Ch. 51..55: My Husband Wants An Open Marriage Chapter 51-55

CHAPTER 051: Almost Nostalgic

CHAPTER 051: Almost Nostalgic

I reach into the nightstand for the taser I'd brought up earlier. I click it on, letting the blue light crackle in my hand for a second before switching it off and holding it at my side. It's not like I'll need it-probably. But I love knowing I have it.

As I descend the staircase, I hear their laughter, faint but grating, echoing through the front door. I take my time, each step deliberate, almost regal, like I'm finally walking into a role I was always meant to play. The queen of this godforsaken castle, here to set things straight. I swing open the door, and for a moment, there's a stunned silence. Ryan and Emily are standing there, both frozen as they take me in. Ryan's gaze travels slowly over me, lingering far too long, while Emily just gawks, blinking, her jaw slack. "Well, well," Ryan says, recovering. "You're back."

I smile, a slow, icy grin. "Of course, I'm back. Kindly take my presence in front of you as an eviction notice. The both of you are no longer allowed in this house."

Ryan chuckles, arching an eyebrow, clearly amused. But Emily? Her face flushes deep red, and she steps forward, almost indignant. "I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me," I say, keeping my voice cool, calm. "Everything you own that I couldn't burn today is neatly piled beside the grill machine. I suggest you pick it up if it's still important to you. As for this house, I don't think I could make it any clearer you're no longer welcome here."

"You can't do that! Ryan, tell her she can't do that!" Emily says.

"Oh, I can," I say, shifting slightly, just enough to show her the taser. She glances at it and hesitates,' but she's too stubborn to back down. She takes a step, then another, daring to push past me.

But before I know it, I'm shoving her, harder than I realized I could. Emily stumbles backward, tripping over her own ridiculous heels, and goes sprawling onto the porch with a yelp, her hair flying and her face twisting with rage. She lets out a scream, her hands clutching her stomach, and then the tears come, big crocodile ones that only fuel my satisfaction.

Ryan immediately drops down beside her, his face filled with concern as he pats her shoulder. "Emily, are you alright?"

Emily scowls at him. "No, I am not alright! Get your bitch of a wife out of this house right now. Can't you see she tried to kill my baby, our baby?"

Ryan sighs. "I'll handle it, Em. Just calm down."

"Handle it," she spits, pointing a manicured finger at me. "She's a beast. She's a witch."

"I said, I'll handle it."

I laugh then, unable to hold it back, and the sound seems to snap something in both of them. Ryan turns back to me, his jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing, that familiar fire in his gaze. "Julie, enough of this. Let's talk about this inside."

"Inside? Oh, that's precious. Did you miss the part where I told you this isn't your house anymore?"

"Julie," he says, his voice dipping low, trying to calm me, soothe me, like he's always done, like I'm just

+25 BOTRUS

CHAPTER 051: Almost Nostalgid

some silly, hysterical woman. "Just calm down. Let's talk about this."

I let my finger hover over the taser button. "I don't have anything to say to you."

"You know whatever you're doing here is illegal, right?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Illegal? Please. If I recall correctly, you bought this house in my name. One of the many things you bought in my name. Good luck taking this to court."

I watch as the realization sinks into his face. The hint of fear in his eyes is delicious. His mind is racing, trying to find a way around it, but we both know there isn't one.

I lean back against the doorframe, folding my arms. "I'll give you both five minutes to get off my property."

He holds up his hands. "Alright. We'll leave." He glances at Emily, who's fuming on the ground, then ba at me. "I just want you to know that I miss you, Julie. There's not a single day that goes by that I don't think of you."

I roll my eyes, but he just steps closer, his voice dropping to a pleading whisper.

"This... all this, it wasn't my doing. You know that, don't you? People are just... they're trying to tear us apart."

"Oh, really?" I say, arching an eyebrow.

But he's not done. He's on a roll now.

"We've been together for over ten years, Julie. Over a decade of laughter, love. All the things we've been through... remember?" His voice softens, almost nostalgic. "Remember back in college? The late-night study sessions, that time we got locked out of our dorm and had to sleep on the lawn in the rain..., Remember how we just laughed through it all? That's us, Julie. That's who we are. We've weathered every storm together."

