Author: BTMBeta

Chapter 11: Speculation

“No,” he answered relatively simply as he leaned on the back of his chair.
Troy rubbed his brow after turning off his computer before he stood up, ready to go, and glanced at the woman not so far away from him.
“Let’s go,” he uttered, and it was heard in the quietness of his office.
It did not take long before they arrived home, and the moment they stepped inside, everything was prepared. In the comfortable dining area, the maids had already prepared the dinner.
After a simple dinner, Troy went back to his study to work overtime. On the other hand, Imogen graced the living room to watch some drama. She poured herself a glass of warm water to consume the medicine she got inside the cabinet. Her throat felt the tablet running down when she took it with warm water.
“Why are you drinking medicine? Is there something wrong? Are you sick?” Troy, who came from behind, suddenly said.
It was because of his sudden appearance that Imogen’s eyes widened, and she felt a thump in her heart. She turned to look at the man she saw standing a few meters away.
“It’s fine. My stomach is acting up these days, but I can manage,” she calmly replied. “Did you have it checked?” He walked closer to pour some water for himself after asking.
The man did not doubt anything, mainly Imogen’s excuse at the dining table that day! “Yes, I have,” Imogen replied, her breathing hitched.
“That’s good,” he muttered while nodding his head. “But make sure to take care of yourself more in the future.”
Hearing those caring words made her feel a lump in her throat, yet all she did was nod coldly and embrace the sadness enveloping her heart.

The following day, the constant ringing of Imogen’s phone woke her up.
It was hard to open her hazy eyes in the morning, but she did so and touched her phone on the bedside table. When she glanced at the screen, she saw someone calling and quickly answered.
“Hello,” she uttered using her groggy voice.
“Director! Something bad happened. Please look on your Instagram; it’s trending everywhere!” The anxious voice of her assistant was heard.
Her brows furrowed, so she asked quickly, “What’s wrong?‘
Imogen opened her tablet without hesitation and went to the social media site. There she found news articles all over the platforms, one after another
“Mr. Marshall and Miss Page have been photographed together.”
As soon as the assistant finished speaking, Imogen had already clicked in and flipped through it.
The silence was heard for a while as Imogen read the article online. Because of that, her assistant got worried and whispered, “Please tell me what to do, Director.” “Wait for me to go to the company. Just contact Sarah’s team and don’t respond to any of the reporters,” she ordered discreetly.
Her eyes were still on her tablet, gazing at the pictures on the trending lists. It showed them going in and out of the restaurant together. Although, there was some sneaky peek information gathered there.
Seeing that, she knew they could release photos of the two sides of the restaurant to stir up enthusiasm.
“I see,” she whispered.
The assistant was about to hang up when Imogen stopped him again. “Listen, you have yesterday’s group photo in your hand, right? Pick a photo of him and Miss Page, ensure they don’t look so close together, and prepare it for me.”
“Understood, Director,” he replied as soon as he heard what she wanted.
Imogen hung up afterwards and prepared herself.
When she arrived at the company, her assistant greeted her, nervous and worried, “Director.”
“Are you done contacting Sarah’s team? What did they say?” Imogen asked as she walked into the elevator.
After seconds, the assistant hesitated but opened his mouth, “Mr. Marshall has already entrusted this matter to the public relations department.”
Hearing that, Imogen tightly pursed her lips without speaking.

