Annika Price collapsed on the riverbank, completely drained, every limb heavy as lead and shaking so bad she could barely hold herself together. The rush of barely escaping a crocodile had sucked every last bit of strength right out of her. Then she heard a voice she knew all too well, and her head snapped up in shock.

Everest Kennedy stood over her, radiating that signature authority and effortless sophistication—walking, talking proof of the power and wealth that wrapped around him like a second skin. Even his cufflink, glinting in the sun, was worth more than she’d ever dreamed of earning. Nothing about him matched the hardworking, cash-strapped man she’d married three years ago.

Her head spun. Her whole body trembled. Everest Kennedy, the ruthless business titan… how was he not broke? She’d believed he was a regular working guy drowning in debt. It was all lies! He hadn’t married her because he needed her—he’d married her for a damn joke?

Selena Kennedy draped herself playfully over Everest’s arm, her voice thick with mockery. "C’mon, brother, this lady just risked her life diving after my necklace in the croc pool for a whole million. She’s clearly obsessed with cash. Too bad she didn’t find it, though—guess all she got was a free swim, huh?"

With a lazy flick of her wrist, Selena tossed a handful of bills over Annika’s head, letting them flutter down to land in the dirt at her feet. "Here’s a few hundred for your trouble, darling. That little crocodile stunt of yours was very entertaining."

Annika’s nails dug into the grass beneath her, her jaw set tight with defiance. She’d heard the splashes of meat being thrown to lure the crocs closer. This wasn’t some accident—it was a game for bored rich brats like Selena, who toyed with people’s lives like they were pawns on a chessboard.

She swiped the wetness off her cheeks, lifting her chin stubbornly to lock eyes with Everest. He might not have ever loved her, but she’d believed he was honest. Now? She was just a toy in their sick high-society games.

Everest looked her over with icy detachment, his gaze flicking over her work uniform and the face mask she wore. He didn’t notice the anxious staff hovering just out of sight, and from where he stood, towering over her, his tone was pure dismissal. "All this just for a little cash and a brush with a croc? Are you really that desperate?"

"Desperate enough to fall for a pretty face, that’s for sure!" Annika shot back, her voice shaking with rage and bitter irony. She flung the glinting necklace straight at Selena’s feet. "Here’s your million-dollar treasure, Selena."

Minutes earlier, treading water with a crocodile snapping at her heels, she hadn’t even flinched. She’d dove in on purpose, determined to end this stupid farce with Everest once and for all.

Everest frowned, picking up on the familiar lilt of her voice—especially that distinct little nasal inflection he’d know anywhere. "What’s your name? Take off the mask."

Annika hesitated, her fingers hovering over the edge of the fabric. Then she set her jaw. Why should she be scared of him? He was the one who’d betrayed her.

Still sitting on the grass, she pulled herself up straight, every line of her posture dignified. "You sure you want that, Mr. Kennedy? It might be more of a surprise than you think."

Everest’s expression turned even colder. "Oh, should I be scared? I’ve seen far worse than whatever you’re hiding."

"C’mon, brother, leave it," Selena cut in, putting on her sweet, understanding big-sister act. "She’s just a part-time worker. I’ll handle her little payout. Anyway, risking your life swimming with crocs for pocket change… isn’t that just sad?"

Selena’s interruption diffused the tension, and Everest lost interest right away. He’d already written Annika off as too timid to pull off anything actually bold.

"Riri, I’m ready to change," Annika mumbled, her legs unsteady as she pushed herself to her feet. She wobbled, and her friend caught her to steady her. From across the changing room, Selena’s playful voice drifted over as she curled up against Everest’s side.

"Brother, my birthday’s coming up. What did you get me?"

"Like I’d forget my favorite girl’s present, honey."

Then came Selena’s high-pitched squeal of delight. "Oh my god, brother! Is this the Tear of the Stars sapphire necklace? It’s worth millions!"

Once Selena’s excitement settled down, Everest chuckled, low and warm. "And out in the parking lot, there’s a Bugatti waiting for you, your new special ride."

Selena’s voice practically flew with glee. "Brother, is it the limited-edition Art Car? I’ve been obsessing over that forever! I love you so much!"

Annika’s hand flew to the cheap silver bracelet on her wrist, and she ripped it off and flung it as hard as she could into the bushes. It felt like someone was ripping her heart right out of her chest. The gifts he gave Selena were worth millions, but for three years, the only thing he’d ever given her was a free promotional bracelet from his company. It was already tarnished, but she’d cherished it. She’d never taken it off.

Even when they had nothing, she’d pinched every penny for months to buy him a watch that cost a few thousand dollars—only to find out he was too embarrassed to wear it anywhere. It was too "ordinary" for him.

Beside her, Riri couldn’t help but murmur, full of awe, "Mr. Kennedy is so generous! Any girl would kill to marry him."

