Crush on My Substitute Wife

Chapter 5 Clay's Tricks

Amelia barely ignored the pain as she scrambled up from the floor, immediately met by Clay's icy stare.

Straightening herself and brushing off the dust on her, she countered, "I've done as you asked. Isn't it time you held up your end of the deal?"

A sneer escaped Clay, his presence becoming even more daunting. "You think it's that simple, Ms. Hugh? This is just the beginning."

"Clay Kingsley, how can you not keep your word?" Amelia pressed her lips in frustration.

Her direct address caught Clay off guard. His face darkened instantly as he flung the documents he was reviewing at her.

The papers hit her chest squarely, knocking her back. Luckily, before she could stumble further, someone steadied her from behind.

Amelia looked back and saw Mars' profile.

"What's this about, Clay?" Mars challenged, his voice laced with disapproval.

Clay's reply was icy. "Just stay out of it, Mars!"

Mars said calmly, "I'd hate to see you bring dishonor to our family."

His words hit a nerve; Clay clenched the wheelchair's handles, his knuckles whitening.

The room fell into a charged silence until Clay spoke up, "I'm not the reason for any dishonor, Mars. It's you. Your hands are still on my wife's shoulders!"

Mars hastily retracted his hands as if they were burned.

Feeling the awkward tension, Amelia attempted to clarify. "He was just trying to..."

"What are you waiting for, Marn?!" Clay cut her off sharply.

"Got it, sir." Marn stepped forward, blocking Mars' view. "Mr. Mars Kingsley, the meeting is about to start. Allow me to escort you out."

After Mars' departure, Marn then turned to wheel Clay out of the office, but the latter raised his hand. "Wait. Let her do it."

His gaze, sharp and foreboding, landed on Amelia.

"Take me to the meeting room," he commanded.

Amelia restrained her anger and approached to wheel him.

Entering the meeting room, Amelia attracted many curious looks.

The oppressive atmosphere of the largest corporation in York weighed on her.

Sitting beside Clay's seat, Mars noticed her discomfort and offered a comforting smile to ease her nerves.

Gratefully, she found herself thinking about how Mars was genuinely kind.

Yet, Clay noticed their silent communication. Midway through the meeting, he began to target Amelia.

"Make me a cup of coffee," he suddenly demanded.

Amelia didn't move, having no idea that the order was for her. Thankfully, Marn reacted fast enough and winked at her. Instantly, Amelia understood and complied.

After she placed the coffee in front of Clay, he barely tasted it before complaining, "Are you trying to sweeten me to death or something?"

Marn's face darkened. "Mr. Kingsley prefers his coffee without sugar."

Reluctantly, Amelia prepared another cup.

"Too bland."

"Humph, too little water."

As the meeting turned into Clay's personal arena to torment Amelia, the scrutiny from everyone present made her wish she could disappear.

Though she had even imagined dumping the coffee on Clay's head, she restrained herself, mindful of her parents' expectations.

Suddenly, Clay deliberately dropped his cup, jolting everyone.

"With such horrible coffee-making skills, you aim to be my assistant?"

Rooted to the spot, Amelia was mortified.

Mars witnessed this torment and didn't have the heart to keep silent anymore. "Clay, that's enough."

Clay's smirk turned icy. "Remember, Mars, you're just the vice president. Don't overstep your boundaries."

Faced with Clay's rebuke, Mars pressed his lips together and fell silent.

Amelia was astonished by Clay's harshness, even towards his own brother.

So, when Clay requested another coffee, she decided on a subtle form of revenge.

Clay almost spat out when he tasted it. "What the hell?"

"Sir, are you okay?" Marn inquired.

Clay's icy glare turned towards Amelia, who was doing her best to hide her satisfaction.

The toothpaste she had just added to Clay's coffee must have served him right!

Clay wiped his mouth, his intense gaze on Amelia softening slightly. Somehow, he was amused by her audacity.

"I'm fine. It looks like Ms. Hugh makes exceptional coffee. How about making one for everyone here?"

In that instant, Amelia's fleeting sense of victory vanished. She didn't realize until now that Clay's command was a setup for further humiliation in a room full of spectators.