Part 2After Binding the Deathwish System, the Tables Turned

I didn’t understand. I paused, confused.

Vivian’s voice grew harsher. “I’m giving you half an hour. If that file isn’t back on my desk, I’m calling the police.”

“Ethan, do not test my patience.”

I was completely lost. I looked at the female officer standing beside me. She had heard everything and gestured for my phone.

Taking it, she spoke in a serious tone. “Ms. Levy, your husband was just released from police custody. He still has a fine to pay.”

“If you want to file a report, you can come directly to the precinct.”

To my surprise, Vivian let out a cold laugh. “Ethan, I’m not in the mood for your games.”

The next second, she hung up.

I had no idea what was going on, but the police told me to wait at the station while they called Vivian to come and pay the fine.

Half an hour later, Vivian stormed in. Her face was dark, and she was grilling one of the officers.

“Are you telling me he was really in a holding cell for the past ten days? He didn't go anywhere?”

The officer snapped back, “Believe what you want. Just pay the fine.”

On the way to her office, I pieced together the story from Vivian’s conversation with her assistant.

Yesterday, a crucial bid proposal had vanished from her desk drawer. It was for the company’s most important project of the year, a highly confidential document, and Vivian had the only final copy.

The bid was due tomorrow.

I was confused. “Something that important didn’t have a backup?”

The assistant answered in a small voice, “Mr. Levy accidentally spilled water on Ms. Levy’s laptop. The hard drive was completely fried.”

Vivian’s voice was a low warning. “Adrian already feels terrible about it. He’s sensitive. You are not to mention this in front of him.”

The entire office was in a state of emergency, everyone scrambling.

The only person who wasn’t was Adrian, who was sitting in Vivian’s chair, lazily browsing the web.

When he saw me, a smile spread across his face and he strode over.

“Vivian, you found Ethan! Does that mean you found the file, too?”

He took Vivian’s hand, his fingers playfully intertwining with hers. “I told you Ethan was just angry and took the file to get back at you. You don’t need to worry about the bid.”

Vivian’s expression was strange. She said nothing.

Adrian’s smile faltered. His eyes shifted to me. “Ethan, you didn’t… lose the file, did you?”

When I didn’t answer, he frowned slightly. “Ethan, I heard Vivian asked for a divorce. I know what she did was wrong, and you must be upset.”

“But you shouldn’t have taken a company document. That’s everyone’s hard work.” He changed his tone. “Just give the file back. I’ve already talked to Vivian. She won’t press charges.”

Vivian forced out a few words. “He didn’t take it.”

Adrian froze. “What? How is that possible…”

Just then, the system’s voice boomed in my head. “Slap him. Hard. Now!”

How could I dare to touch the man Vivian cherished?

But looking at the scene before me, I understood. The system had made me smash the police car to give me an airtight alibi. It wasn’t trying to hurt me.

With that realization, I swung with all my might. My palm connected with Adrian’s face with a sickening crack.

“You fake!” I spat, reciting the lines the system had prepared.

“Who the hell are you to stick your nose in my family’s business? If you’re so concerned, why don’t you try keeping your eyes off another man’s wife for a change!”

“You knew I couldn’t have the file, so you fanned the flames on purpose. I bet you’re the one who took it!”

The air went still.

Adrian clutched his cheek, his face a mask of disbelief. “You…”

I slapped him again, a backhand this time.

“‘You’ what?! Don’t talk to me. I don’t speak to home-wrecking scum. It’s disgusting!”

“Ethan, are you insane?!”

Vivian finally reacted, grabbing my wrist.

Following the system’s command, I snatched the water glass from her desk and threw its contents in her face.

The scalding water drenched her. Vivian froze.