I Built Her Career, She Sold It for Her Affair

I had just gotten off the plane and thought Id surprise my wife. I stopped by the caf downstairs from her office and ordered a coffee while I waited for her to get off work.

What I didnt expect was for some guy behind me to snatch the cup straight out of my hand.

I blocked his path. Heythats mine. Hand it back.

He turned to me with an arrogant expression. Do you even know who I am? Talking to me like that? Taking your coffee was me giving you a face, you country bumpkin!

I clenched my fists, doing my best to stay calm. In all my years, Id never been humiliated like this.

I dont care who you are. I got here first. Hand over my coffee.

He scoffed at my response, even more dismissive now.

You got here first? This entire building belongs to the McCulloch Corporation. If I say so, you wont even make it through the front door today. You hear me?

Dont push your luck, moron, he threatened, or Ill have security drag you out right now.

The people sitting nearby started chiming in too, pointing fingers at me.

Wow, youre messing with Secretary Oliver? You must have a death wish. Everyone here knows how much President McCulloch dotes on him.

Sure, hes just a secretary on paper. But anyone with eyes can tell hes the CEOs favorite. I even saw them kissing in the office once. Hes practically the future son-in-law of the McCullochs!

If you know whats good for you, get on your knees and apologize to Secretary Oliver. Maybe hell let it slide. Otherwise, good luck getting a job anywhere in Ohio.

I couldnt help but laugh to myself.

So this is what my wife had been doing for the past three years while I was in Switzerlandhaving an affair with another man

But what none of them knew was that the one getting thrown out today wouldnt be me. Itd be that smug bastard!

Because their precious President Irenee McCulloch only got that title because I put her there. And with a single word, I could bring her down!

Seeing me fall silent, the entitled secretary mistook it for fear. Smirking, he reached out and gave my cheek a stinging pat.

Scared now, arent you? he sneered. Get on your knees and apologize, and maybe Ill forgive you. Maybe Ill let you off easy.

He stood there like some untouchable king, clearly expecting me to cave.

I met his gaze without flinching. Ive never known fearnot since the day I was born.

I let the words settle in, and then with a smirk, I taunted, Now get Irenee down here. Lets see whos really getting thrown out.

The moment I mentioned her name, his expression turned even more contemptuous.

Oh, so you do know President McCulloch, he drawled, his voice thick with mockery. That explains the attitude. Shame, thoughyou went and pissed off the wrong guy. If youd played nice, maybe Id have let you ride her coattails for a while.

He let out a dramatic sigh, shaking his head. But now? Youve ruined my mood. And I dont let things like that slide.

Before I could process what he meant, he suddenly flung the scalding cup of coffee into my face.

The burn hit instantlyhot liquid seared one side of my cheek. I jerked back and cursed out with a cry of pain.

You fucking out of your mind? That coffee was boiling! Attacking someone like this is illegal! I shouted.

He just laughed, his eyes scanning my face like Id told the best joke hed heard all day.

Illegal? Please. Forget one cup of coffeewhat if I beat you bloody right now? What the hell are you gonna do about it?

Before I could move, his fist slammed into my face. I stumbled back and crashed to the floor.

I barely had time to react before he stepped in and drove his shoe into my hand.

In Ohio, he said, especially in this building, I could beat you half to death and no one would lift a finger.

His face twisted with malice as he ground his shoe down harder. Blinding pain shot through my hand, sweat breaking across my skin in a rush.

Let go of my hand! I growled. Gritting my teeth, I warned, I swear youre gonna regret this!

But instead, he pressed down even harder on my injured hand. Ahhh! This time, I couldnt stop the scream that tore out of me.

Seeing me writhing in pain only seemed to thrill him. The bastard even spit in my face!

Now you get it, he sneered. This is what happens when you mess with me. Consider it a warningnext time you forget your place, I wont be this generous.

He pulled his foot away like he stepped on shit. The back of my hand was already swollen, bruised purple. I pushed myself up, shaking with fury.

But then, a wave of nausea hit me. I doubled over, dry-heaving.

I grabbed a napkin and wiped my face again and again, but it didnt help. The fire inside me only burned hotter.

Youre gonna pay for this! I growled through clenched teeth.

I looked him in the eye and enunciated, Im Irenees husband! Im the real owner of the McCulloch Corporation!

As soon as the words left my mouth, I thought maybe the little secretary would finally back off. But instead, he looked at me with a mocking smirk, full of contempt.

Youre lying without even bothering to make it convincing. You came in here to fool us without even doing your homework? Our CEO has never been marriedhow the hell could she have a husband?

