My Husband Wants An Open Marriage (Julie and Ryan)

CHAPTER 021: Immunity

I lean back in my chair, forcing myself to stay calm. My face gives nothing away, but I feel the tension coiling in my muscles, especially in my jaw. The silence stretches between us. Even the hum of the air conditioning feels deafening, and the ticking of the wall clock

sounds like gunfire.

The nerve of Ryan O'Brien to come at me with a question like that. I take a deep breath. No way am I letting him see me lose it. Not now.

I let my body relax, settling deeper into my chair. When I finally speak, my voice is calm. Too calm.

"I've read about you, Mr. O'Brien," I say. "Harvard, right? Top of your class in Business Administration. And what was it? A Master's degree in International Economics? Impressive." I tilt my head, narrowing my eyes just a little. "Tell me, at what point during all those years of education did they teach you it's okay to ask your business partner a question like that?"

Ryan's face remains neutral, but there's something in his eyes. Smugness? I'm not sure, but it's there. He leans forward slightly, his smile icy. "Since we're on the subject of education, Lucas," Ryan says, "I've also done my research on you. Degrees in Strategic Management, accolades from top financial institutions, and a few awards here and there, right?" He pauses for effect, letting the tension build. "At what point in your illustrious career did you learn it's okay to fuck your business partner's wife?" 'chuckle, shaking my head. "I wasn't aware there was an anti-fraternization policy in your company. Correct me if I'm wrong, but... aren't you sleeping with your secretary?"

His smug expression falters for just a second. He doesn't answer right away, and that brief silence tells me everything I need to know.

""It's different," he says.

"How so?" I raise an eyebrow. "Enlighten me."

"I'm the boss. The rule doesn't apply to me."

I nod slowly, as if considering his words. "Interesting logic. So by that reasoning, Julie-being the head of your marketing department, one of the highest-ranking positions in the company-is also a boss. Wouldn't that give her the same immunity you have?" Ryan's face darkens. "You think you're so damn smart, don't you?"

I raise a hand, cutting him off.

"Hold on. I wasn't finished." There's an edge to my voice now, a sharpness I want him to feel. "Let's look at this from another angle. My company put billions into this partnership with yours because, according to you, we're going to 'skyrocket together.' And I agreed, because I believe in the numbers. But here's the part you conveniently left out of the deal." I pause, watching his face grow tighter. "My company is saving yours from bankruptcy. Which means, according to your logic, I'm a boss here too. Therefore, I have the same immunity."

Ryan's knuckles are gradually turning white as he grips the edge of his desk.

"I don't have the time nor the patience for this back and forth," he growls. "I'm asking you, man to man, to leave my wife alone."

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CHAPTER 021: Immunity

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I lean forward, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Man to man, I'm going to have to politely decline

your request."

"You think you've got everything figured out, don't you? But let me ask you something. Where's your wife, Lucas? She left you, didn't she? You're so good at getting everything to work out in your favor, everything falling down before your feet... except your marriage." The jab hits harder than I expect, but I don't let it show. I just sit there, listening as he takes his shots.

"Unlike you," he continues, "some of us actually value the sacred bond of marriage. I don't intend to fall. Julie and I? We're going to stay married. Right up until death do us part."

I smile. "Let's hope you live long, then, Mr. O'Brien."

"Are you threatening me?"

I laugh, short and cold. "Did it sound like a threat? My bad. I must be slacking in my communication skills. Because if I wanted to threaten you, Ryan, here's what it would sound like." I lean in, my voice dropping to a whisper. "The next time you pull me out of my busy schedule to discuss something as stupid as this, Il will terminate whatever contract we have. And when I do, I will take your wife with me." Ryan's face flushes with anger. "You think I can't survive without this deal? Fine. Shove your partnership up your ass."

I chuckle. "Let's not be hasty. You've forgotten one important thing. Your precious company is family-owned. So, why don't you call your retired mom and dad, see what they think about you throwing away their legacy?"

That hits home. Ryan's face pales, and I know I've got him now.

I lean back in my chair. "Here's how this is going to work. You keep your ancestors' company afloat, and I'll make sure we don't hit any icebergs. But leave Julie out of it. If she wants to sail to the moon, the only thing you're required to do is buy her a ticket. Nothing more. Nothing less. Have all the girlfriends you want. Do whatever you like. The least you could do is give that woman a chance to be happy. I promise you, I'll take great offense at her unhappiness. I hope we're clear on this, Mr. O'Brien?"

Ryan sits back, his face tight with barely contained rage. But he says, "Crystal."

I rise from my chair. "I guess this is the part where we say our goodbyes and see you soons.

He forces a smile. "Of course. See you at the next strategy meeting."

I head for the door, but just before pulling it open, I pause, turning back to him. "If I may, there's something that's been bothering me. During our conversations, you made mention that Julie's friends are your friends, right?" "What's the point of this, Lucas?"

"I'm curious," I say. "How many friends do you think Julie has?"

He blinks, confused. "What the hell does that have to do with anything?"

"How many?" I press.

"I don't have time for this," he snaps. "Just leave, please."

CHAPTER 921: Immunity

"Oh no, you need to hear this. In case you don't know, the answer to that question is zero. Julie doesn't have friends anymore. And do you know why?" I step closer. "Because the one friend she had for years is too busy fucking his secretary." Ryan's face is stony. "If you're quite done, Lucas..." he begins.

I cut him off. "It's Mr. Martinez to you now."

With that, I turn and walk out, slamming the door behind me.