“Hara, Ells is trending everywhere now. Reporters have

It was 10:00 p.m.

Sitting at her desk, Harriet Chavez pinched the bridge of her

nose, listening in silence as Patsy Medina, her mother-inw,

talked on the phone.

She was married to Ellsworth Townsend for three years,

dealing with his scandals and mistresses almost every single

day.

The few times she saw him, it was always about handling his

affairs.

As Harriet remained silent, Patsy said earnestly, “Hara, it’s not

just about thepany’s reputation or the stock price

anymore. Kelsey’s back. You know she isn’t just any woman.

You gotta protect your marriage with Ells.”

Kelsey Graham was back?

Harriet frowned slightly, a wave of weariness washing over

her.

After a few more seconds, she finally replied, her voice gentle, “I

see, Patsy. I’m on it.”

After hanging up, she stared at her phone wearily for quite a

while before grabbing her car keys and leaving.

***

Half an hourter, Harriet entered through the hotel’s back

entrance and went upstairs.

Zane Herman, the Townsend family’s servant, and Jolene

Martinez, her secretary, were waiting for her by the door.

With a luxury shopping bag in hand, Jolene walked toward

her. “Ms. Chavez, the clothes are ready!”

It was identical to Kelsey’s outfit tonight, prepared to help

Ellsworth out of this.

Zane knocked on the door. “Mr. Townsend, Mrs. Townsend is

here.”

“Come in.”

Ellsworth’s t voice rang out. He didn’t sound guilty or

flustered at all.

Zane opened the door for Harriet just as Ellsworth walked out

of the bathroom, his loose gray sleepwear doing little to conceal

the toned muscles of his chest and abdomen. He towel-dried his

hair casually, radiating effortless allure.

He was still calm when he saw Harriet, not guilty or

embarrassed at all for being caught having an affair.

After three years, they were both used to this.

Ellsworth bent down and picked up a cigarette case and a

lighter from the coffee table. He shook a cigarette out, held it

between his lips, and leaned in to light it.

He exhaled a smoke ring and greeted Harriet as if nothing had

happened. “Hey.”

Harriet nodded and said in a businesslike tone, “I’ll go get

changed.”

With that, she took the clothes handed by Jolene and walked

toward the bedroom.

Just then, Kelsey stepped out, tucking a loose strand of hair

behind her ear.

Harriet stopped abruptly at the doorway.

Kelsey… really was back.

At the sight of Harriet, Kelsey was momentarily stunned. But

soon, she regained herposure and smiled, “Hey, Hara.”

Then she patted Harriet’s head and said softly, “Thanks for

your help, Hara.”

Harriet instinctively tightened her grip on the clothes and

managed to say, “Don’t mention it, Kelsey!”

Back then, she was unaware that Kelsey was Ellsworth’s first

love and that he had never stopped loving her.

If she had known, she wouldn’t have nodded when Ellsworth’s

grandfather, Raymond Townsend, asked her if she loved

Ellsworth. Then Ellsworth wouldn’t have been forced to marry

her.

She wouldn’t have been aplete joke.

Ellsworth was decisive and meticulous in everything he did.

Under his leadership, the Townsend Group had risen to new

heights.

Even senior executives twice his age had to treat him with

respect, not daring to mess with him at all.

Yet this paragon of discretion had been so reckless in his

personal life.

Harriet could think of only one reason-he must’ve been furious

about the marriage. This was his way of humiliating her and

getting back at Raymond.

Kelsey withdrew her hand and walked past Harriet, who

instinctively turned around to look.

At the sight of Kelsey, Ellsworth handed her a coat and said

gently, “Put it on. I hate to see you catch a cold.”

“You’re so sweet!’ Kelsey smiled at him, looking genuinely

happy.