He Exposed Me for Laughs, I Cut Funding

Alexis messaged, "@Everyone, did anyone get a scare from Mrs. Scoll visiting today? Hahaha!"

Someone named Watson from the technical department replied, "Alex, you sure are amazing! That photo is practically the best charm to ward off bad luck. I even wrote two less bugs in my code earlier!"

Zander from operations sent, "Mrs. Scoll's expression is just too cursed! Can we use it for some merchandise? Maybe put them by the company entrance to attract fortune our way?"

Anthony was also in the group. Sending a sticker showing someone with their hands spread in helplessness, he typed, "Hey, that's enough. Don't take it too far. She's still my wife and deserves a certain amount of respect."

Alexis teased, "Oooh, getting upset, are we? Then as punishment, you have to treat me to a nice dinner tonight!"

Anthony replied, "Alright."

Staring at the messages on my screen, I felt as though all the blood in my veins had turned to ice.

This was his so-called "respect" and "geek humor"? To stomp all over his own wife's dignity for the sake of others' amusement?

I took a deep breath, though I didn't leave the group, nor did I fly into a rage. I simply quietly took screenshots of the messages and saved them, not forgetting to save some backup copies.

After that, I turned on my laptop and logged into an encrypted cloud drive that I hadn't used in a long time.

In it was an original source code file. It was the core technology behind Anthony's company—the first generation of the "PeaceMind" intelligent algorithm.

However, the name of the developer wasn't "Anthony", but "Kim".

Three years ago, Anthony had begged me tearfully, "Kimmy, the investor only cares for male entrepreneurs. Give me the developer rights, then once the company goes public, the glory will belong to both of us."

I had believed him at the time and foolishly gifted him my masterpiece.

Yet, it seemed like the only thing I received in return for that now was an ungrateful heart.

…

Anthony returned home around 11:00 pm, reeking of alcohol and the faint scent of a woman's perfume.

The moment he came in, he collapsed on the couch and tossed his tie away carelessly.

"Water."

I didn't move.

Anthony's brow furrowed before he raised his head to look at me and bark in an annoyed tone, "Are you deaf? Bring me some water!"

Nonetheless, I merely stared at him coldly. "Anthony Scoll, Alexis claimed that she hit me because her hand slipped. Are you just going to let her bully me like that?"

That had Anthony snapping into an upright position, an impatient look crossing his features.

"Are you seriously still harping on about that? Alex already said it was an accident! She worked tirelessly for the past three nights, not getting a wink of sleep, all for the company, so what's wrong with her being a little more emotional than usual?

"You're nothing but a bum who lazes around at home all day! Can't you at least appreciate how hard it is for us entrepreneurs?

"Besides, she's practically my sister. Why hold it against a younger woman like her?"

I was so furious at his words that a bubble of angry laughter burst from my lips.

"Sister? What kind of woman would sit on her brother's lap when reviewing coding? What kind of woman would print their sister-in-law's photo on a floor mat for everyone to step on?"

There was a change in Anthony's expression, something flickering in his eyes, before he grew even more infuriated.

"How can your mind be that dirty? What Alex and I have is pure and simple camaraderie! Just because you're filthy, you think everyone else is like you!

"I'm warning you, Kimberly Suther. Don't come to the company to cause trouble. The investor is coming tomorrow for a talk, so if anything goes wrong, I'll definitely not let you go!"

With that, he stormed into his study and shut it with a bang.

I stood in the living room, staring at his tightly shut door.

Pure and simple camaraderie?

Fine then! I would show them what a true technical exchange was like!