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Novel Catalog
Chapter 27
“Only a few people in the company know we’re married,” Shawn said, his tone curt and deliberate.
They had been secretly married. Shawn had made sure no one knew about it. How could he reveal her identity? It would stir up unwanted attention, and the last thing Gale wanted was for her life to be under a microscope. The entire city of Sea City was already buzzing with speculation about the identity of the elusive Mrs. Wood.
It was the dream of many to marry into a family like the Woods. Wealth, power, the freedom from worry—it all seemed like an ideal life. But Gale knew better. She wasn’t living a life of luxury, and it wasn’t what she had imagined.
Back in the living room, the housekeeper entered with a cup of tea. “Mr. Wood,” she said softly.
Shawn took the cup, his expression twisting in distaste as he took a sip. He couldn’t hide his displeasure, and Gale was certain it had to do with the sachet she had given away earlier.
She rummaged through her bag, pulling out the same sachet she had made that day. Handing it to the housekeeper, she said casually, “I made this today. It can soothe the nerves and help with sleep.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Gale,” the housekeeper replied with a polite smile.
Shawn’s expression darkened. How dare she give it away? He clenched his jaw.
Gale glanced at him, an innocent smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “By the way, didn’t you throw yours away? Why did Joe say—”
Shawn tugged at his tie, his patience snapping. “How would I know? The cleaner must have thought it was thrown out by mistake and put it back on my desk.”
Gale raised an eyebrow, not buying his explanation. “Oh… well, if you want something new—”
“I don’t!” Shawn interrupted, his tone sharper than usual. He set the teacup down with a clink before heading upstairs to the study, leaving a thick silence in his wake.
The housekeeper looked at Gale, clearly concerned. “He doesn’t seem to be in a good mood.”
“Has he ever been in a good mood?” Gale muttered under her breath, not looking up.
“You provoked Mr. Wood again,” the housekeeper added, unable to resist.
Gale sighed, rubbing her temples. “It was he who started it first.”
And yet… he was so angry, but he hadn’t punished her. It was strange. Almost as if his emotions were conflicted.
Her phone rang, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was Fiona. Gale quickly answered.
“Mrs. Gale, this is the money you made from the bottles. I’ll pass it on to you,” Fiona’s voice crackled through the phone.
Seventeen dollars. Gale felt a flush of embarrassment. Fiona, the assistant to the president, earned far more than that. Yet, she had to help Gale with something as trivial as collecting trash. It made her feel small.
She promised herself that tomorrow, she would buy Fiona a cup of coffee to apologize for dragging her into this.
Before she could put the phone down, a voice called out from outside the gate.
“I want to see President Wood! Let me see him!” It was Susan, again.
Gale froze, her heart sinking. Why is she here? She could hear Susan shouting from outside, demanding to see Shawn. “President Wood! I’m Susan! You can’t be so cruel to me!”
Gale knew exactly what was happening. Shawn had told Susan to go home and reflect on her actions. Yet, here she was, throwing a tantrum, refusing to leave until she saw him. It was almost as if she thought begging would make everything go back to normal.
Susan’s voice grew louder, almost desperate. “If I can’t see you today, I’ll kneel here and won’t leave!”
The security guard, who knew Susan, was at a loss. He dared not touch her, even though her actions were disruptive.
“Ms. Susan, please stop shouting. We can’t handle it if Mr. Wood can’t rest because of the noise,” he said nervously.
Susan, determined, plopped down onto her knees in front of the gate, defying the guard’s request. Her actions only fueled the tension in the air.
“Ms. Susan!” The guard was stunned, unsure of how to handle the situation.
It was then that Shawn appeared, emerging from the shadows like a storm ready to strike. His gaze was sharp, his voice heavy with authority. “What are you doing causing trouble here at night?”
Susan’s face lit up with relief at the sight of him. “President Wood! You’re finally willing to see me!”
Shawn’s expression was unreadable, his voice terse. “Get up.”
“No, if you don’t forgive me, I won’t get up.” She moved forward, still on her knees, closing the distance between them. “I’ve been reflecting this afternoon. I know I’m wrong. I’m here to apologize to Gale and beg for her forgiveness.”