LOGINRYAN'S POV
It was about one in the afternoon when my mother returned home, her face twisted in frustration.I heard the commotion from upstairs. Tyler was sitting on the couch, engrossed in his game console. He glanced up casually. "Mom, who made you mad this time?"Mother threw her bag onto the sofa with a sharp thud. "It's that awful Catherine again."Tyler blinked, quickly putting the console aside. "Wait, who? Did you go see her?""No, why woulCATHERINE'S POVI was already irritated, but receiving a gift from Caleb who was in Palmont surprised me in a way that lifted my mood. I opened the message, smiled, and slipped the small ring onto my finger. It covered the faint mark from my old wedding ring perfectly. The delicate diamond glimmered under the club's lights, and for a moment, I forgot all my worries.Then I felt Ryan's gaze. He noticed the shift instantly. My light smile made his eyes darken, and I could feel a cold weight settle over him.Cynthia, standing nearby, had not expected such an extravagant present. Her lips pressed into a thin line as jealousy and irritation swirled together. She leaned forward, her voice raised just enough to grab attention."Catherine Clark, didn't you say your boyfriend is Michael? You even used his name to get into this club. And Mr. Caleb, the male model people have been gossiping about he's sending you gifts now? You two must be more than friends
CATHERINE'S POVThe moment he stepped into the lounge, it was like the room tilted slightly toward him. His black coat fit perfectly the kind of cut that made people notice without daring to approach.My heart skipped. I looked down automatically.Even after all this time, he still has that effect on me.Sarah perked up immediately. "Ryan, you're here!" She smiled, but I noticed how quickly the smile masked an edge of calculation. "I heard you've been busy. Did you come to pick her up?"He gave a brief nod, polite enough. But when his gaze lingered on me for a fraction too long, his frown was just faint enough to be dangerous.He's not happy about this.When he reached Sarah, he lowered his voice. "You were coughing this afternoon. Why are you playing poker now?"Sarah shrugged, giving a tiny smile. "It's just a little cough. Don't worry. Besides, Melody's in town, and I wanted to show her around."
CATHERINE'S POVThe noise inside the lounge was sharp and restless, like everyone was pretending not to notice who they were staring at. I sat near the end of the long table, pretending I belonged, pretending I didn't feel every whisper crawling toward me.Sarah's laughter carried over the hum of music. She leaned against Ryan's arm, brushing her hair back with the kind of movement that begged to be noticed. The light hit her gold bracelet, and it flashed like a dare.I dropped my gaze."You'd think someone would open a window," I murmured.Rebecca leaned closer. "You mean you'd like to escape?""Is it that obvious?"My lips twitched. "Only to those who know what pretending looks like."Rebecca's tone was calm, but her eyes cut across the table. Sarah's voice rose again playful, but edged like glass."So, Ryan," Sarah said, "you never told us how it feels being back. Must be hard keeping up with al
CATHERINE'S POVThe hum of jazz and low chatter filled the Celeste Lounge, its dim lights painting gold streaks across the tables.Sarah sat with an effortless smile, her eyes occasionally drifting toward the woman beside her. "She's something, huh?" Rebecca leaned in and whispered, her voice low enough for only Sarah to hear. "That's Melody Strider. Granddaughter of a retired minister in Norfolk. Anyone close to her doesn't have to worry about climbing the ladder."I sat quietly, my expression calm but my mind turning. I hadn't been part of this high class crowd for long. These people the kind who measured worth by who you knew always made me feel like I was trespassing on someone else's world. Still, I'd learned not to show it.So that's why Sarah's been acting so humble lately, I thought. Melody's connections could make or break her.Melody turned toward me, her glossy hair flipping as she did. "Oh, you're Ryan Brooks' ex-wife?" H
CATHERINE'S POVThe jewelry store smelled like glass polish and quiet competition.Sarah's tone sounded soft, but the smirk on her face carried the sting of a dare. "Since you like it so much, Catherine, I'll let you have it," she said sweetly.I just raised an eyebrow. My voice was calm, almost lazy. "You said it first. Go ahead and buy it."That caught her off guard. She hadn't expected me to just step aside. For a moment, she froze, her fingers still resting on the velvet tray.A girl beside her whispered loud enough to be heard. "Guess she's scared of you now. No husband, no money. Her company is basically dust."Sarah's lips twitched, and the edge in her eyes softened. The words sank in like comfort."Wrap it up," she told the saleswoman, sliding her card across the counter. "I'll pay by card."The saleswoman didn't reach for it. "Miss, are you one of our VVIP customers?"Sarah frowned. "No. W
CATHERINE'S POVThe next morning, my office buzzed with work. I was buried in paperwork when my secretary tapped the door and walked in, holding a slim folder."Miss Clark, this just came from Jason Carter.""From Jason?" I muttered, reaching for the file.I flipped it open. Inside were reports, valuations, all pointing toward Continental Company. It read less like information sharing and more like an invitation to buy.He wants me to take it over? Why?I dialed my phone quickly, calling Michael."Michael, Jason Carter just sent me documents on Continental. He's hinting I should make a move. What do you think?"Over the line, Michael chuckled. "That's a good opportunity. If you can pick it up as a subsidiary under your group, it'll strengthen your position.""My company's tight on cash lately, though.""You'll have to cover it yourself."I flipped through the papers again. "The va







