Chapter 1

On Valentine's Day, my husband, Pierre Nicolas, sent flowers to every single female employee in the company.

Except me.

When Bella, the HR director, walked past my desk, her hands were completely empty.

She gave me a playful, mischievous shrug. "Oh, sorry, Ellis. We ran out of flowers. You'll have to wait."

Just then, a delivery cart rolled in from the florist. On it was a massive, towering arrangement of 999 red roses.

I smiled back at Bella, completely confident. I stood up, ready to accept my roses.

Pierre was talking to the delivery guys, pointing directly in my direction.

The men carried the giant bouquet toward me, but passed right by my desk, placing it firmly in front of Bella.

I stared in disbelief. "You must have the wrong person. I'm Mrs. Nicolas."

Pierre walked over, wrapped his arm around Bella’s shoulders, and said in a deep, booming voice:

"The flowers are for Bella. They go to the woman who has contributed the most to this company."

The woman who contributed the most?

Oh, Pierre. If that's how you want to play, I’m about to show you who actually built this damn company.