Chapter 3

“There are other companies too,” I replied.

Archie said, “That’s fine. I’ve heard this area is pretty expensive. By the way, Jillian, once Evie’s pregnancy is stable, I’m thinking of joining the company to help you out. Can you find me a position?”

I pressed the intercom button and called for my secretary, Kaylee Powell. I asked her if any positions had become available recently.

Kaylee listed a few.

Archie’s face twisted slightly. Jokingly, he said, “I’m your brother, Jillian! You’re giving me such a small position? That’ll be embarrassing.”

I had Kaylee leave, then turned to Archie. “You haven’t had experience with this kind of work, so start small and learn as much as you can. That way, it’ll be easier for me to promote you later.”

Archie blurted out, “But you didn’t start out small. You got the top position right away, and you’re doing great. Why can’t I do the same?”

“Archie, things are different now. When I took this position, I had no choice. But now, there are people depending on their paycheck. If the higher-ups make a wrong move, it’s their livelihoods on the line.”

I paused, trying not to sound too harsh. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure someone trains you properly. Once you get the hang of things, we can talk about promotion, and no one will be able to say a thing.”

He reluctantly agreed. “Fine. I’ll let you get back to work then.”

After watching him leave, I sat down and pressed my forehead.

Kaylee came in. “Ms. Houghton, are you getting another headache?” She poured me a glass of water. “Mr. Houghton really knows how to add to your stress. You’ve already got so much on your plate at the company.”

I took a sip of water but didn’t respond.

Kaylee stepped aside. “Ms. Houghton, Mr. Harmon called. He wants to take you to lunch.”

“Tell him I’m not available.”

…

I wasn’t sure if it was his dissatisfaction with the position, but in just a few days, Archie had spent five million dollars.

Logan Harmon told me that Archie had ordered a five-carat diamond ring from his store.

The next day, Archie and Evie came to see me.

He carefully helped Evie sit down, then announced, “Jillian, we’re getting married.”

“That’s great! When are you planning the wedding?”

“We were thinking of next month, before Evie gets too far along. It’ll be easier that way,” Archived said.

“Alright, I’ll make sure to send you both a big gift.”

“Thanks, Jillian.”

Archie hesitated for a moment, then Evie nudged him. “Come on. Say it.”

I smiled. “Is there something else?”

Archie took a deep breath. “Jillian, I want you to give me the house at Meadowlark Heights.”

Surprised, I looked up, wondering if I had heard him right.

Archie continued, “Evie’s still in school, and that house would be perfect as our marital home. It’ll make things easier for her.”

I laughed in frustration. “Have you forgotten why I bought that house in the first place?”

It was to be closer to the company. I had been handling so many things that I needed somewhere nearby to rest, especially with the late hours I worked.

Honestly, it hurt me to see him betraying me like this.

We were both orphans, and we had built a life together.

After losing our parents, I had worked tirelessly to keep things afloat. To make life easier, I had even bought a house closer to the company. Archie knew that.

“Just buy another one, Jillian. Evie really likes that house.”

His attitude was starting to shift, becoming more demanding. “Or is it that you don’t want to give it up? Were all those kind words you said to me before just lies?”