I just stare at him, my throat tightening, and damn it, I feel a tear slip down my cheek. But it's not sadness. It's... it's anger, frustration, years of wasted time coming out in this quiet, infuriating moment. And somehow, as I look at him, all I can think is, why did it take me so long to see him for what he is?

"I'm sorry, Julie," he says, reaching out like he's about to touch my arm, but I pull back. "If you want Emily out, I'll do it. I'll tell her to leave. We can negotiate with her on taking the baby."

Behind him, Emily sputters. "What? Are you insane? No one's taking my baby!"

Ryan turns to her, but I cut in. "The keys."

He turns back to me, blinking. "What?"

"The keys to the Bentley, Ryan."

He hesitates, then nods. "Emily, give her the keys."

Emily huffs, glaring at both of us, but slowly, she reaches into her bag, holding out the keys like they're toxic. I snatch them from her hand, and she flinches back, trying to put as much space as possible between us.

I look down at the keys, then back at them. "I'm keeping the Bentley. And the house. Do see yourselves out."

And with that, I turn, stepping back inside, closing the door, watching their shocked, furious faces through the narrowing gap. And as it clicks shut, I wipe away a fear, a strange, liberating feeling settling over me. This is it. This is freedom.

CHAPTER 052: Hard Drives

"You did what?" Luke's voice is sharp, barely containing his surprise. I can almost picture his brows raised in that signature half-amused, half-incredulous look.

I clear my throat, enjoying the moment far too much. "Moved back into my house, kicked Ryan and Emily

out."

There's a beat of silence, and then Luke laughs. The sound is deep and rich, echoing through the phone."

anyone had asked me to guess what you were up to yesterday, that wouldn't have made the top

If

hundred. Details please. I'm curious how all this happened." He sounds almost gleeful.

"Where to begin?" I let out a long sigh. "Well, first, I was locked outside the gate. Because, you know, the gate's sensor doesn't recognize your car." "And?"

"And then there was Grant-the gate security. He made me look into the camera and state my name like I was some kind of intruder." I chuckle, remembering it. "But once he saw it was me, he looked like he'd just seen a ghost. Apologized a thousand times before he finally opened the gate."

As I speak, my hands are hovering over my laptop's keyboard, staring at my resume. Bullet points, dates, skills-reduced to dry words, like I'm some corporate robot. But the truth? Today, I'm anything but. Today, I'm practically vibrating with energy, a little thrill that won't settle.

"Then what?" Luke says. "You got in and just kicked them out?"

I feel a rush of satisfaction knowing he's enjoying this as much as I did.

"Not exactly. They were not at home at the time. I went upstairs, threw their crap in a laundry basket, and

set most of them on fire."

Luke's laughter is genuine and deep, and I can't help but laugh along. "You know, I thought you were all talk when you said you wanted to take back control. But you're something else, Julie."

"It was cathartic," I admit, leaning back and stretching my legs out, sinking into the memory like it's some glorious scene from a revenge flick. "I felt like I was finally breathing for the first time in a while."

"And then they showed up, didn't they?"

"Right on cue," I say, my lips curling into a wicked smile. "I'm standing there in my nightgown, a taser in one hand, looking every bit the part of a crazed woman on the brink."

Luke's laughter nearly chokes him. "Please, stop. I can't take anymore." His voice drops, warm and sincere. "That's amazing. Julie, you're amazing. You seized a house from its owner?"

I feel my cheeks flush, surprised by the intensity in his voice. "The house is in my name," I say.

"What?"

"Yeah, Ryan bought the house in my name. Crazy, right? Actually, there are a lot of things he bought in my name. All the documents are sitting pretty in the house's safe box."

Luke goes quiet, and I can feel the gears turning in his head. "I didn't know I'd ever say this, but... in his own messed-up way, he must've really loved you, Julie,

CHAPTER 052: Hard Drives

"Please," I scoff, rolling my eyes. "If that's love, I want no part of it."

"I'm glad you're saying that," he says, his voice softening. "For what it's worth, you're better off without him." He pauses, and there's a hint of hesitation before he continues. "And... maybe sometime, when all this is behind us, you can meet my friends." "Friends?" I tease. "You have friends?"

