The 20 Billion Comeback

Synopsis

After five years of marriage, I was about to tell my husband, Jonathan Reed, that I wanted a divorce when he suddenly said, "From now on, I'll give you 200,000 dollars a month. We'll live our own lives and stay out of each other's business." Five years into this lukewarm marriage, I'd already rehearsed how I'd break the news to him. That day, I slipped into a smart dress and strode into Jonathan's office in my heels. The door was ajar, so I pushed it open and walked in. He sat behind his black desk, pen in hand, without looking up. I stood across from him, about to utter the word "divorce." But he beat me to it, his tone as casual as if he were discussing a business deal. "I'll give you 200,000 dollars a month. I won't ask about your business, and you stay out of mine." I sank into the expensive leather sofa in his office, and I almost couldn't keep from smirking after hearing that. I asked cautiously, "What about the 15% stake in the company?" Jonathan looked up, his brow furrowing slightly. "The shares stay the same. The annual dividends won't change." I nodded right away and smiled, "Deal." With my answer in hand, I grabbed my bag and walked out, feeling light on my feet. Before leaving, I closed the door behind me. As the door shut, I caught a glimpse of his stunning assistant, Sophie Lane, slipping in through the side door. Her slender fingers landed on his shoulder. Her voice was sickly sweet. "Mr. Reed, what was she doing here?" Jonathan brushed her hand off. "Business." I stood outside the door, saying nothing. Smart people didn't go looking for trouble. There was no such thing as free money, and I knew that all too well.