Annika couldn’t even force words out. Her chest was so full of bitterness it hurt. Everest had never thought she was good enough to actually be his wife. He’d just tricked her with a fake marriage certificate for his own sick entertainment.

Seeing how pale Annika was, Riri jumped in gently. "Annika, it’s been a hell of a night. You should head home. The manager already said he’d pay you your full three hundred for tonight anyway."

But just as Annika finished changing and grabbed her bag to leave, the manager walked over. "Riri, have your friend take these drinks up to Suite 888."

"Does it have to be Annika? I can do it. She just went through hell tonight, she needs to rest."

"Sorry, kid. Miss Selena specifically asked for Annika. It’s just one last delivery."

A cold chill of dread trickled down Annika’s spine, her eyelids fluttering with unease. Selena, who’d just fed her to the crocodiles for fun, now wanted her to bring drinks to her suite. What new trick was she planning?

"Fine. I’ll do it."

Annika pulled her uniform and mask back on, picked up the tray of drinks, and headed for Suite 888.

When she reached the door, laughter and playful chatter spilled out into the hallway.

"So, Mr. Kennedy, now that Selena’s back… when do we start that little revenge game you were talking about? The one against Annika Price?"

Annika stood frozen outside the private room, tray of drinks clutched tight in her hands, like she’d been dropped straight into an ice bath. Revenge? What kind of payback were they plotting in there?

All those rich heirs circled Everest Kennedy like bees around honey, hanging on every word that came out of his mouth like it was gospel.

"Mr. Kennedy, Annika’s the one who messed up Selena’s leg. She can’t dance for three whole months because of her. We can’t just let her get away with this."

"When Selena’s fully healed, we’ll make sure Annika pays."

Selena’s soft voice cut in, sweet as poisoned honey. "Brother, my leg’s fine now. Let’s just forget about revenge. An eye for an eye just leaves the whole world blind, right?"

"Our sweet Selena, you’re too generous," the surrounding heirs chimed in, drowning her in compliments.

"How could Annika be so cruel to hurt our dear Selena?"

"Mr. Kennedy, we can’t just let this slide. They disrespected us. We have to stand our ground."

Annika listened to every accusation spill out from behind the door, and the blood in her veins turned to ice.

Was Everest’s supposed bankruptcy just… a long-planned revenge plot all along?

She peeked through the crack in the door, and saw Everest twirling his wine glass between his fingers, a cold smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"I’ll make her suffer a hundred times worse than Selena did."

"Mr. Kennedy, break her will first, wear her body down, then starve her emotionally," one guy suggested.

"Poor Annika, works herself to the bone, won’t even splurge on a cab, just scraping by day to day," another added.

"Is this all just for Selena’s sake, Mr. Kennedy?"

"The first phase of revenge has been running three months already, and it’s almost over," Everest said, his handsome face half-hidden in shadow.

"Selena took three months to heal. I’m gonna make Annika wear herself out for the same three months, and end up with nothing."

"Mr. Kennedy, you’re a genius! This is way more satisfying than just breaking her right away. Is phase two already started?"

"Phase two is cruelty," Everest said, and tossed back the rest of his wine. The way his Adam’s apple bobbed was both mesmerizing and ice-cold. "Make her fall hopelessly in love, get her to give everything she has, then leave her hanging high and dry. Isn’t that cruel enough for you?"

Annika’s face went ash gray, every drop of blood draining right out of it. This was psychological warfare. He’d planned every single bit of this.

When she’d hit rock bottom, he’d stepped in, offered her half a million dollars to keep her dad out of prison. Made her feel indebted to him… and made her fall head over heels in love.

The deeper the love, the more agonizing the heartbreak would be. It was a cruelty far colder than any physical harm he could have done.

Annika couldn’t even remember how she stumbled away. Her mind was completely numb. The mocking laughter from the room bounced around her skull:

"Mr. Kennedy, why don’t you let me seduce her, get her into bed? I guarantee she’ll fall for me in a week."

"Annika was the beauty queen of her class, c’mon. Let me have a shot. I’m a pro at breaking hearts."

Annika pinched her leg so hard it ached, the sharp sting cutting through the fog to remind her this wasn’t some nightmare. Selena had set her up to overhear every ugly word. It had all gone exactly according to her plan.

Everest Kennedy was dead to her now.

When she got home, Annika collapsed feverish onto her bed, like she was burning up from the inside out. In her delirium, she clutched her belly, her muddled mind flooded with memories of Everest from the past three years.

Baby, don’t leave. If you really have to go, I won’t stop you. I won’t make the same mistake again…

A little while later, a limited-edition sports car screeched to a halt out front of her building. Zeke Lee had driven Everest back himself, and couldn’t resist joking about the run-down little apartment.