He laughs, deep and easy. "I do. Three quite notorious individuals who are dying to meet the woman behind my smile."

I try not to let his words get to my head. It's fruitless, though. "I feel like there are several layers of you, Lucas Martinez. Like an onion. I get to peel them off one layer at a time. One peel for each time I make you happy."

"Is that so?" he replies, his tone challenging. "Well, I guess you'd better start thinking of ways to make me happy. If you do it right, you might just peel me bald."

A laugh slips from my lips. "I'll get to it right away."

He chuckles, and I hear the faint sound of movement, as if he's reclining somewhere. "You're off to a good start. But let's start small, say... getting that resume done. Still haven't seen it."

I glance at my laptop, where my resume stares back at me like a half-done sculpture. "I'm working on it right now, I swear. I just didn't realize I had so much to put in one file."

"Alright, work on it faster."

I smile, leaning back, fingers poised over the keys. "Haven't told me what you intend to do with it.",

"You'll see. I promise it's nothing crazy. Just something I think you'll appreciate... in time."

"Fine," I say. "I'll tell you about my day later."

"I'm holding you to it."

We hang up, and I'm left alone in the silence of my room, staring at my screen. There's something surreal about this moment, about the fact that, for the first time in... ever, I feel like I'm in charge. Like I'm not just reacting, not just waiting, hoping things will go my way. No, I make things happen.

My fingers resume their typing, the words flowing with newfound confidence, as if the echoes of my laughter and Luke's encouragement have somehow made their way into my fingertips. I fill in the details of a career I'd almost forgotten I had, shaping it into a version of myself that I'm proud of, not a pale shadow of someone else's dreams.

Once I'm done, I hit send and shut down my laptop, feeling lighter, almost buoyant. But there's still one last thing on my mind.

Security footage.

The morning air is crisp as I step outside. I make my way to the gate where Grant, the security guard, stands at his usual post, looking as uninterested as ever. But as I approach, he straightens, giving me a respectful nod. "Good morning, Grant," I say, flashing a polite smile.

CHAPTER 052: Hard Drives

"Morning, ma'am." He raises his eyebrows. "Need something?"

"Yes. I'd like to take a look at the CCTV control room and check some of the old footage."

His eyes widen, just a fraction, but enough to make me notice. "Footage? That's... that's a bit out of the ordinary, ma'am. You don't usually..."

"Oh, I know. But I figured it was high time I take a look at what's happening under my own roof." I keep my voice casual. "It won't take long."

Grant scratches his head, looking hesitant but eventually nods. He leads me down a side path to the security control room, a nondescript door near the gatehouse. He unlocks it, giving me one last unsure glance before stepping aside. "Lot of interest in the footage these days," he mutters as we step inside.

I pause, glancing at him. "Lot of interest? What do you mean?"

"Oh," he says, suddenly looking like he's said too much. "Well, just last week, Mrs. O'Brien came by-uh... the older Mrs. O'Brien."

My stomach clenches. "Adeline? She was here?"

Grant nods, his face a picture of discomfort. "Yup. Asked for the hard drives."

"The hard drives?"

"Yeah. She took them. All of them."

CHAPTER 053: The Lady Of The House

CHAPTER 053: The Lady Of The House

I'm finding it difficult to process what Grant just said.

I stare at him, unsure if I heard him right. "She... she took the hard drives?"

He nods, scratching his chin. "Took them out, said she needed them for 'safe-keeping, and then told me to shut off the cameras in the house whenever anyone's at home. Until further notice, she said. So I did. You weren't around. So I figured she was the lady of the house."

I scoff, more to myself than to Grant, "She thinks she's queen of everything she lays eyes on, yes. But she's not the lady of the house, Grant. Not anymore." My mind races, the implications of this news unfolding.

"Well," Grant says, "either way, she took them. All the hard drives."

"Did she say where she was taking them?" "Nope."

I let out a humorless laugh, unable to believe her audacity. Of course she took them-she's always a few steps ahead, making sure there's no proof of whatever stunt she's planning to pull next. That woman is like a specter, lurking, quietly positioning herself in the shadows until she can make her next move.

