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.

you planning to avoid me forever?” Zoe asked

wearing a beige frilly dress. “I would appreciate it if Miss Smith stopped touching me. I believe it would not be appropriate if the media took a single picture

“Alex, look…”

said. While his voice was not loud, it was icy, devoid of any expression. Almost

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

I had known that Miss Smith would visit today, I would not have come,” Alexander said. “I would prefer it if Miss Smith kept her distance from me. There is

I was

Alexander snorted as he corrected her. “Was

her to let go of his suit. However,

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

as he was about to answer, his phone suddenly rang. He opened it, and his icy gaze immediately vanished. “What

your address. I will send Josef for you.” Then he ended the call and started walking

outside the mansion. What surprised

“You didn’t tell me you would be visiting

Alex simply nodded. “Tell your mother

What did she-” Daniel sighed.

past him

Mother just wanted you to settle down.

Daniel?” Alexander interrupted him. “How was

“I— ”

too free lately. You even have the time to talk

“What? That is not-

am going to send you to supervise it.” Alexander started walking

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

easy… you need something more challenging. Something that