Amelia and Nick had just wrapped up a crucial meeting at the office. As they arrived, Amelia spotted Prof. Lewis right away. Her face lit up with nostalgia, and they almost embraced, their bond rekindling. But Prof. Lewis hesitated, his arms lowering as he glanced over at Nick.
"I forgot you're married now," he said with a bright smile, casting a look at Nick, who stood nearby, his expression neutral. "She's like a daughter to me."
Amelia internally cringed. A daughter? She couldn't help but think back to how Prof. Lewis used to chew her out for the smallest mistakes in her research. Yeah, like a daughter… a daughter sold to a wealthy businessman, she thought bitterly, reflecting on how it felt like she was being handed off for money in some sort of twisted transaction.
Soon after, the board members started filing into the room, including a face that Amelia hadn't expected to see. Her smile faded instantly when she recognized the woman walking in last.
"Rowena?" Amelia muttered under her breath.
The tall, red-haired woman smirked arrogantly as she approached Amelia. "Well, well, well… How's it going, Princess?" Rowena's tone dripped with condescension, the nickname a bitter reminder of the bullying Amelia had endured when they were colleagues.
Before Amelia could respond, Nick cut in smoothly, his voice commanding the room. "Alright, everyone, let's get started. Amelia, Prof. Lewis," Nick nodded to them. "After discussions with the board, we've decided to bring on two researchers from our side to support your work. Allow me to introduce Rowena Smith and Adam Carter."
Nick's words made Amelia's stomach drop. Rowena and Adam? Of all people, she had to work with her old bully and some bookish scientist she barely knew. Amelia's thoughts raced as she tried to maintain her composure. This was clearly a move from the board—insurance against their skepticism of the project.
Rowena sat down, a smug grin plastered on her face, while Adam gave a polite nod, his eyes barely leaving the files in front of him. Amelia could sense Nick's desire to placate the board, but it didn't make it any easier for her to stomach.
Leaning closer to Nick, Amelia whispered, "You could still cancel this deal, Nick. Don't think I don't know what's really going on."
Nick turned to her, his voice low but firm. "Amelia, this is just to satisfy the board. They need to feel confident about the project."
Amelia held back a sigh. She wasn't entirely convinced, but she nodded, knowing it wasn't the right time to argue. The meeting continued, and after a few more discussions, the contracts were signed. It was official: Amelia and Prof. Lewis would be working closely with Rowena and Adam for the next several months.
Once the formalities were done, one of the board members, eager to celebrate the deal, suggested they all go to a nearby club for drinks. Amelia hesitated. Maddie was still sick at home, and her mind was on her daughter, but Nick reassured her.
"Sally's got everything covered," Nick said casually, noticing Amelia's reluctance. "You need to relax for a bit."
Amelia wasn't thrilled. Sure, Sally was more than capable, but the idea of celebrating this deal didn't sit right with her. Especially with Rowena in the picture now. This wasn't what she had envisioned when she agreed to the terms with Nick. The whole situation felt off, even if technically nothing was out of bounds.
The group arrived at an upscale club, the music loud and the drinks flowing. Amelia refused a glass of champagne, feeling the weight of her responsibilities at home. But Rowena, always one to make a scene, seemed to have no qualms about throwing herself into the party. She was draped all over Nick, giggling and offering him drinks, even lighting a cigarette for him like they had known each other for years.
Amelia's blood boiled, but she kept her cool, forcing herself not to react. She wasn't going to give Rowena the satisfaction of knowing she got under her skin. But after watching Rowena's antics for a while, Amelia couldn't take it anymore. She excused herself to the restroom, needing a moment to breathe.
Seeing Amelia looking really mad, Nick quickly tossed his cigarette. "Sorry. I forgot I'm trying to quit smoking."
"Since when?" Rowena asked in a flirtatious tone. But Nick didn't answer, his eyes scanning for Amelia, completely ignoring Rowena.
***
As Amelia stood at the sink, splashing water on her face, she heard the door creak open. To her annoyance, Rowena had followed her.
"Looks like you've made quite the life for yourself," Rowena said, leaning against the wall with a smug look on her face. "From being a little whore of the uni to being the scientist of Zhao Corp? Impressive. Trying to hook up with the handsome CEO? Does he know that you have two bastards with you?"
Amelia clenched her jaw, not responding at first as she dried her hands. She didn't owe Rowena any explanations, but she couldn't help the surge of irritation bubbling up inside her.
"Jealous, Rowena?" Amelia finally asked, her voice steady, though her heart raced with anger. "Is that why you're here? Trying to insert yourself into my life again?"
Rowena let out a sarcastic laugh, flipping her red hair over her shoulder. "Oh, please. I couldn't care less about your life. I'm here for the job."
Amelia's fists tightened around the edge of the sink. She knew Rowena was baiting her, and she didn't want to give in, but the nerve of this woman showing up in her professional and personal life again was too much.
Back in university, Rowena had always hated Amelia because she was pregnant without a husband from the start of their studies. It made Amelia the constant target of Rowena's mockery. Rowena especially couldn't stand how well Amelia performed academically, often doing better than her. That only fueled Rowena's frustration even more.
Rowena had been offered a job as Professor Lewis's assistant but chose to work at Zhao Corp instead because of the higher pay. Deep down, though, she still wanted to bully Amelia until the end of time. But poverty made her choose money over her grudge.
And here they were now, together again, under the same Zhao Corp roof.