Chapter 5

Regina's eyes flickered with conflict.

She didn't trust me. But she wanted what I was offering.

"Why should I believe you?" she asked.

"You don't have to," I said. "You just have to choose."

I sat back and looked at her. "You can keep being Zach's little secret, take whatever money he throws at you, and live like someone who has to hide.

"Or you can work with me. You get enough money to live well for the rest of your life. And you walk away from all of this for good."

I met her eyes. "You're smart. You know which one makes more sense."

I reached into my bag, took out a bank card, and slid it across the table. "There's 30 thousand dollars in there. Consider it a deposit."

She stared at the card. Her eyes widened.

When she had been thrown out, Grace hadn't given her a cent.

The money Zach had secretly given her was inconsistent and never this much.

But I had put 30 thousand dollars in front of her without hesitation.

That card shattered her defenses.

She looked at it as if it were dangerous yet also something that might save her.

Then, fast as a flash, she grabbed it and shoved it into her bag like she was afraid I might take it back.

"What do you want me to do?" she asked, her voice dry.

"It's simple." I took out my phone, turned on the recording app, and set it on the table. "Next time Zach contacts you, record everything."

I looked at her, my eyes cold. "I'll tell you what to say and how to act. You just need to play your part and be my pawn."

Her expression shifted again and again.

She understood exactly what taking that money meant. She was signing herself over to me.

But she had no other choice.

"Okay." The word came out tight and forced.

That was enough. The deal was done.

I stood up, didn't look at her again, and walked out.

*****

When I got home, Grace hurried over. "Melody, you're back. How are you feeling? Are you better?"

I turned to her and gave her a soft, obedient smile. "I feel much better. Thank you, Mom."

In the days that followed, I played the part of the perfect daughter with amnesia.

I made a show of trying to get used to everything in the house. From time to time, I casually brought up the company as if it had just crossed my mind.

Ellery was clearly pleased. In his eyes, it was a good sign. His long-lost daughter was finally taking an interest in the family business.

He even started handing me basic company files and walking me through how things worked.

I took it all in like a sponge. I soaked up everything I could about the Clarke Group, fast and quiet.

Zach still ignored me. But with our parents watching, he kept himself in check.

Jeffrey, on the other hand, showed up more and more.

Each time, he brought something with him, as if trying to jog my memory. "Melody, do you remember this? This is the cake from that shop we used to go to as kids. And this comic. We followed it for years."

I would just smile and shake my head. "I don't remember. But thank you, Jeffrey."

He always looked crushed. But I felt nothing.

That soft, girlish crush I once had was gone. It had shattered the moment he shoved me down the stairs.

Before long, my twentieth birthday came around.

The Clarke family threw a huge party. Relatives, business partners, old friends, and everyone who mattered were there.

The party had two main purposes.

First, they wanted to announce that the true heiress of the Clarke family had returned.

Second, they were going to announce in public that ten percent of the Clarke Group's shares would be transferred to me.

That night, I wore a custom white gown. I stood beside my parents, smiling, accepting congratulations and curious looks.

Everything went smoothly until it was time to cut the cake.

Ellery cleared his throat. He was just about to bring up the share transfer.

"Dad, Mom. Wait." Zach stood up.

He held a remote in his hand. There was a sharp, almost excited smile on his face. "Before we get to that, I've got a birthday gift for Melody."

He pressed the button. The big screen in the center of the ballroom lit up.