The elevator arrived at the corresponding floor, and Imogen emerged from the elevator and met Charlene head–on.
Just as she saw Imogen, Charlene’s face lit up with a proud smile and a strange expression. “Oh, it’s our Director! Did you see the news about Mr. Marshall and Miss Page? Someone’s doing her best to seduce him, but it seems Mr. Marshall’s not affected. I wouldn’t have the face to stay at Marshall Group of Companies if I were you. It’s embarrassing.”
Those words made Imogen’s assistant’s face so red in rage, but Imogen was calm as ever. She pretended that she heard nothing and walked past the woman.
Annoyed at her nonchalance, Charlene called her out again, “Are you even aware that he is going to make me handle this issue?”
Imogen paused her steps.
Seeing a reaction from her, Charlene smiled proudly and slowly walked up to Imogen. “You know what? He asked me to disclose to the marketing accounts that he and Miss Page were once lovers. Do you know what this means?”
Upon hearing this, Imogen felt a chill all over her body. Her face paled, and she went to the office feeling restless.
She picked up her phone and reopened the trending list, and now the comments below have changed direction.
When a female star was related to a businessman, netizens naturally fantasized about being in the identical shoe. This was particularly unfavorable for Sarah, who had just returned to New York for the development.
But now marketing accounts owners were posting blogs, revealing that Sarah Page and Troy were once in a romantic relationship, and even showing their posts and photos in college. In the posts, they were known as the best couple on campus, and in the images, they walked side by side, incomparably matched.
Now the two were reuniting and intended to continue their relationship.
Moreover, there were rumors earlier that the spokesperson for the Marshall Group of Companies was originally Xena Wilson, a famous new star, but it suddenly became Sarah.
It seemed that netizens were feasting over the issues.

Chapter 10: Siblings

As tensions rose at the dinner table, not only were the Marshall Group’s staff upset, but even Sarah’s team members found it hard to maintain their composure. Under the table, Sarah’s assistant discreetly tugged at Ylah’s sleeve, urging her to ease the situation.
However, Ylah appeared determined not to back down and maintained her defiant posture.
Imogen, staying composed, calmly asked, “So, you’re suggesting that Grandpa Henry only cares about business relationships and not emotional ones, Ms. Willy?” Ylah’s face stiffened, and she quickly defended herself, “No, that’s not what I meant.” Just then, the door opened, and Troy and Sarah entered side by side.
Troy, with his striking looks and prestigious background, and Sarah, beautiful and successful in her career, made an envy–inducing pair. Everyone couldn’t help but admire them together.
The product manager leaned over to Imogen and whispered, “Mr. Marshall and Ms. Page make a perfect match.”
Imogen’s heart pricked, and she forced a smile, standing up to welcome the two of them to their seats.
“Mr. Marshall, you’re too kind. Please sit here. Sarah, join us as well,” Ylah said, taking the lead and arranging for Troy and Sarah to sit together.
Others also stood up to welcome them, and the atmosphere eased slightly.
“Let’s all take our seats.”
With Troy’s words, everyone settled back down.
The atmosphere at the dinner table turned friendlier, and Ylah and others initiated a conversation, occasionally teasing Troy and Sarah.
Troy didn’t talk much, but when he did, his words were on point, drawing everyone’s attention.
Amidst the lively banter, Imogen remained unusually silent. With Troy and Sarah present, she felt unnoticed by the rest of the group.
At one point, Ylah glanced at the food on Sarah’s plate and reminded her, “Sarah, be mindful of your appetite. Celebrities have to manage their bodies carefully.”
Sarah playfully responded, “Oh, you’re right.” She then placed a piece of pork belly on Troy’s plate. “Troy, I can’t finish this. Would you mind helping me out?”

