My Child and I Married a Billionaire

Chapter 12: Contracts Gained By Sleeping Around

Editor: Henyee Translations

"Compensation?" Cecelia blinked in surprise.

Years ago, saving Damien’s life had been nothing more than an instinctive act of kindness. She had never expected anything in return, and after all this time, she certainly wasn’t looking for repayment.

"So the money you gave me yesterday was meant as compensation?" she asked. "Mr. Vaughn, that’s really generous of you, but I can’t accept it. I may not have much right now, but I’m still young. As long as I work hard and stay grounded, things will get better eventually." She paused before adding softly, "Besides, earning money isn’t easy for anyone."

There was more she wanted to say.

From what she’d heard, Damien’s profession wasn’t exactly known for longevity. If making money were that difficult, he should be careful with it. Save while he was young. Build a future. Get married. Have children. Settle down. Otherwise, one day he might look back and regret not planning ahead.

But they weren’t close enough for that kind of conversation. And who was she to tell him how to live his life?

Damien glanced at her. Her rain-soaked hair had been pulled back neatly, revealing delicate features and skin so fair it seemed almost luminous. But what caught his attention most were her eyes.

Clear. Bright. Innocent.

Like a child’s.

There was an honesty in the way she looked at people, an openness that felt strangely rare.

The heat he’d only just managed to suppress stirred again. Damien looked away immediately. Since everything had been explained and Cecelia had firmly rejected the money, he didn’t push the issue further.

"Alright," he said. "I’ll call you when I have some free time."

When they arrived at DL Group headquarters, Damien stepped out of the car. His phone immediately began ringing.

His assistant.

Again, and again.

After ending the call, he glanced at his messages. A transfer notification popped up.

Cecelia had returned every cent. Not only had she rejected his financial help, but she’d refunded the money for her damaged clothes—and even included extra compensation for him. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

Damien stared at the screen.

What exactly was wrong with this woman?

After several seconds of silence, he deleted the chat window.

The following morning, a major project in Corvane encountered unexpected complications that required his personal attention.

Damien left the city immediately.

Meanwhile, back at Cecelia’s company...

Ever since the incident a few days ago, Vivian had been holding a grudge. Now that Cecelia had become her team leader, Vivian wasted no time making things difficult for her.

"Ms. Archer," Vivian said pitifully, dropping a file onto her desk, "could you please take a look at the Wenie account? I’ve handled them for years, and everything was fine until suddenly they refused to renew their contract. I’ve tried everything. Nothing works. I’m completely out of ideas."

As the saying goes, with greater responsibility came greater accountability. As team leader, Cecelia wasn’t only responsible for her own performance but for her entire team’s results as well.

Ignoring the issue wasn’t an option.

She opened the file and reviewed the account. Within minutes, she found the problem. Copper prices had surged recently, and the supplier was requesting a price adjustment.

A completely normal market response.

With Vivian’s experience, there was no way she hadn’t recognized that. Either something else was going on... Or she was simply dumping her work onto someone else.

Cecelia accepted the assignment but remained cautious. After calculating a revised pricing proposal, she submitted it and quickly arranged a meeting with the client.

As expected, there had never been any intention to terminate the partnership.

Just a simple negotiation could settle the issue.

After a brief discussion and some adjustments to the pricing structure, both sides reached an agreement. The contract was renewed without difficulty.

Back at the office, Cecelia walked over to Vivian’s desk and placed the signed contract in front of her.

"Copper prices have been fluctuating for weeks," she said calmly. "Adjusting pricing according to market conditions is standard practice. You should already know that."

Vivian’s expression stiffened.

"As your team leader, I’m happy to help when necessary," Cecelia continued. "But I can’t solve every problem for you. This is the last time. Don’t bring me issues like this again without attempting to handle them yourself first."

She turned to leave. But Vivian wasn’t finished. Leaning lazily against a nearby desk, she crossed her arms. "Cecelia," she drawled, "haven’t you been awfully lucky lately?"

Cecelia stopped. "What do you mean?"

Vivian smirked. "Everything seems to go your way these days. Management likes you. Male clients love you. Every contract lands in your lap without any trouble at all." She tilted her head. "What’s your secret?"

The implication couldn’t have been more obvious.

Cecelia’s expression cooled. "I’ve said everything I needed to say," she replied. "If you have time to gossip, use it to improve your performance."

But Vivian merely laughed. "Come on." She looked Cecelia up and down. "Isn’t your husband rich?" Her voice rose slightly. "He drives luxury cars. Eats at restaurants where a single meal costs more than most people’s monthly salary." She pointed at Cecelia’s handbag. "So why are you still carrying that?"

The leather was visibly worn.

"If I remember correctly, you’ve had that bag for at least three years." Then she glanced downward. "And those shoes? Aren’t they practically antiques by now?"

Several nearby employees exchanged looks.

Vivian continued relentlessly, "What’s the matter? Your husband doesn’t give you money?" Her smile widened. "Or was that man the other night not actually your husband?"

The office grew quieter.

"Maybe you hired some actor just to save face."

A few people began watching openly now.

Cecelia felt a flicker of panic. But only for a moment. She and Damien had a legal marriage certificate. There was nothing to fear. "You have quite an imagination," she said flatly. "Instead of inventing stories about me, perhaps you should spend more time focusing on your clients."

She opened her drawer and reached for her bag.

Suddenly, Vivian grabbed it. Something fell onto the desk. For a brief second, the entire office went silent. Then Vivian gasped dramatically, "Oh my God!" She picked up a torn condom wrapper. "Cecelia!" Her voice echoed across the room. "You carry these around with you?"

Employees immediately turned toward them.

Vivian held it high like evidence in a courtroom. "Not just any condoms either." She squinted at the packaging. "Wow. Premium stuff."

Several people started whispering.

Cecelia’s face darkened instantly. She knew Vivian had been planning something. But she hadn’t expected this. "What is wrong with you?" she snapped, slamming her mouse onto the desk.

Vivian only became more excited. As though performing for an audience, she reached inside the wrapper. Then pulled something else out.

A used condom.

The office exploded into shocked murmurs.

"Oh wow," Vivian exclaimed loudly. "There’s more!" She stared dramatically at the item. "Whose is this?" Then she turned toward Cecelia. "No wonder your contracts always get approved." A malicious smile spread across her face. "Tell me, did you sleep with President Mason?"

The crowd gasped.

"Sure, he’s rich," Vivian continued mockingly, "but he’s old, bald, and greasy. Honestly, Cecelia, how did you manage it?" She lowered her voice just enough to sound cruel. "Things must be really difficult for you if you’re willing to go that far for money."

The office had become completely silent.

Everyone was watching.

Cecelia’s fingers curled into fists. Disgust churned in her stomach. She pointed directly at Vivian. "I’m warning you." Her voice trembled with anger. "Keep slandering me, and I’ll call the police."

Vivian immediately tossed the condom into a nearby trash can.

"Oh, don’t be upset." She covered her mouth theatrically. "I didn’t mean to expose your little secret." Then she looked around at the crowd. "Let’s all pretend we didn’t see anything." Her smile widened. "Deal?"

The whispers only grew louder.