After My Runaway Groom’s Betrayal, I Took His Empire

The private investigator's office was tucked away on the thirty-second floor of an unremarkable Midtown building—deliberately forgettable, just like the man himself. Maxwell Chen had built his reputation on discretion and results, which was precisely why I'd kept him on retainer for the past five years.

"Ms. Reed," he greeted me, rising from behind his desk. "I've compiled the preliminary report on Olivia White."

I settled into the leather chair across from him, crossing my legs. "Tell me everything."

Maxwell slid a folder across the polished surface. Inside were photographs—Olivia and Ethan at Yale, their arms wrapped around each other at some fraternity party. Her smile was the same practiced curve I'd seen yesterday, but her eyes held something genuine when looking at him.

"They were college sweethearts," Maxwell explained. "Dated for nearly two years until she abruptly ended things during their senior year."

"For?"

"Caleb Anderson." He produced another photograph—Olivia draped over a young man with a Kennedy-esque jawline and trust fund smile. "Anderson Shipping heir. His family was worth triple what the Brooks could claim at the time."

I tapped my fingernail against the photo. "And now?"

"Bankrupt." Maxwell's expression remained neutral. "Anderson Shipping collapsed six months ago—poor investments, mismanagement. The family lost everything. Olivia followed Caleb to London when they graduated, but returned to New York three weeks ago. Alone."

The pieces clicked into place with satisfying precision. "Three weeks. Just as Brooks Enterprises secured the Westfield contract."

"The timing is... notable," Maxwell agreed.

I closed the folder, my mind already calculating the next moves. "I want everything—her financials, her movements since returning to New York, every interaction with Ethan."

"Already in progress."

"And surveillance on both of them. I want to know where they meet, what they discuss."

Maxwell nodded. "Understood."

As I stood to leave, I paused. "One more thing. Find me everything on Caleb Anderson's current whereabouts. I suspect we'll be extending him an invitation soon."

* * *

The Brooks Enterprises boardroom exuded old money—mahogany paneling, leather chairs that had witnessed decades of deals. Ironic, considering how close they'd come to losing it all before I stepped in.

Ethan sat at the head of the table, projecting confidence he hadn't earned. Our eyes met briefly as I took my seat. His smile was hopeful, relieved. He thought he was forgiven.

Fool.

"Before we begin the quarterly review," I announced once the preliminary matters concluded, "I'd like to make a personal announcement."

The board members—mostly old friends of Ethan's father—turned their attention to me. Eleanor Brooks, seated near her son, narrowed her eyes slightly.

"As many of you know, Ethan and I have been discussing our future together." I smiled warmly at him. "To that end, I've decided to take a step back from daily operations at Brooks Enterprises."

Murmurs rippled around the table. Ethan's expression flickered between confusion and relief.

"This is a personal decision," I continued smoothly. "I want to focus on our relationship, away from business pressures. The Reed family investments will remain in place, of course."

A lie, but they wouldn't discover that until it was too late.

"Victoria has been instrumental in our recent success," Ethan added quickly. "But I respect her decision. We're both looking forward to this... new chapter."

The way he stumbled over those last words told me everything. He was grateful for the distance. It would make his betrayal easier to manage.

"I'll still be available for consultation," I assured the board, "but effective immediately, I'll be stepping away from operational oversight."

As the meeting concluded, Eleanor approached me. "How thoughtful of you, Victoria," she said, her tone dripping with false warmth. "Ethan has been under such pressure lately."

"I only want what's best for him," I replied, matching her insincerity.

* * *

Three days later, I returned to Brooks Enterprises for a scheduled meeting with the marketing team. As I approached Ethan's office, I heard laughter—light, feminine, calculated.

I pushed open the door without knocking. Ethan stood behind his desk, leaning toward a woman perched on its edge. Olivia White. In person, she was exactly as her photographs suggested—expensively maintained beauty with hungry eyes.

They jumped apart at my entrance, guilt flashing across both faces.

"Victoria!" Ethan recovered first. "I wasn't expecting you until the marketing meeting."

"Clearly." I kept my voice pleasant, my expression neutral. "Aren't you going to introduce me?"

Ethan cleared his throat. "Of course. Victoria Reed, this is Olivia White, our new executive assistant for special projects."

Olivia extended her hand, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "Ms. Reed. I've heard so much about you."

I took her hand, noting the excessive pressure of her grip. "How fascinating. I've heard absolutely nothing about you."

Ethan laughed nervously. "Olivia just started yesterday. I was going to mention it at dinner tonight."

"How wonderful that you've found qualified help so quickly." I turned to Olivia. "You must be very... talented."

She withdrew her hand, uncertainty flickering across her face. She'd expected anger, jealousy, perhaps tears. My calm politeness was throwing her off-balance.

Perfect.

"Actually," I continued, "I'm hosting a charity luncheon at Le Bernardin next week. You should join us, Olivia. It would be a wonderful opportunity for you to meet everyone."

The invitation clearly surprised both of them.

"I... would love to," Olivia managed.

"Excellent." I smiled, watching confusion cloud her eyes. "I look forward to getting to know you better."

As I turned to leave, I caught Ethan's expression—relief mingled with suspicion. He couldn't understand why I wasn't making a scene.

He would learn soon enough that my revenge wouldn't be a quick, fiery explosion.

It would be a slow, meticulous dismantling of everything he held dear.