Cohen Howell glanced at the WhatsApp notification from Cleo Hall inviting him to dinner, feeling indifferent. His mind was occupied with the scene Audrey Perry had created earlier that day. If he didn't go home tonight, who knew what chaos Audrey might cause? He decided to have dinner at home, telling himself it was just to keep things calm.

As Cohen got into the car and directed the driver to head home, his phone buzzed with a video call from Cleo. "Cohen, are you busy? Did you see my message earlier?" she asked. Because of their shared history, Cleo held a special place in his life, and Cohen rarely let her down. Yet this time, he replied with a simple "Yeah." Before Cleo could continue, Cohen quickly added, "Cleo, I have a meeting tonight and I'm rushing to get there. You should rest after work."

"Alright," Cleo replied, trying to smile despite the disappointment she couldn't hide. After getting no response to her earlier message, she had already reached out to Cohen's friends, who denied he had any plans. Cleo now wondered if Cohen was dining with someone else or if he had chosen to be with Audrey.

Distracted from her filming, Cleo pretended to be unwell through her assistant to sneak away, secretly waiting near Cohen’s home. The assistant, though hesitant, considered the challenges of the job: managing Cleo’s moods and laundering her clothes, even her delicates. She wished to stay clear of any drama in others' personal lives but kept these thoughts to herself. As an assistant, she had no choice but to comply.

Back at home, Cohen found the living room dark. Where was everyone? No matter how late it was, Audrey always waited for him; sometimes he'd find her dozing at the table and would gently wake her to move upstairs. He hung his coat by the front door, announcing wearily, "I'm home." Silence responded until Mrs. Smith hurried over. "Sir, you're back tonight?" she asked, surprised. It seemed everyone assumed he wouldn't return, not even bothering to keep up appearances for his sake.

Cohen asked about Audrey’s whereabouts, and Mrs. Smith looked puzzled. "She said she told you she was going home." Cohen frowned. Gone? Was Audrey serious about the divorce? The thought of their home without her presence unsettled him. He quickly dialed her number.

Meanwhile, Cleo's car was parked a short distance from Cohen's home, hoping he would just pop in to change clothes. But he hadn't left since going in. Frustration tightened her grip on the steering wheel.

With a mix of anxiety and determination, Audrey returned to her family home. She dreaded facing her family, haunted by memories of a previous life where her financial support of Cohen had led to the Perry family’s downfall and eventual takeover by Cohen himself. Although eager to see her family, finding them away on business brought her some relief. Given a second chance, Audrey recognized the shift in societal norms: women were becoming more self-aware, prioritizing independence and empowerment over romantic fantasies. Though the Perry family seemed robust, internal and external threats were ever-present. Determined to strengthen herself and protect her loved ones, she picked up a real estate proposal from the table.

The "Renaissance Heights" project caught her attention. She remembered the modest villa project in a small town. Her grandfather once offered it as a learning opportunity, but she had been too consumed with chasing Cohen to focus on work, resulting in the project falling into the hands of a less reliable family branch, leading to... "Audrey, you're home?" her grandfather's delighted voice interrupted her thoughts.

Noah Perry had returned early, not expecting the surprise of seeing his granddaughter. Audrey hugged him tightly, tears of regret over past grievances streaming down. She wondered if her grandfather's heart condition was partly her fault, having missed his final moments due to her stubborn quarrel with Cohen.

Seeing his granddaughter cry pained Noah. "What happened, Audrey? Did Cohen give you a hard time again? I'll handle it," he reassured. Audrey shook her head. "No, he won't hurt me anymore." An unknown call came in on her phone, which she promptly ignored, sharing her decision to divorce Cohen with her grandfather. "Cohen's company will repay the loan to our family, leaving us unharmed."

Noah sighed, a hint of traditional values in his response. "Who says there’s no harm? My precious granddaughter's first marriage..." Yet, he was pragmatic, adding, "Better to be divorced than unhappily married. I'll always support you." Audrey smiled through her tears, determined, "Grandpa, I'll grow quickly so you can finally enjoy life peacefully."

He affectionately smoothed her hair. "As long as you're happy, I'm at peace." Audrey picked up the project plan again. "Grandpa, may I take on this project?" "Of course, it was meant for you," Noah said, instructing his secretary to announce her leadership over "Renaissance Heights" at the company.

