Chapter 2

For the next week, I played the part of the clueless, loving wife.

I came home on time every night, cooked dinner for Leon, asked about his day, even fussed over whether he was working too hard.

Leon, of course, looked touched by my sweetness. He even suggested we see a movie that weekend.

"Really?" I asked, pretending to be surprised. "It's been forever since we went to the movies together."

"Yeah," he said, reaching out to pat my head. "Work's been crazy lately. I haven't given you enough attention. Once this project's over, I'll make it up to you."

I smiled and nodded, but I was smirking coldly inwardly.

Project? More like a weekend getaway with his side piece.

"Oh, by the way," I said casually as I cleared the table, "how's that Vivian girl doing? You mentioned she was really capable last time."

Leon's expression faltered for half a second but he recovered quickly.

"She's fine. A promising employee," he answered.

"Good. You should mentor her well," I said, feigning encouragement.

Watching him force a calm smile almost made me giddy.

Acting? Please. Two could play that game.

*****

The next morning, I walked into the office wearing a red dress—Leon's favorite kind on me. It was fitted, elegant, with just the right amount of allure.

"Wow. Ms. West, you look stunning today," Samuel said when he saw me.

"Thanks." I smiled. "You got the information ready?"

"Everything's here." He handed me a folder. "Mr. Durant's company is in the middle of negotiating a major deal. If this one tanks, they're looking at at least a 9 million dollars loss."

I flipped through the documents. There were clean and precise detailed project breakdowns, their cash flow projections, risk assessments.

"Nice work," I said, nodding. "Anything else?"

"This." He passed me a tablet. "Vivian Jackson's full background—family, education… and recent spending habits."

I scanned through it, and the more I read, the more amused I got.

Turned out, Vivian wasn't some innocent, wide-eyed intern. She had a history of targeting married men. This wasn't her first time playing this game.

Leon had no idea the little angel he thought he was protecting was actually a predator in disguise.

"Her spending's interesting," I said, pointing to a few items. "Chanel bag—30 thousand dollars. Cartier watch—45 grand. Not exactly pocket change."

"Gifts from Mr. Durant," Samuel confirmed. "I traced the transfers."

"150 grand in three months?" I let out a icy laugh. "She's got quite the appetite."

"Want me to send all this to Mr. Durant's mother?"

"No." I closed the folder. "I've got a better idea."

*****

Around noon, I called Leon.

"Babe," I said sweetly, "I'm craving your cooking. Think you can come home early tonight?"

He sounded apologetic. "Today's not great. We've got a critical client meeting for that new project."

"What kind of meeting's that important?"

"Just the usual. There's lots of details to iron out."

"Alright. Just don't push yourself too hard."

I hung up and smiled to myself.

Client meeting? I scoffed inwardly. He probably meant date night.

*****

At four o'clock sharp, I walked into the café across from Leon's office building.

It had a great view of his office entrance.

At 5:30, I saw Leon walk out. He didn't drive his car, getting into a taxi instead.

I texted Samuel: [He's out. Go.]

A moment later, Samuel replied: [Got it.]

I followed the cab all the way to a fancy restaurant downtown.

It was the same place we'd gone for our wedding anniversary.

How ironic that Leon was now bringing someone else here.

I picked a discreet seat across the street and waited. It didn't take long before Vivian arrived.

She was dressed in a flowing white dress, full makeup, flawless curls. She looked beautiful, I'd give her that.

The second Leon saw her, his face lit up like he'd just won the lottery.

I raised my phone and started snapping photos.

Every moment was captured—Leon pulling out her chair, serving her food, kissing her hand like they were some kind of fairytale couple.

I stared at the images. And for a second, I couldn't tell what I was feeling.

Anger? Sadness? Relief?

Maybe all of the above.

Then my phone rang.

"Ms. West," Samuel's voice came through the line, calm and composed. "Everything's ready. Mr. Durant will get his surprise tomorrow morning."

"Perfect." I looked across the street at the lovebirds. "Let's see how long Leon can keep smiling."

I ended the call and walked away.

If we were putting on a show, I was going to make damn sure it got rave reviews.

Did Leon think he could betray me and walk away clean?

He had no idea what was coming.