Kevin’s eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms, his gaze becoming sharp. “Why do you want to work at the company? Aren’t you happy at home?”

“I'm but I think I need some challenge,” I shrugged my shoulders as I looked into Kevin's eyes.

Kevin took a step forward, stretched his hands and touched my shoulders. Instantly my body reacted, I jerked back as I felt his hands.

Kevin noticed my movement and his face lit in surprise, “Did I startle you?” He asked to which I shook my head.

“No you didn't,” Although I barely suppressed the wave of disgust that rolled over me when he reached out to touch me.

His touch, once comforting, now felt repulsive. I took a step back, carefully masking my disgust with a small, wistful smile. “I’ve been feeling lonely,” I said softly. “You’re always at work, and even Stella is there. I thought maybe I could be part of it too.”

He frowned, clearly taken aback. “Working in the company isn’t easy and isn't no child's play.”

I paused for a moment before calmly reminding him, “I was a director in the company, Kevin. Or have you forgotten that?”

Hearing that Kevin's face flushed red, and I could see the frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

He was left speechless, but of course he couldn't forget that. He had no response, no defense. He stood there utterly speechless and watching his insecurities rise to the surface sent a quiet thrill through me.

This man — this man for whom I gave up everything — had the audacity to betray me. I’d left my promising career, abandoned my position as the next chairperson, just to be by his side. To take care of him. To support him and how had he repaid me? By stabbing me in the back.

I forced those bitter thoughts aside, plastering a sweet smile on my face as I walked towards him. I realized something, If I act distant from Kevin then sooner or later he would catch up with the fact that I might have found out something.

Arriving in front of Kevin, I loosened his tie with practiced ease and slid his coat off his shoulders. My smile was sweet, my tone light. “You’re going to be very happy tomorrow,” I murmured, carefully removing his coat as I locked eyes with him.

Kevin eyebrows pressed together, tilting his head towards me. “What do you mean? What’s this about?”

I brushed my fingers over his collar, faking affection. “It’s a surprise,” I said teasingly. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

Kevin’s expression shifted, his curiosity quickly giving way to something more. His hands moved toward me as he leaned in, attempting to close the distance between us.

My heart raced, I knew what he wanted to do. I took in a deep breath as I felt his hand grabbing my waist, he wanted to get intimate.

If this was before then both of us will get into a wild intimate moment. Now I know his true colors, obviously I won't let him do that.

I placed a gentle hand on his chest, stopping him in his tracks. “Not tonight,” I said softly, keeping my smile intact.

He was already leaning over to kiss me on the lips when I stopped him. “Why not?” He let go of my waist and signed, disappointed.

I shook my head, “Nothing, just not today.” I replied, trying to walk away from him.

“But I want this,” He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him. His eyes shining with lust.

Inside me I looked at him with disgust, he was as well cheating on me with Stella all this years and had kept up with this fake act all along, deceiving me?

I paused for a moment which made his lips curl into his lips, he must think he had me already.

I shook my head and gently pushed him off to his surprise. “You should freshen up. You’ve had a long day and besides you have a busy day tomorrow.”

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded and turned toward the bathroom.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind him, the masked expense slipped from my face. My expression changed and my face was red sigh anger.

I stood there in anger for a moment and then suddenly a mocking laugh escaped my lips, low and bitter. “Enjoy your rest, Kevin,” I muttered under my breath, my smirk growing. “You’re going to need it for what’s coming.”

My gaze drifted toward the window as my thoughts turned to tomorrow. I could already picture the look on his face when he saw Kaden in the company.

It was a scene I’d been waiting for, and I wasn’t going to miss a second of it.

The next morning, I took my time getting ready in front of the mirror. My reflection stared back at me as I adjusted the delicate neckline of my blouse and smoothed the creases in my blazer. The outfit was stunning, fitting for a first day impression.

As I posed in front of the mirror admiring myself, a smile crept up my lift and an inexplicable feeling of joy filled my heart. Today I was going back to the company, after three years. Today was the start of reclaiming what was mine and getting back at Kevin.

For years, I believed his lack of support for my career came from his care about me. I thought he wanted me to relax, to live comfortably. But now, I understand the truth. He wasn’t protecting me, he was afraid all this time. Afraid that I'll take over the company.

He’d always been afraid. Afraid of my potential, my ambition, and what I could achieve if I stepped into the spotlight. And now, I was going to make him feel that fear tenfold. I was going to make him feel more on edge before I completely ruin his everything.

I went to check on Kevin in his bedroom and when I opened the door and peeled in, Kevin was lying on his bed still fast asleep.

Without a word, I turned on my heel and left the room, leaving him to sleep. Although I had always tasked myself with waking him up in the mornings. I wasn't going to wake him up.

*****

As the car sped toward the company, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. It had been three years!

Three long years since I’d last stepped into that building, the place where I once considered home. I gave it all up for him—my career, my dreams, my future. And what did I get in return? Betrayal.

But today, everything was about to change. I clenched my fists, determination coursing through me. This wasn’t just about getting even. It was about going back to who I really am.

The skyline came into view, and my heart raced—not with nerves, but with anticipation. “Let’s see how you handle this, Kevin,” I thought, a smirk tugging at my lips.

As I approached the company building, I barely had time to take in the sight of it when a tall man in a sharp suit stepped in front of me. "Mrs. Theia," he said, his tone professional but cold. "Mr. Kaden has requested your presence. Please come with me."

I didn’t need to guess who this was—Dean, Kaden’s assistant. I had expected this, and honestly, it was the perfect opportunity I could ask for and without hesitation, I followed him to the sleek black car waiting at the curb.

