After Divorce

Chapter 34 If she can do that, so can I!

send me, I’ll “Why do I have to go? You’re the one who caused this whole mess. If you become the target!” Julie refused. This had nothing to do with her and she didn’t want Ingrid getting the wrong idea.

“At this point, she thinks we’re in it together anyway so it doesn’t matter who goes. And I’m giving you an opportunity here,” Sylvia said with a wink, hinting for Julie to use it as a chance to impress Bruce.

Julie flushed red, wondering how much Sylvia knew. But reading her friend’s expression, there was clearly more happening behind the scenes. “Fine, I’ll head over now. You get to deal with all this on your own!”

Sylvia rolled her eyes as Julie rushed off eagerly, leaving her to arrange the office alone. She almost wished she could witness Julie confronting Ingrid too.

By the time Julie arrived, Ingrid was already inside Bruce’s office. Bruce had expected she’d come bother him after that ridiculous meeting. “If this is about Sylvia’s promotion, don’t waste your breath because it’s not changing,” he said, not even glancing up from his work.

“You called that meeting claiming to respect us shareholders, then ignored my input! Don’t you care what people will say about you favoring her?” Ingrid argued.

Bruce finally put down his pen to scrutinize Ingrid. “Frankly the gossip doesn’t bother me if it stays outside this office. But tell me – are you

– are you speaking as a shareholder worried about the company or out of your personal interest in me?”

Ingrid scrambled for words under his piercing gaze before insisting it was all for Bruce’s sake and the company’s best interests.

Bruce scoffed. “Let’s not pretend there’s anything between us beyond profit incentives. That’s the only metric in business.”

Visibly upset, Ingrid changed tactics. “Why her specifically? I can match her contributions. You know I’ll always support you, even without monetary gain!”

Bruce was stunned into silence. As if he would ever choose an outsider over family! But before he could respond, Ingrid started removing her clothes, first the jacket then her

blouse underneath.

Bruce froze in dismay. Did she seriously think Sylvia used her body to get ahead? Just then, a knock preceded the door swinging open. Julie walked in, then stopped short at the sight of a half-naked Ingrid.

Unsure what to make of this, Julie first closed the door again. But shouldn’t she intervene instead of leaving? Steeling herself, Julie marched back in and slapped Ingrid hard across the face for her audacity.

Shocked by the sharp sting, Ingrid reacted angrily until Bruce inserted himself between the women. “Enough! I won’t tolerate violence in my office. Ingrid, get out! Julie, what did you want?”