Chapter 2

I closed my eyes, my heart seized by an invisible hand.

Arson. A draw.

Those seven years of mutual devotion were nothing but her reluctant choice after losing a bet.

"If I hadn't married him and constantly monitored his movements, you think Maurice could have had it so smooth? I've been clearing obstacles for him!"

A metallic sweetness surged in my throat. I laughed silently, my burned hands wrapped in gauze, without even the strength to clench a fist.

Polka hadn't noticed I was awake and continued pouring out her disgust and suffering from all these years.

"This fire—don't you understand? I couldn't let him acquire SUN. That's Maurice's everything!"

After she finished speaking, there was a long silence from Audrey's side, only the sound of breathing.

"Alright, you should go. And remember, even though I married Benjamin, I'll never give up Maurice!"

After Audrey left, Polka pushed open the door, her face wearing perfectly calculated concern.

"Benjamin? Are you awake? How do you feel?"

I looked away, avoiding her hand reaching to check my forehead, my voice hoarse.

"Strange. Every time Maurice and I reach the final step, something always goes wrong."

"Maybe... it's just fate. In business, who can say for certain?"

Polka's hand paused mid-air before withdrawing.

I pulled my lips into a humorless arc, my gaze turning to the window.

"Maybe Maurice has too many devoted followers who can't stand to see him lose? The fire department is already investigating the warehouse fire."

Polka chose her words carefully, trying to soothe my emotions.

I closed my eyes, my heart ice-cold.

"Polka, what about you? Don't you think it's quite a coincidence?"

"I..."

Polka choked, her lips moving several times before finally giving up on defending herself, her brow furrowing tightly.

"Benjamin, what are you trying to say? Are you suspecting me? I'm your wife!"

"I'm just asking casually. Why are you getting so worked up?"