The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 59

To the public, the CEO of Dawnstar Capital was a generous philanthropist, known for investing in underfunded cultural preservation projects when he was given three months to live.

While those projects didn't yield massive profits, they bought him stellar PR.

Yet beneath that polished exterior hid an absolute monster.

"He's always been a hypocrite," Bianca said flatly.

She used to think the elegant, highly successful Mathis Jagger was a good man. It wasn't until after she married him that she realized his handsome face masked a core of ruthless calculation and cruelty.

Bianca handed a food container to Cillian. "Stop being angry and try Xanthe's cooking. She's a true domestic goddess."

Having worked all afternoon, Cillian's stomach rumbled in agreement.

He picked up his fork, took a bite, and his eyes widened in surprise.

"Xanthe, I had no idea you could cook like this. Looks like we'll have to rely on you for the next few days."

Xanthe looked worried. "Dropping off food is easy, but what about Mathis threatening to ruin you guys? What are we going to do?"

Cillian's expression darkened. "He's corporate royalty; he has a million dirty tricks up his sleeve. When he gets back, I'll go apologize to him. I just won't stoop to insulting his mistress anymore."

Bianca's face drained of color. "Cillian, no. This is my mess, and I dragged you into it. I'll go apologize to Cynthia. She loves nothing more than stepping on me to feel superior. I'll just swallow my pride and give her what she wants this once."

"Absolutely not," Cillian and Xanthe shot back in unison.

Xanthe knew that as a pregnant woman, the last thing Bianca needed was a spike in stress; the emotional toll could threaten the baby.

Cillian simply believed that a woman as brilliant and proud as Bianca should never have to bow her head to a cheating husband and his mistress.

She hadn't done anything wrong.

"Thank you."

By ten o'clock, the rest of the floor had cleared out. Only Cillian, Bianca, and Mathis remained.

Cillian snapped his laptop shut, shoved it into his briefcase, and strode straight into Mathis's office.

Mathis was sitting there in a rich brown silk shirt and white trousers, his imposing frame and flawless features radiating power. Cillian instantly remembered Bianca calling him a hypocrite; given his recent behavior, the man was a straight-up sociopath.

Mathis glanced up. "Can I help you, Mr. Calder?"

Cillian didn't waste time. "Mr. Jagger, I spoke without thinking earlier and insulted your girlfriend. I'm here to ask that you be the bigger person and not hold it against us."

"Us?" Mathis's voice was dangerously cold. "You and who?"

Cillian cursed the man internally for being so petty, but swallowing his anger, he replied, "Myself and Ms. Baldwin."