"Did she seem... off to you?" I press, watching his face carefully.

Grant shrugs. "I mean, she's always a little intense, but yeah. She was... different. A bit, uh, urgent, I'd say. Like she was running out of time."

"Sounds like her," I mutter. "So, just to confirm, you're certain she took them out of the house?"

"Absolutely." He frowns. "Sorry, ma'am, I thought it was all proper since she was so insistent."

"It's fine, Grant," I say.

I take a deep breath, trying to process what this means. Adeline wouldn't just take the footage without reason. She's probably setting them on fire as we speak. Or maybe she won't. Maybe she's just holding onto them until all this is over. If that's the case, it must be somewhere. The question is, where?

"Thank you, Grant," I say, giving him a tight smile. "Do me a favor-if she comes back, let me know. In fact, if Ryan or anyone else tries to access the gate, let me know." Grant's eyebrows rise again, and he nods. "Sure thing, ma'am. Anything else I can help with?"

I glance around the dimly lit control room, my eyes lingering on the banks of blank screens that used to display every angle of the house, every entry point, every hallway.

"Just one last thing," I say. "Turn the cameras back on.

He nods. "You got it, ma'am."

As I walk back toward the house, my mind is racing. She wants to start a war? That's great. I'll give her

one.

4

CHAPTER 053: The Lady Of The House

I pull into Paragon Jewels hours later and sit in my car staring at the glass tower rising above me. This building has been the backdrop to so many of my long days and late nights-deals closed, partnerships formed, countless events that were supposed to mean something. Now, it just feels cold. It's almost funny how quickly things can change.

Taking a deep breath, I reach over to the passenger seat and grab the cream-colored envelope containing my resignation letter. Just holding it makes me feel lighter, almost as if the letter itself holds the weight of all my frustration and bitterness. This is it. The end of my time here, the end of everything I'd tried to build with Ryan. I walk through the revolving doors, my heels clicking on the polished marble floors, and I see Karen, the receptionist, look up. Her mouth falls open, and she stares at me as if I'm a ghost. I keep my face calm, giving her a polite smile.

"Mrs. O'Brien... oh, wow! I mean, hi!"

"Hi," I say, trying not to laugh at her expression.

She shifts uncomfortably, looking down at her keyboard, unsure of what to say. "Mr. O'Brien didn't... uh, I mean, I didn't know you'd be coming in today. He didn't mention anything."

"Oh, I doubt he did." I keep my voice breezy, enjoying the uncomfortable silence stretching between us. She's struggling to decide if she should page Ryan, but I don't give her the chance.

I press the elevator button and step inside before she can finish her awkward mumbling. The doors close with a soft whoosh, and I'm left alone, staring at the panel of buttons. I hit the button for Ryan's floor, feeling that familiar blend of nerves and anger coiling in my stomach. But as the elevator begins to rise, a thought strikes me. I realize there's something I need to do first.

Without a second thought, I press the button for the service floor.

The elevator jolts slightly, and I feel a surge of energy, like a tiny electric current crackling through me.

The service floor, tucked away at the bottom of the building, is quiet and dimly lit, its corridors dense with a slightly stale scent of industrial carpet and cleaning supplies. People don't usually come down here-it's mostly maintenance, storage, and a few security offices. But there's one room in particular I'm interested in.

As I make my way through the narrow hallways, I pass a row of utility closets and nondescript office doors before spotting the sign: Surveillance Room. I try to push the door open, but it doesn't budge. Of course, only certain employees with level-one clearance can access security rooms.

Tpull out my old ID card from my bag, fingers crossed that the chip hasn't been deactivated. One last favor, universe, I think as I point it at the reader. The little light blinks green, and the lock clicks open. Bingo.

The door swings open, and the noise that greets me is deafening.

I hadn't expected the place to be soundproofed, but now it makes sense, given the racket inside. I clap my hands over my ears, momentarily disoriented by the bass-heavy music pouring out from some corner of the room. After a second, I drop my hands and listen carefully, trying to make sense of the muffled sounds beyond the thumping beat.

