A Chance Encounter


    Johnson was ourpany’s Marketing Director. He greeted us warmly and yfully pinched Ava’s


    cheeks when he saw us. In a way, Johnson took my role by taking charge of thepany’s marketing


    department.


    I was the one who brought him into thepany, and he worked under me for over a year. Back then,


    the marketing department focused mainly on sales, consisting of just five people.


    Johnson was a quick–witted college graduate who was a natural at marketing. He had a silver tongue


    that could convince anyone of anything. He took over my position when I got pregnant while Matthew


    nurtured him.


    I knew Johnson frequented this ce because he arranged a private room for us with the restaurant


    manager’s help. It was evident he was much more considerate than Matthew..


    Mnie was also familiar with Johnson as the two exchanged nces while Johnson ordered the food.


    Meanwhile, I didn’t pay much attention to the order and went straight into the private room since I knew


    Matthew wouldn’t let me or Ava down in that aspect.


    Soon after, Johnson followed us into the room. Since it had been a while since Ist saw him, I


    gestured


    for him to sit and chat.


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    I asked him how thepany was doing, and he discreetly responded while ncing at Matthew


    asionally, I knew the Johnson in front of me differed from the one I had recruited long ago.


    Indeed, times had changed, and it was no surprise since Matthew was now the boss. In Johnson’s


    eyes, I


    was just a former boss past her prime and inferior to the currentpany president. I didn’t fault


    Johnson for that, but seeing it was still disheartening.


    I had be an antique in the Tanum Corporation. It was ttering whenever people called me


    Madam,” but ultimately, it was just a respectful form of address. I figured people would stop


    acknowledging me if Matthew and I parted ways one day.


    After all, even Matthew had already forgotten about all my contributions to thepany. Who would


    remember the woman who started Tanum Corporation and bled for it? It was a depressing thought as i


    had worked nonstop back then.


    However, that chapter had long ended, and the fruits of mybor were not mine to enjoy anymore.


    Although people continued singing praises, no one knew my pain as it was my burden alone.


    I realized how fickle the world was.


    At that moment, I had be even more convinced of one thing. No one would look out for me, so I


    needed to care for myself. I thought it was better to be safe than sorry, which made my heart ache


    again.


    Could Matthew be so ruthless? I was still in disbelief and held some hope for the difficult times we


    shared. I only wanted him to remember what we had gone through together, regardless of whether or


    not I got the credit.


    I would like to believe he wasn’t that heartless.


    Meanwhile, Johnson discreetly excused himself when the food arrived. 1


    Matthew’s phone kept ringing during the meal. Most of the calls were about business, but there was


    one call where he nced at me before going outside to answer it. My body tensed as I watched him


    leave.


    I excused myself to the restroom and saw Matthew talking on the phone in the corridor, constantly


    responding with “Mmm.”


    The familiar scene reminded me of his video call with me in the hotel a few days ago. He noticed me


    coming out and hastily told the person on the other end, “All right, let’s do it that way then. Just make


    sure the quality is good. The material isn’t a problem. You decide.”


    I


    When he hung up the phone, I walked past him and went to the bathroom. Although it sounded like a


    business call, I wondered why he had to leave and talk outside.


    As I washed my hands, Matthew appeared outside the door and said, “A client called me about the


    used


    materials.” 2


    “Isn’t that Johnson’s responsibility? Why did they call you instead?” I grabbed a tissue while looking at


    his


    reflection in the mirror.


    “Oh, a long–time client is renovating their home,” Matthew answered vaguely.


    “I see. I’m going to use the restroom, so you should go and check on Ava,” I said this to ensure Mnie


    wouldn’t bully my daughter.


    Matthew pulled me close, kissed me, and returned to the private room. Soon after, I smiled bitterly and


    headed to the restroom.


    However, before I could finish using the bathroom stall, I heard footsteps, indicating that two more


    people had entered the bathroom.