Chapter 4The Breaking Point: Walking Away From the Billionaire Heir

Jaxon and I shared the exact same social circle, overlapping from childhood to the present day.

When we were kids, we went to the same elite prep school. In high school, we shared the same AP Physics and Calculus classes.

Even setting aside our parents' business ties, the shared history of growing up together meant our lives were deeply intertwined.

So even though I deleted him, I knew avoiding him completely and blocking out all news of him would be impossible.

I went home.

I slept for two days.

When I finally checked my phone, I saw comforting messages from my best friend, Gia, mocking texts from Jaxon’s friends, and passive-aggressive posts from trust-fund kids in my feed.

And, of course, Avery’s latest Instagram post: "I knew you would protect me."

The photo showed Jaxon’s large hand tightly gripping her delicate, pale fingers. A classic aesthetic of strength and vulnerability.

This time, I felt absolutely nothing.

I drove to work, only to run straight into Avery in the lobby.

Dressed in sharp business attire but sporting a fragile, doe-eyed look, she was brought to my office by the HR manager for orientation.

I froze, flipping through her file. "Who authorized bringing her into the company?"

The HR manager looked incredibly awkward. "Mr. Brooks arranged for her to join. He asked that you mentor her and familiarize her with our operations. She’s... assigned to you."

After Richard Brooks was released from prison, my father naturally went into business with him. This company was a joint venture between our families.

It was meant for our mutual benefit, and also to lay the groundwork for my future marriage to Jaxon.

Now, Jaxon held the title of CEO, and I was the Vice President.

He had blatantly planted his new girlfriend right under my nose.

Avery lowered her head. "My family is going through a tough time, and my last job didn't work out. I had to bother Jaxon for a favor. Ms. Wright, where should I start?"

The girl's eyes shimmered with feigned innocence, but the undisguised thrill of victory leaked through.

I dropped the file on my desk.

I originally thought that after vowing never to see Jaxon again, I’d just resign, hire a professional to manage my shares, and take a long vacation.

I didn't expect him to march right up and deliver another slap to my face.

He really didn't want me to have a moment of peace, did he?

I walked right up to Avery.

Her bold demeanor shrank slightly, as if she was terrified I was going to slap her.

But she was too disgusting. I didn't even have the desire to touch her.

I gave a short laugh. "You can start by packing your things and getting the hell out."

"This company changes ownership next month... Consider yourself fired."

With that, I walked around her and headed out. It took Avery a few seconds to process what happened. She frowned and yelled, "Jaxon won't allow this!"

I turned my head and replied, "Him? He’s just a dog my family used to feed. Who does he think he is?"