Chapter 3: The Empire Changes Hands
"Leave."
Adrian's voice was quiet.
Vanessa stared at him.
"What?"
"Our engagement ended the moment you confused loyalty with opportunity."
She laughed nervously.
"You can't embarrass me like this."
"I already have."
She looked toward the board members.
"You all need me."
The chairman slowly stood.
"No."
"We need integrity."
Another director pushed a folder across the conference table.
"We've unanimously voted to remove every advisory position previously promised to Miss Cole."
Vanessa grabbed the folder.
Inside was something she never expected.
A copy of the prenuptial agreement she had signed weeks earlier.
Every expensive gift.
Every investment.
Every luxury apartment.
Every allowance.
Each one legally belonged to Adrian.
She owned nothing.
Security approached quietly.
"Miss Cole..."
"We'll escort you outside."
She glared at Adrian with desperate anger.
"You planned this!"
He nodded once.
"I planned to learn the truth."
"You chose to reveal it."
Minutes later, the grand front doors closed behind her.
For the first time in years...
May you like
Vanessa walked away with only the purse she had carried into the mansion.
Nothing else.
