Chapter 1
My husband Gavin Cooper bailed on our daughter’s learning trip during the Memorial Day, claiming he had urgent business matters to handle and he even told as not to join that either.
Seeing how disappointed my daughter was, I decided to take her myself.
The moment we arrived at the school, I spotted Gavin up on the main stage, sitting cozy on a couch with his high school sweetheart Vivian Yarrow and her son. They looked like a perfect family.
Savin was holding the microphone, going on and on about achieving work-life balance and building a successful career while maintaining a happy marriage. Ivery few sentences, he’d lock eyes with Vivian and theyd share some intimate smiles.
The crowd was eating it up, applauding enthusiastically. Gavin was dearly smug by the minute, and even the little boy beside him had an arrogant expression.
When they opened it up for Q&A, I grabbed the microphone.
Excuse me, Mr. Cooper, when exactly did you have a son? Does Mrs.Cooper know about this?”
he words were barely out of my mouth when the crowds started buzzing with whispers, looking me with confused to disgusted.
Who is this woman? So damn rude.”
she’s obviously jealous of Mrs. Cooper. Probably trying to get Mr. Cooper’s attention. I mean, Mr. Cooper runs a billion-dollar company- of course there’d be
me desperate gold diggers trying to be his mistress.”
That’s just pathetic!”
avin’s expression flickered with panic when he saw me, but he covered it well. Yet Vivian, on the other hand, couldn’t keep her cool.
he faked a dramatic tantrum, all sulky and wronged “Dear, What’s the supposed to mean?
ignored her completely, keeping my eyes locked on Gavin Mr. Cooper, you still havent answered my question.”
avin unconsciously adjusted his glasses, then pulled Vivian and her son into his arms right there in front of everyone.
There’s your answer.”
ivian looked absolutely smitten, melting deeper into the embrace without hesitation.
he crowd went wild with “awws” and cheers.
Now that’s true love! Perfect couple!”
Mr. Cooper is husband goals! A big shot who’s also a devoted husband and father – talk about hitting the jackpot!”
heir looks of disdain toward me intensified.
Tried to stir the pot and got burned, huh?”
How could a nothing woman like her compete with Mrs. Cooper. Everyone knows Mrs. Cooper holds a senior position at Brightstar Corporation – she’s his perfect partner. Not like this homewrecker!”
Just then, my phone buzzed.
A text from Gavin.
“Vanessa, you ve misunderstood. I promised Vivian I’d play dad to Leo for one day. The kid’s never had a father figure – it’s heartbreaking. Instead of listening to me, you humiliated me in front of everyone. Just stop this nonsense, okay?”
I couldn’t help but smirk coldly. He’s nothing but a kept man who married into Vale family, and now he wanna be a freeloader and call the shots? Keep dreaming
Brightster Corporation was built from the ground up by my grandfather, and I currently own 75% of the shares.
I quickly fired off messages to HR and Legal Department at Brightstar. Today, I’m kicking him out from the CEO position in front of public!
My daughter Lila couldn’t stand hearing people trash talk me and burst out angrily.
“You’re all talking nonsense! That’s my dad up there – Gavin Cooper! My mom is real Mrs.Cooper, and that woman is the homewrecker!”
The crowd burst into laughter, their voices dripping with even more sarcasm.
“Like mother, like daughter – even the kid’s trying to climb the social ladder. Just as manipulative as her mom!”
“Mr. Cooper just showed everyone how much he loves his family! You think that’s fake?”
Leo suddenly charged over from the stage area, glaring viciously at Lila”Who are you calling a homewrecker?! You and your mom are delusional if you think you can steal my dad! How pathetic can you get?!”
He raised his hand to hit Lila, but I intercepted it straightly. My gaze found Gavin’s face just a few steps away.
“Gavin, the last chance. Are you going to explain someting or not?”
