Chapter 1

The day the approval for Lucas Corporation's IPO came through, everyone assumed the VP position was mine for the taking.

After all, I wasn't just his fiancée.

I was the one who single-handedly pulled him back from the brink of ruin.

But at the celebration party, a reporter asked, "Mr. Grey, who do you have in mind for the company's Vice President role?"

Lucas's gaze swept right past me and landed on the gorgeous assistant beside him.

"The company is on the rise. We should give the younger generation a chance."

"For the VP position, I've decided on Miss Rose."

In an instant, gloating glances from the entire room converged on me.

I straightened my spine, said nothing, and walked out calmly.

Lucas probably forgot that the company's entire success was because of me.

But from now on, I don't want the VP position, and I don't want him.

"Serena, are you walking out just to spite me?"

"Be back in ten minutes, or don't blame me for not even leaving you the Director position."

Lucas's messages popped up one after another.

I just shut off my screen.

So furious I could laugh.

So in his mind, my five years of sacrifice were only worth a measly Director title.

Even Rose, who had only been with the company for three months, could outrank me by two levels.

If that's the case, why should I go back and humiliate myself?

With my track record of being top in sales five years straight, I'm not worried about finding another place to go.

"Take me home," I instructed my assistant. "Also, prepare my resignation letter. I'm done with Grey Corporation."

The car sped off fast.

The cold wind whipped through the car, chilling the frustration in my heart into a vast, icy emptiness.

My phone kept vibrating, Lucas's messages relentless.

"Serena! Where's your dignity? It's just a VP position. Is it really worth throwing a tantrum over?"

"You'll be Mrs. Grey in seven days anyway. The whole company will be yours. Why are you even bothered by this?"

Yeah, our wedding was set for seven days later.

All our friends and family had been notified.

Everyone was congratulating us on finally tying the knot after our seven-year marathon of love.

But right now, the only thing replaying in my mind was the look Lucas gave Rose—

Tender, lingering, and full of adoration.

The exact same way he looked at me seven years ago.

Suddenly, I didn't want to get married anymore.

"Am I the one being petty, or are you just playing favorites?"

I grabbed my phone and texted back, "The wedding is off. I don't want to marry a man whose heart belongs to someone else."

"Also, don't bother keeping a position for me at the company. I've decided to resign."

The stream of messages from his end instantly stopped.

I let out a sigh of relief.

For five years, I asked for nothing in return.

I didn't even take a salary, working for Lucas for free.

From now on, I could finally live for myself.

Once home, I started packing.

I put my belongings into my suitcase, piece by piece.

This was the home Lucas and I were supposed to share after our wedding.

I had envisioned a future with him in every corner of this place.

Tears slid down my cheeks uncontrollably.

Beautiful memories from the past flashed before my eyes one after another.

Until half an hour later, in the drawer of Lucas's study,

I found a white lace thong, stained.

Instantly, the ache in my heart subsided.

So, he and Rose had already crossed the line a long time ago.

Their relationship had long since become physical.

And right here, in our home.

I wiped away my tears just as my phone rang.

"Hello, Miss Serena, this is Victor from Titan Group."

"I heard you're leaving Grey Corporation. I was wondering if you'd be interested in joining us?"

"I'll offer you our best package—shares, positions, I won't be stingy."

Victor, Lucas's sworn rival.

The man who had repeatedly used Titan Group to steal competitive bids from Grey Corporation.

I gripped my phone, hesitated for only a moment, and then nodded. "Okay, I accept."

"But I still have some loose ends to tie up at Grey. I'll report to you in seven days, Mr. Victor."

Victor’s voice was knowing. "Miss Serena, I await your arrival."

After hanging up, the knot in my chest loosened a little.

I was never one to swallow my pride and take it.

Lucas betrayed me, so I was going to make him taste the same medicine.

I just wondered, without its pillar of support, how much longer could Grey Corporation last?