Chapter 17

Chapter 17

ADRIA

"And what opportunity does she see with Kane Industries?"

This was it. The moment where I had to sell not just a partnership, but a vision. I opened my portfolio and pulled out documents I'd prepared—detailed analyses of market trends, projections for growth sectors, opportunities for collaboration between Salvadore holdings and Kane Industries.

"Ms. Salvadore is interested in expanding her presence in three key areas: sustainable technology, urban development, and emerging markets in Southeast Asia. Kane Industries has established positions in all three sectors, but lacks the capital and connections to scale effectively. What we're proposing is a strategic partnership that would benefit both parties."

I walked him through each opportunity, watching his expression shift from polite interest to genuine engagement. This was what I was good at—seeing the bigger picture, identifying synergies, creating value where others saw only competition.

We talked for over an hour, diving deep into specifics, challenging each other's assumptions, building something real out of possibility. And somewhere in that conversation, I forgot to be nervous. I forgot to be playing a role. I was just... myself. The self I'd been before Damien, before the necklace, before I'd convinced myself that being small was the same as being safe.

"This is impressive work," Darius said finally, reviewing the documents I'd presented. "Very thorough. Ms. Salvadore is lucky to have you as her representative."

"I'm lucky to work for someone who values competence over compliance," I said, and there must have been something in my voice because Darius looked at me more closely.

"You sound like you speak from experience."

"Let's just say I've seen what happens when talented people waste their abilities trying to please those who will never appreciate them."

"Castellan?" He said it like a guess, but I could tell he knew.

I didn't confirm or deny. "Ms. Salvadore has made it clear that she values working with people who recognize talent and foster growth rather than those who demand submission and offer nothing in return."

Darius smiled, and it was sharp and knowing. "I think Ms. Salvadore and I are going to get along very well. When can I meet her in person?"

"Soon," I promised. "She's still settling back into the city, reestablishing her presence. But she wanted me to lay the groundwork first, to ensure that any partnerships we pursue are with the right people."

"And am I the right people?"

I looked him in the eyes, seeing ambition but also integrity, drive but also principle. So different from Damien and his circle of sycophants and users.

"I think you might be, Mr. Kane."

We shook hands again, and he walked me to the elevator personally—a courtesy he probably didn't extend to most visitors.

"Miss Andy," he said as the elevator doors began to close. "Tell Ms. Salvadore that I look forward to working with her. And that I appreciate her... discerning taste in partners."

The doors closed, and I allowed myself to sag against the elevator wall, adrenaline finally catching up with me.

I'd done it. I'd walked into the headquarters of Damien's biggest rival, negotiated a preliminary partnership deal, and walked out without anyone recognizing me.

The elevator descended, and with each floor, I felt more and more like myself. Like the person I'd been before I'd lost my way.

My phone buzzed. A text from James on my real phone.

**James: Got the dossier. You're not going to believe what I found. Call me when you can.**

I waited until I was back in my car, parked in a quiet corner of the lot, before I called him.

"Tell me," I said as soon as he answered.

"The necklace," James said without preamble. "I traced it through jewelry records, insurance documents, and about a dozen interviews with people in Damien's circle. It was originally purchased by Kieran Ashford's grandfather as an engagement ring. When the grandfather died, it went to Kieran."

Kieran. One of Damien's closest friends. The quiet one who seemed to have slightly more conscience than the others.

"Kieran lent it to Damien two years ago for a business trip," James continued. "Singapore, some kind of high-stakes negotiation where Damien wanted to look more sophisticated. Kieran apparently forgot about it, and Damien never bothered to return it."

My heart was pounding. "So Kieran is—"

"Potentially your savior, yes. Or at least, he owned the necklace that was given to you all those years ago." James paused. "Adria, are you sure about this? Because once you confirm it's him, once you confront him about it, there's no going back."

"I know," I said quietly. "But I have to know the truth. I have to know if the boy who saved me actually exists, or if I've been chasing a ghost all along."

"Okay. I've also compiled full backgrounds on everyone in Damien's inner circle, including financial records, relationship histories, and any skeletons in their closets. It's all in the encrypted file I'm sending you now."

My phone pinged with the incoming file.

"Thank you, James. For everything."

"Just promise me you'll be careful. Men like Damien don't like losing control, and when they realize they never had it in the first place..." He trailed off meaningfully.

"I can handle Damien."

"I know you can. But you shouldn't have to. Come home, Adria. Let your family handle this."

"Soon," I promised. "Just a few more days."

I hung up and sat in my car, processing everything. Kieran had my necklace. Kieran might be the boy who saved me. And I was having dinner with Damien tonight, where I'd have to smile and nod and pretend I didn't know that everything I'd built my marriage on was a lie.

But I could do it. I'd been doing it for eighteen months.

What was a few more days?

I pulled off the wig carefully, removed the contacts, wiped away the freckles. Adriana Chen stared back at me from the rearview mirror—bland, forgettable, harmless.

Just the way Damien liked me.

I started the car and headed home, already planning my next move. I had Kieran's information now. I had Darius Kane as a potential ally. I had my family waiting for me to come back.

And Damien had no idea that his world was about to come crashing down.

I smiled at my reflection, and for the first time in eighteen months, it was genuine.

The game was just beginning.