Chapter 1

I landed a multi-billion-dollar deal for the company, but at the celebration party, the CEO's wife gave all the credit to a new assistant who'd only been with the company for six months.

I turned to my wife for some support, but she only looked at me with frustration.

"Brandon is the heir to the Johnson family from the state capital. Building a good relationship with him will benefit the company's future. You've been here a long time; can't you step aside a little?"

"Besides, if you were a rich heir from some big family, would I need to be so deferential to others?"

Later, the assistant was promoted and received a huge bonus. My wife snuggled into his arms for a picture. They gazed into each other's eyes sweetly, like a real couple, receiving everyone's blessings.

I sat quietly in the audience, watching it unfold. Everyone expected me to be insanely jealous.

But I just smiled and called the family butler. "Mr. Fortune, let's hold off on that multi-billion-dollar investment."

As soon as the meeting ended, the CEO's assistant, Brandon Johnson, who'd been with the company for just under six months, became the center of attention.

"Oh my goodness, Assistant Johnson is incredible, casually negotiating such a big contract."

"Yeah, no wonder he's the heir to the Johnson family from the state capital. His demeanor is unmatched; even his elegance is different from ordinary people."

"Assistant Johnson's clothing style is also impeccable. That must be a custom-made designer piece."

Brandon just smiled silently at the flattery, but his eyes showed his pride.

My wife, Sophia, stepped in to defend him. "Come on, don't bother Brandon anymore. He just landed such a big order for the company. He needs to rest."

I was about to stand up when her words stopped me cold. Because that order was something I begged my family to help with. When did it become Brandon's achievement?

Also, I'd never heard of a Brandon Johnson from the Johnson family in the state capital.

In my confusion, Sophia pulled out a bank card and a Porsche key, handing them to Brandon.

"Brandon, thank you for your contributions to the company."

"There's a million on the card. Let me know if it's not enough."

"And here's this car. You always say your commute is too far. I'll get you a house near the company soon..."

I stared blankly at my wife. Her eyes were full of warmth I'd never seen before.

Subtle laughter echoed around us, and some employees who knew about my marriage to Sophia looked at me mockingly, whispering to each other.

In the past, I'd have been overwhelmed with jealousy, rushing to confront Sophia.

But now, I just wanted the truth.

I picked up my jacket and left, planning to call my family to get some answers.

Someone suddenly noticed, "Hey, isn't Vice President Ethan's jacket the same as Brandon's?"

I paused and realized they were very similar. But my jacket was a custom birthday gift from an overseas designer who had since retired and vowed never to design clothing again.

So my jacket was the only one of its kind in the world.

As for where Brandon's jacket came from, I had no idea.

Brandon nonchalantly waved it off, "No worries, it's just a jacket. I just bought it on a whim. If Vice President Ethan likes it, I won't wear it tomorrow."

Everyone praised Brandon for his generosity.

Brandon even had the nerve to lecture me, "Vice President Ethan, I'm glad you like my style, but I hope you find your own style instead of imitating others."

Laughter erupted.

"People rely on clothes; horses rely on saddles. Even with the same clothes, it depends on who wears them. Vice President Ethan, have you heard the story of the ugly duckling?"

"Wearing the same outfit isn't scary; it's embarrassing if you're the ugly one!"

The taunts were sharp, but I didn't want to argue about clothes. I just wanted to sort out the investment issue.

Just as I was about to leave, Sophia blocked my way, her expression cold.

"Take off the jacket!"

Her gaze was as sharp and cold as a knife, piercing through my shell and stabbing into my heart.

I looked at her, unfamiliar. "You don't even believe me?"

Sophia was full of doubt. "The designer of this jacket is Roly from Australia, worth at least hundreds of thousands. Do you think I don't know how much you're worth?"

"Where did you get the money to buy such an expensive jacket?"

With Sophia saying this, others were even more convinced I was imitating Brandon.

They urged me, "Vice President Ethan, just take it off. It's embarrassing."

"Yeah, even if the crow is dyed white, it can't become a swan."

Brandon kindly shook his head, "Vice President Ethan, if you really like it, I'll give you mine."

"You keep wearing knock-offs. Even if you don't feel embarrassed, we all feel embarrassed for Ms. Sophia!"

Sophia's expression darkened at this, and she ordered sternly, "Ethan, I command you to take off the jacket now!"

I knew Sophia was genuinely angry now.

In the past, I'd have taken it off immediately, begging for her forgiveness.

But now, I just stubbornly looked at her, "What if I don't?"

Sophia was taken aback.

I'd always been obedient to her, accepting even her most unreasonable demands without hesitation.

But today, why was I defying her in public?

She felt a bit embarrassed, biting her lip. Then, she pulled a box cutter from her pocket, threatening me fiercely, "If you don't take it off, I'll tear it apart!"