4: The Plan For Ruin

Maria finished the last bite of her pastry, wiped her fingers on a napkin, and rose to her feet.

Luca watched as she walked toward his desk, her steps steady but slow, as though she was absorbing everything.

She placed a hand on the polished wood surface before turning her attention to the floor-to-ceiling window.

From up here, Hay Port stretched far and wide, the skyline gleaming under the morning sun. The world outside was calm, unchanged, completely unaware of the war that was about to begin.

Maria folded her arms.

"What's the plan?"

Luca pushed his chair back and strode over to her, standing beside her but slightly behind-close enough for his presence to be felt, but not overwhelming.

"First," he murmured, "you'll go through with the divorce."

Maria's expression didn't change, but she gripped her arms a little tighter.

"He'll give you something, even if it's just a fraction of what you deserve." Luca leaned against the desk. "We'll take it."

Maria nodded slowly.

Then Luca smirked.

"Then, we'll announce our engagement."

Maria turned to him, brows furrowing slightly.

Luca raised an eyebrow. "Small wedding or big wedding?"

Maria hesitated, her fingers tracing the edge of the desk.

She had never had a wedding.

All she got from Edwards was a paper with their signatures-no ceremony, no court visit, nothing. Just a contract.

Luca must have seen the memory flicker across her face because he tapped her chin lightly with his knuckle.

"Hey," he said. "Don't get lost in your head."

Maria blinked.

Luca straightened, his voice turning all business.

"We'll have to do some publicity stunts-holding hands, kissing, acting like we're actually in love." He gave a lazy smirk. "Think you can handle that?"

Maria scoffed softly. "I should be asking you that."

Luca chuckled. "Fair enough."

He tilted his head.

"Edwards will try to sabotage us. He'll pull all sorts of tricks, spread rumors, maybe even try to drag you through the mud." His voice darkened. "But we need to make the public believe in us, no matter what."

Maria took a deep breath.

That was fine.

She had endured worse.

"That's all for now," Luca said, stepping back. "We'll get into the rest later."

Maria shook her head. "No."

Luca raised an eyebrow.

"I want to know everything."

Luca studied her for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle.

"You don't like half-baked plans, huh?"

Maria crossed her arms.

He ran a hand through his hair, then sighed.

"Alright, Marie. Here's the full game."

Luca leaned against the desk, arms crossed, as he laid everything out.

"Once the divorce is finalized, we'll sue Edwards for damages."

Maria stiffened. "Damages?"

Luca nodded. "You worked for him for years. You built his empire. You handled finances, marketing, networking-all without a proper contract. You were his wife, and he used you as free labor."

Maria clenched her jaw.

"That's illegal," Luca continued. "So, we take him to court. We'll demand no less than half of his property."

Maria swallowed. Half?

She had expected a battle just to get anything, but half?

Luca wasn't done.

"As for the rest of his wealth," he said casually, "SpitFire Autos will sue his company for collateral damage."

Maria frowned. "Collateral damage?"

Luca smirked. "I have something on Edwards."

Maria narrowed her eyes. "What?"

Luca didn't answer. Instead, he continued.

"Edwards will fight back. He'll try to save whatever he can. But in the process, he'll have to sell off his investments to cover his legal fees and keep his company afloat."

Luca's smirk widened.

"And guess who's going to buy those investments?"

Maria exhaled softly. "You."

Luca nodded. "But not under my name. I'll use a paper company."

Maria's brows furrowed.

"A paper company is a shell corporation-a business that exists only on paper. It doesn't have actual employees or operations; it's just a legal entity used to move money, own assets, or hide ownership."

Maria's lips parted slightly.

Luca continued, "Edwards will think he's selling off his assets to random buyers, but in reality, I'll own them all."

Maria's breath hitched.

Luca's voice dropped lower, slower.

"By the time Edwards realizes what's happening, the only thing he'll have left is his company."

Maria felt lightheaded.

This wasn't just about taking revenge.

This was about dismantling everything Edwards had ever built.

Luca's voice was dangerously smooth as he continued.

"Edwards will think he's safe. That he's managed to keep his company. But by then, the damage to its reputation will be severe. He'll start looking for loans to boost his business."

Luca's eyes gleamed.

"And that's when I'll use another paper company to lend him money."

Maria stared.

Luca leaned closer.

"When he can't pay it back, I'll take his company."

Maria's stomach tightened.

Edwards would lose everything.

Everything he stole from her.

Everything he made her suffer for.

And when it was over-

It would all belong to her.

She couldn't stop herself. She whispered, "And if he fights back?"

Luca smiled, slow and deliberate.

"He won't win."

There was something in his tone-a finality, an assurance.

Maria had been fighting for so long. Begging. Crying.

She never thought of winning.

She never thought of burning him to the ground.

Luca reached out, rubbing his thumb across her cheek, his touch surprisingly gentle.

Then he murmured,

"Everything will be yours."