"Mr. Kennedy, what’s with this whole 'poor regular guy' act? I’m just saying, your girl might actually bolt this time."

"She won’t," Everest said, slinging his coat over one shoulder. His usual cold, aloof expression softened into a lazy smile. "It’s been three years. No point stopping now."

"Your girl’s actually one of a kind, y’know? Nothing like those other gold diggers. When are you gonna introduce her to the crew, anyway?"

"It’s not time yet."

Everest pushed open the car door and stepped out, striding toward the building like he did every night. Then he caught Zeke on the phone.

"Why you rushing me? I’m not back yet. Are you my wife now? Know your place—you’re just a friend."

Hearing the word "wife" made Everest pause. At midnight, Annika always called him. She’d ask if he was working late, tell him to get some rest, remind him to take his stomach medication.

Everest checked his watch and pulled out his phone. The screen lit up the dark, flickering faintly.

It was already one a.M. And Annika hadn’t called. Normally she rambled to him about every little thing that happened during her day, but today? Not a single text on WhatsApp.

Their last conversation was yesterday. Nothing since then.

Everest rubbed his temples with his long fingers. He’d almost forgotten—Annika had asked for a divorce. And she’d blocked his number.

He walked back to the car and reeled off Annika’s number to Zeke.

"Call her for me. Tell her I had too much to drink. Ask her to come down."

"Mr. Kennedy, why don’t you call her yourself?" Zeke’s eyes glinted with amusement. "Did you two have a fight?"

"Just the usual little spat," Everest said, a flicker of awkwardness touching his normally composed face.

Zeke called three times before it finally went through.

"Hey Annika, Everest’s drunk out here. Could you come down and get him?"

On the other end of the line, Annika mumbled, sniffling. "Don’t bother me."

The call cut off sharp, and Zeke couldn’t hide his grin.

"Told you, man. Everybody has a breaking point. She’s put up with three years of this crap. She’s at her wits’ end."

Everest’s face darkened noticeably, and his old stomach problem flared up. He’d been hospitalized once for stomach bleeding. Annika had stayed by his side the whole time, never left once. She’d researched all the best supplements to protect his stomach, never stopped nagging him about his pills.

She even paid the hospital bill out of her own pocket. Never asked him for a single thing in return.

Her constant reminders used to annoy him sometimes, but today… no calls, and he’d completely forgotten to take his medication at all.

In the dim glow of the streetlight, his eyes held a deep, unreadable darkness.

"Call again. Tell her I drank so much I’m bleeding internally."

"Stabbed in the gut? The untouchable Everest Kennedy actually took a hit?" Zeke Lee breathed, disbelieving.

Everest—always the picture of icy control—kept his jaw clamped tight, his face carved from stone.

"C’mon, who is this Annika chick, to make a billionaire playboy like Everest Kennedy go this far?" Zeke chuckled, but his laugh cut off dead when Annika’s phone went straight to voicemail.

Zeke dropped the playful act instantly. Everest got dumped? This mystery woman had to be something else. Any woman that grabbed Everest Kennedy’s attention was already a knockout, but if she’d walked away from him? She had to be ruthless—tougher than any guy he’d ever gone up against.

Zeke, who was used to having people falling all over him, knew heartbreak wasn’t something Everest did. He quickly fumbled for the right thing to say.

"Don’t sweat it, man. You’ll have a dozen women throwing themselves at you before the week’s out. Once she realizes what a catch she threw away? She’ll be sobbing into her pillow."

The temperature around Everest dropped ten degrees. His voice came out tight, frost-edged, one word biting into the air: "Leave."

Annika made it through the night without any pain meds. By dawn, her fever had broken, and against all odds, the baby was fine. Seeing how strong her little one was, she decided to let things unfold as they would.

Her phone buzzed. It was her best friend Rachel, calling.

"Annika, your phone was off forever—I was panicking! Are you okay? Is your husband helping you through this?" Rachel’s voice came, tight with worry.

Annika glanced around her tiny one-bedroom apartment. Everest’s shadow was still everywhere, every little thing twisting her heart up into knots. As they talked, she gathered his toothbrush, his coffee mug, all his shirts and underwear, stuffed them into an old duffel, and tossed the whole thing straight into the trash.

"Rachel, we broke up. I don’t want to talk about him anymore. I want him completely gone from my life."

"What? You spent three years supporting that guy, and he dumps you? Annika, you need to add up every cent you spent on him all that time!" Rachel fumed.

"I did. I owe him half a million dollars."

"What? You wasted three years on him, and *you* owe *him* half a million? What a total scumbag!"

Rachel was on a work break, just calling to check in, and this dropped on her like a bomb. Annika had always kept her husband’s identity secret. Even Rachel, her ride-or-die best friend, only knew she had a man she adored, not what asshole broke her heart.

