Chapter 1

To help my wife’s tech startup climb to the top of the industry, I went completely off the grid. I spent two agonizing years working in stealth mode in Silicon Valley.

For two years, I lived like a ghost, eventually breaking through the industry's most difficult barrier: the core AI chip technology.

Before I left, Chloe clung to me, her voice soft and promising:

"Go focus on the R&D, babe. Once the technology is deployed and the company goes public, you’ll be the co-founder. I’ll make sure you’re set for life."

With that promise locked in my heart, I returned to the company holding the exclusive patent. But what awaited me was a cold-blooded betrayal.

I walked in only to see my wife leaning intimately into the arms of my former assistant. She announced to the entire room:

"Starting today, Asher is appointed as our Chief Technology Officer. He will take full control of all core projects!"

As Chloe finished speaking, Asher smirked. He slid his hand around her waist, pulling her close. "Thank you for your trust, Chloe. I’ll make sure AuraTech's technological future is in safe hands."

I stared at Chloe’s slightly swollen belly, then at the triumphant smile plastered on her face. My heart turned to ash.

Two years of sweating blood, sacrificing my health in that lab, and my life's work was nothing but a stepping stone for them.

Swallowing the rage burning in my throat, I sneered. I opened my laptop and remotely shut down all of the company’s core servers.

You want to steal my hard work? You want to use my brain to buy your happy ending?

Fine. I don't mind burning down everything you stole from me.