A Car, A Secretary, A Lifetime of Regret

I wasted no time halting the international deal Hart Group was about to sign next week.

Soon after, my husband, Landon Hart, bombarded me with calls. My trusted assistant screened them, replying each time, "Sorry, Mr. Hart. Ms. Young is in a meeting."

Playing the silent treatment? Two could play that game.

I didn't have to wait long before Landon kicked open my office door in a rage and slammed his hand against my desk.

"Susanne, are you out of your mind?" he roared. "That was a 300-million-dollar deal! Are you going to destroy my company over some stupid dare?"

The man who was usually aloof and poised had now lost control, all for his precious secretary.

I set the reports down and looked at his furious, twisted expression. "You have 15 minutes left."

Ten minutes later, Landon sent me a photo. The Maybach's interior had been restored to pristine condition, free of any trace of his lewd activities, and was undergoing professional cleaning.

I immediately notified the International Division. "Proceed with the signing as planned."

Following that, I sent Landon a photo in return. His treasured watch had been smashed to pieces, and his favorite collectible figure was soaking in a filthy mop bucket.

"Consider this my part of the dare, and remember where my bottom line is. This is only a warning. Push me again, and the consequences will be more than you can handle."

Not a squeak from Landon. I knew he was furious, but so was I.

Back then, the marriage of convenience between the Young and Hart families had been his idea. He was also the one who refused the option of living separate lives after marriage.

In six years, we went from mutual respect to genuine partnership. After our son, Charlie, was born, I poured all my energy into our family, helping both our families thrive.

I believed we would support each other until old age, retire after our achievements, and live out our days together… until he shattered the stable, happy life we had built.

That brief suspension of the 300-million-dollar deal was only a warning shot.