Chapter 4Reborn: I Set My Husband Free

I glanced at my watch. My meeting with Adrian was in a few minutes. I was starting to get anxious.

"Liam, Ashley, I told you, my being here has nothing to do with you. Now, please move."

"Nothing to do with us?" Liam's voice dripped with sarcasm. "I've been out of the country for months. I land today, and the moment I finish my photoshoot, you appear. You're telling me this isn't a calculated move?"

"Sarah, you were the one who said you hoped we'd never see each other again. But the moment I'm back, you're right here. You think I don't know what you're thinking?"

A flicker of anger ignited within me. "Are you two done? If you are, then get out of my way!"

"Sarah, darling, don't get so flustered!" Ashley cooed. "We're just trying to catch up. After all, Liam did choose me in the end."

"He still feels guilty about you. We've been so happy these past few years, so he worries about you sometimes."

I finally realized it. These two were living in a world of their own making.

I stopped arguing and sat down on the sofa, pulling out my phone to call Adrian.

"I'm being held up in your lobby," I said. "The two people blocking my way claim to have a good relationship with you. You should probably come down."

I hung up before he could reply.

Liam and Ashley exchanged a look and laughed. "Sarah, are you really calling Mr. Stanton?"

I ignored her, focusing on my proposal.

Ashley snatched the proposal from my hands, flipped through it dismissively, and then ripped it to shreds. "What's this? A few pieces of paper? Do you have any idea who Mr. Stanton is? How dare you speak to him like that?" she sneered. "You probably just dialed a random number."

I watched as the proposal my team had worked on all night turned into confetti. A wave of frustration and rage washed over me. I slapped her, hard.

"Ashley, have you gone through life without ever facing consequences for your actions?"

She clutched her cheek, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You hit me?"

"Sarah! I was personally invited here by Mr. Stanton! Do you have any idea what you've just done?"

"I was going to put in a good word for you, maybe get you a meeting with him to save your precious family business."

Liam rushed to her side, pulling her into his arms to inspect the damage.

"Sarah, you really don't appreciate kindness, do you? Apologize to Ashley right now, and maybe she'll still introduce you to Mr. Stanton. If you don't, you'll have to face the consequences!"

The receptionist's face had gone pale. "Miss Paltrow! How could you hit Miss Lin? She's Mr. Stanton's personal guest! What if something serious happens? Can you afford to take responsibility?"

Liam sneered. "Sarah, if you kneel and apologize, I'll put in a good word for you with Mr. Stanton."

The commotion had drawn everyone's attention.

No one noticed the elevator doors slide open.

Not until a warm hand rested on my shoulder. "Honey, what's got you so upset?"