He briefed her on potential challenges, especially the relocation agreements involved, advising her to learn from experienced colleagues. "Understood!" Audrey agreed, though her phone buzzed again. "Who's that?" Noah inquired. "Just spam!" Audrey dismissed the interruption, blocking the number.

The reality of learning from others proved more challenging than expected. Despite their seemingly friendly demeanor, experienced colleagues withheld guidance, wary of supporting the wrong person in internal family politics. Unsure of her genuine intentions or if she’d soon abandon the project again, they remained silent.

Kaison Perry, having heard the whispers of her return, couldn’t stay calm. Having recently pocketed part of the relocation funds, he feared exposure. Yet, recalling Audrey's former unfocused ways, he reassured himself she wouldn’t uncover anything. Thus calm, he carried on with his day as usual.

Spotting Audrey, he feigned surprise, "Audrey! What brings you here?" Contrary to his expectations, Audrey, having diligently studied the project files, immediately questioned the project’s delays and financial discrepancies, causing Kaison's smile to fade as she earnestly demanded accountability.

Audrey Perry, despite being a housewife, presented the project issues with clarity and assertiveness, questioning Kaison with a commanding presence that unsettled him.

Why did Audrey always enjoy the luxurious lifestyle just because they shared the Perry name? Why did the Perry Corporation need to spend a billion dollars on her dowry just to marry her off? Cohen Howell’s art couldn't possibly justify that kind of expense.

From Kaison's point of view, that billion dollars could have been invested in his own start-up. He was confident he could have turned that money into a thriving business. But no, their grandfather was tight-fisted when it came to him. Even inviting Kaison to work at the family company felt like handing scraps to a beggar, with projects only coming his way after Audrey had turned them down.

The project was in a small, undeveloped town, and it was so minor in scale that it was hard to squeeze any benefits out of it. Kaison had been toiling over this project for nearly a year, and he felt he deserved to make some profit from it.

Yet, Noah Perry, that old man, not only took back the project but also handed it over to the seemingly inexperienced Audrey. Wasn't that a public insult to him?

It’s no wonder that Kaison felt disgruntled.

Suppressing his frustration, Kaison forced a smile, attempting a brotherly charm with Audrey, feigning ignorance. "Audrey, which project are you talking about? I'm not quite sure I understand."

"The ‘Grand Manor Project.’ Grandpa mentioned last night that it was assigned to me. Maybe the company-wide announcement hasn't been made yet." Audrey replied with a warm smile, not letting her expression falter, matching Kaison's façade perfectly. "I figured someone in the company would inform you, so I decided to speak directly to you."

Kaison felt a surge of alarm. He couldn't afford to let his guard down. Who had coached this young woman? She was trying to catch him out.

Kaison chuckled, "I haven't seen any official announcement, and my team isn’t privy to such information, so who could have informed me?"

Audrey wasn’t referring to his immediate team but rather the higher-ups within the company who had access to such information. Even if Kaison denied it, Audrey knew exactly who his informers were.

In her past experience, after their grandfather’s death, her parents had incessant disputes about an alleged affair, leading to control of the Perry Corporation slipping into the hands of distant relatives with predatory ambitions.

Those who had never seen real wealth saw it and aimed to divide it instead of growing it. Each family grabbed what they could, and when the Perry Corporation faced a cash flow crisis, not one was willing to help save it. Instead, they dumped the problem onto Audrey.

Audrey had to intervene to save the Perry Corporation, but by then, it was too late. No matter how fast she learned, the Perry Corporation was already on the brink of collapse.

What she could do now was to put a stop to these opportunistic schemes before they fully developed.

"Kaison," Audrey said, tilting her head with a smile, "so, can you answer the three questions I asked now?"

Kaison’s smile wavered slightly. He attempted to assume an adult’s superiority, trying to overshadow Audrey's presence as an heiress, "Well, Audrey, you see, this project has always been under my care, so explaining all the complexities briefly is quite a challenge."

"Then just give me the short version."

Under his sleeves, Kaison’s hands clenched into fists, and his face cooled, dropping his smiling act.

