Chapter 122: The Atmosphere Breaker

Gap rarely wore an apron, but today he was busy at the table. Until yesterday, all his work was done with good results.

Mr. Neo, CEO of Liston, personally met with him and planned to nominate him as a junior partner of the Liston Group at the quarterly meeting between this month’s end and next month’s start.

Even as just a partner, his quarterly dividends from the group would exceed his current annual salary.

Gap knew the reason Neo and the board approved this was to keep him quiet. Recently, he had helped the company fix many accounting loopholes.

Most of these issues wouldn’t cause serious problems. After all, Liston was a pillar of Sabin City’s business. Even if problems arose, unless nationwide scandals broke, the city and state governments would fiercely protect the group.

But when these loopholes linked to the EverBright Group scandal—and involved senators or even possibly the president’s cabinet—even a small issue could become a fatal stab to the heart.

Gap had pushed himself to the limit to handle these accounts and get them through.

Now his work was done. Mr. Neo personally gave him a bonus for overtime and promoted his position.

With those matters settled, Gap finally had time to resolve some small family conflicts.

He had noticed changes in his wife, Vera, but hadn’t done nothing. He hired a detective agency affiliated with Liston to investigate whether there was any affair between Vera and Lynch.

He was relieved to find his wife remained loyal. Although Lynch sometimes seemed untrustworthy, their interactions respected clear boundaries.

Today, Gap cooked dinner himself—partly to reward his hard work, partly to ease family tensions.

He believed his wife would understand his intentions. He knew Vera had joined the early part of Lynch’s gathering. Though she only stayed for the first half, as adults, they all understood what happened in that room.

She should understand that some things are inevitable; refusal doesn’t mean moral superiority, but a different stance.

How could he, holding an important position in a key department, stay away from others?

He adjusted the tableware and heart-shaped napkins, nodded in satisfaction.

He checked the apology gifts—a diamond necklace worth over three thousand Sol and a platinum bracelet. The romantic atmosphere filled the room with a sweet scent.

The key turned in the lock. Gap quickly changed clothes and hid the gifts—these were surprises. He even turned off the dining room lights.

He went to the entrance, opened the door, and smiled to welcome his wife. They stood on either side of the door, gazing at each other for a moment.

His expression shifted quickly. The night breeze blew in, bringing cool summer air—and the smell of alcohol.

He asked, “You’ve been drinking?”

The question broke the calm between them. Vera entered carrying the gift bag Lynch gave her, nodded, “Had some during dinner.”

Gap frowned. “I didn’t know you were eating out.”

In Baylor Federation, dinner was late but formal.

Factories and companies usually ended work around six. After commuting and other routines, most families dined around seven.

Gap knew Lynch’s gathering would end late, so he gave her time. He glanced at his delicate watch—just past eight.

Vera’s mood was low. Before opening the door, she still had some smile mixed with regret—she felt she shouldn’t have kissed Lynch under others’ urging.

But upon seeing Gap’s face, her expression turned calm, composed.

As she walked upstairs, she nodded, “So now you know?”

“I thought you’d come home for dinner—I prepared it especially!” Gap followed. Could his carefully planned romantic dinner end like this?

Vera paused slightly, turned her head, casting a sidelong glance in the dim light Gap arranged. Her expression was mocking. “And what do you want to say now? Should I eat more?”

Gap felt hurt but nodded, “I worked hard on it. You can try my cooking. It might surprise you.”

Vera hesitated, then nodded, “I’ll change clothes…”

She went upstairs without resistance. Gap sensed her compromise and felt better.

His eyes lingered on the gift bag she carried. Though he wanted to ask, he chose silence.

He trusted a smart woman would know how to choose.

To pick a founder with no future—just looks, doomed to fail.

Or to choose someone like him—with a bright future, partner in a major group, respectable job, and social status.

Gap, always dealing with numbers, was confident. Even those bitches in the office who forgot even their underwear would know which choice was realistic.

Soon Vera came down in casual clothes. Gap frowned slightly, “I thought you’d wear an evening gown—the one I bought you for new year.”

That gown had a high slit, bare back, and deep neckline. It required great figure and courage.

People from the lower class often couldn’t understand the etiquette of evening gowns—they often just stirred raw desire.

“This is more comfortable,” Vera said, showing no intention to change. She sat down as Gap pulled out her chair.

This was a dinner to ease tensions. Gap didn’t want trivial matters to ruin his preparations. He stopped pressing and began serving.

He narrated stories behind each dish. Women liked knowledgeable men. Young women often cared about looks, but experienced women appreciated talent.

This was a chance to showcase his skills. He recited what he learned that day, adding his own touches.

Just as he paused, wanting to give Vera space to respond, she asked, “Can we eat now?”

They stared at each other for a few seconds. Gap gritted his teeth and nodded, “Of course. I made this for us to enjoy together. Want me to cut your steak?”

“No!”

This was destined to be an unwarm, unromantic dinner. Vera took a tiny bite of each dish, sipped some wine, then picked up her napkin. “I’m done. It was a nice dinner…”

Gap was stunned. He quickly took out the gift he had prepared. “Maybe today’s not the right time. Shall we go out tomorrow?”

Under the lights, the diamond necklace and platinum bracelet sparkled enticingly, but Vera showed no interest.

She suddenly asked, “Have you used these same tricks on those women willing to kiss your ass?”

Her words shattered all romance. Gap put the gift box back on the table, frowning at Vera. “That’s all in the past. If you keep obsessing over it, the sun will never rise!”

A mocking smile appeared on Vera’s face. “The past? Do you swear on your mother’s name that you didn’t touch another woman after that day?”

Gap’s parents divorced when he was young. He was given to his mother, who struggled to raise him and gave him the chance to attend university.

Ambitious Gap never noticed that after the divorce, his mother suffered severe depression.

Even in summer, she wore long sleeves and pants—not out of tradition, but to hide the scars from harming herself. She didn’t want Gap to be distracted by her problems.

After attending Gap’s college graduation, that poor woman ended her life.

Gap carried deep guilt about his mother, wondering if things might have changed had he noticed earlier.

Vera knew this well and struck a nerve.

After a brief two-second pause, she stood and walked upstairs, already knowing the answer.