Chapter 5

Evelyn chuckled softly. “He finally agreed to meet you.

“Andre Cole?” Vivian’s voice rose in disbelief—then delight. “The CEO of Cole Group?”

“Oh my God… Mum!” Vivian squealed, her voice filled with pure excitement.How come mom? He always refused all his dates. “Are you serious?”

“Of course I am,” Evelyn replied. You know I always have my way. “Do you know how many families would kill for this opportunity? The Cole family is one of the most powerful and richest in the city. If you secure this marriage… our life—”

“I will,” Vivian cut in confidently. “There’s no way he won’t fall for this beauty. You just leave him to me mum.” Whose daughter am I?

They both laughed. Hugging each other.

My hands curled into fists at my sides as my nails dug into my palm.

Andre Cole—the billionaire CEO.

The man Vivian had been obsessing over for years. But she still went over to my man just to satisfy her pleasure.

My stepmother had been desperately trying to connect Adrian Cole with Vivian for years now.

And now… they finally had their chance.

“Once you marry him,” Evelyn continued, her voice dropping into something calculating, “we have nothing to worry about for life.”

My stepmother and Vivian—they’re obsessed with him because of his wealth, his power, everything they could never have on their own. And they think they can manipulate him into marrying Vivian.

A slow, cold realization settled over me as a sharp smile curved my lips. They want him—

It’s about time I pay you back in your own coin.

The thought crystallized into action. I would take the one thing they wanted the most—the man they desired—and make him mine. Even if not forever. But enough to sting them. Enough to make them realize that I was not to be underestimated.

Two hours later, I stood in front of the towering glass of Cole Group.

The sunlight reflected off its surface, blinding and powerful—just like the man who owned it.

My heart pounded, not from fear, but anticipation.

This was insane and Reckless.

Possibly the most dangerous decision I had ever made.

But I had nothing left to lose and everything to prove.

I didn’t have a plan beyond boldness, Lifting my chin, I walked straight inside Cole Group.

The lobby was grand, polished to perfection, with an air of authority that demanded respect. Employees moved with purpose, their voices low, their steps precise.

“I’m here to see Mr. Andre Cole,” I told the receptionist confidently.

She looked up, surprised.

“Do you have an appointment with him? You can't see the CEO without an appointment”

“Yes, I do have an appointment,” I replied smoothly—even though I didn’t.

I hadn’t even seen the CEO before, but I knew this was my only chance.

After a moment of hesitation—and perhaps swayed by my confidence—she nodded.

“Take the elevator to the top floor.”

The elevator took me straight to the top floor. The doors slid open to reveal a quiet, expansive corridor and at the end stood a single set of doors.

That was Adrian Cole’s office.

I didn’t hesitate. I walked straight to the door I knocked once then stepped inside his office.

The room was vast with high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city, and a very large desk. And sitting behind it was the CEO Andre Cole.

He looked up from his papers and turned towards the direction I was standing.

I became aware of a pregnant taut silence.

Feeling absurdly compelled… I looked up and came face to face….

And the moment our eyes met—

My breath hitched as his gaze locked onto me.

He drew my eyes and made me stop and linger.

I couldn't understand the hot feeling in my belly

I was still standing!

What is wrong with me?

Pull yourself, Lucy..

It has to be the break up and the alcohol from last night.

A strange sense of familiarity flickered… then vanished just as quickly.

this was all within a nanosecond—

Hello “Mr. Andre Cole,” I finally said, forcing steadiness into my voice. “May I sit?”

He didn’t answer immediately.

His gaze kept luck to mine.

“Lucy Vale.” He said surprised.

My brows furrowed….