Raine folded her arms and watched Felix with a cold, mocking smile. His chiseled face tightened, as if admitting she was his wife would somehow end his life.

But she knew the Adler family valued one thing above all else-family.

Of course, Felix never had to worry about projects. Every company wanted to work with the Morel Group. They had their fingers in everything-artificial intelligence, real estate, fashion.

Raine waited for him to say Bianca's name. The moment he did, she could file for divorce without hesitation.

He had just opened his mouth when Bianca jumped in first. "Honestly, what value can a mere housewife bring to her husband's success? Success isn't about who washes the dishes better," she said with an exaggerated eye roll.

Mrs. Adler's brows furrowed. She turned sharply toward Bianca. "Excuse me? And who exactly is this rude woman?"

Bianca's face twisted in anger, ready to snap back, but Felix's stern glare silenced her immediately.

"My apologies, Mrs. Adler. Don't mind her," Felix said quickly, pulling Bianca behind him. "She's had too much to drink-she's a bit dizzy. I'm truly sorry for her behavior-"

"No." Mrs. Adler's voice cracked through the air like a whip, laced with outrage. "As a woman who chose to build a family, I understand the labor and sacrifice that takes. Family is the foundation of Adler Holdings. And you choose to ignore that? We don't work with people who disregard our values."

Raine saw Felix's expression darken. She hadn't planned to intervene, but since she was divorcing him anyway, she might as well do one last good deed-for his grandmother's sake, if not his.

And maybe for herself. Because even though Felix had treated her like a doormat, his cold, solid house had given her the one thing she'd always wanted-safety. Ever since that rainy night when she was almost hit by a car, she'd had nightmares every night until Felix started sleeping beside her.

For all his flaws-for all his cruelty-Felix wasn't purely evil. He could be a good man too. But now, she was strong enough to stand on her own.

Raine stepped forward with a calm smile and embraced Mrs. Adler. "I'm so sorry for the delay, Mrs. Adler. Please don't take her words to heart," she said softly, gesturing toward Bianca. "She's just accompanying one of our executives. She doesn't understand the seriousness of this situation-or what true partnership really means. Of course, she'll apologize for her behavior." Raine tilted her head and gave Bianca a sweet, deadly smile. "Won't you, Bianca?"

Bianca flushed with humiliation. She opened her mouth to protest, but Felix's razor-sharp gaze froze her in place.

"Do it, Bianca," Felix ordered, his tone clipped and icy. "Or you'll be escorted out of the gala."

Bianca's jaw trembled. "She's right," she muttered through gritted teeth. "I apologize for the misunderstanding." Then, burning with shame, she slipped away.

"Glad that's cleared up," said Mr. Adler coolly. "But Mr. Morel, I must question your company's judgment-bringing such an uncultured woman to an elite event was a very poor choice. I'd advise you to raise your standards in the future."

Felix's face turned even darker, but Raine stepped in smoothly, looping her arm through his. "Of course. My husband will make sure of that," she said with poise.

"Oh my! So you're Mr. Morel's wife?" Mrs. Adler exclaimed, beaming. "Mr. Morel, you're a lucky man."

Felix's arm slid naturally around Raine's waist as he faced them. "Allow me to properly introduce my wife-Raine Morel."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Raine said evenly, extending her hand. "I truly admire your company's commitment to family values. Why don't you try some of the hors d'oeuvres at the reception? I can assure you Felix will make your next project a priority."

"Wonderful!" Mrs. Adler took her hand, delighted. "Felix, you shouldn't keep such a gem hidden away. Bring her out more often-I'm sure it'll make Morel Enterprises even stronger."

"I will," Felix said through gritted teeth. "I had no idea my wife was this impressive."

As the Adlers walked away, the spotlight once again caught Felix and Raine in its glow. He reached out to pull her close, but she gently slapped his hand away.

"Drop the act," Raine said in a low, icy tone. "I'll be waiting at home. We still have unfinished business."

Then she turned and walked away-steady steps, spine straight-leaving him standing alone.

Around them, whispers began to ripple through the crowd-

"Oh my God, that's Mr. Morel's wife."

"We were just saying she was plain. She's actually gorgeous-and a hell of a lot smarter than Bianca."

Raine didn't look back to see Felix's face. She strode out of the hall, already thinking about packing her bags.

