The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY novel Chapter 53

The day I first met Nathaniel’s sponsored college girl, I had just chased down a high–speed train in heels to close a deal.

Watching the sweat beading on my forehead, Celeste gave me a once–over with critical eyes, pouting as she whined:

“Nathaniel, honey, this is your LENGENDARY executive assistant? She looks like she just rolled out of someone’s bed–probably seals deals on her back, if you know what I mean.”

My professional composure nearly fucking cracked.

Even stray dogs digging through trash at 3 AM would call me a workaholic.

Headhunters were throwing eight–figure offers at me. And this bitch just accused me of being the boss’s personal

whore?

I turned and dialed my phone:

“Dad, I’m done with this ‘gaining experience‘ bullshit. Once wrap up this current project, I’m coming home to take over the empire.”

Before I could even attempt an explanation, Celeste continued her indignant rant:

“Girls like her–all curves and no brains–obviously slept their way to the top.”

“Nathaniel honey, fire her immediately! Having trash like this around ruins company morale. Give her position to someone who actually earned it!”

Nathaniel frowned slightly, attempting to placate her: “Celeste, you’re misunderstanding the situation.”

“Isabella is one of our highest–paid executives. Her professional capabilities rival even my own.”

His usually sharp mind seemed clouded by infatuation, completely blind to Celeste’s hostile intentions toward me.

“Isabella has been my executive assistant for three years, and her performance is impeccable. I want her to mentor you during your internship–you could learn a great deal from her.”

Celeste tilted her chin up, regarding me with contempt:

“I graduated from Beijing Maritime University. What backwater diploma mill did she attend that qualifies her to teach me anything?”

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The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY

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Chapter 1

The atmosphere instantly froze, though she seemed smugly convinced that I was simply too intimidated to respond.

Finally, Nathaniel broke the silence:

“Isabella graduated with her PhD from MIT. Celeste, a little humility would serve you well.”

Celeste’s pale cheeks flushed crimson, but she muttered defiantly:

“Foreign degrees are meaningless–you can buy those with enough money. What’s she trying to prove?”

She tugged at Nathaniel’s sleeve, adopting a coquettish tone:

“Well then I’ll have to keep a close eye on her–can’t give her any opportunities to seduce you!”

She’d cast herself as the Cinderella of this fairy tale.

Which made me the wicked stepsister standing in the way of her happily ever after.

Nathaniel rubbed his temples, his gaze toward me carrying both apology and a plea for help.

I understood immediately.

Cleaning up the boss’s messes was part of my job description

Maintaining my professional smile, I addressed Celeste with gentle diplomacy: “Miss Clearwater, I believe there’s been a misunderstanding. Mr. Blackthorne and I maintain a strictly professional relationship.”

“If you’d like verification, I can provide our employment contracts and communication records for your review.”

Nathaniel seized the opportunity to smooth things over: “That’s enough dramatics, Celeste. Wait for me in the conference room–I’ll join you after signing these contracts.”

Only then did Celeste reluctantly allow herself to be dismissed, though not without shooting me one final venomous glare.

Nathaniel stopped me as I headed toward the door, his tone complex:

“I apologize for the inconvenience. Your salary will be doubled starting this month.”

As I emerged from the office, Celeste looked at me with disgust and announced loudly:

“Miss Ashford, that slutty outfit needs to go. Dressing so provocatively–who exactly are you trying to seduce?”

I glanced down at my conservative, utterly unremarkable business dress, genuinely puzzled.

Before I could respond, she continued her accusations:

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The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY

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“Flaunting your chest in that fitted dress–you’re practically begging for attention. Even if you are just office decoration, you should have some sense of propriety in a professional environment.”

This dress was specifically chosen for client meetings–hardly the scandalous ensemble she was describing!

Besides, what kind of “decoration” works all–nighters on project proposals until the dark circles under her eyes need industrial–strength concealer?

Seeing Celeste’s relentless attitude, Nathaniel reluctantly conceded:

“Miss Ashford, please wear pantsuits to the office from now on.”

I glanced at the 108–degree heat outside and nodded expressionlessly.

To say my heart didn’t sting would be a lie.

Years ago, when grief over my mother’s death had left me disoriented and nearly drowning, he had saved me.

So when it came time for my corporate training before inheriting the family empire, I chose his company.

Even when the Blackthorne family had fallen from grace, I stood by Nathaniel through every crisis, helping resurrect his dying company.

We were colleagues, close friends, kindred spirits.

He’d even joked once that if we were both still single at thirty, he’d give me the wedding of my dreams.

I hadn’t taken him seriously.

But now, I suddenly realized he wasn’t the man I remembered him to be.

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