By the time Gideon regained his composure, Athena had already left.

He stared at Byron in disbelief. "Did you see what I saw? Is that amazing girl your obedient secretary?"

Byron remained silent, his face gloomy.

Panic and confusion were evident in his eyes.

He remembered the agreement he had made with Athena long ago.

But he never thought she would actually leave just because he was getting married.

Throughout the years, she had always been obedient and never refused any of his demands.

He couldn't believe she would defy him this time.

“How dare she!”

Byron stood up, ignoring Gideon's chattering, and angrily stormed out.

After submitting her resignation, Amelia was ready to hand over her work immediately.

But as she returned to the secretary's room, Byron followed her inside.

"Is there something else you want to say, Mr. Crawford?" Athena looked at him, devoid of her usual tenderness from before.

Her attitude only darkened Byron's frown.

"Am I not good enough for you? Why would you make a scene like that?" He approached Athena slowly.

Her face paled with each of his steps.

She tried to step back, but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him.

"Mr. Crawford, I have to leave once you're married. That's what we agreed on," she said softly.

He sneered, "So, the villa and all that money aren't enough for you, huh?"

She froze, recalling his words from earlier. He truly believed she would do anything for money.

Nausea washed over her once again. She desperately struggled to break free from this man who had humiliated her. "Let go of me!"

"Don't test me, Athena. I don't have time for games. Just tell me your price." He tightened his grip on her wrist, so tight he might break it.

Even now, he still thought she wanted to end things because he hadn't given her enough money. He couldn't comprehend any other reason. He believed she wouldn't truly leave him if he gave her more.

Athena frowned and stared silently at him. She always knew she was just a replacement for the past five years. All of Byron's affection was meant for someone else. If she allowed herself to be ensnared by that affection, it would only lead to heartbreak.

"Byron, I can’t!" she declared. "My mother died because of a mistress. I refuse to become one too!"

The room fell silent.

Only their breathing could be heard.

Through all his confusion, it finally seemed to reach Byron: she truly wanted to end things with him.

"It's been a while since you last visited your grandma, hasn’t it?” His tone has softened, his anger suppressed. “I'll give you a month off. Take your time to think about things."

With the mention of her grandmother, her whole body stiffened.

His words only made her more determined and resolute.

"I don't need a month. I've made up my mind."

"Athena!"

He could no longer control his temper.

"I’ve kept you around for five years after Freya left. Do you really expect me to just find a replacement anywhere?"

Athena refused to hear his reasons.

He could easily find other girls to take her place, but he simply didn't want to waste time adjusting.

"Mr. Crawford, I know my place. I'm just a nobody," she coldly replied.

"...Fine."

Byron released his grip on her wrist, then scowled.

"You may not be the most like Freya, but you are the most obedient. That was the only thing you had going for you," he looked at her, returning to his usual cold demeanor. "Now, you've lost your only advantage. Since you've already made up your mind, I'll grant your wish."

Athena suppressed the mixed emotions swelling inside her and calmly replied, "Thank you… I’ll hand over all my work and won't cause you any trouble."

"A new secretary will be coming. Just make sure to train her well before you leave."

Then, Byron walked away without looking back.

Coming from a wealthy family, he was born with a natural sense of superiority and arrogance.

He chose Athena before because she looked almost identical to Freya and did everything he asked.

But now, she refused to listen to him. It looked like he had finally lost his patience, and wouldn't bother her anymore.

Athena glanced at the bruise on her wrist and finally felt free for the first time in five years.

Then, she went to the hospital for the check-up. The results confirmed that she was eight weeks pregnant.

She tried to remember and vaguely recalled having unprotected sex with Byron on his birthday two months ago. It was the only time, but she ended up getting pregnant.

Athena couldn't accept this unexpected turn of events. The doctor, noticing her lonely and dejected appearance, kindly said, "Madam, it's not easy for you to conceive given your condition. I suggest you consider keeping the child."

Athena wasn't sure if she was lucky or unlucky, as it happened so easily. This situation left her feeling deeply depressed.

"I will take care," she replied.

After leaving the hospital, she made her way to Byron's house.

Whenever he wanted to have sex, they would either be at the residence he provided for her or in the lounge of the secretary's office.

Since she occasionally stayed at his place, there wasn't much for her to pack. Just one suitcase was enough.

She packed carefully, making sure she didn't leave anything behind.

Once she finished, she returned to her own place and began sorting through her work notes and tasks that needed to be handed over to the next secretary.

The next day, Athena came over to the office early to hand over her work.

Word got around fast that she was quitting.

Everyone knew that only Athena could handle the tough boss.

So the folks in the President's Office were sad to see her.

"Athena, why did you quit?! What are we going to do without you?"

"That's right! Mr. Crawford is terrifying when he's angry. I was too scared to even breathe yesterday!"

"Miss Newton, please don't leave. We can't handle Mr. Crawford without you!"

As they chatted, the president's elevator lit up.

They immediately straightened up and stood neatly at the elevator entrance.

A moment later, the doors opened.

Byron, dressed in a black designer suit, stepped out with Ruby by his side.

"Good morning, Mr. Crawford," everyone greeted in unison, including Athena, who was standing at the back.

She was still wearing her usual work attire, with her long hair cascading down her shoulders.

She no longer looked timid and submissive, but indifferent.

Byron led Ruby towards her.

"This is my new secretary, Ruby Holland," His voice was ice-cold, devoid of any emotion. "Show her the ropes and fill her in on all your responsibilities."