Chapter 203: Anne’s first visit to the Sphere Group (Part 2)

Words : 1126 Updated : Sep 27th, 2025

Chapter 203: Anne’s first visit to the Sphere Group (Part 2) Anne narrowed her eyes, his words only adding to her confusion. The deeper they walked into the building, the more reverent the atmosphere became. No one dared to speak loudly. Every pair of eyes that landed on Augustine held respect. It was as if he owned the air in the room. Questions swirled in her mind. Anne looked up at him and opened her mouth. "Augustine..." "We shouldn’t be late for the meeting," he cut her short as he ushered her into the elevator. They came to the top floor, and when the elevator doors slid open, a graceful woman in her thirties greeted them with a smile. "Good morning, sir. Welcome back." She gave a slight bow before turning to Anne. "Hello, Ma’am. I’m Hana, the vice president of Sphere Group. It’s an honor to finally meet you." She stretched her hand toward her. Anne blinked in surprise as she glanced down at her hand. Why did the vice president of such a big company talk to her so respectfully? She was just a small secretary of Augustine. She smiled awkwardly as she shook hands with her. "I hope your first experience at our headquarters is a pleasant one," Hana said. Anne managed a nod, but her thoughts were racing. Hana turned back to Augustine. "I have received the instructions. The meeting will be scheduled as soon as he reaches out to us." Augustine nodded as he knew she was talking about Denis. "Hmm," he hummed softly. "I believe you will make the deal in our favor." "Rest assured, sir. Everything will go according to the plan." Anne watched them with curiosity, her confusion deepening. Why was the vice president speaking like Augustine was someone much higher in rank? She glanced at him, but he only placed a hand on the small of her back, his expression calm and composed. Hana stepped ahead and opened the door to a stately office. Anne froze as she realized it was the president’s office. "The interior of your office has been changed as per your preferences," Hana continued, gesturing for them to enter. "Please have a look." Anne’s eyes widened. "His... office?" she exclaimed. Hana smiled. "Of course. This is the president’s office." Anne inhaled sharply. She turned to Augustine. "Wait... this is your office?" He looked at her, his smirk deepening into something more tender. "I told you..." He brushed her hair back gently. "You’d find out soon." "What do you mean? Anne blinked, stunned, her heart thumping loudly in her ears. "You mean... You are the president!" He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Yes, my dear wife. Your husband is the mysterious president, Mr. Bennet." Anne stood speechless as she gaped at the man she thought she already knew, only to discover he was far more powerful than she had ever imagined. Augustine led her inside and closed the door behind them. He scanned the room, a satisfying glint in his eyes. This wasn’t the plain, business-like space he used to know. Instead, the space radiated warmth, power, and luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a sweeping cityscape view, the sunlight spilling through sheer drapes. The walls were dark wood with gold touches and modern art. In the center stood a large, dark oak desk with gold trim—it looked like a throne. On one side, a soft emerald green velvet sofa faced a marble fireplace that glowed gently. A fancy glass decanter filled with golden liquor sat nearby. Tall bookcases filled with classic books and rare artifacts. Augustine took a slow, deliberate step forward, his eyes scanning every detail with silent appreciation. A pleased smile touched his lips. "I had the office redone because I thought you’d appreciate a space that felt warm and welcoming," Augustine said as he turned toward Anne. "Do you like it?" But Anne didn’t respond. She stood frozen near the desk, her eyes locked on the nameplate sitting proudly at its center. "Augustine Bennet — President, Sphere Group." The words stared back at her like thunder. Her face was pale with disbelief, lips parted slightly as the truth hit her like a wave. The man who had been teasing her all morning was the one at the wealthiest man in the world. Augustine walked toward her quietly, reaching out and giving her shoulder a light tap. "Anne?" She blinked slowly and turned to face him, still dazed. Her voice came out as a hushed whisper, filled with disbelief. "You are... Augustine Bennet? The president and founder of Sphere Group?" Her eyes searched his face as if hoping she was wrong. "You are the mysterious president, the same man Johnson said was one of the wealthiest on the planet?" Augustine gave a calm nod. Anne staggered back a step, her hand flying up to cover her mouth. The room spun slightly. Her thoughts raced back to the auction, where the mysterious Mr. Bennet had stunned everyone by bidding millions for the heart-shaped blue pendant. She had been convinced that the pendant she had was merely a replica, a flashy gesture from Augustine trying to impress her. But now she knew the truth. That man... that anonymous, powerful bidder... had been her husband all along. The pendant wasn’t fake. He wasn’t some low-ranking employee at the Sphere Group. He was the president, the founder, the man at the top of everything. Her voice shook with a mix of hurt and anger. "Why did you hide your real identity from me? Why didn’t you tell me who you really were?" "I kept my identity hidden because I still have unresolved business with Gabriel and Denis," he explained sincerely. But I never meant to lie to you. I tried to tell you... remember? I said I was the boss. I tried to explain about the pendant, too..." Anne’s thoughts spun back to that conversation. Yes—he had tried. He had told her the pendant was real, that he wasn’t lying. But she hadn’t listened. She thought he was just jealous, trying to compete with the wealthy and mysterious Mr. Bennet. Her heart twisted. How foolish she had been. If only she had trusted him then, if only she had paid attention.... The truth had been right in front of her the whole time. Augustine took a step closer, his hands carefully wrapping around Anne’s. "I know I hid who I really was in the beginning," he admitted quietly. "But as I spent more time with you, the guilt grew. I couldn’t keep lying. That’s why I brought you here, to show you everything, to introduce you to the real me." His eyes searched hers, intense and vulnerable. "Will you step into my world, Anne?"

Chapter 203: Anne’s first visit to the Sphere Group (Part 2)

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