CHAPTER 053: The Lady Of The Mouse

And then I hear something else-a muffled moan. My breath catches, and I take a step back, but curiosity pulls me forward. I tiptoe toward the source of the sound, edging along the wall.

As I approach the doorway, the noise level increases, and I can now make out some of the things the lady is saying.

"Oh, yes, harder!"

"Deeper!"

""Yes, right there!"

"God, don't stop!"

""More!"

"Give it to me, baby!"

I peer through the open doorway.

The man is thrusting hard, his movements fast and passionate.

There, on a table cluttered with papers, a familiar figure is sprawled, her legs wrapped around the strange man's shoulders.

Emily.

CHAPTER 054: Like Adults

It takes me about five seconds to regain my senses, and another five to decide what to do next.

One hand reaches for my phone, and I press the record button, feeling a strange calm settle over me They're so wrapped up in each other, so engrossed in their own world, they don't even notice me. It's almost laughable. For all her talk about image, appearances, about

doing things "right," here she is- splayed out on an office desk with someone who is very much not Ryan.

I guess the man's name is James because she cries out the name in a high, breathless gasp. "James! Oh, god. I'm cumming."

Her body begins to convulse. James growls and thrusts inside her one final time, pouring all his energy

into the moment.

They collapse together, spent and completely unaware. I stop recording, switch to voice memo, and slip the phone into my bag. I've got all the proof I need now.

And then I clap. Slow and steady, announcing my presence.

Emily's head jerks up, and the color drains from her face as she spots me. She scrambles off the table, tripping over herself to find her clothes. The man-James, as I now know him-looks utterly baffled, pulling on his pants and reaching over to cut off the stereo that's been blaring some romantic tune in the background.

Emily stammers, clutching her shirt to her chest, "Julie, this-it's not what you think."

"Oh, really?" I fold my arms and lean against the doorframe, smiling. "Then, by all means, enlighten me."

She fumbles, looking around as if the right words might be scattered on the floor. "Julie... sometimes, people just... sometimes we fall astray, okay? Ryan barely has time for me anymore since you left. He's so obsessed with getting you back, it's like I'm invisible. And I need sex, Julie! I need attention!"

Right. I'm sure you're getting enough of that.

"The baby," I say, "Is it even Ryan's?"

She looks offended. "Of course it is!"

I raise an eyebrow, letting the silence stretch between us. "I don't think so."

"Julie, can't we just.... can't we just put all of this behind us?"

"Behind us?" I laugh, a loud, derisive sound that echoes in the empty office. "Oh, Emily, trust me, I'd love nothing more than to put this entire circus behind me. But you and your boss keep dragging me back into the freak show."

"Like I said, it's not what you think. I just needed some me time, Julie."

"Hey," James pipes up, looking between us with a confused frown. "So I'm just a distraction? That's all this was?

Emily flinches. "No, no, it's not like that, James. You're not just a distraction."

"Then what are you saying to Mrs. O'Brien?" His tone is ice cold now.

13

CHAPTER 054 Like Adults

#

"Can you just... let me handle this?" she hisses.

But James isn't having it. "No. You told me you were just sleeping with Mr. O'Brien to get a good position. at the company. Now you're trying to pass my child off as his?"

"It's not like that-"

I raise my hand, cutting her off. "As entertaining as this enlightening exchange is, I have a few things I'd like to say myself. First of all, I don't think I've ever said this properly, so here it goes-Emily, you are a bitch. A scheming, conniving, gold-digging little snake. But I have to give credit where it's due-you're a smart one. You wormed your way into the CEO's life. Congrats. You can keep him."

Her face is twisted in a scowl, but I continue, undeterred.

"You know, it makes perfect sense now, how you obtained that security footage. You were screwing him all along, weren't you?"

"Dating." James corrects. "We've been dating for months."

I give him a cold smile. "Thank you for the clarification, James. Really, it's so enlightening to know the depths of your romance."

Emily's eyes narrow, her mouth a tight line. "Congratulations, Julie. You caught us. You want a medal or something?"

"Oh, I'm sure I can come up with something more creative." I tap my bag lightly, where my phone sits with all the delicious evidence. "You know, it's a shame I'm such a perfectionist. Because I have a crystal-clear video of you screaming James's name at the top of your lungs. Not to mention, this entire conversation is on voice record. I'm sure the tabloids will be just as entertained as I am. What do you think they'll call it? CEO's Mistress Caught in the Act'?"