"You haven’t been in the company much. I don’t want this project to lose money." He implied Audrey’s lack of capability, hoping she would recognize her limitations.

Audrey curled her lips, "But Grandpa trusts me with it."

If the company’s chairman was confident enough to entrust this project to her, what right did Kaison have to distrust her?

"Besides…" Audrey shifted her tone, adding a hint of threat to her words, "Financial reports already show signs of loss."

Kaison was taken aback. Could she really have discovered something? Impossible! He assured himself repeatedly that Audrey was merely putting on a brave front.

With this thought, Kaison regained his confidence, speaking again in a conciliatory tone, "Audrey, you’re too young to grasp the complexity of this project. The relocation issues are challenging. Without three to five years of experience in this area, you won’t manage this task."

Audrey remained unfazed by his words. Instead, she identified the flaw in his argument.

"It’s the project’s inherent difficulties with relocation, not because I’m taking over that makes it suddenly tough.

Speaking of experience, you’ve been with the company for less than a year. Do you have such experience, Kaison?"

Kaison frowned, deciding to resort to direct threats. "Audrey, even if I lack experience, there are people in the company guiding me. Why don’t you try it?

And the suppliers! The prices you see now are what I negotiated. If you become the project lead, the prices will change. I don’t believe Grandpa would prefer to adjust the budget for this project just to back you in the boardroom."

"Believe it or not, the company announcement is already out."

Audrey grinned brightly, vexing Kaison. He didn't have time to argue with her; he had to contact the suppliers urgently to make sure they were on his side.

Trying to compete with him? Audrey, with such a pretty face, was bound to falter.

In some ways, Audrey had to thank Kaison for his "justified indignation."

The old hands in the company might have been reluctant to share their expertise with her, but she could seek external assistance. As for the suppliers’ prices...

They were surprisingly low.

What leverage did Kaison have to secure such favorable terms for this small project?

Audrey arranged to meet her close friend, Reagan Howell, for lunch, intending to inquire about her family's dealings with suppliers.

As she sat down in the restaurant, a man placed himself in the seat opposite her.

"Why did you block my number?"

Audrey looked up to find Cohen Howell’s face so dark it seemed like it could drip ink.

Audrey Perry had a hard time accepting that the person who called her twice last night was really Cohen Howell.

Cohen wasn't the type to call her, not in this life or the last. The rare times he did reach out, it was only when he needed something, like borrowing money. Audrey had once agreed, but only if he promised to marry her. That conversation didn't end well.

Usually, it was only when Cleo Hall smeared her reputation that Cohen would call, questioning her about why she would attack the innocent.

Why on earth did Cohen call her last night?

"Did you call because you're available to head to the courthouse today?" Audrey asked.

Cohen hesitated, "..."

Why was she so fixated on the divorce? And why did she sound almost thrilled about it?

Wasn’t this just another one of those times when she stormed back to her family home, waiting for him to come and fetch her once she cooled off? It had happened before.

Instead of answering, Cohen asked, "What are you doing alone at a romantic bistro at noon?"

"Obviously, I'm having lunch," Audrey replied, sensing something was off, and added, "Aren't you here too, Cohen? Doesn't it seem a bit bold to question me?"

Cleo had picked the bistro, claiming it was close to the theater set. Cohen didn’t realize it was a couples' spot until he arrived. He had asked Cleo to choose another location to avoid any awkward misunderstandings.

Audrey warned him, "Be careful when dining with your sidekick, Cohen. Don't let the tabloids catch you. If it gets out that your infidelity led to a breakup with the Perry family, the Howell Group's stock will tank, and no one will be pleased."

Cohen didn't like the sound of that. "Don't call Cleo a mistress. She never came between us."

On the contrary, Cleo was always considerate. She was careful when dining with him and often encouraged him to go home early so his family wouldn’t worry.

Audrey arched an eyebrow with a smirk, "Of course she didn’t interfere. You're probably blaming me for standing between you two, right? But it’s not my fault—your 'Goddess' turned you down and went abroad. Yet, once she heard we tied the knot, she suddenly had a change of heart and came rushing back."

Cleo had likely thought Cohen would always be the guy trailing behind her, not imagining he’d one day marry someone from another influential family for his own gain.

