Chapter 1
"Sign it now. 15 million is more than enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life," Richard Grant said.
Victoria Lane looked at the divorce agreement in front of her. The terms were clear. She would walk away with nothing but 15 million in cash, even though their shared assets were conservatively estimated at over 700 million dollars.
Richard sat across from her, still wearing that gentle expression, as if he were doing her some great favor.
"Victoria, I know I've let you down, but Chloe and I really love each other. And you've seen it yourself. There's nothing left between us," he said. His voice carried a hint of guilt, but mostly impatience.
Victoria's gaze shifted to the woman hiding in the corner behind Richard, playing the innocent card.
It was Chloe Evans, her best friend. They'd been inseparable since college, and Chloe had even been her maid of honor at her wedding. Now, Chloe was the other woman who had destroyed her marriage.
"Victoria, I'm so sorry. I never wanted things to turn out like this. But feelings don't exactly follow a rulebook, you know." Chloe bit her lip, dialing up the fragile act.
Victoria had seen this scene play out countless times in her previous life. Every time, she'd soften and choose to forgive, only to have Richard push her further and Chloe get bolder.
She only learned the truth on her deathbed, after the doctors diagnosed her with a terminal illness. Turned out, Richard and Chloe had been married behind her back three years ago.
Victoria had always played the role of Richard's wife, and clearly, she'd been making a fool of herself.
Richard had cleaned out every asset in her name, using every dirty trick he could think of.
15 million? In her previous life, she didn't get a cent before being kicked out.
Victoria slowly picked up the pen and signed her name on the divorce agreement.
Richard froze for a moment, clearly stunned by how quickly she agreed. "You really signed it?"
"What, did you think I'd beg you to stay?" Victoria looked up, a cold smirk on her lips. "Richard, keep dreaming."
'I won't repeat the mistakes of my previous life,' Victoria thought. 'Now that I've got a second chance, I'm going to make them pay for everything.'
*****
Victoria suddenly paused. "But make sure the 15 million hits my account by tomorrow. And I want three days to get my things together and leave."
Richard let out a sigh of relief. He thought she might put up a fight.
"No problem. I'll tell my controller to make the transfer. The money should hit your account tomorrow."
Victoria stood up, grabbed her bag, and said, "Alright, then. Enjoy your happy life together ever after." Then she walked out of the law firm without looking back.
Chloe's voice drifted from behind. "Richard, you don't think Victoria's faking it? Back then, you were everything to her."
"Never mind. As long as she signed, that's all I care about," Richard said, brushing it off. "15 million is more than enough for her. It's not like she can even spend that much."
Outside, Victoria heard every word and smiled. '15 million? Richard, do you know how much you stole from me over the past three years?
'Do you have any idea what those little investments you dismissed are worth now? Since you're so eager to get rid of me, I'll make this easy for you.'
She pulled out her phone and dialed a number. "Hello, is this Mr. Lucas White? This is Victoria Lane. Yes, Richard's wife. I need your expertise on a few matters."
Lucas was one of the top divorce lawyers in the business, specializing in high-net-worth divorce cases.
In her previous life, Victoria had died without ever realizing just how many legal ways she could have protected herself.
But this time was different. If Richard wanted to play games, she was ready to play and win.