Emily's face goes white, a glint of pure fugy flashing in her eyes. She looks at me like she'd like to strangle me, to claw out every trace of satisfaction on my face. And honestly? I love it.

"Fine," she bites out. "Maybe we should all just... take a seat. Discuss things like adults."

"I don't want to sit. I'm pretty sure you've tainted every surface of this office."

She swallows, desperately trying to hold onto some semblance of control. "But... you must want something. It's why you recorded me, isn't it? So tell me. What do you want??

I hold her gaze, refusing to let the thin layer of confidence she's clinging to take root. Emily has always been good at this-good at wearing down people, twisting them around her finger, but she has never been up against me when I'm like this. "What do I want?" I repeat. "You'd think that'd be obvious by now."

She stands there, still clutching her blouse to her chest as though that pathetic scrap of fabric could somehow shield her from the truth. Her hair is mussed, makeup smeared, and her face is pale. James, meanwhile, has pressed himself against the wall, a deer in headlights as he watches us, like he's contemplating an escape route.

"I want a divorce," I say.

Emily scoffs. "Do I look like a family court to you?"

CHAPTER 054 Like Adults

"Oh, I don't think you understand what I mean. I want a smooth and fast divorce, Emily. No mess. You can keep Ryan if that's what you really want."

"How am I supposed to help you achieve a smooth and fast divorce, Julie?"

I lean forward, savoring the way her posture straightens, the way she stiffens, clearly uncomfortable with how close I'm getting to her, "Simple. You have two days to get me some evidence of you and Ryan together that I can use in court. Something neat, something I can present without dragging you down with him."

Her jaw drops open, and she looks at me like I've just told her she has two days to fly to the moon. "And why on earth would I do that?"

I give her a mocking smile, tilting my head to the side. Because, as much as I hate repeating myself, I have a recording of you admitting you've been sleeping with Ryan. That alone is enough to ruin you. But I'm giving you a chance to keep your face out of it. A chance to stay anonymous." I let my gaze travel over her deliberately slow, enjoying the way her expression tightens with every word. "You know how people are about mistresses, don't you, Emily? It's a dirty title to carry, and one that sticks. I'm giving you an opportunity to walk out of this with at least a shred of dignity."

CHAPTER 055: The Hustle

Her eyes narrow, and I can see her mind working, trying to calculate, to reason her way out. The thought almost amuses me. "You think I'm just going to hand you over some video or photo of me and Ryan? Just like that?" "Oh, I don't think it. I know it. Unless, of course, you're alright with the alternative. I could always release this little masterpiece to the press. 'CEO's Mistress Caught Red-Handed. Imagine the headlines." Emily's face twists with fury. "You're insane."

"Maybe," I say, "But I'm not the one who's spent weeks playing house in the CEO's bedroom. A married man's bedroom."

She clenches her jaw, glancing sideways at James, who looks like he'd rather be anywhere else. His gaze shifts between us, and I don't miss the flare of anger in his eyes. This wasn't part of his plan either, clearly. Emily forces a smile, her eyes pleading as she speaks in a syrupy tone that would be convincing if I didn't know her so well. "Julie, come on. This is all getting out of hand. Isn't there any way we can just settle this? Move on?" "I am moving on," I say, giving her a long look. "But I need something solid to make it happen on my terms. You're either going to help me, or I'm going to release everything I have. Two days, Emily. That's all you've got." "Why are you doing this to me?"

u were

"To v

you?" I laugh. "Emily, you've done this to yourself. All that time, sneaking around, thinking you untouchable. Did you think you were too clever to ever get caught?"

"It's called hustling. Julie. I'm pretty sure that's what you did, bagging a rich boyfriend all those years ago. These rich guys don't notice poor girls like us. Not unless we throw ourselves at their faces. You've had your share of the cake. Don't be greedy. MBA from Harvard. CMO of a prestigious company, your husband's company. Now you've seen someone better, someone richer. And the hustle must continue. Congratulations to you, Julie. But don't pretend like this is more than what it is, a gold-digging-"

I raise a hand, cutting her off. "I really don't care what you think this is, Emily. And spare me the pity party. I left because you're exactly what he deserves."

