After My Husband Humiliated Me, I Took His Empire

Victoria Chen's office sat on the forty-second floor of a building in Midtown, all glass and steel with a view that stretched across Manhattan. I'd chosen her carefully—she had a reputation for thorough investigative work and zero tolerance for corporate corruption.

She poured two cups of tea while I opened my briefcase. The dossier landed on her desk with a satisfying thud.

"Everything's in there," I said. "Contracts with my signature as lead strategist. Email chains showing Charlie taking credit for my proposals. Financial records proving he funneled my commission to Rosie Ward."

Victoria flipped through the pages, her expression sharpening with each document. "This is damning. Why bring it to me now?"

"Because the Hudson Yards launch is in two days. I need this story to break the moment Charlie starts his speech." I met her eyes. "Embargoed until then. Not a minute earlier."

She studied me for a long moment. "You're burning everything down."

"I'm taking back what's mine."

A slow smile crossed her face. "I'll have the article ready. You have my word."

I left her office feeling lighter. One more piece in place.

The hospital room smelled like antiseptic and the flowers Sarah had brought yesterday. Mom sat propped up against pillows, color back in her cheeks, looking more like herself than she had in weeks.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart," she said as I sat beside her bed.

I'd worn the navy dress she'd always loved, the one I'd bought for my Columbia graduation. It felt right, somehow. Coming full circle.

"How are you feeling?"

"Strong enough to know you're about to do something big." She reached for my hand. "Sarah told me about the launch tomorrow. About Charlie and that woman."

I squeezed her fingers. "I should've told you sooner."

"You were protecting me. Just like you always do." Her grip tightened. "But tomorrow, I want you to protect yourself. Do what needs to be done. Don't hold back because you're worried about me."

"Mom—"

"I mean it, Selena. You've spent your whole life making yourself smaller for other people. Tomorrow, take up all the space you deserve."

Tears burned behind my eyes. "I'm scared."

"Good. That means it matters." She pulled me close, and I breathed in the familiar scent of her lavender lotion. "I'm so proud of you. Not for what you've accomplished, but for who you've become."

Sarah walked in as I was leaving, giving me a fierce hug. "Go get them," she whispered.

Emmett waited in the hallway, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. He straightened when he saw me.

"Ready?" he asked.

I nodded, but my feet wouldn't move. Tomorrow everything would change. Charlie's empire would crumble. My revenge would be complete. But standing here, looking at Emmett, I realized something had already changed.

I'd stopped running from the past. Stopped letting fear make my decisions.

"Thank you," I said. "For everything. For believing in me when I didn't believe in myself."

"Selena—"

I kissed him. Just stepped forward and pressed my lips to his, my hands finding the front of his shirt. For a heartbeat, he froze. Then his arms came around me, pulling me closer, and the kiss deepened into something that felt like coming home.

When we finally broke apart, his forehead rested against mine.

"I've wanted to do that since Columbia," he murmured.

"I know." I smiled. "I'm sorry it took me so long."

The launch venue glittered with lights and champagne. I stood outside with Emmett, my hand tucked into the crook of his elbow, wearing the dress I'd chosen specifically for this moment—deep emerald silk that hugged every curve, with a neckline that demanded attention. My revenge dress.

Emmett looked at me like I was the only person in the world.

"You're stunning," he said.

"I'm terrified."

"You're allowed to be both."

We walked toward the entrance together. Cameras flashed. Voices murmured. I felt every eye turn toward us.

Rosie appeared in the doorway, blocking our path. She wore a gold gown that screamed desperation—too tight, too shiny, too much. Her smile was pure venom.

"I'm sorry, but this is an invitation-only event," she said, her voice dripping false sweetness. "And I don't recall extending one to Shaw Enterprises."

"That's because you don't control the guest list," a voice said behind her.

James Mitchell stepped forward, the lead investor, his expression curious. "Ms. Barnes. Mr. Shaw. Please, come in. I've been hoping to speak with you both."

Rosie's face went white. "Mr. Mitchell, I don't think—"

"I insist." His tone left no room for argument.

Emmett and I walked past her, and I felt her hatred like a physical thing. Inside, the ballroom sparkled with crystal and ambition. Charlie stood near the stage, surrounded by investors and press, playing the role of visionary CEO.

He saw me. Our eyes locked across the room.

I smiled.

Let the games begin.