Chapter 3

Lina’s POV

My jaw tightened as I plugged my drive into the computer and copied the footage of their betrayal.

I didn’t watch the videos; I’d seen and heard enough.

When it finished, I typed a text and attached the files:

Me: You know what to do. And Kane should not know about it unless I say so.

My lawyer: Noted, Donna. I'll have them delivered by tomorrow.

Me: Excellent.

I stayed in my room the whole day. By evening, my head felt heavy. I hadn’t slept a wink. Silhouettes and baby voices filled my thoughts all night.

I dragged myself downstairs for water, pressing my fingers against my temples. After drinking, I followed the sound of voices to the living room.

Cara sat in the living room, clad in a silk robe, my last birthday gift from Kane.

Kane stood behind her, gently brushing her hair.

“Lina,” Cara exclaimed, “you're here. Are you any better?”

I nodded. Kane’s eyes softened.

“I’m brushing her hair because her hand hurts,” he said. My mouth twitched. Why was he explaining?

“Don, Madam, breakfast is ready,” a maid announced, bowing to Kane and Cara.

“Sure. Join us for breakfast, Lina.” Cara smiled.

I raised a brow, then scoffed.

“Kane, can I talk to you for a moment?”

His eyes drifted to Cara, as if asking permission.

Pathetic.

I rolled my eyes and walked into my home office.

The documents lay on my desk.

“My uncle sent these. It concerns the merger. Sign if you are ready,” I uttered, my eyes fixed on him.

His eyes lit up. “Really? That's amazing, my love.”

He flipped through and signed every page without reading.

As he left, I heard him whisper to Cara, “It’s done, baby. Heaven was on our side. I just signed the merger document. Both mafias are now ours.”

“Really?” she squealed. “So you will divorce her and marry me?”

“Yes. Right after the takeover ceremony. I already have a plan to make everyone think she caused the divorce. Then I won’t be implicated in any way.”

So that was the plan. Interesting how he thought I could be constantly fooled.

I smirked, picked up my pen, and signed the divorce papers and contract termination agreement.

“It is done,” I texted Daniel. “Nothing is standing in our way now.”

I left my office in the evening. Cara sat in the living room cross-legged like she owned the place, dressed in a black floor-length party gown, also one of my favorite dresses.

Kane stood behind her, gently brushing her hair.

Then I saw it.

My necklace, my mother’s last gift to me, adorned her neck.

I gripped the door until my nails hurt.

She smiled and said, “Hi, Lina. You're here.”

I didn’t respond. My eyes were focused only on my necklace, which she was flaunting.

Their eyes followed mine.

“Ahem,” Kane cleared his throat as an awkward silence settled in the room. “We have a gala tonight. But since you're grieving, you can't go—”

“I want my necklace.”

“Cara will return it when we get back. She doesn’t have any necklaces here, and this fits her better. If you want, I could just buy another one for you at the auction.”

My eyes darkened. “I said I need my necklace. Give it to me. You can buy one for her on your way,” I shot back, storming toward her.

I lifted my hand to pull my necklace from her neck but staggered backward as Kane shoved me with brutal force. I hit the door with a thud, a jolt of pain creeping up my back.

“Kane, it’s fine. I’ll give it to her. Although I really, really like this one,” Cara said softly, tears brimming in her eyes.

“No, Cara. You won’t be giving it back. It’s just a necklace,” his voice softened. “Surely she can let you wear it for a few hours. Let’s go, we will be late. Take care of yourself, Lina.”

I massaged my aching back, watching them leave with his hand on her waist.

For a moment, I contemplated going back to bed. But I didn’t.

Because tonight, I was going to make sure I gave him a hint of what was coming.