"You can't blackmail me, Julie. I'm not some... some pathetic little girl who's just going to roll over."

I shrug. "What do you think Adeline would do when she sees the news? Your little share of the cake, poof. Gone. No job. No Ryan. You have two days, or the world will see what you really are. And trust me, Emily, I doubt the public will be as sympathetic as you think." She grits her teeth, breathing heavily, and I can tell she's scrambling, trying to think of some way out. But there isn't one. Not this time.

"Fine. I'll get you the evidence.

"Good," I say. "Oh, and there's one more thing, James." turn to him, noting the nervous twitch in his eye. as he meets my gaze.

"What?" His voice is quiet, almost submissive, as though he knows what's coming.

1 need you to erase that footage of me and Luke in the company's supply closet. Don't act so shocked- that's the video you sent Emily, right?"

He shifts uncomfortably. "I didn't mean to-it wasn't it wasn't supposed to..." he trails off, lacking any explanation that would make this less pathetic.

"Save it. Get dressed. Both of you. We're going to the surveillance room right now. I want to see that video erased with my own eyes."

Emily exchanges a look with James, her face as sour as a lemon, but I don't give her any room to argue. I step back, holding the door open, and gesture for them to get moving. After a long, hesitant moment, they do, fumbling for their clothes in awkward silence, like children who've been caught stealing from the cookie jar

I wait as they button up, straighten themselves out, smooth their hair, all the while casting nervous glances my way. When they're finally dressed, I nod toward the door. "Shall we?"

Without a word, they walk ahead of me towards the room with monitors. Emily's heels click against the polished floor, sharp and fast, while James shuffles alongside her, hands jammed into his pockets. I follow, keeping my steps slow, savoring every second of their discomfort.

The surveillance room is dimly lit, cold, with walls lined with screens showing different angles of the office building. A single chair sits in front of the control panel, and I wave at James to take a seat. "Go on, then. Find the footage."

James sits down, his fingers hovering over the keyboard like he's afraid the keys might burn him. "Are sure about this?" he asks "This is against the rules."

"I'm pretty sure it's against the rules to be caught with your pants down at work," I reply, giving him a look that dates him to argue "Or would you like me to make another copy of the little scene you and Emily just performed? I'm sure someone out there would find it... compelling."

Emily's face flushes bright red, her gaze dropping to the floor as James starts typing. It takes a few moments, but finally, he pulls up the footage. There it is on the screen, clear as day: Luke backing me up against a wall, convincing me to revive our fake relationship. Feels like a million years ago. It's crazy that I'm deleting evidence of something that never happened. But I have eyes. I can see how deceitful the footage looks from this angle.

"Erase it," I say. "Every single copy. And clear any

backups

James nods, swallowing hard as he follows my instructions, his fingers moving over the keyboard with tense precision. I watch the screen as he deletes the footage, then navigates to the backup files, erasing each one with methodical care. "Done," he says, his voice strained, his fingers still trembling on the keys.

"Good."

I turn to Emily. She's standing by the door, arms folded across her chest, her expression still bimer.

"Can I go now?" she says.

"Not quite," I say, smiling in a way that I know will set her on edge. "There's just one more little detail James sent that video to you, didn't he?"

CHAPTER 055. The Hustle

Emily's face drains of color, and she glances at her purse, fingers clenching around the strap. "What's your point?"

"My point is, I want to see you both delete it from your phones." I cross my arms, standing firm. "Right here, right now. I'm not leaving until I'm absolutely certain there isn't a single copy left. I need to watch it happen."

James and Emily exchange a quick, silent look. Resigned, James pulls out his phone and taps through his messages, his jaw clenched as he finds the file and deletes it. He goes into the recycle bin and deletes it there too. Then he holds up the screen, showing me that it's gone.

"Your turn, Emily."

She huffs, digging her phone out of her purse with a reluctant sigh. I watch as she finds the message, hesitates for the briefest moment, then presses the delete button, She empties the bin too. Then she holds the phone up to me, the screen blank. "Happy now?" she asks.