What was the point of all the drama? Playing hard to get, she ended up returning after all.

Cohen's expression darkened. "Who are you dining with?"

"None of your business!"

Cohen was about to snap back when Cleo's call interrupted.

Audrey bitterly laughed to herself. Back when she asked Cohen to spend more time together, he always claimed he was too busy. Apparently, he was only 'busy' for her. For Cleo, he had time for a leisurely lunch in the middle of the day.

Cleo had once boasted about being treated like royalty at every luxury hotel, making Audrey so angry she nearly passed out on the street. She had truly been blind in her past life.

Cohen was ready to leave without another word.

Audrey quickly asked, "Can we finalize the divorce this afternoon?"

Cohen shot her a sharp look, "We agreed on Monday. What's the rush?"

"If you weren't in a hurry for a divorce, why did you call me last night?"

Cohen turned away and left without offering an explanation. He wasn't going to admit that he had called because he came home to find no meal prepared and no one waiting for him in the living room.

What a joke! Her cooking was worse than leftovers. Who would miss that?

The idea that she thought the media might catch him cheating was ridiculous.

Cohen found himself wondering if Audrey might be meeting with Kannon Harris’s brother, or if she had agreed to have lunch with him here. The thought alone was infuriating.

Once in the car, Cohen instructed Cecelia, "Have someone tail Audrey. I want to know which guy she’s been hanging around with lately."

A sly glint flashed in Cecelia’s eyes.

*

Reagan Howell arrived fashionably late, her prized limited-edition handbag in tow, moving over with tiny steps.

"Sorry for being late, Audrey darling," Reagan said, batting her big eyes with a pleading look. "I spent extra time getting dolled up for you and lost track of time. Please forgive me~"

At the time, Reagan was anonymously working at a small, unremarkable company under the Howell Group. It was there she met the man who would later cause her so much heartache.

Given the chance to intervene, Audrey was determined to stop the nightmare from unfolding again.

Seeing her old friend after so long, Audrey clasped Reagan’s hand excitedly, "I forgive you."

"Hmph ╭(╯^╰)╮"

Reagan pouted, "But I can't forgive you. You forgot all about me after getting hitched—didn't even think of inviting me for lunch until now. Haven’t you been glued to your dear Cohen day in and day out?"

"Not anymore. I’ll be spending more time with you from now on, okay?"

Reagan wasn’t convinced.

Audrey admitted, "I'm getting a divorce. Today I officially joined Perry Group to lead a project."

The weight of those two statements left Reagan speechless for a moment. As Audrey’s closest friend since childhood, she knew how deep Audrey’s feelings for Cohen ran. Despite knowing about Cohen’s feelings for Cleo, Audrey had still chosen to marry him. Why the sudden decision to divorce?

Regaining her composure, Reagan moved from across the table to sit beside Audrey and hugged her tightly, "Don't be sad. Why not just marry into our family? I’ll have my brother marry you!"

Audrey laughed at her absurdity. "Stop joking. Now, tell me about the information I asked you to check."

Releasing Audrey, Reagan pulled up her phone and opened her chat with her brother, showing Audrey the screenshots he’d sent.

"This is a contract with one of the Perry family's suppliers."

The total contract amount was ten times bigger than the previous high-value project, yet the unit prices were even higher than those Kaison had negotiated.

This didn’t add up. Usually, the larger the total contract amount, the lower the unit price due to bulk purchasing.

Audrey connected the dots for the upcoming issues and understood. The delay in progress was because relocation fees had been diverted by Kaison to the supplier.

Kaison wasn't paying any less than anyone else, perhaps even more. Still, he only asked the supplier to write down the contract amount at the lowest possible price.

Taking this falsified low bid back to the board, they'd be misled into believing Kaison was a capable negotiator, justifying giving him more projects.

Kaison could then embezzle money from more projects in this way.

Layer upon layer, robbing Peter to pay Paul.

No wonder in the previous life, the Perry Group had been handed to Audrey as nothing more than an empty shell.

Reagan, upon hearing this, was furious, "That scoundrel Kaison! He's stuffing his own pockets while sinking the Perry Group!"

Audrey's eyes were resolute, a spark of determination gleaming within them, "I won't let him get away with this!"