Mr. Chairman’s Devious Wife by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 5

Smooth jazz tunes danced through the air, creating a mellow atmosphere in the dining room of the Beaumont Mansion. The gentle hum of the nearby man–made lake and the sounds of birds outside the mansion added to the tranquil setting.

However, this did not ease the tension that wrapped around Mrs. Beaumont as she feigned a smile toward the beautiful woman with blond hair across from her. “I never expected that you would still remember the perfume that I like, Zoe. I truly appreciate it,” Mrs. Teresa Beaumont said.

Her gaze drifted toward Alexander, who was sitting next to Zoe, silently sipping his tea. Seeing his lack of interest in the current conversation, she quickly added, “How was your trip to Paris?” She took a sip of her tea, her gaze again darting towards Alexander.

Zoe smiled in response, her dimples showing. “It was perfect. Sadly, I did not visit Paris for a vacation. I barely had any sleep,” Zoe Smith said. “The fashion week was brutal as always.”

“Ah… look, I believe your favorite cookies are done. Let me get the chefs…” Teresa got up and quickly rushed towards the kitchen without waiting for them to say another word.

Seeing his stepmother gone, Alexander immediately stood up.

“Alex… where are you going?” Zoe asked, her innocent blue eyes meeting his brown icy ones. For a few seconds, she froze, unable to cope with the coldness of his eyes.

“I have a meeting in five…” Alex said.

“But I just I just arrived and-” She looked at the box on the table. “You have yet to open the gift that I bought.”

“Let mother open it,” Alexander said. He turned around, but just as he

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Chapter 5

started walking, he felt someone grab his arm.

planning to avoid me forever?” Zoe asked

“I would appreciate it if Miss Smith stopped touching me. I believe it would not be appropriate if the media took a

“Alex, look…”

While his voice was not loud, it was icy, devoid

been five years…” Zoe said, almost meekly. “I

Smith would visit today, I would not have come,” Alexander said. “I would prefer it if Miss Smith kept her distance

I was

corrected

his arm, prompting her to let go of

you at least… treat me like a friend?” Zoe’s words echoed inside the mansion. “I— I know

vanished. “What took you so long?”

at that. “Send me your address. I will send Josef for you.” Then he ended the call and started walking away,

Zoe did not stop him from walking outside the mansion. What surprised Alexander was seeing his younger brother,

tell me you would be visiting

nodded. “Tell your mother to

Daniel

past him without saying

Mother just wanted you to settle

was your trip, Daniel?” Alexander interrupted him. “How was

“I— ”

you are too free lately. You even have the

“What? That is not-

send you to supervise it.” Alexander started walking towards his car. Hearing his

wait, what are you talking about? I thought you were

challenging. Something that would take a lot of your