<><><><><

It was already past midnight. Raine's suitcase sat neatly in the front hall, waiting.

She was still waiting for Felix.She stood before the tall windows of the house, gazing across at a wedding celebration in the neighboring building.

The carefree joy she saw made her ache. Once upon a time, she had yearned for that kind of happiness. In her youth, she had believed her marriage would be like that. She had been wrong-so terribly, fatally wrong.

Her soft sigh fogged the glass.

"Explain to me what you meant by that earlier."

She turned. Felix stood there, brow furrowed.

"Good. I've been waiting for you to come back," Wren replied.

His anger surged as he stalked toward her, towering above her. She lifted her chin defiantly. "You enjoy humiliating me, don't you?"

"You're pathetic," she sneered. She could hardly believe she had once loved this man. Years of her life-wasted.

She shoved a folder against his chest, stepping back, suffocated by the stench of alcohol clinging to him. Suffocated, just as this house had always suffocated her.

Felix scowled down at the papers.

"What is this?" He blinked at the words.

"Divorce papers."

"And where exactly do you think you'll go after the divorce?" Felix asked with contempt.

"Have you forgotten what you were when Grandmother took you in? You had nothing," he added, raking her with a scornful look.

At the news, his face betrayed not a flicker of surprise-only the raw hatred he'd always harbored for her. After all, the grandmother who had arranged their marriage was gone now, dead a year. If she truly suffocated him so badly, why had he never mentioned divorce first?

"Drop the act, Felix. Don't pretend you care where I end up. You should throw yourself a party," she said with a cold smile. "Consider this my parting gift to you. Freedom. Now you can run to your darling Bianca-or Jessica-or whatever her name is this week."

Her eyes flicked to the papers in his hand. "Sign them quickly. Let's not waste any more time."

"I'd be delighted," Felix said through clenched teeth. "I'm thrilled to finally be rid of you, Raine." His eyes were bloodshot.

Raine glanced at the freshly signed papers and let out a faint smile. "Me too. I'm glad we finally agree on something."

Before Felix could fire back, she grabbed her suitcase and walked out.For some reason, even the air smelled fresher. It was as if a muscle that had been clenched for years had finally loosened.

She slid into her car, tossing the envelope with the final documents onto the back seat beside her two suitcases.

Now what?

For the next few days, a motel would suffice while she searched for an affordable apartment. She had a small nest egg saved from her time helping Felix's grandmother. Not much, but enough to cover her basic needs.

She turned the ignition. The car sputtered with a sickly cough.

"Not now," she muttered, gripping the wheel. She tried again-nothing.

Just as she debated whether to call a mechanic, she noticed a sleek luxury car pulling in behind her. A tall figure stepped out. Wren's breath caught when she saw his face. Silver hair did nothing to dull his handsomeness-if anything, it made him more magnetic.

"Omar?" she asked uncertainly. As the figure drew closer, her heart pounded. Memories of her foolish infatuation with him came rushing back-the stupid things she had done, and the look of disgust in his eyes when he had rejected her.

Her expression hardened. She reached to close the window.

But Omar's strong arm stopped it, blocking her.

"Long time no see, Re."

"Of course," Omar went on, flashing that gentleman's smile she had once adored. He winked. "You're still our most distinguished heiress."

Wren's first instinct was to slam her foot on the gas, but unfortunately, her car had just broken down. Right when she was about to step into her new life, it chose to betray her.

Wren forced herself to relax her facial muscles, then curved her lips into a confident smile.

"Tell me, Omar, what are you doing here? Don't tell me you regret rejecting my confession back then?" She raised her brows playfully. "Though it's a pity-your full head of gray hair isn't really my taste anymore."

Omar froze, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.

"Wren." He drew in a deep breath, his voice low and heavy. "Don't provoke me with jokes like that. You know very well-it was nothing more than your youthful impulse. I. I've always seen you as my daughter."

Wren narrowed her eyes, her smile sharpening.

"Daughter? What an honor. But what kind of father would say in a board meeting that I'm unfit to be an heir? Daddy, your love is truly special."

With that, she moved to close the car door. She had just gotten divorced, and she didn't want anyone watching her fall apart-least of all Omar and his father.

They had found her a year ago, but she told them she refused to return to that toxic family. She was happy, as if living in paradise.

God, was he here to mock her on her father's behalf?

"That's not true," Omar said.