Sliding into the seat, I came face-to-face with Kaden. He didn’t speak right away, his piercing gaze silently assessing me. Ignoring the piercing gaze, I extended my hand confidently, offering him a firm handshake.

"Good morning, Mr. Kaden," I said, flashing a polite smile. "Theia Bennett. Your new secretary. I look forward to learning from you and giving my best to support your work."

“You seem very confident in yourself,” Mr Kaden said, his voice calm yet laced with curiosity.

“I believe in making an impression, Mr. Kaden,” I replied, maintaining my polite smile.

Kaden’s lips quirked slightly, almost like he was amused. “You speak like someone used to getting what they want.”

“I speak like someone who knows her worth,” I countered with a simple smile on my face.

Before Kaden could respond, Dean his assistant snorted from the front seat. “As long as you’re not here to mess things up or act as a spy for Kevin, we’ll be fine.”

I turned my head to him, my smile unwavering. “Spy?” I echoed lightly. “Well, if qualifications mean anything to you, let me make it clear.”

"Let’s hear it," he finally said, his deep voice breaking the silence.

I leaned back, meeting Dean’s skeptical gaze head-on. “Harvard graduate, passed with honors. Two-time ACX competition winner. Five national debate championships. And, oh, two years as a director at Harmony Designs. So, if I were you, I’d be careful with the assumptions.”

Dean went quiet, his smugness dissolving into awkward silence.

I couldn’t resist letting a victorious smirk curl on my lips as I turned back to Kaden.

Kaden’s lips twitched, not quite a smile, but enough to tell me he was intrigued.

I met his gaze, looking into his eyes with confidence.

Kaden’s brows pressed together as he looked at me, his sharp gaze like he had a lot of questions to ask. “What exactly is your motive, Theia?” he asked, his tone calm but edged with suspicion.

I leaned back in my seat, meeting his intense stare boldly with a smile to my face.

Kaden was a simple and yet sophisticated looking guy with a handsome face and good looking body. A description of him would have been a true prince charming. His eyes were one that seemed to peer into your soul when it gazed on you, a very calm brewing storm.

“What brought you back so suddenly? I find it hard to believe it’s purely coincidence. You’re here for the company, aren’t you?” I asked leaning forward to observe him.

Hearing this, Dean scoffed from the front seat. “Why does it matter to you? If you must know, to secure the position we’re aiming for, our biggest obstacles are you and Kevin. So, tell me why should we care what you think?”

I tilted my head, smiling faintly at his hostility. “I’d advise you not to make the mistake of thinking I’m your enemy,” I said, my voice calm yet firm.

The suspicion on Dean’s face was still there, I couldn't blame him for that though, he was being just careful.

But Kaden’s expression remained unreadable. I couldn't tell what was going on in his mind. “If not an enemy,” Kaden asked, his tone clipped, “then what are you?”

“An ally,” I said simply. “I want to work with you, Kaden. To make you the next chairman of the company.”

Both Kaden and Dean looked at each for a moment before they burst into laughter, their amusement filling the car.

For the first time I saw Kaden laugh, from the moment I saw him, he always had a composed personality.

After a moment of laughing, Kaden leaned forward, shaking his head in disbelief. “You expect me to believe that? Why would you, of all people, collaborate with your ex-fiancé to take down your husband?”

I let out a low chuckle, my smile sharp and mocking. “That's simple, because my ex-fiancé happens to be better at business,” I replied with a smug expression on my face.

Kaden let out a light laugh, “You must be really good at flattering people.”

I shrugged my shoulders, “Actually it's not a Flatter, that's the truth.” I replied to him looking directly into his eyes.

Kaden’s laughter faded, and his expression turned serious. “Let’s say I’m listening,” he said cautiously. “What exactly are you proposing?”

I leaned forward slightly, my voice steady as I began to speak in a serious tone. “I don’t want anything from you. I’ll help you become the chairman of this company. You get what you want, and I get what I need.”

“And what’s that?” Kaden asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

“To watch him suffer,” I said coldly, my eyes flashing with a determination that made both men fall silent. “I want Kevin to lose everything while he still thinks he’s untouchable. I want to see him crumble.”

Dean’s expression turned to one of surprise and shock.

“What's going on here? This is your husband we're talking about!” Dean asked in a very surprised and flabbergasted tone.

Kaden himself seemed momentarily taken aback by the intensity in my voice. He leaned back, studying me with a mixture of curiosity. “This sounds personal,” Kaden said slowly. “What’s really going on here? Why would you betray your husband like this?”

Kevin and Dean both observed me closely, their eyes fixed on me. I took a deep breath, I was doing the right thing, I assured myself.

“About that,” I hesitated, letting the silence stretch just enough to make them wait for me to clarify what all this was about.

“What would you do, to the person who wanted to kill you if you found out earlier?” I dropped the question.

Kaden frowned, and Dean shifted uncomfortably wondering probably where all this was heading to.

Before either could respond, I continued, “Recently, I noticed a lot of life insurance policies my husband possesses. The life insurance was for someone who’s perfectly healthy, don’t you think that’s interesting?”

“Life insurance? For who? why?” Kaden nodded his head as he replied, but I cut him off.

“Think about it. Why would someone take out that much insurance all at once?”

I didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, I opened the car door and stepped out, leaving them both surprised.

“You're leaving already?” Kaden asked, observing me closely.

I turned back only briefly to deliver my parting words. “Accept this deal, Kaden. You’ll need me. There’s no better offer than this.”

Without waiting for a response, I walked away, leaving them in stunned silence. The ball was in their court now but I had no doubts, they’d come around.