard the commotion at the entrance, people continuously gathering toward the main door.

He overheard discussions about "Best Actor" and "Best Actress."

Although these words are valuable in the entertainment industry, to businessmen, they’re just a layer of gilded identity, at most some bargaining chip on a resume.

There are many Best Actors and Actresses, who knows who might show up?

He was indifferent, about to look away when the crowd slowly parted, and he met a pair of familiar eyes.

Julian Fordham’s breath caught; his wife was arm in arm with another man, surrounded and entering his view.