Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband by Isabella Reed

Chapter 182

+8 Pearls

When Assistant Ben stepped into the office, he froze in surprise. The usually composed and commanding Ethan was slouched on the couch, a half–empty bottle of alcohol dangling from his hand. His sharp features were softened by his half–closed eyes, and his posture gave off the impression of a king lost in his thoughts. Several empty bottles lay scattered on the floor around him, a stark contrast to the pristine office environment.

“Boss, it’s time to go home,” Assistant Ben said gently, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

Silence.

The atmosphere in the room was heavy, the quiet almost deafening. Taking a steadying breath, Assistant Ben tried again. “Boss, it’s getting late. You need to go home.”

“Shut up!” Ethan’s voice boomed, startling Assistant Ben. “Who do you think you are to order me around?” His words were slurred, laced with the sharp edge of frustration.

Assistant Ben flinched, his heart racing as he stared at his boss in disbelief. Ethan was completely intoxicated, his usual sharp intellect dulled by the alcohol. His mood was unpredictable, and it was clear he wasn’t in any state to listen to reason. Summoning his courage, Assistant Ben stepped forward. “Boss, let me help you. We need to get you home.”

He reached out, intending to assist Ethan to his feet, but before he could touch him, Ethan pushed him back lightly. “Don’t touch me,” he muttered, his tone icy despite his inebriation.

The unexpected push caused Assistant Ben to stumble, nearly losing his balance. He managed to steady himself, but his heart sank. This job is going to kill me someday, he thought, suppressing the urge to cry. “I deserve a raise for putting up with this,” he mumbled under his breath, glancing at his stubborn boss.

Then an idea struck him–a glimmer of hope in the chaos. With a sly smile, he moved closer and tried a different approach. “Boss, Miss Lily is waiting for you at home. Don’t you want to see her?”

At the mention of her name, Ethan frowned but remained silent. Encouraged by the slight reaction, Assistant Ben pressed on, his tone gentle but persuasive. “Let’s go home, Boss. Miss Lily would be waiting for you. It’s not fair to keep your wife waiting, is it?”

Ethan’s unfocused eyes seemed to clear slightly. “My Lily is waiting for me?” he asked, his voice softer now.

“Yes, Boss. She’s waiting for you at home,” Assistant Ben said with enthusiasm, nodding like a man trying to convince a child to eat their vegetables. This might actually work, he thought, a surge of optimism filling him. He was just about to reach out and help Ethan stand when the next words crushed his hope.

“Not going,” Ethan said flatly, leaning back into the couch.

Assistant Ben blinked in disbelief. What?! His mind raced as he stared at his boss. Boss, this wasn’t part of the plan! Aren’t you supposed to jump up at the mention of Miss Lily? Frustration bubbled inside him, but he forced himself to stay calm.

“Boss, please. Let’s go home. Miss Lily is waiting for you. You shouldn’t keep her waiting,” he tried again, his tone almost pleading.

But Ethan was resolute, crossing his arms and puffing out his cheeks like a stubborn child. “Not going. Not going. Not going home,” he declared, shaking his head in defiance.

defeated. Why do I even try?

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finally conceded that he wasn’t going to win this battle. Seeing that his boss had no intention of leaving the office, he reluctantly pulled out

okay?” Lily’s soft yet worried tone

about Boss… actually…” Assistant Ben hesitated, unsure how to phrase the situation delicately.

worrying me. What happened? Where’s

And he’s refusing to leave the office,” Assistant Ben explained, his

Lily repeated, her tone a mix

Miss. He’s completely intoxicated and insists on staying here,”

get him,” she said decisively before hanging up the

phone, he froze. Ethan was glaring at him with a sharpness that

you talking to?” Ethan demanded, his tone dangerously

weight of the unspoken threat made Assistant Ben feel like he

followed felt

Five seconds.

Ten seconds.

Twenty seconds.

his piercing gaze making Assistant Ben shift uncomfortably. Subconsciously, he took a small step

you have my Lily’s number?” he asked coldly, his

bewildered. Boss, is this really the

me!” Ethan snapped, his patience clearly wearing thin.

her to pick you up,” Assistant Ben blurted out. “Miss Lily is

for me?” he asked, pointing to himself with a faint smile that

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Chapter 182