In front of them sat a spicy pork stew, the meat immersed in a pool of fiery red chili oil sauce.
Knowing that Troy had a delicate stomach and disliked spicy food, Imogen was about to warn him, but before she could speak, he calmly picked up a piece of meat and ate it without flinching.
Imogen’s words got stuck in her throat, and she swallowed them back, realizing that she had almost unintentionally insulted herself. It reminded her that even something as unpleasant as arsenic would taste sweet if offered by someone she liked, much like these spicy chili peppers.
When someone offered a toast to Imogen, she politely declined, citing recent gastrointestinal discomfort, and opted for sparkling water instead of wine.
As the drinking continued, Ylah steered the conversation back to Imogen and casually asked Troy, “I heard that Ms. Forbes is your sister, and she worked under your command. You two must be very close!”
Troy glanced at Imogen and then at Sarah beside him, responding calmly, “We brought her in at Grandpa’s request.”
To others, his reply seemed normal. After all, when Imogen joined the Marshall family, Troy was already twenty years old, and they hadn’t grown up together. There was no real sibling bond between them.
But for Imogen, those words cut deep, causing fresh pain to surge within her heart. She couldn’t tell if Troy was deliberately distancing himself from her in front of Sarah or if it was a genuine reflection of his feelings.
Perhaps it was both.
After three years of marriage, it seemed that she still hadn’t managed to truly touch his heart. All his actions toward her over the years were perhaps only for the sake of appeasing Henry.
Putting on a faint smile, Imogen replied, “Mr. Marshall and I have a purely
professional relationship. There’s neither a good nor a bad connection between us. However, Ms. Willy, it appears you’re quite curious about me.”
Ylah boldly grinned, saying, “We’ll be working together, so it’s only natural to be a bit curious, Ms. Forbes. But if you’re uncomfortable with my questions, I’ll forget everything I heard here.”
The dinner extended for over two hours, and as it came to an end, the workday was also drawing to a close.
Imogen suggested that everyone leave work first before she headed back to her office.
At 8 pm, she turned off the lights and prepared to leave. Yet, she noticed that the CEO’s -office was still brightly illuminated.
Hesitating for a moment, she mustered the courage to approach Troy’s office and knocked on the door.
Receiving a response from inside, she pushed the door open and asked, “You still have an appointment even in the evening?”

Chapter 9: Awakening from a Dream

Three years ago, when Imogen was still in college, she made sure to return to the Marshall family’s mansion every day, despite the distance between her school and the mansion, just to catch a glimpse of Troy whenever he came by.
And one day, she didn’t miss Troy’s arrival. However, she didn’t expect that instead of feeling gleeful at seeing him, her world crumbled as Troy was with someone. And that someone was Sarah. What was worse was he introduced the latter to his family as his girlfriend.
She saw them embrace and kiss in the backyard, witnessing her dreams shatter into pieces. She had always believed that she would only be able to admire Troy from afar, but then fate surprised her. She ended up marrying Troy, and at the time, it felt like a dream, too good to be true.
But dreams always have a way of ending.
Sarah was the one who brought her back to reality.
In her heart, a delicate pain arose, but Imogen managed a faint smile. “Long time no see, Ms. Page. You look even more radiant and charming.”
It seemed she could no longer bring herself to say the word “sister–in–law” anymore. Sarah smiled back and said, “Thank you, you look wonderful too. By the way, Imogen, I remember you’re a big fan of L.X., And coincidentally, she happened to be a friend I met abroad. So before I returned to Canada, I asked her to sign a record for you.” Imogen felt like she had been struck by lightning. The composed and reasonable woman was at a loss, like a clown entertaining everyone with laughs while harboring her own pain.
Her eyes darted hesitantly to Troy, silently pleading for him to clarify that it was he who had arranged the gift, not Sarah.
But Troy looked at her indifferently, delivering a piercing blow to her heart. “What? Don’t you like the gift Sarah brought you?”
Imogen’s face went numb, unable to express any emotion.
After what felt like an eternity, she gathered herself and spoke calmly, “Let’s discuss personal matters privately. We’ve waited long enough; let’s focus on the business at hand.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Sarah agreed and turned to Troy. “Troy, you could go back to the office. Remember to have lunch with me together at noon.”
“Yeah, I won’t forget,” Troy answered and turned to leave.
Imogen watched Troy leave with a bitter taste in her mouth and a heavy heart.
She had believed that maybe, just maybe, Troy held a small glimmer of affection for her.
But it had all been a delusion.
The meeting finally ended at 3 pm in the afternoon. The teams from both sides exchanged handshakes, but beneath the surface, Imogen’s heart remained troubled and broken.