Just then, a couple of employees in line for coffee chimed in.

Right? Ive never heard of her being married either. This guys got guts, coming in here spouting nonsense like that.

We were just talking about how Secretary Oliver is the CEOs favorite person in the company, and now this guys claiming to be her husband? Secretary Oliver, hes basically calling you the third party!

That last comment made Olivers expression darken. He snapped. How dare you slander our CEO like this? he barked. Someone get in here and beat the hell out of him!

Back when Irenee and I got married, she was just an average woman.

She didnt want people saying she married into money, so we just had a private wedding ceremony. For years, we hid our marriage from the world.

I supported her while she built McCulloch from the ground up. I wanted her to feel confidentnever like she owed her success to me or it was beneath mine.

When she finally made it, I told her we should go public.

But she said it still wasnt time, and that even then, she wasnt on my level. She asked me to wait a little longershe wanted to prove herself first, to match me in status before we made anything public.

I agreed. I gave her my full support. I helped her grow the company even more.

I thought she was working to stand tall on her own.

Now I seeit just made hiding her affair that much easier.

I opened my mouth to speak again, but I didnt get the chance. A group of security guards came rushing in, surrounding me in seconds.

Their posture told me everything: they werent here to talk.

I knew if I didnt make things clear, Id really get beaten up.

In a cold, steady voice, I said, I am Wesley Broderick. Im the richest man in Washington! And I am Irenees husband! If you dont believe me, go get her right now. Lets settle this right now, right here!

Something about the way I said it made them pause. The guards looked at each other, hesitant.

But the arrogant secretary lost it. He turned and kicked one of the guards hard. You actually believe this crap? Ive never once heard the CEO mention a husband!

Then, he threatened them. If you dont beat the crap out of him now, Ill make sure youre all fired!

The guards expressions changed immediately. They looked at me like I was already dead meat.

You picked the wrong guy to mess with, one of them muttered as they moved in. Thats on you.

Hey I tried to speak, but a fist slammed into my jaw before the words were out.

Then another. And another.

I tried to fight back with everything I had, but two hands couldnt beat eight.

Soon, I was on the floor, getting stomped and punched from every direction.

All I could do was curl up and shield my head as best I could.

A strong hand grabbed my chin, forcing my face up. Let this be a lesson, said the guy they called the secretary. Maybe next time youll think twice before running your mouth.

I didnt know how long the beating lasted.

All I knew was that my body felt brokenlike every bone inside me had been shattered.

Eventually, they stopped.

I glared at him, my eyes filled with loathe. Youll regret this, I said, voice hoarse. Youll regret what you did today.

He let out a cruel, dismissive snort. Regret? For laying a hand on trash like you? He sneered. Let me tell you somethingtheres nobody in Washington who could make me regret anything.

He turned away and snapped at the guards. Get him out of the building. And dont ever let him set foot in here again.

No matter how I struggled, they dragged me out like dead weight.

They threw my battered body onto the ground like trash.

And all around me, strangers stared at me with their eyes full of judgement.

I lay there, fractured and fucking humiliated!

I heard he just pretended to be the CEOs husband and got chewed out by Secretary Oliver.

Hilarious. Trying to fake being the CEOs husband in front of her personal secretary? Who doesnt know about the relationship between the CEO and her secretary? Like hed ever tolerate that.

So it was out in the open nowIrenee was keeping another man. And I, her actual husband, had been the last to know.

I didnt give a damn about what they thought. I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.

Im outside the building. Come down and get me. Im here to make some things clear.

Not long after, a middle-aged man came rushing downstairs. The moment he saw me, his eyes widened in shock and disbelief.

President Broderick! What happened to you?! You look like hell! Ill take you to the hospital right now!

I waved him off and forced myself to speak through the pain. The injuries can wait. Ive got a mess to clean up first.

Then I fixed my eyes coldly on him.

Director Barnes, got something you havent told me? When exactly did that bastard called Secretary Oliver get into the company?

The mention of that name made Drews expression freeze. Then his face turned awkward.

President Broderick, President McCulloch personally recruited Haynes to be the secretary two years ago. She really favored him, he explained.

Ive also heard some rumors about their relationship, but Im in R&DI only caught wind of it and didnt pay it much attention. Thought it was just gossip, he added.

At that, he looked at me in surprise. Dont tell me they really

I nodded.

Drews face fell. He immediately lowered his head in guilt. President Broderick, I

I didnt let him finish. I knew what kind of guy he wasonly cared about research and development, stayed out of all the other crap. I couldnt blame him. After all, Irenee was my wife. If anyone shouldve seen it coming, it was me.