"Ecstatic," I reply, unable to keep the grin from spreading across my face.

I reach into my bag and pull out the envelope that brought me into this building in the first place. I hand it to Emily with a little flourish.

She looks down at the envelope, frowning. "What's this?"

"It's a letter," I reply. "I was going to give it to Ryan myself, but since you're his loyal secretary, I figured you could deliver it for me. Could you make sure it gets to him safely?"

She takes the envelope, staring at it like it's a live grenade. "What's in it?"

"Oh, nothing you'd care about," I say, flashing her a saccharine smile. "Just make sure he gets it."

She glances down at the envelope, then back at me, her mouth set in a thin line. "You're really going to ruin everything, aren't you?"

"I think you and Ryan did a pretty good job of that all on your own." I glance at my watch, then give her a final, withering look. "Two days, Emily. Get me what I need."

If I'm being honest, I don't need whatever evidence she'll provide. It will help the case, yes. But my littler recording can work its own wonders if used correctly. But then there's the satisfaction of making sure everybody goes down for this. Every single person. Emily opens her mouth, probably to argue, but I don't give her the chance. I turn on my heel, making my way to the door with a smug expression, I've taken back the reins, and there's nothing they can do to stop

1. me.

I'm nearly out the door when I turn back, throwing them one last look, savoring the scene: Emily clutching the envelope as though it's filled with her worst secrets, and James slumped in his chair, looking defeated. "Oh, and one more thing." I add. "Tell Ryan I said hi. I'm sure he's just dying to hear from me."

With that, I stride out of the surveillance room, my heels clicking against the floor in a perfect rhythm. The grin on my face is almost impossible to contain, but I don't care. This is my moment, my victory. After CHAPTER 055. The Hustle

years of deception, lies, and betrayal, I'm finally walking out of here on my terms.

CHAPTER 056: Handpicked By Angels Ryan O'Brien~~

Ryan collapses in his seat. It's barely past noon, and he's exhausted. His mother, Adeline, had made him send about three dozen emails to various companies-potential partners-and at this point, if he has to send another "I hope this email finds you well", he'd lose his

damn mind.

Jesus Christ. Half the companies on these emails aren't even worth the attention.

And Adeline has somehow forgotten that Ryan has a secretary.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be?" Ryan says, staring at his mother who's penning something down. in a book.

"I'm right where I want to be," she replies without looking up.

"What if I don't want you here?"

"Great. You can leave."

"It's my office," he says. "You can't set up a workstation in the CEO's office. I can arrange for an office in your name so we can both get privacy. You are suffocating me, Mom, I can't breathe."

Adeline's pen stills, her manicured fingers hovering over the page. Then, slowly, she raises her head and looks at him with that same cold, calculating gaze that used to send shivers down his spine when he was a kid. But he isn't a kid anymore. He's a grown man-a CEO, for God's sake-so why does her stare still make him feel like a rebellious teenager? "I'm not giving you privacy so you can have sex with your secretary during work hours, Ryan," she says.

"For goodness' sake, what do you want? You moved me and Emily into your mansion, which is almost an hour's drive from here. You sued my wife for God knows what when I told you I don't want a divorce. And now she won't even take my calls. She's probably in another man's bed right now, the same person you managed to chase away from a very good partnership and somehow blame it on me. You keep saying you're not the one leaking information to the press, but who else would it be? You're the only person who stands to gain something from my divorce. I don't know what that is, maybe satisfaction of possessive, and manipulative cravings. I am 32 years old, and somehow, I can't outgrow my mom."

Adeline cocks an eyebrow. "Are you done?"

Ryan doesn't reply.

"You're never getting back with Julie," she says.

"The hell I'm not."

your sadistic,

"You. Are. Never. Getting. Back. With. Her. Your only concern right now should be how to save this company and a host of other things that don't involve your dick. You're living with your mistress. What do you want your wife for?" "It's called love, Mom. Didn't you have that with Dad?"

"Shut your fucking mouth," she hisses. "You don't know the first thing about my relationship with your father. Love doesn't pay the bills, love doesn't maintain reputations, and it certainly doesn't keep people