Chapter 3

I hung up and stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out at the city lights below.

Caleb. You think you've found true love.

But you just walked straight into a trap with no way out.

And when it all falls apart, I'll be the one left to deal with what's left of you.

The next morning, I did what I always did. Full makeup. A sharp, well-fitted blazer. I walked through the doors of Frost Group like I owned the place — because I did.

As co-founder, I held thirty percent of the company's shares. Outside of Caleb, I was the largest shareholder.

Over the past two years, I'd stepped back from management to care for Caleb while he was sick.

Now it was time to take back what was mine.

I stepped off the elevator and immediately spotted Scarlett standing outside my office, directing a group of workers moving furniture around.

"Careful with that — Caleb had that Italian leather sofa custom-ordered from overseas. Don't scratch it."

She was in a Chanel couture dress, tossing orders around like she ran the place.

When she saw me coming, she blinked — then broke into a slow, taunting smile.

"Oh, Victoria! I didn't expect to see you here. Didn't Caleb tell you? He gave me this office."

Around us, employees stopped what they were doing, all ears.

I said nothing. I walked straight up to her.

Crack.

I raised my hand and slapped her — hard. Every bit of strength I had behind it.

Scarlett let out a sharp cry and hit the floor, one hand pressed to her cheek, staring up at me in disbelief.

"You — you actually hit me?!"

"Yeah, I hit you. What, did I need to make an appointment first?" I looked down at her, eyes cold as stone.

"Scarlett, who exactly do you think you are? You slept your way into this company, and now you're moving into my office?"

"Victoria! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

The voice came from behind me.

Caleb came storming over, shoved me aside, and reached down to pull Scarlett up off the floor.

"Scarlett, are you okay?"

Scarlett sank into him, tears already streaming down her face.

"Caleb, I just wanted to help take some of the workload off you... Is Victoria trying to push me out? Does she just — can't stand having me here?"

Caleb looked at Scarlett's red, swollen cheek, his face tight. Then he turned on me, eyes blazing.

"Victoria, are you done?! Scarlett is the new Project Director — this office is hers. She earned it!"

"Project Director?" I let out a cold laugh. "Caleb, have you completely lost your mind? She has a background in art. What does she know about project management? What is this company to you — a playground for your little affair?"

"Frost Group is my company. I'll appoint whoever I want as director!" Caleb shot back without mercy.

"Is that so?" I met his gaze head-on, unwavering. "Caleb, don't forget — I hold thirty percent of the shares. Without my signature, none of your major personnel appointments are valid."

Caleb's expression shifted.

It seemed like he'd only just remembered that I wasn't just his wife. I was a shareholder who could stand against him at the board table.

"Victoria, do you have to fight me on everything?" he said through gritted teeth, his voice low.

"I'm not the one picking a fight. You pushed me here." My voice was cold. "You have ten minutes to throw her things out. If you don't, we'll settle this at tomorrow's board meeting."

With that, I pushed open the door, walked into the office, and shut it behind me. Hard.

From the other side of the door came the sound of Caleb cursing in frustration — and Scarlett's soft, aggrieved sobbing.

I settled into the wide office chair, took in the familiar surroundings, and felt the corner of my mouth pull into a cool smile.

This is only the beginning, Caleb.

Every single thing you two owe me — I'm going to collect it back, with interest.

Over the next few days, I moved through the company like a blade, restructuring personnel. Every person Caleb had promoted — all of Scarlett's allies — were either demoted or let go.

Caleb was so furious he smashed a glass in his office. But there was nothing he could do to stop me.

Because every decision I made was fully compliant with the company's bylaws. There wasn't a single thing to challenge.

As for Scarlett — she stopped provoking me so openly.

She went quiet. More restrained. She leaned into the perfect victim act, spending her days finding new ways to bring Caleb homemade soups.