Take me upstairs. Ill handle the rest.

With Drew leading the way, I made it back into the building and up to the top floor without a hitch.

But just as we reached the CEOs office, we ran into Haynes. The moment he saw me, his face twisted with anger.

You shameless bastard! How the hell did you get up here? Didnt I give strict orders that youre banned here?

Then he caught sight of the director beside me and snapped, You brought him up here? He offended me, and you still dared let him in? You trying to get yourself fired, Director Barnes?

I gave him a mocking look. You think you can fire Drew? This company runs on his research. Eighty percent of our R&D depends on him. If he leaves, the whole operation collapses. You really didnt know that?

For a second, Hayness face showed a flicker of guilt, but then he snapped back with fury.

And who gave you the right to speak? Besides, its no big deal. Fire one, hire another. As long as theres money, theres always talent ready to step in. You think leaning on that director gives you any leverage over me?

He warned me, Im telling you noweven with him backing you up, the CEO wont touch me.

One word from me and shell have him thrown out on the spot, he boasted.

His arrogant gaze swept over Drew. Im getting you fired. Pack your shit and get lost.

Drew might be the quiet type, always buried in his work, but even he looked ready to explode. His face flushed red with anger.

I was brought into this company by President Broderick himself. If he tells me to leave, Ill go. No need for you to act like youre in charge.

Haynes sneered at him. President Broderick? You mean that guy standing next to you?

He scoffed. You dumb R&D guy! You believe whatever people tell you? Hes a liar! He was just downstairs claiming he was the CEOs husband!

Drew shot him a mocking look.

Of course, hes President McCullochs husband. As for you? I dont even know what the hell you are.

Hayness face darkened at the insult. His temper flared instantly.

Security! Throw them out of the building! Right now!

Another pack of guards surrounded us, ready to act. Just as things were about to turn violent again, I spoke coldly.

Call Irenee out here. Let her clear this up once and for all.

Seeing they wouldnt dare call the CEO, I pulled out my phone and called her myself. It rang a few timesbut then she hung up.

Hayness smirk deepened, his tone full of disdain.

Still pretending? President McCullochs in a meeting. You think she has time to answer a call from some random nobody like you?

Fine. I texted her instead.

[Im standing outside your office. Come out and see me. Now.]

The guards were just about to move when a sharp voice rang out.

Stop!

A slim figure rushed in.

It was Irenee.

The moment Haynes saw her, he instantly changed face. He stuck himself to her like glue, voice dripping with false sweetness.

President McCulloch, you mustve heard the commotion, right? That guyhe insulted me! He accused me of being a third party!

And then he had the nerve to claim hes your husband. Ridiculous, isnt it? Youre not married, right?

He even tried to hit me in the lobby. I had no choice but to have the security teach him a lesson and throw him out. I didnt expect hed drag Director Barnes up here to complain to you!

President, youve gotta stand up for me and teach him a lesson.

Oh, and Director Barneshes a traitor working here! Hes mocking me right to my face. Fire him! People like him dont belong in the company!

He kept running his mouth, but Irenee just stood there, obviously feeling more and more chilled the longer he talked.

She finally turned her head and saw just how close Haynes had pressed himself against her. It was way too intimate and unprofessional. Her face changed. She shoved him away hard.

Caught off guard, he stumbled and nearly fell.

His eyes went red with grievance. When he spoke again, his voice cracked.

I-Irenee whyd you push me? he asked.

His lips parted in disbelief, then he added, You feel bad for his injured face, dont you? So now that youve got me, hes the new guy? Youre standing up for him now?

As he spoke, he even started crying in a pitiful and exaggerated manner, making me sick to my stomach.

Irenee was stunned by what he said. And then, without warning, she slapped him across the face.

What nonsense are you spouting? Shut up!

Haynes held his red cheek, stunned, eyes filled with disbelief.

He stood there frozen for a second, then tried to win her over again, acting wounded.

I just acted rashly for a moment, thats all. I know Im the only one you love. I was just speaking without thinking, I misunderstood you. But still, you shouldnt have hit me, he replied.

I wont hold todays incident against you, but tonight you have to make it up to me properly, he added.

The moment he said that, Irenee looked like her head was spinning. She snapped, Say another word and Ill have you thrown out right now!

Seeing she wasnt bluffing, Haynes finally backed down, sulking in silence.

I turned to Irenee, my voice like ice. Tell him who I am.