"Then why are you here?" Wren cut him off. It didn't matter-she would stick to her choice and never reconnect with them.

"I heard about the divorce," Omar said in a low voice.

There it was. Finally. Wren rolled her eyes.

She let out a cold laugh, slowly folding her arms across her chest like building an invisible wall.

"Of course I'm not surprised you know about it. After all these years, he's still in the habit of planting spies behind my back." She lifted her chin, her voice dripping with mockery.

Omar frowned. "Don't think that way, Wren. He's not spying on you. He still cares about his daughter."

"Right!" Wren gave a soft laugh. "So he sent you here to remind me that his prediction about my marriage failing came true. Be sure to congratulate him for me."

Omar sighed. "He sent me because he knows you're vulnerable."

"Vulnerable? Twelve years ago I cut ties with him for a reason, Omar! Remember?"

Her mother had been fighting cancer, life hanging by a thread, while her father carried on an affair with a mistress. That woman even moved into her house not long after her mother's funeral. His excuse was that the doctors said her mother wouldn't live, that depression had driven him into the affair, that he couldn't bear the pain.

In the end, her mother committed suicide. Betrayal had driven Wren to run away from home at sixteen. She believed living under the same roof with the man who had caused her mother's death was a betrayal to her.

That very day, she'd been in an accident, falling into a coma for two weeks. When she woke, she learned the one who had saved her was Felix's grandmother, Maria. Maria had taken her in, and before she married Felix, Wren had lived with them for six years. Her father had always warned her that marriage was a mistake, but she had refused to have anything to do with him.

Omar looked at her car and let out a weary sigh.

"Come with me. Let's talk somewhere better. I'll have someone take care of your car."

--

"He wants you to take the VP position at Ellington Innovation's New York branch." In the jazz-filled bar, Omar finally revealed his purpose.

Damn it, Omar's words still had an effect on her. She was sure she didn't like him, but she still trusted him. After all, aside from opposing her inheritance, he was the one who would rush in on stormy nights to help her sleep, the one who'd sneak her sandwiches when her stepmother withheld her meals-right in front of that woman.

That was why she had agreed to follow Omar to the bar, at least to spare him some embarrassment.

Hearing his words, Wren was silent for a moment, frowning.

"Why? He has another daughter." Her father had never liked her. He only doted on her stepmother's daughter, always saying her stepsister was his pride.

Omar pressed his lips together, his voice slower but still heavy.

"But you've always been his treasure too. It was your stepmother whispering in his ear-saying you were spoiled, reckless, unstable-that made him so harsh with you."

Wren was surprised. Why would her stone-hearted father suddenly change?

Omar paused, his gaze falling on her before continuing.

"Just last year, your father began to realize something was wrong with your stepmother's words. He often called me over, asking about you. He dug out your college transcripts, even the records Madam Maria left behind. That's when he realized. you'd always been excellent. Just hidden."

Wren thought she should feel happy-she had finally won her father's recognition. But that could never be enough. Unless he could bring her mother back to life. She thought of her mother's pained expression. Her father could have waited until after her mother's death to parade his mistress into that villa.

But he hadn't. He'd wanted to wound her. Her fists clenched tight.

"I'll give you time to think about it," Omar said gently, noticing the turmoil written across her face.

In the underground bar, he slid a platinum keycard across the leather console between them.

"This is a penthouse on Central Park West. No matter what you decide, it's yours." He paused. "There's no pressure. But I truly believe the rightful heiress should return to her place."

Wren stared at the card. She could find a temporary place to live. But accepting it meant betraying her mother. She had always run from her father to carry her mother's pain. Yet she knew-if she took that card, she might uncover the truth about her mother's death. A truth she had never told anyone.

And she wasn't about to. Not until she had the answer.

Omar's warm palm rested on her back. He sighed.

"Wren, listen. I know why you left. You fear that accepting your father's offer means betraying your mother. But it's not like that. I knew your mother. She wanted you to be happy. She wanted you to fight back, hard, against them. That's what she always did."

"As long as we're alive, the outcome is still up in the air." Wren remembered her mother always saying that. Which meant her mother would never have killed herself for this.

Omar saw her hesitation and added, "This time, I promise I'll be on your side."

"I'll accept it," Wren nodded. "But not out of trust for you. I just don't want to disappoint my mother."