Imogen organized the folders before her and addressed the team, her voice filled with appreciation. “Thank you all for your hard work. I’ll treat everyone to a meal. There’s a new restaurant downstairs that serves really authentic cuisine.”
Ylah Willy, Sarah’s agent, replied graciously, “Thank you for your kind gesture.”
As both teams headed to the elevator together, Ylah walked beside Sarah and inquired, “Ms. Page, Mr. Marshall mentioned wanting to have dinner with you. Why don’t you invite him to join us?”
Sarah smiled, replying, “I’ll ask him, but I’m not sure if he’ll agree.”
Ylah countered, “Oh, come on! He’s always been so kind to you.”
Sarah’s assistant playfully teased, “Ms. Page, don’t be too humble. It’s obvious you have a great relationship with Mr. Marshall. As soon as you returned to Canada, he got you the endorsement from McKesson. That says a lot.”
Sarah brushed off the banter, looking at Imogen apologetically. “Imogen, please go ahead with everyone. Troy and I will join you shortly.”
Imogen felt a flutter of emotion as she saw Sarah’s smile. She nodded silently, placing the folders back in the office. Taking charge, she reserved a private room at the restaurant downstairs, ordered some appetizers, and set the tone for a lively atmosphere. Handling events like these was second nature to her.
The staff from both teams engaged in cheerful conversations and laughter, enjoying the gathering. Ylah then turned her attention to Imogen and asked the group, “I’ve heard of Ms. Forbes for a while now. She must have considerable experience with the company.”
The product manager beamed, patting Imogen on the shoulder with pride. “Indeed! Despite her young age, Imogen has been with us for three years and has achieved remarkable success. She was instrumental in promoting last year’s popular MOBA mobile game as the market consultant.”
Ylah probed further, “I heard Ms. Forbes is related to Mr. Marshall, his sister perhaps?”
The product manager seemed uncomfortable and remained silent. Even though no one explained, it was obvious that Ylah was implying that there had been underhanded means, which was why Imogen achieved all of those.
Even so, Imogen remained composed, offering a warm smile. “That’s true. That’s why I’m truly grateful to Grandpa Henry for taking care of me.”
“You really should because it’s a privilege to have Mr. Marshall’s personal mentorship,”
Ylah remarked, her words carrying a subtle undertone.
Noticing the tension, Imogen’s colleagues looked displeased. However, Imogen maintained her composure. “Well, my father and grandfather were close friends, but despite that fact, I’m still very thankful that I didn’t have to struggle on the streets.”
Ylah persisted, attempting to create an awkward atmosphere. “Is it because your father donated his liver to Mr. Marshall?”

Chapter 8: Bittersweet Generous

Imogen took a deep, heavy swallow, suppressing the sourness that threatened to overwhelm her throat. “But Sarah’s image doesn’t align with the product theme,” she said.
Troy shrugged, his tone resolute. “That’s on you now. You have the means to make it work. This endorsement is crucial for Sarah, and you’ll have to oversee the entire process.”
Numbness spread over Imogen, her face stiff and devoid of emotion. She struggled to comprehend the situation and how Troy could expect her to manage this delicate situation.
‘Does he truly believe I’m just a robot, devoid of feelings?‘ Imogen lamented internally. ‘Doesn’t he understand how painful this is for me?‘
“Okay. I will do my best,” Imogen managed to say, her voice hoarse and strained, as if each word was an immense effort.
In the restroom, Imogen felt the turmoil within her erupt. She retched repeatedly, but nothing came out. She gently caressed her lower abdomen, seeking solace for herself and the tiny life growing within her.
The mirror before her reflected a woman with a pale face and reddened eyes. Imogen splashed cold water on her face, attempting to regain composure.
‘You can handle this. You’re strong, just like you promised your father,‘ she reassured herself. ‘And now, you have another reason to be strong–the baby inside you.‘
Returning to her office, Imogen called Lyka to apologize and appease her. She arranged another endorsement for Xena with a smaller perfume brand, promising that Xena would be a priority for future opportunities. Only then did Lyka relent.
Afterward, Imogen gathered her department staff for a meeting to discuss three potential options for Sarah’s endorsement. She also instructed her assistant to arrange a meeting with Sarah’s agent to finalize the details.
The day proved exhausting, but Imogen refused to let herself falter. She focused on her tasks, determined to deliver the best results.
Finally, she found herself alone in her office, looking wearily at the divorce agreement lying before her.
She flipped through it briefly, her heart heavy with mixed emotions. Troy’s generous offer of two villas, two luxury cars, and three million dollars felt ironic, considering the circumstances.
‘Bittersweet generosity,‘ she thought, managing a bitter smile.
The next day, Imogen hurried to the conference room, followed shortly by Henry, the Director of Operations, the Product Manager, the Chief Designer, and other staff members. However, after a few minutes, Sarah and her team had not yet arrived.

