The CEO's Evil Wife

Chapter 2 | Boundaries

James leaned back in his chair, his irritation masked by a tight smile. "I assume this isn’t just about office talks, Veronica. What’s on your mind?"

Veronica gracefully returned to her seat, her posture upright as she crossed her legs. "The expansion plans for Morgan & Associates," she began, her tone shifting into the intonation of a professional. “While in London, I secured interest from Kingsley & Co. They’re prepared to invest in our next project, provided we can present a clear blueprint by the end of the quarter.”

James’s brows lifted slightly. “Impressive. Kingsley isn’t exactly known for playing nice.”

“They play when the stakes are high enough,” Veronica countered smoothly. “I presented them with a five-year growth projection and outlined how aligning with us would boost their legal division to the top tier.”

He tapped his pen against the desk, nodding slowly. “And they bought it?”

“Not yet,” she admitted, her eyes narrowing with purpose. “They’re interested but cautious. They need to see that Morgan & Associates is as focused and disciplined as we claim to be.”

He smirked faintly, his gaze flickering with amusement. “Ah, and here comes the part where you tell me to stay in line.”

Veronica’s expression didn’t waver. “Focus, James. That’s all I’m asking for. We’re not just running a law firm, we’re managing a legacy. There’s no room for distractions.”

His smirk faltered slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. “You’re referring to my secretary again, I assume.”

“I’m referring to anything or anyone that might divert you from what’s important,” she said, her voice cool but firm. “Do you remember what happened to Harrison Covington? He allowed a woman to meddle in his decisions, and now his empire is in shambles. Bankruptcy isn’t just a word, James. It’s a cautionary tale.”

James’ jaw tightened, but he said nothing, the weight of her words settling between them.

Veronica leaned forward slightly, her tone softening. “I’m not your enemy. I want this partnership to succeed as much as you do. But we can’t afford even the perception of weakness—not in business and certainly not in our marriage.”

He studied her for a moment, then exhaled, his tension easing slightly. “You’ve made your point, Veronica. I’ll handle it.”

“Good,” she said, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Now, about the Kingsley presentation. I’ll have the preliminary report on your desk by tomorrow morning. I suggest we review it together before meeting with the board.”

James nodded, his demeanor professional once more. "Agreed. Let me know if you need any additional resources."

She stood up, smoothing the fabric of her suit as she prepared to leave. "I always have what I need. That’s why I’m here."

As she reached the door, she paused and glanced back at him. “Oh, and James—remember, perception is everything. Don’t let anyone, or anything, create the wrong one.”

Without waiting for a response, she stepped out of the office, her heels clicking with purpose as she strode down the corridor. Behind her, James sat in thoughtful silence, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air.

—

As the afternoon passed, the office hummed with activity. Phones rang, emails pinged, and the constant shuffle of papers filled the air. But beneath the polished guise of Morgan & Associates, something was different today. Whispers passed from desk to desk, quick glances exchanged, and hushed voices carried in the corners of the executive floor.

A news alert flashed on the firm’s internal screens, the headline bold and unmistakable: Veronica Morgan Returns to Headquarters After Three Years Abroad. The picture accompanying the article showed Veronica standing confidently at the entrance of the building, her sharp gaze directed forward, her posture impeccable.

Instantly, the office buzzed with excitement.

“Did you see that? Mrs. Morgan is back!” A young associate, freshly hired and eager to impress, leaned over to her colleague at the desk next to hers. “I heard she was managing the London office, but why come back now?”

Her colleague, a senior associate with a cautious air, gave a knowing smile. “Maybe the marriage isn't as 'businesslike' as people think. With her return, she’s probably back to ensure everything is in place.” She lowered her voice, leaning in. “Do you think she knows about Sarah?”

A sharp intake of breath followed. “You really think James would let it slip? But... you never know.”

In another corner of the office, two men—senior partners—stayed engaged in a quiet conversation while glancing toward Veronica’s office. One leaned in, his voice low but filled with curiosity. “This is going to shake things up. You think she’s here to take control? Or just keep James on track? Either way, it’s going to be interesting.”

The other partner laughed softly. “That’s the thing with Veronica. You never know where she stands until she speaks. But she’s been running things from afar for years. Now, with the both in the same place… I'm betting the stakes just went up.”

As they spoke, other staff members passed by the open office door, exchanging knowing glances and whispers. Each person was aware of the power dynamics at play. James and Veronica had always been the picture of a perfectly constructed power couple, their professional relationship as ironclad as their marriage. But now, the sudden presence of Veronica at headquarters brought a new energy—an undercurrent of uncertainty, of speculation.

A floor below, Sarah Parker sat at her desk, eyes focused on the screen in front of her, though her thoughts were far from the case files she was reviewing. The news report had sent a ripple through her. She had seen Veronica earlier that morning—cold, calculating, and beautiful as always. And though she tried to convince herself that nothing had changed, Sarah couldn't deny the looming question: What would Veronica’s return mean?

As she scrolled through her emails, her phone buzzed with an incoming text from a colleague in the PR department.

"Is it true? Veronica’s back? Any idea what’s going on?"

Sarah quickly typed a response, her fingers moving quickly. "Yes. She's here. No idea what it means yet, but it's sure to shake things up."

She stared at the text for a moment before her mind wandered back to the memory of the confrontation earlier with James. She had seen the way he looked at Veronica, even when his expression remained neutral. It was clear to her that Veronica’s power was not just in business, but in how she commanded his attention. The realization hit hard, like a wave crashing against the shore. There was no denying it—Veronica’s return was not just a professional matter. It was a reckoning.

Meanwhile, up on the executive floor, Veronica sat quietly at her desk, reviewing the strategic plans laid out before her. But her mind wasn’t just on numbers and projections. She could feel the shift in the atmosphere. The subtle tension in the air, the murmur of employees' excitement, and the guarded looks from familiar faces—it all spoke volumes. They were watching, waiting, wondering what would happen next now that the wife was back.

Veronica had always been a presence. Whether people liked it or not, she commanded respect. And while she had long ago learned to keep her emotions in check, she couldn’t help but wonder if James fully understood the stakes now. The cracks in their carefully maintained partnership were there for anyone who cared to look, and his secretary, Sarah, was just one piece of the puzzle.

But for now, Veronica was calm. She had a plan, and nothing—least of all the office gossip—was going to distract her from it.