Chapter 4

One of the businessmen spoke first. "Miss Hudsion, wasn't that a bit much? After everything you've given him over the years, especially considering who you are…"

I shook my head and let out a short, tired laugh. "Call it a lesson learned. I gave my heart to someone who didn't deserve it. I've made a fool of myself in front of all of you tonight. Thank you for coming. My family will continue to look after your businesses going forward."

I had no appetite left. I said what I needed to say, pushed back my chair, and walked out of the private room.

As I passed the restrooms, I heard Lucas' and Rebecca's voices.

"Baby, not so loud. What if someone's outside…"

"Relax. No one's going to catch us. Doesn't the risk make it better?"

Their breathless voices mixed with the rustle of clothing.

So this was what he meant by keeping up appearances. He had told me repeatedly that the proposal was a business arrangement. That Rebecca meant nothing. That he only wanted her family's resources.

If it were all an act, why couldn't he keep his hands off her in a public restroom?

A cold smile settled on my face. I went to find the cleaning attendant and told her there seemed to be a man in the women's restroom.

Her expression hardened. She grabbed her mop and marched in. She stopped outside the stall, listened, and banged on the door without warning, raising her voice. "I heard everything. Come out right now, or I'm calling security."

A long pause followed. Then the door opened.

Lucas and Rebecca stepped out, both flushed.

The attendant tore into them without restraint.

Lucas slipped her a card and told her to keep quiet. She rolled her eyes, pocketed it, and let them go.

I stood nearby the entire time, filming the moment they came out and everything that followed.

I slipped my phone away before either of them noticed.

That was when Lucas finally saw me.

His brow tightened. "What are you doing here? How did the deal go?"

I wiped the smile from my face, played dumb, and told him it went well.

The tension in his expression eased. "Just so you know, Rebecca and I were in there because her stomach was acting up again. I was looking after her. Don't read into it."

Rebecca took my hand, her eyes wide with concern. "Gina, I know five years is a long time. I know it's hard to let go, but you two are done.

"He's about to marry me. You need to stop holding on. We're the ones who are engaged. That's just how it is."

Her eyes held gloating and hostility, dressed up as sympathy.

She likely expected me to snap. Instead, I smiled at her with complete sincerity. "Don't worry. We broke up. There's nothing between us anymore. I hope you two last forever. I mean that."

Something shifted after I said it. Lucas fell quiet. His gaze lingered on me a moment too long, something unreadable crossing his face.

"Rebecca isn't feeling well. We're heading out. Go back in and keep the others company." He took her arm, and they left.

I watched them go and felt only faint, dry amusement.

He had no idea that every partnership his company still held was already hollow. Those businessmen would play along for now, just as I had asked.

One word from me, and they would all pull out at once. However, that alone would not be enough to finish him.

I opened my phone. A message from my assistant waited.

[Miss Hudson, everything you requested is ready.]

I opened the file and found everything laid out in full: years of records documenting every illegal move Lucas' company had made, including tax evasion, fraud, asset laundering, and more. He had crossed every line in the name of profit.

I had seen it all and kept track of everything. I organized the files and saved them. When the time came, I hoped he would be ready for what I was about to send him.