Chapter 3

The annual Tech Innovation Gala was Lumina Tech's biggest PR night of the year.

Julian escorted me down the red carpet.

I wore a tailored black backless evening gown, wearing the picture-perfect, adoring smile alongside him for the cameras.

Just as we reached the entrance to the grand ballroom, Julian's steps halted dead in their tracks.

I followed his gaze.

Beneath the ballroom's massive crystal chandelier stood a woman in a white lace evening dress.

Her makeup was flawless. Holding a glass of champagne, she looked directly at us with a knowing smile.

Natalie.

She really was back. And she chose the exact moment Julian thought he was securing his "lifeline funding."

Julian's hand on my waist tightened violently. I could feel every muscle in his body lock up; his breathing turned ragged.

Almost instinctively, he dropped my hand and walked straight toward Natalie.

He left me—his wife—standing completely alone at the end of the press-lined red carpet.

Whispers broke out in the crowd. Dozens of amused, mocking stares landed on me.

I didn't panic. I casually adjusted my gown and walked into the ballroom on my own.

Midway through the evening, Julian leaned down, whispered, "Heading to the restroom," and slipped away from the table.

I watched his back disappear around the hallway corner. I slowly counted to twenty.

Then, I picked up my wine glass and strolled out after him.

The corridor outside was carpeted in thick velvet, swallowing every sound.

I walked toward the private terrace. Near the corner by the emergency exit, Natalie's hushed giggle drifted out.

"Why did you come back so soon? Didn't we agree you'd wait until I secured the money from her family?" Julian's voice was frantic, yet laced with raw excitement.

"I got tired of living in exile," Natalie pouted. "Leo asks for his dad every single day. Besides, I heard Evelyn has been acting up lately."

"Julian, when are you divorcing her? I'm sick of hiding in the shadows."

"Soon, Natalie. Just give me a little more time," Julian said, pulling her into his arms. "That idiot Evelyn has already gone to her uncle for the cash."

"The second the funds clear, I'll transfer the capital and push Lumina into bankruptcy."

"She won't get a single penny. In fact, she'll be saddled with all the corporate debt."

"You and I will take the core patents and start fresh overseas."

"She really is a useful little tool, isn't she?" Natalie giggled softly.

Julian's cold voice followed: "That's all she's good for."

"Look at her—stiff as a wooden board. She doesn't hold a candle to you."

"Every time I look at her fake face, it makes me sick."

Standing in the shadows, I hit the stop button on my voice recorder.

Every single word of that sickening conversation was captured.

So that was his grand design for my life. He didn't just want my money; he wanted to destroy me completely.

I slipped my phone back into my clutch and quietly returned to the gala.

When the night ended, Julian rushed back to my side. He reeked of Natalie's perfume.

"Got caught up talking to a key investor," he offered as a careless excuse.

"It's fine," I smiled flawlessly. "Business comes first."

Once inside the car, I texted Sean:

"Execute the plan early. I'm done waiting."