Chapter 2

Lexi parked her car by the roadside. She calmly denied Zachary's assumption by saying, "I'm not pregnant. It's just that my stomach hasn't been feeling well these past few days."

Zachary leaned against the closet. His eyes were steely as he sneered. "You'd better not be lying to me, Lexi. It's no longer popular for women to secure their position as a wealthy man's wife just by bearing the man's child."

Lexi's heart sank to her stomach.

She couldn't believe that was what Zachary thought of her. While caressing her still flat stomach, she spoke calmly. "How could I be pregnant, Mr. Jenkins? We used a condom that night. It seems to be of good quality, so it couldn't have torn during sex."

Zachary cocked a brow. He was speechless at her response.

…

After half a day of meetings at the office, Lexi delivered a cup of freshly made coffee to Zachary's office around noon.

She also placed the documents he had asked her for a few days prior on his desk.

Her gaze swept past the information on the document just then.

Jenkins Corporation owned businesses. However, they had never been involved with the entertainment industry. Yet, the company stated on the document—Tundratide Entertainment—was a major company in said industry.

Lexi had also just seen the news and learned Yvonne had officially signed with Tundratide Entertainment today. Yvonne was now one of their contracted artists.

With that in mind, Lexi wondered if Zachary planned to acquire Tundratide Entertainment and become the company's main shareholder for Yvonne's sake.

Lexi didn't leave the office. Instead, she was determined to discuss what happened last night with Zachary. "I see that Ms. Xenos is back in the country."

Zachary stopped working and leaned against his chair at once. A frosty stare radiated from him. "You shouldn't poke your nose into places it doesn't belong, Mrs. Jenkins."

He had called her "Mrs. Jenkins" as a warning.

Lexi paused for a few seconds. It would be a lie to say she wasn't upset. Still, she was determined to ask what was necessary. "Are you planning to divorce me now that she's back?"

Zachary glanced at her impassively. "You may continue being Mrs. Jenkins since Grandma likes you."

He knew there was one other thing Lexi was good at—making Martha happy.

Lexi's hands balled into fists once she heard his response. Sorrow and disappointment weighed down her chest.

From what Zachary said, he still wanted to continue their marriage only because Martha liked her. He was willing to stay married to her longer to keep Martha happy in the latter's last years of life.

But what about her? Was she to continue existing as a joke between Zachary and Yvonne?

Zachary's phone was on the table, and it rang at that moment.

Lexi saw the name "Yvonne" on the caller ID. Zachary had always saved Lexi's contact as "Ms. Loyle." Meanwhile, he had saved the name of his first love and ex-girlfriend on his phone.

Lexi remained emotionless as she waited for Zachary to finish his phone call. Then, she informed him that the Zox family's banquet was tonight.

Zachary flipped through Tundratide Entertainment's documents. At the same time, he responded to Lexi without bothering to raise his head. "I have something else to do tonight. I want you to deliver my gift to Mr. Zox Senior on my behalf."

"Understood." Lexi turned to leave the office.

Zachary peered at her. He watched her leave before going back to browsing the document.

…

Tonight was Harold Zox's 66th birthday celebration. His family, the Zoxes, had organized the banquet to be at Mullaby Hotel.

Lexi donned a blue custom-made gown when she brought Zachary's present to the hotel that night.

"Welcome, Ms. Loyle. And thank you for coming." A smiling Harold Zox shook hands with Lexi.

Jenkins Corporation only made big business deals and was Zox Corporation's biggest client. Not only that, but Lexi was also one of Zachary's most capable secretaries. With all that in mind, Harold was respectful toward Lexi.

"Mr. Jenkins couldn't make it since something came up at the last minute. On his behalf, I wish you a blessed and happy birthday, Mr. Zox Senior." Lexi's lips curved into a polite smile as she dedicated a toast to him.

Harold nodded understandingly. He admired Lexi's capability to execute her job well. "I'm happy enough that you made it here—"

He froze after saying that, and the atmosphere around them became tense.

Lexi noticed the brief awkward look from Harold. She instinctively turned around, only to see Yvonne in a white dress. The latter held hands with Zachary as they entered the banquet hall.

