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

45 14:15

Chapter 5

started walking, he felt someone grab his arm.

avoid me forever?” Zoe asked

turned and stared at the woman wearing a beige frilly dress. “I would appreciate it if Miss Smith stopped touching me. I believe it would

“Alex, look…”

not loud, it was icy,

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

would prefer it if

was

snorted as he corrected her.

that, he shook his arm, prompting her to let go of his suit. However, Zoe was far from

echoed inside the mansion. “I— I know I

pursed his lips. Just as he was about to answer, his phone suddenly rang. He opened it, and his icy gaze immediately vanished. “What took you so long?” he smirked. There was

for you.” Then he

the mansion. What surprised Alexander was seeing his younger brother, Daniel Beaumont, about to walk

didn’t tell me you would be visiting

Alex simply nodded. “Tell your mother to stop involving herself in my

did she-” Daniel sighed. “Was it Zoe

past him without saying a

to settle down.

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

“I— ”

You even have

“What? That is not-

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

talking about? I thought you were sending me to Europe? How

more challenging. Something