Chapter 3

"Chloe, does Julian really not remember anything?"

Helen’s voice came through the line, heavy with anxiety.

Helen was Julian’s mother, and she had been the one pushing hardest for us to get married.

"The doctor said it's selective amnesia. It might take some time," I repeated the script. Every word felt like ash in my mouth.

"Then you need to spend more time with him, honey. Seven years of love doesn't just vanish..." Helen sighed. "His father is already contacting the best neurologists in New York. Don't worry."

"Thank you, Helen."

I didn't have the heart to tell her that her son's brain was perfectly fine. It was so fine that he could play the sick patient to his family, play the passionate lover to Scarlett, and play a cold stranger to me.

After hanging up, Liam sent over the first batch of documents.

The 38% stake in Aura Tech had already been routed through a private offshore holding company. The transaction was expected to clear within three days.

Three days.

The fortune Julian had spent three years building would evaporate in three days.

The next morning, Paige invited me out for coffee.

She was my college roommate and the only one who knew the whole truth.

"You're telling me he's faking it?"

Paige stopped her coffee cup halfway to her mouth, staring at me in disbelief.

"I heard him with my own eyes. He was teaching Scarlett how to play along."

"Shut up!"

Paige slammed her cup down, cursing under her breath.

"I knew that guy was trash! Seven years, Chloe. You gave him the best years of your life, and he threw it away for an intern."

"Which is why I'm taking my payment back."

Paige must have read something in my eyes. "What are you planning to do?"

"Every single one of his investments is under my name—Aura Tech, Apex Data, Nova Media. Combined, they are worth at least ten million dollars."

Paige gasped.

"Are you crazy? What if he finds out?"

"So what if he does? The assets are legally mine. Selling my own property isn't a crime."

I stirred my coffee without drinking it. "Besides, he has amnesia, remember? He doesn't even know who I am. How could he remember his investments?"

Paige stared at me for a few seconds, then a slow grin spread across her face.

"Chloe, you are ruthless. I love it."

"I learned from the best."

Just then, the coffee shop door chimed.

Julian walked in, holding hands with Scarlett.

Scarlett was wearing a floral sundress, leaning against his shoulder as if she wanted the whole world to know she was the chosen one.

Paige’s face instantly darkened.

Julian noticed me too. He paused for a second, then naturally guided Scarlett toward a table in the far corner to avoid us.

But Scarlett had other plans.

She let go of Julian’s hand and walked straight to our table. She leaned in, her voice just loud enough for the neighboring tables to hear.

"Chloe, I forgot to tell you yesterday—Julian asked me to move in with him."

"He said the apartment is too big and lonely for just one person."

Paige clenched her fists. I gently placed my hand over hers to calm her down.

"Sure, go ahead," I took a slow sip of my coffee. "The AC filter needs changing, by the way, and the kitchen sink clogs every three days. It's perfect timing for you to take over."

Scarlett’s smirk faltered.

She didn't expect me to be so calm. No tears, no screaming, no confrontation.

"Are you... not even mad?"

"Why would I be? He has brain damage and needs a nurse. Since you're volunteering for free labor, I should be thanking you."

A flash of anger crossed Scarlett’s eyes. She didn't want my composure; she wanted my breakdown.

Only if I lost my mind could she play the victim card and show everyone how "understanding" she was.

"Scarlett, let's go."

Julian called out from the corner, his voice laced with impatience.

Scarlett gave me a tight, fake smile and turned away.

Paige finally let go of her fists, her nails leaving deep crescents in her palms.

"Chloe, let me go over there and slap her."

"Don't waste your energy."

I unlocked my phone. Liam had just sent a new message.

[Chloe, we have a slight problem with Apex Data. Julian’s partner, Gavin, noticed the pending equity transfer notice. He has already called Julian three times.]

Gavin. Julian’s childhood friend and the co-founder of Apex Data. He was ten times smarter than Julian. If he smelled a rat, my entire plan would go up in flames.

"Paige, I need a favor."

"Name it."

"Is Gavin still trying to secure that clean energy project? Help me set up a meeting between him and the reps at Vanguard Group. Tomorrow. Any excuse will do."

Paige looked at me, her eyes gleaming. "A distraction?"

"Gavin cares about the equity transfer because he's worried about the company's future. Let's give him something much bigger to worry about."

I grabbed my bag and stood up.

Paige called out behind me.

"Chloe, what happens after you take everything? What's the end game?"

"I’m going to strip away everything he prides himself on, piece by piece."