After leaving the nursing home, Jun headed down to Liam’s company. On her way there, she made a quick stop at a boba tea shop to pick up her lemon tea. Once she arrived at the company carpark, she parked her pearlescent red car and then made her way to the lobby.

  Instead of approaching the receptionists, Jun decided to sit in the lounge near a garden. As she sipped her tea, she admired the beautiful flowers blooming outside the floor-to-ceiling gss.

  For five years they were together, Jun Lee had never set foot in his company. Not that she didn’t want to, but rather she couldn’t find a suitable excuse to mention to him. Knowing that Liam was a person who maintained a strict separation between his work and personal life, she didn’t want to appear overly intrusive. As such, as time passed, being a busy person herself, she gradually lost interest in going to his company.

  And because of that, those working under Liam remained unaware of her identity as his partner. Otherwise, with her status, she could easily take a special lift to his office directly.

  But of course, that issue didn’t necessarily hinder her goal.

  After all, visiting this company lounge serves another purpose, for her target has always been another man.

  The second male lead of this world, Xavier Grey.

  Simir to all romance stories, the second male lead is always one of the most promising, excellent bachelors, eagerly waiting for the female lead’s attention.

  Like a devoted knight, he would sacrifice everything for her happiness, while yearning for her love. He would be used as a stepping stone to achieve her ambition before being cast aside. He would do whatever it takes for the female lead, but he would never get what he wants.

  In this world, Xavier Grey was no different.

  Long before he co-founded the company with Liam, as a highly accomplished 28-year-old man, he was one of the leading general managers in the finance and trading industry.

  Each transaction he handled was worth billions and his impeccable record and performance made many companies want to recruit him into the company.

  And yet, despite everyone's expectations, he chose to co-found a company with a retively unknown friend.

  All because of a promise.

  This made people who investigated him assumed he was a sentimental yet trustworthy man, improving his already formidable reputation to another level.

  But little did they know, he did it not for the sake of a promise but because of the girl he liked. She was their childhood friend and Liam’s ex-girlfriend.

  She had once asked for his help to assist Liam.

  Being by their side since an early age, he witnessed their romance first-hand. He saw how she fell for Liam and pursued him with every step. Although he knew about his feelings for her, he kept them hidden until no one ever figured it out.

  And as per expectations, when they grew up and became independent, he became the biggest supporter behind their reunion. As such, with this kind devoted second male lead, he was the strongest obstacle Jun wants to take down.

  …

  As time passed, the evening drew near. It had been hours since Jun sat here.

  By now, the receptionists were becoming suspicious of her presence at such a te hour, and they were considering whether they should inform the security to escort her out. However, due to Jun’s stunning beauty, well-groomed appearance and poised demeanour, they hesitated, afraid she could be one of the important clients for their company.

  Caught in a predicament, they were unsure of who to turn to for help until a clean-cut man in a sharp bck business suit approached.

  “What’s wrong?” Xavier asked. He had just stepped out of the lift and noticed his receptionists gathered together, gossiping among themselves.

  “G-Good evening, Mr Grey.” One of the receptionists quickly greeted him, hiding her surprise. “There is a woman who has been sitting in the lounge since this afternoon, and we are uncertain on how to proceed.”

  Gncing over, Xavier saw a woman’s back and noticed it looked strangely familiar. Uncertain if his conjecture was true, he decided to check into it. He turned towards the receptionist and said, “Let me handle this.”

  As Xavier approached, a faint scent of rose wafted through the air, causing him to purse his lips. Right before he could call out to her, Jun gnced back and their eyes met. A flicker of surprise fshed in his eyes before fading away. Recognising her, he smiled politely.

  “Good evening, Miss Lee. What brings you here today?”

  Jun averted her gaze, her tone cold. “Do I need a reason to be here?”

  Xavier wasn’t offended by her attitude, nor was he surprised by it. Even though they only met a few times, he didn’t have a favourable impression of her. To put it simply, he knew she was a person who hardly pced importance on others apart from Liam and herself. He maintained his smile. “No, but if you do, I will gdly assist you.”

  “Is that so?” Jun appeared to be lost in thought before she suddenly said, “Fine. There’s certainly something I need your help with.”

  “What can I do for you?”

  Standing up, Jun walked towards Xavier. As she stood directly in front of him, she raised her head and stared directly into his eyes. Before she could move another inch closer, close enough to whisper, they heard chattering coming from behind.

  Xavier quickly stepped back, widening the gap between them.

  As soon as the group of rowdy yet lovable interns caught sight of their beautiful manager, they couldn’t resist saying hello.

  “Miss Grene, you’re back already? Did your meeting go well?”

  “Miss Grene, you need to hear about Jason’s exciting pns for tomorrow. He’s hirious!”

