Chapter 3The Mango Clause

That evening, as was my habit, I arrived at the restaurant early to wait for him.

In seven years, it had become second nature.

While I waited, I received a call from overseas. It was from our competitor in the last negotiation, who also happened to be an old friend from business school.

Marcus's voice was warm. "Elara, have you given any more thought to my offer to join Aether Global?"

"Carter Enterprises is too small for you. It doesn't deserve your talent."

This was the third time he had tried to poach me.

The first was seven years ago, when I turned down a high-paying job at a multinational corporation to join Ethan's tiny startup for a meager salary, half of which went to our shared rent. Marcus had argued with me until he was blue in the face, but he couldn't change my mind.

The second time was just a few days ago, across the negotiation table, where I had him and his team on the ropes. After our victory, he had approached me, half in admiration, half in frustration. "Elara, I heard you're still criminally underpaid at Carter's. Come work with me. Don't let your brilliance be wasted on someone who doesn't appreciate it."

I had smiled and refused. How could it be wasted? It was my husband's company. It was the empire we had built together over seven years.

The third time was now.

I paused for only three seconds, signaled the waiter for a bottle of red wine, and accepted his offer without hesitation.

"Send me the address. I'll start on Tuesday."

The other end of the line was silent for a moment, then erupted in jubilant laughter.

Fearing I would change my mind, Marcus quickly said, "Great!" and hung up.

I chuckled, and as I was putting my phone down, a notification from Ethan popped up.

[Change of plans. Phoebe couldn't wait. We're on the plane now. You're on your own for dinner.]

[I have a surprise for you when I get back.]

A moment later, a new post appeared on my feed. It was from Phoebe, and I was the only one tagged:

"Thanks to my big bro for making my dream come true! As a reward, I'll treat you to a feast tomorrow~"

The picture was of Phoebe and Ethan, hand in hand, under the real Eiffel Tower.

It was identical to our cheap photo from seven years ago.

I stared at the screen for a long moment, then calmly closed the app and opened my chat with Marcus.

[As a signing bonus, how would you like a billion-dollar European contract?]