He Picked the Wrong Side

Vera's POVGeorgina and I were supposed to stay low-key—no names, no dramas. That plan? Out the window.So much for a chill afternoon.Georgina, who's been running the show her whole life, didn't even flinch."And who do you think you are, barking orders? The only thing that reeks here is your attitude."The woman looked like she might combust, but Georgina didn't even give her the time of day. She turned to me."Vera, let's swim. She's not worth it. When we get back, I'll go with you to ask Derrick what the hell's going on."That hit a nerve. Being ignored? Not her vibe. Her face went tomato-red—then she grinned."Cool. You love the water so much? Stay in it. Don't come out."Then she pulled out her phone and made a call.A guy rushed over, way too eager. "Rosalie, what's up? You want a swim lesson or something?"She pointed straight at us, smiling like a straight-up villain. "Dmitry, teach these clueless women a lesson."He got it instantly. "Relax. I'm a swim coach. I kn

My temples pounded from how bold she was. "If someone dies, the cops won't let any of you walk away from this. You think this is a game?"She took a slow sip of her red wine, smug as ever. "Quit the act. If you wanna get out, beg me."Weren't you all tough a minute ago? What now—shaking 'cause my husband's on his way?"Georgina was already weak from her heart condition. After all the choking and rage, she looked totally wiped—barely holding on.I bit down hard on my lip. No way was I letting Georgina be in danger.As long as I could keep her safe, I would endure it for now.I was about to speak when Georgina gripped my arm.Her voice shook. "I've never bowed to anyone in my life, and I'm not starting with trash like her. I can still hang on. When Derrick gets here, he's dead to me. Don't worry—I've been burned by men before. I'm with you."Rosalie's smile vanished when we still wouldn't beg. Her eyes went cold.She snapped at Dmitry. "Go grab two buckets of ice from the kitche

She flew into his arms, clinging to him like she'd been wronged beyond belief. "Derrick, why did you take so long? Those two women bullied me so badly."She turned her face, still flushed from my slap, and pouted. "Look at this. That bitch hit me until my face swelled. You have to stand up for me this time. And you owe me—stay a few extra days and keep me company."Derrick's face twisted with concern, anger edging into his voice. "Who dared hit you? I won't let them get away with it. Don't worry—I cleared a whole week just for you. I'll stay with you this time."This was the same man who'd just hung up on me. The same man who'd clung to me last night, whining about being gone on a weeklong business trip, swearing he'd miss me.All lies. Every promise—worthless.Rosalie looped her arms around his waist and dragged him over, showing him off. She pointed at me. "It was her. She hit me. And the one on the ground is her mother-in-law. Hurry up and have someone teach them a lesson."I

I'd done the math. By now, Derrick should've dropped her off and been halfway back.The phone rang twice. Not Derrick.Rosalie answered with a sneer. "Vera Windsor. Still clinging on? How sad.""Put Derrick on," I said. "It's urgent."Georgina waved for me to hit speaker.Rosalie's voice oozed smug. "He's in the shower. We tried something new, and let's just say... he couldn't get enough. What've you got to compete with that? Honestly, walk away before it gets pathetic."I clenched my jaw. "Last time—put him on. His mom needs him."Rosalie gave a slow, fake gasp. "Oooh, let me check."I heard her call out: "Derrick, Vera's on the phone. Wanna talk to her?"He paused, thinking we weren't on yet. "Ignore it. I'll call her back when I get there. I'm heading out."Rosalie's voice turned sweet and fake. "Leaving already? You haven't even tried the new position. They say it's 'life-changing.'"A dull thud, then Derrick's low growl: "You little tease. Keep this up and you won't be

Vera's POVGeorgina didn't waste time. She picked her nephew, Julian Judd, as her heir and handed me the reins to guide him—and the power to fire him if I had to.Julian was her sister's kid, and after just two days working with him, I got it. The guy was sharp, grounded, and totally locked in. Georgina knew what she was doing.When Derrick came charging back, he was totally blindsided when he found out Georgina had cut him out. He kept repeating it like it had to be some kind of mistake. He was her only child, yet she handed everything to someone else? He couldn't process it.But I knew—nobody hated cheaters more than Georgina. Derrick had watched his dad wreck her, and still, he turned around and did the same thing.He begged. Pleaded. But Georgina shut him out and left the country to recover.He tried hitting me up after that, but I'd already blocked him on everything. So he camped outside the company, desperate and out of moves.Julian and I ran into him that evening as we w