Chapter 2 Chapter 2 The Reckoning

He knew.

He actually knew!

Alice's usually calm and elegant composure shattered. Her face paled, her mind reeling.

Had he put it all together because of the bracelet, or had he been targeting her from the very beginning?

But she couldn't admit to anything. She'd worked too hard to get where she was-climbing her way up step by step. She wasn't about to throw it all away over one drunken mistake.

"I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Mr. Hawthorne. This bracelet style has been very popular lately. If you found it in a hotel room, it could belong to anyone."

Worst-case scenario, she'd lose a lucky charm. So be it.

She tried to hand the bracelet back, but before she could, Edward's hand closed around her wrist, holding her firmly in place.

"Is that so?" Edward's gaze was lazy, his tone icy. "Then tell me-who does it belong to?"

Alice tried to read his expression, but it gave nothing away. She bit her lip.

"I. I can't say for sure. If it's important, I can look into it."

"And how would you do that?" Edward let out a humorless laugh, his dark eyes unreadable. "By calling the hotel again to remind them to protect your privacy?"

Her heart stuttered. He knew. He knew everything.

He had seen right through her weak attempt to cover her tracks.

Humiliation washed over Alice. If the ground could have opened up and swallowed her, she would've gladly let it. How utterly embarrassing.

But of course-this was Edward. There was little he couldn't uncover if he wanted to. That was exactly why she'd been so desperate to keep it from him. If this got out, it would be a catastrophe.

"Mr. Hawthorne, I didn't mean to lie. I just. didn't want to complicate things further."

Edward's dark eyes remained fixed on her. His grip on her wrist tightened almost imperceptibly, his voice low and cutting.

"What were you doing at The Imperial?"

As he pulled her slightly forward, Alice stumbled, nearly colliding with his chest. Flustered, she quickly took a step back, putting distance between them.

"Mr. Hawthorne, could you please let go of me? I. I can explain."

Edward studied her flushed face for a moment before finally releasing her and leaning back in his chair.

"Go on."

Clutching the bracelet, Alice met his cold, handsome gaze and drew a shaky breath.

"Last night. I was celebrating my promotion with some friends. We had dinner, had a bit too much to drink. I wasn't thinking clearly."

"My friend thought I shouldn't go home in that state, so they booked me a room at The Imperial. But I. I must've walked into the wrong room."

So that was how the night from hell had happened. And now she had to face the consequences-because some of the blame was indeed hers.

Edward's voice was cold. "So what now?"

Alice bit her lip. "Mr. Hawthorne, last night was. a mistake."

"We were both drunk. It was an accident. Something that never should've happened."

Then Edward looked up, his gaze sharp and uncompromising.

"I don't want anyone hearing about this. I especially don't want my wife getting the wrong idea. Understood?"

Alice's eyes widened. "Wait-Mr. Hawthorne, you're married?"

She'd been at the company long enough to know his reputation-the most eligible bachelor in the capital, the dream man of every socialite in the city. She'd never heard even a whisper about him being married.

Edward shot her a sidelong glance. "Curious?"

"N-no, not at all!" She quickly shut her mouth, realizing she'd overstepped.

Prying into her boss's personal life? Major professional mistake.

"You've worked your way up from an intern. You should know what questions are off-limits."

She nodded vigorously. "I understand."

Edward's sharp jaw remained tense, his voice calm but leaving no room for argument. "I'll transfer compensation to your account. After today, you're done at GrandVerse."

"Leave?" Her expression shifted instantly. "Mr. Hawthorne, what happened last night was both our faults. Like you said-it never happened, and I won't breathe a word of it. You don't need to pay me anything."

She took a steadying breath and continued, "But I really don't want to lose my job over this. Please. give me another chance."

It had taken her years of hard work to earn her position as senior secretary. She wasn't about to let one night ruin everything.

Afraid he would refuse, she added in a rush, "I understand why you're concerned, and I swear-last night was a misunderstanding. It won't happen again. I would never use it against you, and I would never interfere with your relationship. I have someone I love, someone I want to spend my life with. Believe me, I want to keep this secret even more than you do."

He raised an eyebrow. "You're in love?"

Gritting her teeth, she said, "Yes. we grew up together. I've loved him for years."

It was a complete lie. The only thing she truly loved was her career and financial stability. But if a white lie could help her keep her job, it was worth it.

Edward didn't respond. He just continued to watch her, his silence unnerving. Alice clenched her fists, gave a slight bow, and pleaded one more time: "Mr. Hawthorne, please."

Her career was finally on an upward trajectory, and her income along with it. Quitting now-even with a payout-would undo all her progress.

Finally, his deep voice broke the silence.

"Fine."

Her head snapped up, relief washing over her features.

"Thank you, Mr. Hawthorne."

He lifted his coffee, his expression unreadable as he took a sip.

"Don't forget what you said. If word gets out, the consequences will be severe."

Alice nodded immediately. "I won't. I promise."

She wasn't foolish-working among powerful people had taught her to keep her head down. Trying to outsmart someone like Edward? You wouldn't even see it coming.

His tone remained cold and detached. "You may go. I'll have the compensation transferred to your account."

Alice frowned slightly and insisted, "You really don't need to pay me, Mr. Hawthorne. Money would only make this more complicated. Let's just. leave it as it is."

Edward gave her a brief, appraising look, then turned away. "Suit yourself."

She nodded respectfully, turned, and walked out of the office. Once she reached her desk, the tension in her shoulders finally eased.

That was the longest conversation she'd ever had with Edward. The man was intensely intimidating.

He'd known everything even before she walked in-proof that powerful people never showed their full hand.

Still, it was somewhat of a relief. At least now she wouldn't have to live in constant anxiety.

She glanced at her phone. Her "husband" still hadn't replied. He was overseas-probably still asleep. Maybe he'd message back by the end of the day.

Meanwhile, William stepped into Edward's office. Seeing him focused on his work, he reminded him softly:

"Mr. Hawthorne, I've sent you Mrs. Hawthorne's number as you requested."