The tension in Omar's face eased, and he exhaled in relief.

"Good. Wren, your mother would be proud of you. Your resilience exceeds anything I imagined. You can do this."

"But I have one condition. I don't want to see my father yet. You have to promise me that," she added.

"I promise," Omar assured her.

Wren quickly signed the contract. As she was leaving, Omar called after her.

"Wren, I'm sorry. I apologize for my old, narrow-minded views. You will succeed. You'll be the greatest heiress."

Wren smirked. She didn't care for his judgments anymore. She just wanted out. When they stepped out of the building, Omar opened the car door for her and waited until she settled inside.

"Ah, almost forgot. William sends his regards. He says he misses you."

"William?" Wren searched the dusty corridors of her memory. She recalled a twelve-year-old boy-chubby cheeks, earnest eyes behind thick glasses. She laughed.

"The chubby kid who used to trail after me like a lost puppy?"

Omar tilted his head slowly. "Yes. I suppose we could call him 'that chubby kid.'"

Just then, a woman in a tight dress walked toward the car, her eyes fixed on Omar.

"Hey, handsome. Interested in a drink?"

Omar's expression darkened. He was about to refuse-he had never liked casual flings-but Wren shoved him toward the woman immediately.

"Of course! My daddy could really use someone to help smooth out his wrinkles. Go on, or else it'll be past his bedtime."

"Wren." Omar warned, but Wren just laughed and darted into a cab waiting at the curb.

As soon as she sat down, her thoughts leapt back to William.

What was that boy like now? She remembered how mortified she'd been when he declared in front of all her friends that he'd marry her one day. She couldn't help laughing at the memory.

Shaking her head in amusement, she realized her childhood had indeed been happy. But now, the only thing that mattered was learning how to run a company-and uncovering the truth behind her mother's death.

Wren pulled off her clothes and took a much needed bath in the jacuzzi, she sat inside, enjoying the way the water bubbled against her skin, there was soft music playing in the background as she sat inside,

"Ugh," she sighed, closing her eyes in relief. Unable to believe she had gone this long without a soak in the jacuzzi.

Suddenly, a notification ran through, interrupting her moment of peace. She groaned in annoyance, rolling her eyes as she picked up her phone.

It was a text from Felix.

What drawer did you keep my underwear in? He asked and Wren scoffed in disbelief.

Did this man not understand the concept of a divorce? What made him think he could talk to her like she was still his maid?

Wren blocked his number immediately, still annoyed that he had cut through her peaceful thoughts.

How could that man remain such a nuisance even after they had split ways?

Wren decided not to allow him ruin her mood, she finished her bath and put on her favorite silk nightwear before falling into bed.

Sleep came easily for Wren that night, now that she wasn't expecting love from anyone else.

She woke up the next morning by past ten. It felt good to sleep in for the first time in a long time. She took another long shower, before she had her breakfast.

Afterwards, she sat in the living room, with another glass of wine in her hand, and the TV remote in another, scrolling through channels with a bored expression.

Being a newly divorced woman is boring, Wren admitted with a smile. If she was still in Felix's house by now, he would have hounded her over breakfast, complaining that her eggs were overcooked and Simone would have agreed, while scarfing down the so-called overcooked eggs.

They would have had up to five arguments by now and Wren would have remained in her room, trying to avoid them for the rest of the day.

But now, she was free. Free to do everything that she had sacrificed for three years.

Her eyes fell to her phone, suddenly thinking of her childhood friend that she hadn't spoken to in ages-Grace.

Grace had cut ties with her when she insisted on marrying Felix, now if she called her, she knew what she was going to say in that annoying voice of hers that she loved and hated. "I told you so".

But Wren missed her friend, so her pride didn't matter right now.

She scrolled through her contacts until she found Grace's number and dialed it. Her heart was racing as she watched the phone ring.

What if she didn't pick?

What if she still wanted nothing to do with her?

Her anxious thoughts came to a stop as Grace picked the call.

"Hello, who is this?" Grace asked in a blunt tone.

Wren scoffed, holding back a smile. "It's me."

"I'm sorry, I don't have anyone named me in my contacts."

"Are you serious right now?" Wren laughed. "Grace, it is me. Wren."

Grace went silent for a moment. "I see, so why did you call? Have you finally gotten enough sense to leave that loser?"

