Chapter8 My voice wasn't loud, but it struck Edward like a thunderclap. The familiar sound made him stiffen instinctively. He looked at me, disbelief written all over his face. When he caught sight of me, a flash of shock crossed his cold, proud eyes. Before he could speak, Claire erupted. "You shameless bitch! How dare you call him by his first name like that?" The other diners joined in, their indignation loud and vicious. "Look at this wretch! Even after being beaten to the ground, she still wants Mr. Sterling's attention!" "Disgusting! Don't you see how perfect Mr. Sterling treats our boss lady? Who do you think you are, messing with their relationship?" "Shame on women like you! Poor, pathetic, and the moment you see a rich man, you're ready to throw yourself at him as a mistress!" Their words of insult and degradation rolled over me, but I felt nothing. I kept my expression blank, my gaze fixed on Edward. "Edward... did you hear that?" I asked coldly. "They say I'm not worthy of your name." "What do you think?" The simple question hung in the air, and Edward fell silent. Seeing his hesitation, Claire couldn't contain herself. She snapped. "How dare you speak to my husband like that, you wretched little slut?" "I swear, I'll beat you to death today!" She strode forward, raising her hand to strike me. But Edward was quicker. He grabbed her wrist. Claire froze, disbelief etched across her face. "Edward... why are you stopping me?" "Why won't you let me teach this filthy little mistress a lesson for trying to seduce my husband right in front of me?" "Have you really been taken in by her? Just because she called you by name, you're letting her off the hook?" Her words caused a stir. The restaurant staff and onlookers whispered among themselves. "No way... has Mr. Sterling really been seduced by this woman?" "Looks like it... why else would he intervene?" "This slut... she's a born seductress! A mistress right under our boss lady's nose!" "I hate mistresses. All mistresses should die!" Amid the murmurs, Edward walked toward me, composed and unflinching. "Vanessa Bennett, since you've seen all this, I won't hide anything anymore." "Which wealthy man nowadays doesn't want multiple wives and mistresses?" "You're my wife, yes-but that doesn't give you the right to come into my restaurant and make a scene.' "" In "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" by CrushReel, a heartfelt romance unfolds between a woman and the president she has long admired since youth. Overcoming insecurities about her appearance, she finds herself working closely with him as his assistant, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their relationship. This modern romance novel explores themes of self-acceptance, unrequited love, and the dynamics of power and attraction in an office setting. The unique blend of billionaire CEO dynamics, hidden feelings, and the revelation of secrets adds layers of intrigue to the story, keeping readers captivated as the plot unfolds. What sets this novel apart is its delicate balance between sweet romance and the complexities of relationships in a contemporary workplace. With each chapter, readers are drawn deeper into the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate their growing connection amidst professional responsibilities and personal desires. For those seeking a compelling tale that combines elements of romance, secrecy, and personal transformation, "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" is available to read at CrushReel, offering a captivating escape into a world where love conquers all.