Chapter 16: I’ll leave silently.
Elena gathered some files from her desk.
"Sorry, Elena." A man approached her. "We thought you would become the vice president. But..."
"Seriously, vice-president’s assistant?" a woman hissed with irritation. "This is humiliation. You should protest."
Elena glanced up at the people gathering around her desk. Then she flashed a smile.
"I am not upset at all—because I’m resigning."
"What?"
Shock exploded across their faces.
They all had seen how hard she had worked for this company. To make Noah a successful president, Elena’s contribution was unforgettable.
Everyone knew it. They all witnessed how much she worked herself to exhaustion for the past five years.
But in the end, she received neither respect nor fairness.
"I’m leaving Sinclair Group," Elena said without hesitation. "I came here today to submit my resignation. I already stopped chasing the vice-president’s post. So, it doesn’t matter to me who he chooses."
Elena strode over to the president’s office. She raised her hand and rapped on the door.
"Come in." Noah’s voice came from inside.
Elena pushed the door open and walked in. A sharp ache filled her chest the moment she saw Tessa standing close to Noah. Even now, seeing her beside him still hurt Elena. But she forced that pain down and walked over.
"These are the projects currently awaiting clients’ approval," she started, putting the files on the table. "Among them, the deal with Zenith Core is the most important."
She pushed a file across the table toward Tessa. "We have a meeting with Mr. Damien Knox, the CEO of the Zenith Core. He will be here in an hour."
Noah nodded. "As a vice president, you should attend the meeting and secure the deal."
Elena was a bit surprised. This was one of the most important collaborations, yet he was handing it over to Tessa without hesitation.
Elena couldn’t stay silent.
"This meeting is crucial. We can’t afford any mistakes. You should attend it."
Noah’s gaze turned cold all of a sudden. He didn’t look pleased.
"I trust Tessa," he said flatly. "She can handle it well."
Elena was about to protest. But Tessa spoke first.
"Are you doubting my ability?"
Elena turned to her. For a moment, she simply stared at Tessa, and then her gaze moved back to Noah. The stubbornness in his eyes made her realize that he wouldn’t change his decision.
And honestly, she didn’t care.
She was resigning anyway. Even if something went wrong in the meeting, it would no longer be her responsibility.
"No," she replied calmly. "Zenith Core is one of the fastest-growing technology conglomerates. In just a few years, the company expanded into Europe and Asia."
Her tone turned even more serious. "And Mr. Knox rarely collaborates with other corporations, which makes securing a partnership with Zenith Core nearly impossible. But he agreed to meet with us. That’s why this meeting is very important."
"Elena is right," Noah said. "If the contract goes through, our company will gain direct access to Zenith Core’s global technology network, their investors, and high-level corporate connections. This partnership is key to expanding internationally much faster."
"I understand," Tessa said proudly. "Don’t worry, Noah. I’ll secure the deal."
Elena let out a small sigh. "Please review the file carefully, Miss Tessa."
A flicker of irritation flashed in Tessa’s eyes. She picked up the file. "I know what to do."
She stormed out of the office.
Silence fell between them once the door closed behind Tessa. They both looked at each other. Neither of them looked away.
"If you have something to say, say it." Noah spoke first.
Elena put an envelope in front of him.
Noah’s eyebrows drew closer as he looked down at it. "What is it?"
"My resignation," she replied calmly.
Surprise crossed his face. But then his gaze softened. He rose from his seat and walked around the desk toward her.
"You are upset because I gave the vice-president position to Tessa," Noah said. "I know you worked hard for it. But Tessa wants to join the company."
In truth, Tessa had requested that he make her the vice president. Even though Noah knew Elena deserved it far more than anyone else, he simply couldn’t refuse Tessa.
"Considering her qualifications and overseas experience, this is the most suitable position for her."
Something close to guilt flashed in the back of his eyes as he looked at her. But he quickly suppressed it.
"You can learn a lot from her. Besides..."
He took her hands in his. "You have the title of my wife. No one can take it away from you. So don’t be jealous."
Elena stared at him. ’He thinks I am resigning because I am jealous?’
The thought felt absurd.
She was no longer his wife. He had already divorced her secretly and married Tessa. Yet he wanted to tie her to him through a fake bond.
Elena didn’t want to be his wife anymore. She pulled her hands out of his grip.
"I’m not upset," she said, her tone calm. "I’m just tired."
Noah’s features softened further. "Okay. If you want to quit and be a housewife, that’s fine. I won’t stop you. As the daughter-in-law of the Sinclair family, you will never lack money. You don’t need to work. Just enjoy yourself. But..."
He took a step closer and held her shoulders. "This meeting is important." His tone turned gentler, even persuasive. "And Tessa is new. As her assistant, you should go with her. Secure the deal, and I’ll approve your resignation."
Elena thought for a while. A moment later, she nodded. "Okay. I’ll help you secure the deal for the last time."
She murmured in her heart. ’Because I’m leaving you. I’ll no longer help you.’
Unaware of what she was planning, Noah smiled. "When you are so obedient, how can I not love you?"
He leaned over to kiss her.
Elena moved her face aside just before his lips could touch hers.
Noah frowned, displeased. He pinched her chin and made her look back at him. "It’s been a while, Elena. Don’t you miss me?"
Elena didn’t react angrily, though her insides burned. ’Your wife is next door. Yet you want to kiss me.’
Her heart clenched with revulsion.
"I just miscarried," she replied, cold and calm.
At that, Noah stepped back, his chest heaving. Guilt crashed through him. Under her steady gaze, he suddenly felt unable to breathe. He couldn’t even look directly into her eyes.
He turned aside. "Mr. Knox will be here soon. Go and prepare for the meeting."
He walked back to his seat.
Elena stood there with a blank face. A sneer crept onto her lips. ’Do you regret killing your own child?’
She wanted to ask him how he could sleep at night pretending nothing had happened. How could he look into her eyes and keep lying?
But she still chose silence.
’I’ll leave silently. Five more days.’