Chapter 1

I traced the cold, sharp edges of the brass nameplate on my desk. My index pad slid against the raised lettering, feeling every carved line of my identity while a familiar tightness clamped down around my ribs, fighting for breath. A single tear slipped from my lash line, tracing a path down my cheek before falling onto the crisp fabric of the white tablecloth below.

​I reached for my phone, tapping the screen to life. The glow illuminated my face, instantly flashing a breaking news notification about my ex-husband that made my jaw set tight.

​He will regret abandoning me three years ago, I thought, locking the screen with a sharp click. Now that I am back, I will make him crawl on his knees.

​The door creaked open, breaking the silence. I cleared my dry throat, pushing down the knot in my chest before looking up.

​"Miss Lora, how are you?" Scarlet stepped into the room, a leather folder tucked under her arm. Her eyes flicked to my dark phone screen. "Did you see the news about him?"

​I forced my lips into a smooth, practiced curve. "It is undeniable that he excels at what he does, Scarlet. He always remains in his own league, convincing the world no one can bring him down." I pressed a hand against my sternum, fighting the lingering weight there. "He pushed me away and chose someone else, he used me as a woman he married simply to use as a stepping stone until he reached the peak of his career. I am going to drag him down from that peak."

​He had stripped me of everything: my breath, my identity, and every asset my father had built and left behind.

​Another stray tear escaped, splashing hot against my wrist.

​"Miss Lora, are you alright?" Scarlet took a cautious step forward.

​I took a slow breath, forcing my shoulders to drop and relax. "Yes, Scarlet. My mind simply paints every memory whenever his face appears. I am fine." I offered a sharp, confident smile. "What does my schedule look like today?"

​Scarlet flipped open her folder, her eyes scanning the page. "You have no pressing matters for the rest of the afternoon. However, tonight you are scheduled to attend the charity auction at the Supreme Hotel."

​"Good thing I asked," I said, rising from my leather chair. "Keep an eye on things here while I head home to rest. Remind the driver to pick me up at seven o'clock."

​"Seven o'clock?" Scarlet blinked, her voice rising an octave. "Miss Lora, the auction begins at six. You cannot arrive late."

​"Scarlet, I know what I am doing."

​"But the main event—"

​I held up a single palm, cutting her off. "Trust me."

​Scarlet hesitated, then swallowed hard. "As you say, Miss Lora."

​I stepped past my secretary and exited the office.

-

​At my estate, I walked straight into the sunlit garden, stepping onto the stone patio and sinking into a wicker rocking chair. I slid a pair of dark sunglasses over my eyes. Warm sunlight washed over my skin, penetrating the chill that seemed to linger deep within my bones.

​I had grown up wrapped in absolute luxury, shielded by a father who handed me the world on a silver platter. That safety had made me soft, turning me into a woman who depended entirely on others. My ex-husband had seen me as nothing more than a fragile creature hiding beneath someone else's wings. He was about to find out that those wings had turned to steel.

-

​Inside my dressing room, I stood before the full length mirror. My reflection returned a steady, unblinking gaze. The timid girl who wept at every turn was gone, replaced by a woman with fire in her veins.

​The overhead chandeliers caught the metallic weave of my silver gown and the sharp cuts of my diamond necklace, scattering brilliant bursts of light across the room.

​Two maids stood near the doorway, hands folded, watching me with open admiration.

​"Miss Lora, Scarlet called from the venue," the driver said, checking his wrist watch nervously. "She said there are only a few items left before The Golden Heart of Paradise goes up for bidding. We must leave within thirty minutes or you will miss it."

​"Calm down. Everything is according to plan." I glided past him, stepping out toward the waiting limousine. "Where is Scarlet? I told her to ride with us."

​"She went ahead to secure your entry details and monitor the room," the driver replied, holding the car door open.

​"Very well. Let us go." I slid into the leather interior.

​I stared out the tinted window as the city lights blurred past. For years, I had locked myself in a cage of reliance, ignoring the vast world outside while he systematically stripped me of my legacy.

​The limousine pulled up to the Supreme Hotel. Instead of heading toward the main ballroom floor, I slipped up the grand marble staircase to the shadowed balcony overlooking the event. Below, the city's elite crowded around round tables, throwing around vast sums of money to display their status.

No one noticed my presence above.

​My phone vibrated in my clutch. I answered and brought it to my ear.

​"Miss Lora, where are you?" Scarlet's panicked whisper came through the receiver. "You should be in your seat. The Golden Heart of Paradise is next."

​"I am here, Scarlet. Relax."

​"How can I relax? That necklace is your declaration to the entire board that the CEO of La Lora is back to claim what belongs to her. You are supposed to be sitting right in front of your ex-husband."

​"I am fully aware of the stakes, my dear Scarlet."

​"Your seat is completely empty," Scarlet urged. "Your rivals are whispering, and Mr. Hemswood looks entirely too comfortable down here."

​"Good. Let them wonder."

​"Miss Lora—"

​I ended the call, cutting off her frantic tone. I leaned against the polished brass railing, looking down at the man who had ruined me, completely unaware of the shadow looming directly above him.