Lexi's faint smile turned stiff. So, this was what Zachary meant by he had something else to do tonight."

"Happiest of birthdays, Mr. Zox Senior!" Yvonne's eyes twinkled with delight as she beamed at Harold.

"Thank you."

"Happy birthday, Mr. Zox Senior." Zachary picked up a wine glass from a waiter's tray. He then raised it to clink glasses with Harold.

Yvonne glanced at Lexi and greeted her. "Ms. Loyle."

A soft smile appeared on Lexi's face as she nodded. "Ms. Xenos."

The band hired to be in the banquet began playing a tune for a classical ballroom dance.

Some male guests had invited other female guests to dance by then.

"Did you come here alone, Ms. Loyle?" Yvonne asked.

"My companion got into a car accident on the way here," Lexi answered.

With widened eyes, Yvonne exclaimed, "Is he alright?"

Harold joined in to ask about Lexi's companion with concern. After all, it was his birthday banquet. It would seem like bad luck if his guests got into a car accident.

Lexi explained with a smile, "Don't worry, Mr. Zox Senior. His and someone's car scratched each other from being too close on the road. He's merely held back because the other party is insisting on getting compensation."

A noticeable sigh of relief came from Harold. "Oh, that's good to hear."

Once Harold went to mingle with the other guests, Lexi's friendly countenance dropped. She marched away with her back straight. Her expression was frosty, and her heels clicked on the floor as she paced away. She wanted to go home and type her resignation letter at once.

A confused Yvonne whispered, "Doesn't Ms. Loyle seem unhappy?"

Zachary's attention was on Lexi as she left. That was when he noticed Harold's oldest son, Xavier Zox, inviting Lexi to dance. With his eyes narrowing slightly, he remarked, "She's not unhappy."

"How could she feel unhappy? She was in the mood to dance with another man." Zachary thought.

Zachary couldn't believe Lexi would dare dance with Xavier, a womanizer. He wondered if she had a death wish.

On the flip side, Lexi never imagined Xavier would grab her arm and force her onto the dance floor. She didn't want to cause a scene by resisting him since they were at a banquet. So, it left her in an extremely foul mood.

The stench of alcohol wafted into her nostrils, causing her brows to knit. "Please unhand me, Mr. Zox."

Xavier had one arm around her waist. He held her tighter after she said that, and his lips curved with determination. "Why don't you consider working at Zox Corporation instead, Ms. Loyle? The pay is double what you earn at Jenkins Corporation. What do you think?"

With disgust, Lexi pointed out the facts indifferently. "You won't be in control of Zox Corporation anytime soon."

She knew Xavier indulged in partying, drinking, and sex. He only possessed the mere title of department manager in Zox Corporation.

Despite getting smacked in the face by Lexi's harsh rejection, Xavier wasn't upset. He was always patient when dealing with beautiful women. So, his hand continued to linger on Lexi's waist as he caressed it.

Lexi's expression darkened as she raised her leg and stomped hard on Xavier's leather shoe. Her tall heel pierced through the leather and landed on the top of Xavier's foot.

Pain shot throughout Xavier's foot. His features twisted into a hideous scowl as he released Lexi's arm.

Lexi spun on her heel to flee at once. She left the banquet and exited the hotel.

"Hold it right there, Lexi Loyle!" Xavier barked.

Lexi frowned and regretted not stomping harder on his foot.

Xavier grabbed her hand.

"Watch yourself, Mr. Zox," said an impatient and frosty Lexi.

Xavier focused on her unfriendly yet alluring face. Excitement bubbled up within him. A woman with such unapproachable energy but also tempting curves was attractive. As such, he had long desired Lexi.

A chuckle left his lips as he commented, "Must you do this, Ms. Loyle? Why bother with this act of sternness? I'm sure Mr. Jenkins has gotten tired of toying with you by now."

Lexi inhaled sharply but still flashed a smirk. "You're free to turn around and ask Mr. Jenkins if he's grown tired of me."

She lifted her chin and motioned for him to look behind them where Zachary and Yvonne stood.

Lexi saw how Zachary watched her get harassed by another man. He didn't do anything about it.