"Half a million is insane! Normal people don’t have that kind of money laying around. I could literally strangle that jerk. Did he dump you because he cheated?" Rachel’s anger burned hot through the phone; the betrayal stung her like it was her own.

Annika lifted her eyes from her phone, and her heart stopped dead.

Everest Kennedy was leaning in her doorway, all six and a half feet of him, casual and imposing, his ice-cold stare locked dead on her phone.

His deep dark eyes gave nothing away, but the intimidating aura rolling off him screamed don’t come near me.

Rachel fumbled to end the call immediately, already stammering out apologies.

"Mr. Kennedy, I… I didn’t mean to say all that. I’m so sorry."

No one knew why Everest had come back to this old building last night, but his presence had everyone walking on eggshells. Rachel had gotten so caught up raging at Annika’s ex that she’d forgotten herself, let her mouth run too loud.

"Heartless jerk?" Everest repeated. He didn’t even sound angry—there was a faint, amused quirk at the corner of his mouth.

"Sounds like someone worked herself to the bone for a deadbeat boyfriend, then got tossed aside, huh?"

Everest’s thoughts drifted to an evening a while back, when a waitress had muttered the exact same thing about a "worthless boyfriend," teeth clenched so hard they almost cracked.

He remembered her clear as day.

"Wait… Mr. Kennedy, you remember us?" Rachel’s surprise blew into full-blown shock.

Her anger flared right back up thinking about what Annika went through, and she couldn’t stop the words from pouring out.

"My friend wasted three whole years on a leech! She worked herself till she dropped, spent every last dime on him. She couldn’t even afford a five-dollar coffee for herself, but when he asked? She bought him imported cake, got him stupid expensive gifts. And then he had the nerve to cheat on her!"

"And she’s an amazing dancer! He held her back from chasing her dream this whole time!"

Everest’s brow twitched just barely. Rachel’s constant, high-pitched rant was damn irritating. Normally he would have shut her up ten sentences ago, but today? He was weirdly hooked on the story of that stubborn waitress and her useless boyfriend.

"She should be out chasing her dream, not wasting away with a freeloader. What a shameless creep."

Rachel stamped her foot in frustration. "That asshole got off way too easy. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Justice will win out, even if it takes time."

Right that second, Everest’s ear started itching. Like someone somewhere was talking about him.

Just then, Mario walked over.

"Mr. Kennedy, did you sleep well last night?"

Mario asked because he’d noticed Everest had been coming to this old building more and more often—from once or twice a week, to almost every single night now.

Last night, Everest had shown up alone.

Mario wondered if maybe Mr. Kennedy had found some comfort here, with his wife and child, that helped him sleep better.

But the dark circles under Everest’s eyes told a different story.

"Mr. Kennedy, would you like me to call Dr. Marshall to prescribe something to help you sleep?"

A flicker of discomfort crossed over Everest’s sharp, chiseled features.

"The world doesn’t stop turning just because one person’s gone. It’s not an issue."

He turned to Mario, then jerked his chin toward Rachel.

"Give your friend’s number to my assistant. If she needs money and she can dance, we’ve got a spot for her at the rooftop venue. Pay’s way better than waiting tables."

"The rooftop?" Rachel knew exactly what that place was—it was for the elite, the exclusive playground for rich and powerful men, something even wealthy heirs couldn’t just get into. It was all glitz and excess, a world away from anything she’d ever known.

Straight shooter that she was, Rachel held up her hands and shook her head.

"Thanks, Mr. Kennedy, but my friend wouldn’t lower herself to that. If she wanted fame, she would’ve gone into Hollywood years ago. When a famous director tried to take advantage of her? She smashed a bottle over his head. That’s why she’s waiting tables now."

Mario thought Rachel was out of her mind, turning down an offer from Everest Kennedy. Not just anyone gets to dance on that rooftop. Why was Everest even giving this random waitress a shot?

Seeing Everest didn’t look annoyed, Mario patiently explained to Rachel: "The rooftop hires professional dancers, you get paid for your talent. Lead dancers pull in thousands a show."

"Thousands? Per performance?" Rachel’s eyes went wide.

Damn. Poverty really does shrink your world. Standing on her feet all day serving tables barely got her a few hundred. And people make thousands just for dancing?

"My friend really is incredible. I’ve been working part-time waiting tables just to help us get by, that dance job would be perfect, it’s such a waste for her to rot here. If she gets on that rooftop stage and shows everyone what she’s got? Who knows, she’ll catch the eye of someone important, and that deadbeat ex will be green with envy."

Rachel got it instantly, and practically shoved Annika’s number into Mario’s hand.

"Please, Mr. Wallace, help my friend get that spot in the rooftop dance troupe. Thank you so much—seriously."