Rebirth: The New Bride Wants A Divorce-Chapter 542: Selective hearing problem

[Norma’s Office]

"Good. You are quite diligent when it comes to work. Impressive."

Kathrine frowned slightly at the unexpected praise, though she kept her thoughts to herself. Compliments from Norma were rare, and when they came, they never felt simple.

Norma closed the file in front of her and placed it neatly aside. "But your job is not done yet," she continued in a calm tone. "I want you to stay fully invested in this project and make sure nothing is overlooked. Remember, you cannot afford to upset Marcus in any way."

Kathrine maintained her composure. She simply nodded. "Understood."

Without saying anything more, she turned and walked out of the room.

The moment the door closed behind her, her expression changed. She glanced back at the shut door, her frown deepening.

Something felt off.

Norma had always taken subtle pleasure in making things difficult for her. Every minor error had been magnified. Every delay had been questioned. Yet today, she was calm. Too calm.

The deal had been signed successfully. The project was secured. Instead of tension, Norma seemed relaxed, almost satisfied.

That unsettled Kathrine more than open hostility ever had.

She remembered Daniel’s warning not to lower her guard too quickly. Just because things seemed smooth did not mean they were safe.

"For now, I’ll enjoy my little victory," she muttered softly to herself as she resumed walking down the corridor.

Inside the office, Norma remained seated, her eyes fixed on the door long after Kathrine had left.

Her expression was unreadable.

Silence filled the room.

Then her gaze shifted slowly to the file resting beside her hand. She placed her fingers lightly over it, tapping once against the cover.

A faint, wicked smile curved her lips.

Success was temporary.

And in her mind, nothing ever lasted forever.

***

[Glorious International]

Daniel was deeply focused on a report when his phone suddenly buzzed on the desk. He barely glanced at it at first, assuming it was another work notification. But the moment he saw Anna’s name, his attention shifted completely.

A voice note.

He pressed play.

"Husband, can we have lunch together?" her voice echoed softly through the room. It was not entirely her natural voice. She had used a voice modifier that made her sound like a cheerful anime character.

Daniel leaned back in his chair and chuckled. Only Anna would think of something like this during office hours.

He quickly recorded a reply. "Okay. Come to my office."

Her response came almost instantly.

"Okay... but I won’t stop at just food. I need more."

Daniel nearly dropped his phone.

His jaw tightened, and he glanced at the closed office door as if someone might have overheard. Just hearing her playful tone was enough to distract him completely. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to regain his composure.

She was doing this on purpose.

He typed nothing this time and instead sent another voice note. "Behave yourself. I’m at work."

Her reply was immediate.

"Work can wait. Your wife cannot."

Daniel laughed under his breath. He was beginning to question whether inviting her over was a wise decision. If she continued like this, controlling himself would be the real challenge, not the workload sitting on his desk.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Daniel straightened instantly. "Come in."

Henry stepped inside after knocking, holding a file in his hand. He was about to speak when Daniel’s phone played another voice note automatically.

"Husband, let’s go on four. We haven’t tried that position."

"..."

Henry felt as though he had committed a grave mistake by walking in at the wrong moment. He had only intended to deliver a file, not invade his boss’s private life. Yet there he stood, frozen in the middle of the office, feeling like a criminal whose ears had just been assaulted.

What shocked him even more was how calm Daniel appeared.

While Henry stood stiffly, questioning every life decision that had led him to this moment, Daniel simply adjusted his phone, cleared his throat, and continued as if nothing unusual had happened.

"Okay, we will do as you say," Daniel said smoothly into the phone, finishing the voice note conversation with surprising composure.

Henry’s jaw dropped slightly.

Did that mean the conversation was still ongoing? How was he so normal about this?

Daniel locked his phone and finally turned his attention to his assistant. His expression was cool and professional, as though no questionable audio had just echoed through the office.

"The file?" Daniel asked calmly, extending his hand.

Henry, still slightly dazed, stepped forward and handed it over with robotic precision. "Yes, sir."

Daniel flipped it open immediately, scanning through the pages. He did not attempt to justify or explain anything. At this point, he assumed Henry had already accepted the fact that his boss was hopelessly devoted to his wife. There was nothing more to clarify.

"Good," Daniel murmured after skimming through the contents. Then his gaze lifted. "Any updates on Collin?"

The sudden shift in tone helped Henry regain some of his professionalism. He straightened, pushing aside the secondhand embarrassment he had just suffered.

"For now, nothing," Henry replied. "He seems to be moving very carefully. I believe he is avoiding any action that might draw attention."

Daniel nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. If he knows we are watching, he will stay quiet."

The room grew silent for a moment. The earlier awkwardness still lingered faintly in the air, but both men pretended it had never existed.

Henry cleared his throat softly. "If there is nothing else, sir—"

"Wait."

Henry paused mid-step.

Daniel closed the file and leaned back in his chair. "Postpone my meetings this afternoon."

Henry blinked. "All of them?"

"Yes. All of them," Daniel replied without hesitation. "And also..." He narrowed his eyes slightly. "Forget what you heard."

Henry forced a polite smile. "Boss, I forgot to mention earlier. I have a selective hearing problem. I only hear what I am supposed to hear."

Daniel stared at him for a second, then nodded approvingly. "Good. That will be useful for your career."

Relieved, Henry gave a quick nod.

"Now get back to work," Daniel added.

Henry’s polite smile vanished instantly. Like a startled mouse, he turned and practically sprinted out of the room before another unexpected voice note could betray him again.

Once the door closed, Daniel let out a quiet breath and glanced at his phone.

His calm expression softened.

He had a feeling this afternoon was about to be far more distracting than productive.