Growing impatient, Imogen turned to her assistant and said, “Go outside and contact Sarah’s agent. Urge them to hurry up.”
Not long after, the assistant returned and reported, “Ms. Forbes, I’ve urged them. They said they’ll be here soon.”
The morning dragged on, and the Operations Director and others expressed dissatisfaction with the delay.
Annoyed, Imogen turned to her assistant again and asked, “What’s the phone number of Sarah’s agent? Send it to me.
me”
Before the assistant could respond, a group of people finally entered the room through
the door.
“Ms. Page. Mr. Marshall, why are you here too?” asked one of the staff members, a hint of confusion in his voice.
Sarah, wearing a stunning goose yellow long dress, clung tightly to Troy’s arm. And Troy, dressed impeccably in a suit she had picked out for him earlier that morning. As the staff observed their intimate behavior, they exchanged knowing glances, seemingly understanding the rumors circulating for a long time. Sarah Page, the Movie Star, was Mr. Marshall’s first love, and the rumors appeared to hold some truth.
Imogen felt a faint pain in her heart, but she clenched her fingers and composed herself. “Mr. Marshall, Ms. Page, since you’re here, let’s start now,” she said, trying to remain professional.
Troy had once said that after their divorce, he would still treat her like a younger sister. But Imogen knew that former couples could never truly be friends. The emotions were too complex, and she couldn’t bear to witness the depth of love between Sarah and Troy. It was torture Imogen couldn’t endure. So, after the divorce, she decided to keep her distance from them.
Sarah was pleasantly surprised to see Imogen and took her hand, saying, “Imogen, you’re here too.”
Imogen glanced at Sarah’s hand, then discreetly withdrew her own, offering a faint nod in response.
Unaware of the turmoil inside Imogen, Sarah continued, “I know we aren’t as close as we used to be, but I still remember when you were in college, you used to call me sister–in–law.”
The remark hit Imogen like a punch to the gut, making it hard for her to breathe. Ms. Forbes was Troy’s foster sister, and Sarah seemed very familiar with her, implying a closer relationship with Troy.
Imogen had always known that she could never compete with Sarah, especially when it came to the bond between her and Troy.

