He Mocked Me for Being 'Just a Wife'—Then I Bought His Company When It Went Bankrupt скачать в хорошем качестве

He Mocked Me for Being 'Just a Wife'—Then I Bought His Company When It Went Bankrupt

My husband laughed at me during an industry gala, telling everyone I was 'just a wife' with no business sense. Six weeks later, his luxury hotel chain collapsed when I acquired his biggest investor. He never knew I had been building my own hospitality empire all along. The crystal chandeliers of The Summit Hotel's grand ballroom refracted light across the sea of black ties and designer gowns. Another successful industry gala—at least that's what everyone would call it in tomorrow's hospitality trades. I smoothed the silk of my emerald dress, a carefully chosen statement piece that walked the line between elegant and memorable. In this room full of hotel magnates and investors, being forgettable was a liability. "Celia, darling, there you are." Ander's voice carried that particular tone he reserved for public appearances—warm on the surface with an undercurrent of command. My husband of eight years appeared at my side, champagne flute in hand, his other arm immediately circling my waist in what photographers would capture as affection but I recognized as possession. "The Wilsons were asking about you," he said, steering me toward a couple near the bar. "I told them you've been busy planning our anniversary party next month." I nodded, maintaining the smile I'd perfected over the years. The one that reached my eyes just enough to seem genuine without revealing anything authentic behind it. A professional smile. Though Ander would never recognize it as such. Jeffrey Wilson, CEO of Meridian Investments, extended his hand as we approached. "Celia, wonderful to see you again. Your husband's been telling us about Montgomery Luxury Properties' expansion plans. Ambitious move into the Asian market." "Jeff and I were just discussing the financing structure," Ander interjected before I could respond. "The kind of conversation that would bore you to tears, wouldn't it, darling?" He squeezed my shoulder affectionately. To the Wilsons, it would look like consideration—Ander protecting his wife from tedious business talk. I felt the subtle pressure of his fingers, the unspoken reminder of the role I was expected to play.