PERFECT CEO

Chapter Four

Joyce was in disbelief over what Richard had said to her,causing her to cry continuously. Eventually,she composed herself to resume her work. Later,she visited a nearby bar to have a drink and clear her head.

As she sipped her drink,Joyce noticed Thomas,the recent transfer from Bur Dubai to headquarters.”Thomas, what brings you here,” she inquired. “ Just grabbing a drink to unwind after a stressful day,” Thomas answered.

“What about you,” Thomas asked. Joyce glanced at herself and responded, “I'm here to have a drink and clear my mind. Dealing with heartbreak from dating a coworker. It's a tough situation.” She spoke as she took a sip of her drink.

Joyce confided in Thomas about her decision to avoid dating coworkers due to office rumors. She also shared her hurt over Richard's betrayal,with her secretary, Emma, especially after she had financially supported Richard. “ Perhaps, you and Richard aren't compatible,” Thomas suggested, looking directly at Joyce.

However,Joyce expressed, “ I supported him in various ways,we even invested in properties together, planning for our future. And then, just weeks before our wedding,he betrayed our relationship.”

“Stop dwelling on the past,Joyce. Look ahead and strive for healthier relationships. Let's enjoy our drinks,” Thomas advised. They shared drinks and watched a hilarious movie at the bar, bursting into laughter.

Joyce rose from her seat and informed Thomas that she was ready to head home. She suggested giving him a ride,but he declined, opting to find his own way back. Upon arriving home,she lay down on her bed and drifted off to sleep.

The following day at work, Joyce visited Richard in his office and requested a private conversation. They relocated to a secluded area to chat. “I intend to assert ownership of all the properties we purchased,” Joyce stated. Richard questioned,”What's the reason behind that?”

Joyce reminded Richard, “ Those properties belong to me, remember?” Growing increasingly irritated with Richard,Joyce retorted, “You only contributed a mere five percent of the funds, and if that's an issue, I can reimburse you for that five percent.”

“I'm also taking back the apartment you're living in,so start finding a new place before I evict you. You have three months,” Joyce declared angrily.

“That's unjust,Joyce. Why would you take back the apartment you bought for me?” Richard pleaded, almost kneeling before Joyce.

“Were you fair with me when you were with Emma? Do you know how many sacrifices I made because of you? You had the audacity to betray me? Richard,you don't deserve any kindness from me,” Joyce retorted.

“I'm keeping you in this company for one reason only: your dedication and hard work.Otherwise,I would have dismissed you as well. By the way, I've contacted the event planner and all the vendors for our wedding celebration to cancel their preparations. They'll be refunding us 50 percent of what we paid.When the money comes in,you'll receive your portion,” Joyce stated firmly, disregarding Richard's pleas.

Richard apologized for his previous words,to which Joyce responded that there was no need for an apology as she had already moved on. She then excised herself and went back to her office. Shortly after, Richard received a call from Emma,asking if they could hang out in the evening. Richard agreed to the plan.

However, Richard wondered why Emma will reach out to him considering the recent events with Joyce. He sighed and returned to his office. Once there,a colleague asked if he had been unfaithful to Joyce with Emma.

All eyes in the press office were on Richard as his colleague's words caught their attention. Richard, feeling deeply embarrassed,remained silent. His colleagues then proceeded to mock and laugh at him, emphasizing he had betrayed their boss,Joyce.

Emma has been unemployed since she got fired from Bloom's weather forecast company. She spends her days at home without any activities. Eventually,her mother began to express her frustration about being the sole provider for their needs.

In an effort to ease her mother's burden,Emma decided to move out and live with Richard, especially since his engagement with Joyce had ended. She didn't care about the potential gossip or criticism she might face for being involved in their breakup.

Richard headed to the location Emma had shared with him after work. His intention upon arrival was to firmly tell her to stop contacting him. When Emma arrived at Almond's restaurant,where they had arranged to meet,she found Richard already seated.

The restaurant is primarily a romantic spot for couples to converse. “Emma why did you bring us here?” questioned Richard. “I've missed you,my dear, and wanted to see you,” Emma replied.

“Did you just call me ‘dear’,Emma? Have you no shame? After everything, all you can say is that you have missed me?” Richard replied with frustration.

“Richard, darling, let's not revisit this. I've already told you to let go of Joyce and move on because she doesn't deserve you. Why are you revisiting this?” Emma asked.

“Emma, please,I want nothing to do with you. Whatever happened that night was a mistake,and you should move on from it,” Richard stated firmly.

“A mistake,you say, Richard? It wasn't a mistake when you chose to be with me; that's why you couldn't resist my seduction,”Emma retorted, fixing her gaze on Richard.

As they continued arguing, Joyce Quinn suddenly entered the scene. The moment their eyes met,along with Joyce's,confusion swept over them, particularly Richard.