Cheaper seven

Two years later

Laura

The moment the plane touched down in Manhattan, I didn’t feel the same suffocating weight I once had. A year ago, I left this city shattered but today I returned rebuilt and stronger.

The skyline stretched outside the window like an old rival waiting to test me again. But this time, I wasn’t the naïve woman who had begged for love and acceptance. I had spent two years healing, studying, coding until dawn, pushing myself beyond limits I didn’t know I had. I had worked for firms across Europe and Silicon Valley remotely, led projects that outperformed global benchmarks, and quietly built a name for myself in the tech industry.

Now, I was walking back into Manhattan not as Lucien’s wife but as one of the top software engineers in the world.

When I stepped out of the terminal, Freda was already waiting, leaning against her car with oversized sunglasses and that familiar smirk.

“Well,” she said, pushing the glasses up her nose, “look who finally decided to come home.”

I smiled faintly as she pulled me into a hug. “Missed me?”

“Terribly. You abandoned me for self-growth and global domination.”

I rolled my eyes and slid into the passenger seat.

She started the engine. “Home?”

“No,” I said immediately. “Take me to the office.” I have business to sort out immediately and I can’t afford to slack.,

She glanced at me. “Laura. You just got off a six-hour flight.”

“I know.”

“You haven’t even seen your apartment yet.”

“I will see it later, but I need to tend to business first.” I said.

She sighed dramatically. “You are not even officially on payroll yet.”

“I will be in two hours,” I replied calmly.

Freda shook her head but turned the car toward Midtown anyway. “You could at least rest before meeting Ethan Cole,” she muttered.

“I have enough time to rest after this meeting.” That made her quiet.

The building rose ahead of us, sleek glass and steel, reflecting the afternoon sun. The headquarters of Cole Dynamics. Lucien’s biggest rival. Cole Dynamics was Lucien’s fiercest competitor in advanced AI modeling and cybersecurity architecture. They didn’t collaborate, they competed aggressively. And today, I was choosing my battlefield.

Freda parked and turned to me. “Last chance to change your mind. You know you don’t have to work for him, you have enough resources to build something for yourself.” She said.

I know I have something to start up my tech company but it would take a long time to be at Lucien's level, I need a place to unleash my terror on him right away. “That’s going to take ages, I need them to start feeling my presence.” I stepped out.

The lobby was immaculate, modern, and intimidating. Within minutes, I was escorted to the top floor. When the doors opened, Ethan Cole was standing by the window.

He turned when he heard my heels. “Laura Robert ” he said smoothly. “The engineer who redesigned a predictive fault-tolerance system in six weeks.”

I smiled as he walked towards me and gestured that I take my seat. “So,” he said smoothly, studying me. “The prodigy finally returns.”

“All thanks to your offer, too good to pass.” I said. I had no intention of returning anytime soon but his juicy work offer made me return.

A faint smile touched his lips. “I have reviewed your portfolio,” he continued. “Impressive doesn’t begin to describe it. If you join my executive tech division, you won’t just lead projects, you will reshape markets.”

“I know.”

His brow lifted slightly at my confidence .He didn’t waste time. “I want you leading our next-generation neural integration project.”

“I will accept but,” I added calmly, “if you truly want me working here, I have one condition.”

He leaned back against his desk. “I’m listening.”

“You will terminate your backend systems contract with Valeon Holdings.”

His expression didn’t change, “You terminate your government defense subcontract with Orion Grid Technologies.” Orion Grid wasn’t Lucien’s company but it belonged to Megan’s father. I am starting to get my revenge from him.

“That contract is profitable,” Ethan said carefully.

“It’s also a liability,” I replied evenly. “Their encryption protocols are outdated, their compliance audits are shaky, and if they are exposed, anyone connected to them will bleed reputational damage.”

Silence stretched between us. “This isn’t about Lucien Vale,” he said.

“No,” I answered calmly. “This is about standards.”

The room went quiet again, Ethan studied me for a long moment, then he nodded his head. “Consider it done.”

He extended his hand. “Welcome to Cole Dynamics, Laura.”

I smirked as I shook his hands, “Every detail of the dinner will be sent to you soon.” He said.

The invitation to Ethan’s corporate launch gala came that evening, one of the reasons I returned to Manhattan, I didn’t want to miss it for anything. It was going to be a top party, CEOs, government officials, investors and industry leaders would be there and I was going to be announced as the leader of Cole Dynamics’ next-generation neural integration system.

Lucien and his mom would be in attendance and I long to see the look on their faces when I am announced.

Freda was sitting cross-legged on my bed when I told her. She blinked once. “Are you going to be fine facing those wolves?”

“Took me two years to prepare for this,” I said calmly, walking to my closet. “I am ready for anything.”

Tonight, they wouldn’t be looking at the woman who once waited for his attention. They would be looking at the lead engineer of his biggest competitor’s breakthrough product.

I pulled out a structured black gown. It was classy and elegant, cost me a fortune but I got it for this occasion.

“Now, that’s a crazy ass gown, perfecto.” Freda said as she walked towards me and took the gown from me. “Let’s get you dolled up for this occasion.” She said.