Chapter 7: I Couldn’t Let the Child be Born

Troy’s stern gaze swept over Imogen’s expressionless face and then shifted to Charlene, sending a cold shiver down their spines. “You two are truly interesting,” he stated with a firm tone. “As directors, you argue and fight in front of the employees. Is this the example you wish to set for our company?”
The employees, cowed by Troy’s presence, hastily retracted their necks and avoided eye contact, captivated by the tense exchange before them.
Seizing the opportunity, Charlene swiftly spoke up, attempting to turn the tables in her favor. “Mr. Marshall, I was simply working when Ms. Forbes suddenly rushed over and created a scene, indiscriminately hitting me. Can someone who behaves like that truly be a brand director?”
Troy’s steely gaze turned to Imogen, and he spoke coldly, “Apologize.”
Though Imogen knew she wasn’t at fault, she could not voice her objections. With a deep breath and a clenched fist, she replied resolutely, “After Ms. Johnson.’
Her actions spoke of her determination not to apologize until Charlene did so first. Charlene, however, met Troy’s gaze defiantly and insisted, “But Mr. Marshall, I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Before Imogen could respond, Troy interrupted firmly, “I said apologize.”
His unwavering voice left no room for negotiation, and Imogen looked up incredulously at his cold expression, her heart tingling with unease.
He didn’t even ask for the facts or listen to her side of the story.
Troy’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he reiterated, “I’ll repeat it. Apologize to her.” Imogen’s fist clenched even tighter, her nails digging into her palm, but the pressure was too great to resist. She reluctantly turned to Charlene and managed to force a few words from her throat. “Sorry.”
The word seemed to etch a triumphant smile onto Charlene’s lips, and she responded proudly, “Apology accepted. But don’t think I’ll forgive you next time.”
Ignoring the taunt, Imogen pressed on, determined to know the reason behind Charlene’s actions. “However, Ms. Johnson, would you care to explain why you need to replace the spokesperson for the McKesson brand?”
Still wearing her confident smile, Charlene looked at Troy and confidently replied, “Mr. Marshall told me to do so.”
Imogen’s eyes widened in disbelief as she waited for Troy to deny it, but to her surprise, he remained silent. Instead, he turned and walked toward the CEO’s office.
“Ms. Forbes, come to my office,” he instructed, jolting Imogen from her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she shot a fleeting glare at Charlene before following Troy, her heart heavy with unanswered questions.
After arriving at Troy’s office, Imogen couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer and asked directly, “Mr. Marshall, why did you replace Xena?”
Troy settled into his chair behind the desk, giving Imogen a fleeting glance but avoiding a direct answer. Instead, he shifted the topic unexpectedly. “What is your reply to the divorce agreement?”
The sudden shift caught Imogen off guard, and she replied, “I’ve been busy lately, so I haven’t had a chance to read it yet. But since you’re in a hurry, I’ll make sure to read it tonight.”

Troy paused, gazing at Imogen intently. “Okay,” he replied simply.
His simple response left Imogen feeling bitter, coupled with the question that had been haunting her for so long. She wanted to know what his answer would be, but she didn’t have a chance to do so. But it seemed fate had given her an opportunity. Thus, she inhaled deeply, mustering her courage, and asked, stuttering, “If… if we have a child, will you still pursue divorce?”
Cruelly, Troy’s swift and decisive reply crushed the last shred of hope within her. “It won’t happen. And even if it were to happen, I couldn’t let the child be born.”
Imogen’s world felt like it was crumbling around her, and she struggled to find words
to say. All she managed to say was, “I see.”
Taking a deep breath, she decided to address the matter quickly and leave so as not to prolong her suffering. “By the way, you already approved the plan, Mr. Marshall. So why do you want to replace Xena?”
It seemed odd for Troy to intervene in such a minor matter.
“I have a plan in mind,” Troy replied briefly, not divulging further details to Imogen. However, this only fueled Imogen’s curiosity. “I’ve been in charge of McKesson since the beginning, and you’ve rarely interfered with its development. If you wanted to change the spokesperson, why didn’t you discuss it with me first?”
Changing the spokesperson was more than just à single decision. It would have ripple effects on various aspects of the brand, from appeasing Xena’s team to redesigning advertising plans and coordinating schedules with the new spokesperson,
photographers, and others. The entire brand direction and promotion plan would need adjustments as well.
Troy leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs as he replied curtly, “I replaced her with Sarah.”
The name hit Imogen like a lightning bolt, leaving her momentarily stunned. It took her a while to regain her composure and ask in a daze, “Do you mean Sarah Page?” Troy confirmed with a nod, tapping his fingers firmly on the table. “She needs this endorsement as her first stepping stone when she returns to Canada for further development.”
Imogen felt as though the air had turned into a sharp blade, stabbing her heart and
lungs with agonizing pain. The news of Sarah being chosen as the replacement shook her deeply, leaving her grappling with the complex emotions within her.