  “Miss Grene…”

  As Jun listened to their enthusiastic responses, she smiled and pressed a finger to her lips. “Shh…”

  And the interns quickly quieted down. Not realising the woman they were talking to was not the same.

  Before Jun could speak, Xavier timely cut in, blocking their view of her. “Please excuse us. We have much to discuss. Do make your way home soon.”

  Upon realising it was their stern CFO who was speaking to them, the interns’ faces turned pale. Without hesitation, they quickly apologised and made their way out in a hurry. As they left, they didn’t dare to turn back.

  Jun smiled, watching the sight of their retreating figures.

  Xavier turned around, a smile still fixed on his face. “So, Miss Lee, what can I do for you?”

  “Don’t be impatient…” Jun continued, “Or are you afraid that people will misunderstand you?”

  Xavier furrowed his brow. “What do you mean?”

  Jun chuckled as she revealed a mocking smile. “Aren’t you afraid your dear childhood friend would lose her job and reputation once her affair with two men is exposed? One being the CEO of the company, and the other being you, the CFO.”

  For a moment, Xavier showed a hint of surprise before snickering. Concealing his uneasiness, he mocked, “And? Why would that happen if it’s not true?”

  “Not true?” Jun’s cunning eyes twinkled. “With me here, I can make it happen.”

  In an instant, Jun stepped forward and yanked the man’s tie, forcing him to meet her gaze. Lifting her heels, she brought their faces close, almost to the point of their lips touching, until he abruptly shoved her aside.

  Jun tripped and almost fell, but she quickly regained her bance.

  When Xavier saw the shameless woman grinning, he knew she wouldn’t let this go without a fight.

  And he was right.

  With a wicked smile on her lips, Jun said, “You don’t know what I’m capable of… with this face of mine.”

  Hearing that, Xavier snapped.

  Ignoring everyone’s gaze, Xavier grabbed Jun’s arm and pulled her into the lift.

  At his office, Xavier towered over Jun, pinning her against the door. Reaching the end of his patience, he asked, “What exactly are you trying to do?”

  Jun gnced sideways, looking at the reflections of their intimate postures in the mirror. “Do you think I wouldn’t be curious about a woman who looked somewhat like me? Especially since she's been so familiar with Liam these days.”

  A faint look of surprise appeared on Xavier’s face but he quickly hid it. When did she find out?

  “So? You want to harm her because she bears resembnce to you?”

  “If not? Mr Grey, there’s a limit to what I can tolerate. Given how closely you two are watching over her, purposely hiding her existence from me, it’s not far-fetched for me to assume more… So don’t think of trying to brush me off with excuses. I’m not a fool.”

  “Your jealousy is unjustified.” Xavier sneered.

  “It doesn’t matter. The more you and him pretend this is insignificant, the greater my urge to ruin her.”

  “..." One look at her and he knew she was being serious. Xavier suddenly felt she was the most difficult person he has ever dealt with. “…Tell me, what must I do for you to stop this madness?”

  “Simple.” Jun pinched his taut jaw. “If you want me to continue pying dumb, then do three favours for me. Otherwise, don’t bme me for hurting unnecessary people.”

  Xavier’s expression turned icy. He challenged her. “Do it then. I dare you.”

  “Sure, don’t regret it.”

  Jun pushed Xavier aside before she turned around. Just as she was about to take a step outside, the door suddenly closed, surprising her. When she gnced behind her, she noticed he was standing dangerously close, his palm firmly pressed against the door.

  Xavier leaned down, whispering in her ears. His voice was low and intimidating.

  “Don’t test me, Miss Lee. You won’t know how you’d die.”

  However, Jun ignored his threat, as if she couldn’t hear it. Turning around, she pointed a finger at his hard chest, chuckling. “My death is not for you to decide.”

  For some reason when she said it, he could sense her words held a certain kind of conviction and truth. Little did he know, these words would come to haunt him for many years in the future.

  Xavier stared deeply into her clear, arrogant eyes, unaware that his resolve was wavering. After she left, the lingering scent of roses filled his office, reminding him of the despicable woman who was here a moment ago.

  Unknowingly, his dark, calcutive eyes revealed a flicker of interest. He couldn’t help but admire how well she concealed her true nature. But then again, they hardly had any interaction until today, so how would he know what she was like in the first pce?

  A vicious smile gradually appeared on his lips.

  He wanted to find out how he could thoroughly crush this overly confident woman.

  Once Jun sat in her car, she received a message on her phone. When she opened it, all she found was the word ‘Okay’.

  Although the message came from an unknown sender, she was certain it could only be him.

  Now that he chose to py her game, she didn’t believe the female lead’s guardian angel couldn’t be won over.