Chapter 3

“It’s nothing.”

I cut off whatever my coworker was about to say.

Ross’s brows furrowed slightly, as if he wanted to ask more. But before he could, the sharp clack of heels echoed from the hallway.

“Ross.”

That soft, sweet voice drew everyone’s attention instantly.

Zamora walked in with a charming smile, her figure graceful, her hips swaying slightly as she leaned almost naturally against him.

Ross’s expression shifted. The tenderness on his face was so unfamiliar that I barely recognized him.

A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Everyone, let me introduce someone. This is our new technical director, Zamora Forrer.”

The office fell silent for a few seconds.

Then came the murmurs, spreading quickly like an undercurrent.

Someone snuck a glance at me, then quickly looked away and put on a bright smile to greet Zamora. “Welcome to the team, Director!”

I didn’t stand up. I just kept my head down as I gathered the files on my desk.

For years, I had worked hard in the company, countless overtime, staying up late to finish proposals. Everyone knew Ross had once said the next technical director would be me.

But now, the honor that should’ve been mine was stepped on and swept away by her breezy little words—“the new director.”

I told myself I shouldn’t care anymore about matters like this. After all, I’d already turned in my resignation.

But now that I was facing it for real, my chest still tightened painfully.

Zamora tilted her head with a practiced smile. “I hope you’ll all look after me from today onwards.”

She stopped in front of me, leaning down slightly and speaking gently. “I’ve heard from Mr. Stockdale that you’re his most capable assistant. Seeing you in person really lives up to the reputation.”

Her voice was sweet, like sugar coating.

But in her eyes, I caught the sharp glint of disdain.

I lifted my head, met her gaze, and calmly reached out my hand.

The moment our fingers touched, Ross’s slender hand covered mine lightly.

“That’s enough,” he said in that low, gentle tone—one that somehow carried both indulgence and command. He turned to Zamora. “Come on. I’ll show you my office.”

She blushed faintly and lowered her head. “Okay.”

The room instantly buzzed with energy.

Someone blurted out jokingly, “Sir, that’s pretty close for just colleagues! Miss Zamora doesn’t seem like just a director, huh?”

Ross glanced back, his lips curving in a faint but casual smile. “She’s my fiancée.”

At those words, the air froze.

Then came the outburst—cheers, gasps, and congratulations all at once.

“Fiancée?”

“Are you serious?”

“Sir, you really kept that low-key!”

Zamora covered her mouth with a dainty smile, her voice soft and perfectly measured. “We’re getting married soon. I hope you all join the party.”

Applause and laughter rippled through the room like waves.

People crowded around them, smiling and offering congratulations.

Ross stood in the middle of it all—calm, collected, wearing that same gentle smile on his face.

Meanwhile, my world fell completely silent in that instant.

I lowered my eyes, feeling my heart twist tight.

I’d told myself over and over that I didn’t care anymore.

But standing there, the pain still hit me without warning.

I had waited eight years for Ross to say just one sentence. “She’s my fiancée.”

Eight long years.

But he’d never once given me a clear, official title in front of everyone.

And now, Zamora had only been back for a few days, and he said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“They look perfect together.”

“I heard Miss Zamora is the Forrers’ heiress. They’re really a perfect match.”

“The CEO really hit the jackpot this time.”

“That ring… Is that a limited-edition Cartier? Must be worth over a million!”

“Sir Ross’s always been so aloof. Turns out he just hadn’t met the right woman until recently.”

Each comment was like a needle pricking my chest from every direction.

I listened to their chatter, my throat tightening until it felt hard to breathe.

Meanwhile, Ross remained gentle and composed with that pride and radiance in his eyes that everyone envied.

Finally, a kind coworker spoke up for me.

“Issy has given so much to this company. She practically carried every major project. She was supposed to be the next director, right? Replacing her like this just isn’t fair.”

Another voice quickly hushed her. “Shh! Keep it down. Miss Zamora’s the daughter of a very wealthy family. Their marriage could take the company to the next level. Issy’s effort can’t compare.”

“Exactly. She’s an orphan. How could she compete with the kind of connections a rich daughter can offer Sir Ross?”

“People just aren’t born equal, you know.”

Their words blended with laughter, each one cutting into me like a small, sharp blade.

Quietly, I closed my laptop. I slipped the signed contract and my resignation letter into a folder.

Then I stood up and walked steadily toward Ross’s office.

Through the glass door, I could see him and Zamora inside—giggling together, the air between them intimate.

Without hesitation, I laid my resignation letter on his desk.