The Enigma Called Greg

Chapter 2

Two days later, the city pulsed with its usual energy.

Greg stepped into the nearest luxury mall to his home, intending to pass the time and pick up a few things. The polished floors gleamed beneath the lights as he moved calmly between displays, his attention settling on a shelf of items he meant to buy.

Within minutes, he noticed Eva standing off to one side, picking up some items from a shelf.

She wasn’t alone.

Beside her stood a tall, sharply dressed man. His suit was immaculate—tailored to perfection—and the watch on his wrist caught the light with quiet, undeniable opulence. He leaned in slightly, murmuring something that made Eva laugh.

The sound carried.

Greg’s gaze lingered for only a moment before he turned back to the shelf, unfazed, as though they were nothing more than passing strangers.

But a few minutes later, Eva noticed him.

Her smile slipped and then she carried the items in the basket along with her, and walked up to Greg, her heels echoing sharply against the floor.

“What are you doing in a place like this?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief and barely concealed disdain.

The man beside her followed her gaze, his eyes sweeping over Greg in a single, dismissive glance before he smirked and strolled closer with her.

Eva stopped right in front of Greg, folding her arms as she tilted her head.

“You, pathetic lowlife—is this your new plan? Walk into a luxury store and hope no one notices when you steal something?” She said, her tone dripping with mockery.

A few nearby shoppers slowed, pretending to browse while clearly listening.

The man chuckled, slipping one hand into his pocket. “So this is him?” he said, looking Greg up and down with open contempt. “Your pathetic ex?”

Eva didn’t hesitate. “Exactly.”

The man stepped closer, invading Greg’s space, his lips curling in disdain.

“Well,” he said smoothly, “I have to say, it’s refreshing to see you finally accepting reality—that garbage like you, and Eva were never meant to be.” His gaze hardened. “She’s already wasted enough time struggling through your… cursed lifestyle.”

He let out a soft, mocking laugh.

“But don’t worry,” he continued, draping an arm casually around Eva’s shoulders. “I’ll take very good care of her. She won’t have to endure the kind of embarrassment she suffered with you.”

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to sting.

“I can promise you one thing—I’ll never be a failure like you.”

And with that, he threw his head back and laughed.

Before Greg could respond, Eva slipped her hand confidently into the man’s, lacing their fingers together as if to make a statement. Then she looked Greg straight in the eye, her lips curling with satisfaction.

“Since you clearly don’t belong in circles like this, let me educate you,” she said. “This is Ben Royston. The Ben Royston,” she added, lifting her chin. “Vice Controller at Virgo Holdings. I’m sure even you have heard that name—unless you’ve been too busy scraping by to notice how the real world works.”

Her grip on Ben tightened possessively.

“So now you understand why I had to leave trash like you behind for a future that actually means something.”

For a brief moment, there was silence.

Then Greg laughed.

The sound caught Ben and Eva off guard.

Because to him, this—everything about this—was absurd.

Virgo Holdings was his company!

The very empire he had built… and the same one he had intended to place in Eva’s hands after their wedding.

And Ben?

Greg’s gaze shifted to him, slow and deliberate.

He was a recent hire. Still on probation. Barely settled into the role—and already under quiet scrutiny for dishonesty and reckless behavior.

Yet here he was… posturing!

Greg let his eyes travel over him, measuring him without hurry. There was nothing remarkable there—nothing that justified the arrogance, and nothing that explained Eva’s pride or even came close.

So this was her “upgrade.”

How… underwhelming!

Greg’s laughter faded into a faint smile as he shook his head.

“So this is what you traded everything for?” He said, his voice calm but edged with disbelief.

He looked at Eva, his brows drawing together.

“I thought what we had meant something. That it was worth more than… this.” His gaze flicked briefly to Ben before returning to her. “But you didn’t just walk away foolishly—you threw it away. Without even thinking.”

Her expression tightened instantly, irritation flashing across her face.

“How dare you?” she snapped. “What exactly did you give me to think about? What does a failure like you ever have to offer?!”

Her voice rose.

“You couldn’t ever buy me a gift worth five thousand dollars!” she continued, her words dripping with contempt. Then she pulled closer to Ben, almost clinging to him. “Meanwhile, he just spent fifteen million on me in a single outing.”

"That’s the difference between you and him,” she added coldly. “That’s why I’m leaving you for good. Honestly, you should be ashamed of yourself!”

She turned sharply, tugging Ben along as they started toward the exit.

Then, after a few steps, she stopped and glanced back over her shoulder at Greg.

“You know, I used to feel sorry for you. I really did. But now? I just feel lucky I got out when I did.”

Ben snorted beside her. “Dodged a bullet, huh?”

They both burst into laughter as they walked out of the mall.