Divorcing My Husband Over His Stepsister's Secret novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Anna’s POV:

I shook his hand and followed him to his office, trying to project confidence I didn’t feel. “Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. Smith.”

“Have a seat, please.” Henry slid a folder across his desk. “This contains coral reef monitoring data. Anna, please review it and suggest conservation measures.”

I sat down and nodded.

I scanned the graphs showing declining coral health and quickly jotted down interventions based on what I remembered from college.

While working, I found myself comparing Henry to Blake. Both men had composure, but Blake’s eyes could see through everything, like he could manipulate the world at will. Henry’s gaze was gentler, his demeanor peaceful–someone at ease with his place in life.

“I’m ready,” I said, pushing my notes across the desk.

Henry reviewed them with a neutral expression. “Acceptable, though your solutions lack practical implementation details.”

“With proper guidance, I could develop more actionable plans,” I offered.

“Alright, Anna. Considering your lack of experience, we can offer a junior assistant position–data organization and lab sample analysis. Good performance could lead to field work.” Henry smiled.

“I participated in coral reef surveys during college-”

“Sorry, Anna. University projects differ from professional work,” he interrupted. “Emily started from

basics and is now a key team member. Everyone begins somewhere.”

“I understand,” I said, swallowing my pride. “I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Despite my disappointment, I knew this was normal. A four–year gap in my resume meant starting from the bottom, but at least Henry was giving me a chance.

As I exited the building, the afternoon sun was bright against the glass facades of downtown Boston. I was mentally reviewing the interview when a familiar figure approached.

“Mrs. Wright.”

James O’Connor, Blake’s personal assistant, stood before me. I glanced behind him and was relieved to see only an ordinary business van parked at the curb. At least Blake hadn’t come personally.

Sass

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“Hi, James.” I kept my voice neutral.

He extended a cream–colored envelope. “Mr. Wright says this is a return gift for you. He’s certain you’ll appreciate it and asks that you read it carefully.”

I frowned, taking the envelope. “A return gift? What for?”

Also,” James continued, “your mother mentioned she’ll be visiting the Wright Estate tonight at nine. Mr. Wright specifically requested that he pick you up so you can go together.”

My mind raced–I hadn’t given Blake any gifts recently. Unless…

Layla, Emily’s friend, helped me send him divorce papers last week.

A chill ran through me. “How convenient that you find me now, James. I’ve been at my apartment for three days with no word, but the moment I step out for a job interview, here you are.”

James maintained his professional composure. “I’m simply following Mr. Wright’s instructions, Mrs. Wright. Have a pleasant afternoon.”

He turned and walked away.

With trembling fingers, I tore it open.

Inside was a detailed financial statement–line after line of monetary transfers from Blake to my

mother’s company over the past four years. The list included everything from talent recruitment

funding to major technology investments. The dates, amounts, and purposes were meticulously

documented.

I leaned against the building, suddenly lightheaded. This explained how my mother had managed to keep BlueWave Technologies afloat after my father’s death. Blake had been quietly propping up the company all along.

The total at the bottom of the page hit me like a physical blow: $9.2 million.

Nine million dollars.

Blake’s message was crystal clear: Want a divorce? Pay up first.

Now I understood why my mother couldn’t accept the idea of us separating.

Over these four years, I had essentially been sold to the Wright family. The marriage that I thought was about family alliances and business connections was actually about debt–a debt that had grown to a staggering amount.

I don’t remember walking back into the EcoMarine building.

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Chapter 17

The receptionist looked up in surprise. “Ms. Anderson–Wright? Did you forget something?”

“I need to speak with Mr. Smith again,” I said, my voice sounding distant to my own ears. “It’s important.”

Henry emerged from a side corridor, looking equally surprised to see me. “Anna? Is everything alright? You look unwell.”

“I’m sorry to bother you,” I said, gathering my composure. “But I wanted to make another case for the research coordinator position.”

Henry guided me back to his office, concern evident in his expression. “What happened? You were

fine when you left.”

I ignored his question. “Mr. Smith, I know you feel I’m only qualified for an assistant position, but I need to emphasize that despite my four–year gap in employment, I’ve maintained my connection to marine biology.”

Henry sat down, studying me carefully. “Anderson–Wright, you demonstrated some fundamental

knowledge in the analysis test, but there’s significant room for improvement. Your four–year gap

without practical experience makes it difficult to qualify for core positions in our field. Marine