My Husband Got My Stalker Pregnant

Chapter 3

The next day, Addison was fully absorbed in restoring an ancient painting in her office.

Suddenly, a message popped up on her phone. Despite her resolve to leave everything behind, she couldn't resist checking Irene's social media account.

Irene: [So excited! I got the job! Now I get to work with my idol! And it was her husband who recommended me!]

Addison froze, staring at the screen. It hadn't occurred to her that Steve would actually bring the woman right to her doorstep just to torment her.

Before she could collect her thoughts, the office door swung open.

The institute director walked in with Irene, pointed at the desk next to Addison's, and addressed her.

"Addison, we have a new colleague. I'd appreciate it if you could show her the ropes."

Without waiting for Addison's response, he turned and left.

Irene strode over in her high heels, looking down at Addison with a condescending air.

"Long time no see, Addison. A year ago, I idolized you, but you sent me to prison. Look at me now. I'm working in the same office as you."

Addison ignored her and had no intention of working with her. She stood up, ready to leave and find the director.

Just as she rose, Irene poured a cup of hot tea and approached her.

"Even though you wronged me, I truly admire your expertise. This tea is for you as a gesture of respect. Teach me well from now on."

No sooner had she spoken than the scalding tea splashed onto Addison, who had just stood up.

Irene immediately put on a look of concern.

"Addison, I'm so sorry! It was too hot. I didn't mean to!"

Ignoring the tea on herself, Addison frantically grabbed the ancient painting on the table, now soaked.

"What have you done? This is a priceless treasure—you've ruined it!"

Addison could no longer contain her rage and shouted at Irene.

Realizing she had damaged such an important artifact, Irene turned pale and was rendered speechless.

At that moment, Steve walked in, his gaze settling on Irene as he asked with concern, "What's going on here?"

Panicked, Irene rushed toward him as if he were her lifeline.

"Steve…"

Steve coughed awkwardly, glancing guiltily at Addison, which made Irene halt her steps with a pout.

Hearing the commotion, the director hurried over. When he saw the tea-stained national treasure, he let out a horrified cry.

"What on earth is this? This is our crown jewel! How am I supposed to answer this?"

He then turned to Addison and demanded sharply, "Addison! What happened? You were supposed to restore the painting. How did it end up like this?"

Calmly, Addison pointed at Irene.

"She spilled tea on the painting."

Irene's face drained of color. Trembling, she stammered, "No! It wasn't me! It was her!"

She pointed at Addison.

"It was her! She destroyed the ancient painting and now wants to make me the scapegoat just because I'm new. It was her!"

After speaking, she glanced at Steve, then dramatically clutched her stomach in fake pain, crying out in distress.

Without hesitation, Steve swept Irene up in his arms. As he left, he made sure to defend her.

"I saw it from the doorway. Addison accidentally knocked over Irene's tea. I'll pay whatever the painting is worth. Don't punish either of them."

Then he carried Irene out and rushed toward the Porsche parked downstairs.

Steve's words echoed in Addison's ears. Watching his retreating figure, her heart ached with every beat.

Hearing Steve's account, the institute director grew both enraged and disappointed. He glared at Addison and said, "Addison, I'm deeply disappointed in you! I never thought you'd stoop to shifting blame like this. Effective immediately, you're removed from your position as office director. Irene Wilson will take over."

Addison didn't bother defending herself. Who would believe her if she said Steve was shielding Irene?

In any case, she'd be leaving soon. None of this mattered to her anymore.