Chapter 1
When that sycophantic arriviste compelled me to divorce him, that pampered daughter of a rich man was leaning against him, flaunting their affair triumphantly.
I drowned my sorrows by drinking late into the night. I cursed myself bitterly for being blind and for failing to see how low he would stoop to climb the social ladder.
To my surprise, that daughter's rich father, with a prominent beer belly, appeared before me. He slipped a thick envelope discreetly to me. It was full of cash.
*****
In the backseat of that rich man's luxurious sedan, the atmosphere was tense.
A vengeful thought rose in me. If that scumbag ex-husband wanted to marry up, then I would become his mother-in-law and make him bow to me for the rest of his life!
But the rich man held my hand, and after much hemming and hawing, I finally understood what he was getting at.
This guy was the chairman of my ex-husband's company. And the person he had his eye on was actually my ex-husband!
I stopped sobbing abruptly. I couldn't believe my ears.
I would feel downright disgusted if I saw my scumbag ex-husband canoodling a rich woman for money.
But if I could watch that same scumbag bowing and scraping to his sleazy big boss, whom he badmouthed daily, just so he could get ahead, I would gladly help to make both of their dreams come true!
"Take this envelope. And you get to keep the penthouse in the city center.
"On the condition that you cooperate with me and get him into my bed,” the chairman, Kiefer Zuhlsdorf, drawled.
I immediately gave a high five to the flabby hand sporting a million-dollar watch and replied, "Deal!”
As long as the money was right, I could send him into space, much less get him into this fat guy's bed.
"There’s just one problem, though.” Kiefer frowned, looking somewhat troubled, and stubbed out his cigar in the ashtray.
"That kid may love money, but he’s hopelessly straight. The last time I dropped a hint, he got so spooked he nearly called the police.”
I gave a scornful laugh. Herbert was indeed straight, but his greed surpassed all else.
To break into high society and curry favor with the powerful, this guy would not hesitate to sacrifice his dignity.
Back when he was chasing a deal, he would allow clients to walk all over him.
As long as the bait was enticing enough, there was no hook Herbert wouldn’t bite.
"Leave it to me,” I promised him with a confident pat on my chest.
Kiefer nodded and looked very pleased. He then told the chauffeur to stop the car.
I stepped out of the luxury car and gazed at the empty house before me.
Just yesterday, I was bawling my eyes out here because of the divorce, feeling like my whole world had come crashing down.
Now, I was buzzing with so much energy and excitement that I wanted to dance for joy.
At this juncture, my phone buzzed. Herbert had sent me three messages.
Herbert: [Have you signed the divorce papers yet? Wanetta said if you agree to divorce me, you don't have to pay back that 40 grand.]
Herbert: [Don’t be ungrateful. Someone like me is way out of your league.]
Herbert: [Hurry up and get the hell out of there. Don’t delay me from moving house.]
From his text messages alone, I could detect that smug, self-satisfied arrogance.
In the past, I would have been so furious that my hands would have been shaking, and I would have dashed up to slap him.
But now, I just found it hilarious.
Herbert Jahnke, since you wanted to be part of a wealthy family, then I, as your ex-wife, would make sure to send you off with great fanfare.
I would let you enjoy all that unimaginable wealth and luxury to the fullest.
*****
At the café, Wanetta Zuhlsdorf sat there with her barely noticeable baby bump, beaming triumphantly.
"Herbert, I want that shrimp,” she said as she opened her mouth daintily, though her eyes were watching me intently.
Herbert instantly put down the divorce papers, peeled the shrimp with a fawning expression, and fed it to her.
He even carefully wiped her mouth with a napkin after that. He was so attentive to her that it was almost painful to watch.
"Careful, honey. It's hot," he cooed.
His actions were very fluid, clearly the result of extensive practice at home.
Watching him made me feel so nauseous that my stomach started churning.
"Sign the papers quickly!” Herbert snapped at me impatiently. His earlier fawning look had vanished completely.
"40 grand lump sum, and not a penny more. It's a reward from Wanetta out of kindness,” he added derisively.
Just as I was about to speak, Wanetta interrupted me.
She sized me up with feigned kindness meant to mock me as she explained, "Janine, actually, I feel quite sorry for you.
"Herbert and I have talked it over. You don't have anywhere to go after the divorce, and I'm pregnant now and can't do any housework. Furthermore, I don't trust outsiders in my home…”
She paused as a wicked smile crept across her face.
"Why don't you stay on as our maid and take care of Herbert and me? It's just laundry, cooking, and a few pieces of silk lingerie that need to be hand-washed."
The atmosphere around us seemed to freeze instantly.
Herbert was taken aback momentarily. However, he quickly concurred with spiteful glee. "Yes, Wanetta. That's a good idea!
"Food and accommodation included, and we'll pay you a monthly salary of one grand.”