"Yeah, I left him," Wren laughed incredulously, still in a daze of what had transpired in the past week. She had actually divorced that man.

Grace gasped, placing a hand on her mouth. She hadn't been expecting to hear that. "Oh my gosh, are you freaking serious?"

"Yeah," Wren replied, still laughing.

"You left him?"

"I left him."

"I can't believe it, the last time we spoke I thought you were going to follow that man to his grave," Grace commented and Wren squirmed, remembering just how crazy in love she had been with him.

"I thought so too," She replied, cringing. "God, I was such a fool."

"I agree," Grace said a bit too quickly.

"I have really missed you, you know," Wren said sincerely, remembering how long it had been since she last saw her.

I know, I tend to leave that impression on people," she replied cockily and Wren rolled her eyes.

"In fact, what are you doing tonight?" Grace asked her suddenly.

"I am watching some shows, trying to catch up on everything I missed," Wren replied, changing the TV channel.

Grace frowned in distaste. "That sounds really pathetic."

"I know," she replied, groaning.

"I have a social banquet tonight, so let's go together," Grace said and Wren wanted to cry out in relief.

"That would be amazing."

"I know right, it's been so long since we hung out and I have to admit, I missed you too," Grace revealed, leaving Wren with a tug of emotion in my chest.

"We are going to have so much fun tonight."

"I agree," Grace replied with a knowing smile.

><><><><><

Grace came to pick her by eight that night.

She stepped out of her car, dressed flamboyantly in a sparkling silver dress that clung to her body like second skin with an imported black fur coat around her shoulders.

"You look amazing," Wren gushed, running in her heels to hug her friend.

"And you look even better," Grace said as they pulled apart, her green eyes scanning her body critically. "Even losing weight works well on you."

"I lost weight because that bastard used to lock the fridge," Wren revealed and Grace turned to her in shock.

"What a cheap skate."

"No honestly, he is such a jerk and I hate that it took me so long to see it," Wren said, feeling a ball of regret squeeze down her chest.

"Let's forget about him," she said, dragging Wren to her car.

But Grace didn't take her advice, on the drive, she kept going off about Felix and how much she hated while Wren watched her friend, smiling at her animated expressions.

"But if it makes you feel any better," Grace suddenly said. "Simone got herself humiliated yesterday."

"Oh really?" Wren asked, even though she honestly couldn't give a damn about that girl.

"Yeah, it turns out that the man she has been chasing all over the city is actually my friend, Hugo. Yesterday, he had had enough of her harassment and so he basically told her off in front of the entire gathering."

"Damn, that must have been so embarrassing,"

"Oh it was," Grace laughed. "I doubt she would be able to raise her head in society again."

Wren was smiling at the thought when Grace suddenly placed a hand over hers. "But on a more serious note, I am glad your eyes finally opened and you left him, he never deserved you."

The sincere look in Grace's eyes made Wren lean closer and hug her friend. She had truly missed Grace, being with her now made her wonder how she was able to drift away from her in the first place.

Grace laughed against her hair, "Don't get all sentimental now or you will ruin my makeup."

"I don't care," Wren replied with a smile

The banquet was buzzing with activity when they arrived, Wren felt at ease with Grace by her side.

They both grabbed a glass of wine, watching the various people.

"That is the CEO of Frances Technology, and he is single," Grace said, glancing at a tall middle aged man.

"Why are you telling me this?" Wren asked her friend who shrugged.

"Because you need a good rebound right now."

Suddenly, a tall striking man, who looked a bit younger than her approached them.

"Would you be interested in dancing with me?" he asked, stretching a hand towards Wren as the music in the ballroom changed into something slower.

Wren stared at the man in surprise, glancing at Grace to know what to do.

Grace's expression screamed louder than words: Go. Dance. Flirt. Forget Felix. And if it leads to you taking your panties off, all the better.

Before Wren could resist, the man pulled her into his arms, guiding her to the center of the floor with a smile.

"I overheard your friend talking about you needing a rebound," he said as they danced.

Wren raised a questioning brow. "So you came to save me?"

"No, it is more like I saw a chance and I took it," he replied and Wren laughed, feeling a bit at ease around him.

He was charming and audacious and that was a combination that she needed right now.

All of a sudden, a hand gripped her arm and pulled her away from her dance partner.

Wren gasped in surprise, turning to see who had grabbed her only to find the last person she expected to see.