Chapter 4

Megan was even smaller in person than in her photos, dressed in a plain white dress that made her look like a frightened doe. The moment she walked in, the tears started.

"Bianca, I'm so sorry... It's all my fault... Finley was drinking all night, calling your name over and over..."

I folded my arms and watched her little performance coolly. "Miss Burns, just say what you came to say."

She looked up, tears clinging to her lashes. "Please don't divorce Finley. He loves you. Those pictures were all one-sided. I..."

"Funny," I cut her off. "I only saw your photo for the first time yesterday. But judging by your reaction, you've known about me for quite a while."

Megan froze.

"Let me guess," I said as I stepped closer. "Finley told you our marriage was just for show? That I didn't care about him?"

"He... he said it was a business arrangement," she whispered.

I laughed. "When we got married, the Duncan family was on the verge of collapse. My father's investment saved them. What kind of business deal do you think that was?"

Her expression darkened, and the tears magically vanished. "Whatever the case, he loves me now. He chose me, didn't he?"

There it was. The mask finally slipped.

"He chose you because you looked more fragile," I said, calm as ever. "But you know what? Finley's a businessman to his core. Once he realizes what it'll cost him to lose me, your little 'victory' will mean nothing."

She scoffed. "And who exactly do you think you are?"

"I'm Bianca Bray." I opened the door for her. "The largest individual shareholder of the Duncan Group. Ring a bell?"

Her angry exit left me in a surprisingly good mood. I picked up my phone and texted Kaden: [About that apartment—you still up for a showing?]

It was time to go on the offensive.

Kaden's apartment was on the top floor of a financial district tower, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a sweeping view of the city skyline.

"The security system is connected directly to the building and local police. You'll need both fingerprint and passcode to get in," Kaden explained as he demonstrated the controls. "There are only two units on this floor. The other one belongs to a banker from Praoleland—rarely around."

I rolled my suitcase into the living room, taken aback by the space. There was full wall of bookshelves, sleek minimalist furniture, and a grand piano tucked into the corner.

"You play?" I asked, nodding toward it.

He shook his head. "Previous owner left it. I liked how it looked, so I kept it." Then he gestured down the hall. "Guest room's this way. I had it set up for you."

The room was simple, but warm. Everything looked freshly laundered and untouched.

"There are essentials in the bathroom. Let me know if you need anything," Kaden said from the doorway, maintaining just the right amount of distance. "Fridge is stocked. Or you can order room service if you prefer."

"This is already more than enough," I said genuinely. "How much is the rent?"

He shook his head. "Don't worry about it. It's just sitting empty anyway."

"I can't accept that. I don't like owing others."

He studied me for a moment. "Then consider it deducted from the consulting fees."

And just like that, I moved in. It felt awkward at first, but Kaden was barely ever home, and our schedules never overlapped. We lived like two perfectly coordinated ghosts sharing the same space.

A week later, Isabella brought good news. "Finley's refusing to sign the papers, but the longer he delays, the better it is for us. I dug up more on him and Megan. Money transfers, travel logs, you name it."

"Keep gathering everything," I said as I skimmed through the files. "Also, I want a full breakdown of the Duncan Group's shareholder structure."

She raised an eyebrow. "So it's war now?"

I didn't answer and just smiled. For five years, I handled countless branding campaigns for the Duncan Group and never took a dime. Time to collect.

Kaden's project gave me the perfect in. Boarco Capital was eyeing several companies. Ironically, it was the very same ones Finley had been chasing for years. I poured my energy into market analysis, turning my inside knowledge of the Duncan Group into a tactical advantage.

Friday night, I was brewing coffee in the kitchen when Kaden walked in with a young man beside him.

"Bianca, this is my assistant, Kaleb Swanson," Kaden introduced. "We just came from a meeting."

Kaleb gave a polite nod, though the curiosity in his eyes was hard to miss. He clearly knew who I was.

"Mr. Roach, about that invitation..." Kaleb hesitated, glancing at me.

"What invitation?" I asked.

Kaden paused before replying, "The Chamber of Commerce gala tomorrow night. The Duncan Group is co-hosting."

My hand paused mid-stir. "You're going?"

"I wasn't planning to," Kaden said, meeting my gaze. "But if you're willing, we could go together."

Kaleb inhaled sharply and quickly lowered his head.

I understood what Kaden was offering. This was the perfect stage to make a statement.

"All right," I said, setting my mug down. "I'm in."

A flicker of approval crossed Kaden's face. "Kaleb, get Ms. Bray a dress."