NORA

"I am now entrusting the company to my daughter."

We were in the middle of a board meeting when Rod spoke those words.

Esmeralda and Rod had already explained everything to me beforehand-every loophole, every possible risk. They knew this decision wouldn't sit well with everyone. They also knew that some people would gladly take advantage of my recent hospitalization just to strip me of the position.

"Rod, Emily just got out of the hospital," an older woman said, her tone carefully controlled. "Shouldn't she be focusing on her recovery first?"

I looked at her.

From the way her lips tightened and her eyes flickered with disdain, it was obvious she didn't want me here. More than that, she didn't want me to become the CEO of Hills Group.

"I'm still here," Rod replied calmly. "You don't have to worry. I will guide her."

"Is that really enough?" the woman pressed. "She will be the one making the decisions, not you."

Her voice was gentle, almost polite, but I wasn't fooled.

"Besides, Rod," another man interjected. My gaze shifted to him. "We all know what happened between her and Mr. Bennett. His company is our number one client. Wouldn't it be better if we let Corrine-"

"I understand your concern, Joshua," Rod cut in sharply. "But Emily is my daughter, and she is the only rightful heir of Hills Pharma. Her marriage with Asher has nothing to do with this company."

His voice carried an unmistakable warning.

I couldn't help but think that whoever originally owned this body was incredibly lucky to have parents like these.

Too bad she was a complete fool when it came to love.

While they argued, I lightly tapped my fingers on the table, as if playing an invisible piano. It was something I did when I needed to think.

The noise around me grew irritating.

So I stopped.

The sudden silence drew everyone's attention to me.

"Do I not have the right," I asked calmly, my face expressionless, my eyes empty and lifeless, "to become the CEO of the company my own father founded?"

That was how I was.

"It's not like that, dear. It's just that-"

"What was your name again?" I interrupted, turning to the woman who had spoken earlier.

She forced an awkward smile.

"I'm Clara Williams. I own five percent of the company shares."

I snorted.

"A measly five percent," I said coolly, raising an eyebrow, "and you dare question my appointment?"

A sharp intake of breath echoed around the room.

I glanced at Rod. Even he looked stunned.

"Emily, what are you saying?" Clara clutched her chest as if I had personally wounded her.

"Anyway," I continued casually, "who the hell is Corrine?"

"She's m–my daughter," Clara replied hesitantly.

I studied her carefully.

"Emily, we know the divorce hurt you," one of the older men said cautiously. "But we're only saying that Clara might help because-"

"She's Asher's mistress. Is that it?" I finished bluntly.

"You've gone too far!" Clara exploded.

"Have I?" I asked with a smile. "Who was glued to Asher's side even when he was still married to me?"

The room went silent.

The board members exchanged glances. Clara froze.

Mr. and Mrs. Hills had already told me, they strongly suspected Corrine was the reason behind Emily and Asher's separation.

What disgusted me even more was what I learned next.

Three years ago, the Hills family had saved the Bennett Group from bankruptcy.

Emily loved Asher so deeply that her family lent him an enormous sum just to help his company recover.

The Hills family had dragged the Bennetts out of the gutter-

And this was how Asher repaid them?

"And now," I continued, my tone sharp, "you want to let a snake manage this company? What if one day we wake up and find Hills Pharma completely drained?"

The board members shifted uneasily.

They knew I had a point.

"That's enough, Emily!" Clara slammed her hand on the table and stood up, livid.

"Is anything I said wrong?" I asked, smiling faintly as I looked at each board member one by one.

None of them could meet my eyes.

Good.

Doubt had already been planted.

"Since you've understood Emily's point," Rod said firmly, "I believe there's nothing left to discuss. My daughter is intelligent, you all know that. Yes, the company was compromised when I decided to help the Bennett Group, but that will never happen again. I'm sure you've all seen how decisive she is."

One by one, the board members nodded.

All except Clara.

Her eyes burned with fury.

I didn't care.

"I would like to announce that there will be changes in the company soon," I said with a smile, one that made it clear I wasn't someone to trifle with. "While I was in the hospital, I thought carefully about how to further expand the company. I hope we can all walk toward success together."

The meeting ended without another word from Clara-or Joshua.

Rod and I were the last to leave the boardroom. We headed straight to his office, where Esmeralda was waiting with Matt, Rod's assistant.

"Are you okay, dear?" Esmeralda asked worriedly. "Did anyone say anything inappropriate to you?"

She had refused to join the meeting earlier, saying she disliked the board's fake smiles.

"You won't believe it, Esme," Rod said, beaming with pride. "Our daughter was fearless. I even couldn't believe it."

Esmeralda stared at me in disbelief, as if I had suddenly grown horns.

"Fearless?" she asked. "They didn't eat her alive?"

She sounded anxious as she reached for my hand.

Rod chuckled and looked at me seriously.

"I don't know what happened," he said, "but I like this version of Emily. She's always been kind, loving, forgiving-too forgiving. And those very qualities were the reason people, even her own husband, stepped all over her."

All eyes turned to me.

They were waiting for an explanation, perhaps.

"I just didn't want them to think I'm a pushover," I said quietly. "I realized something-I'm your daughter. You love me so much that you wouldn't even let a mosquito touch me. So why should I allow others to treat me like I'm worthless?"

Tears welled up in Esmeralda's eyes.

She pulled me into a tight embrace.

I didn't expect the strange warmth that enveloped me.

My own father loved me deeply-he would die for me without hesitation.

But what Esmeralda made me feel now was... different.

I raised my hand and hugged her back.

For now, Rod and Esmeralda were my family.

I still had no explanation prepared for Dante-my right hand, the man who knew me better than anyone.

I couldn't let him see me yet.

How was I supposed to tell him?

How could I explain that I was Nora Dumont, the most feared leader of an underground organization-

Trapped inside the body of Emily Hills...

A woman known only as a doormat?

Tsk!

NORA

Two weeks had passed, and now I sat inside Rod's former office as the newly appointed CEO of Hills Pharma. The title was no longer ceremonial. I had officially taken over Rod Hills' position, authority, and name.

"Ma'am, this is the financial report from the past couple of years," Matt said respectfully as he placed several thick folders on my office table.

I glanced at the neatly stacked documents, then gave him a brief nod before lifting my hand-my silent signal that he was dismissed. I had always been like that. Back then, a single nod to Dante was enough for him to understand exactly what needed to be done. No words. No explanations.

Matt exited without another sound, and once the door closed completely, I straightened in my chair and pulled the folders toward me.

I may not have been knowledgeable about pharmaceuticals, but when it came to running a business, I never fell behind. My organization owned several legal enterprises-fronts, some would call them-and I never needed to show my face.

I ran everything from the shadows, with people placed carefully in front to deal with clients, negotiations, and transactions. Clean on the surface. Untouchable underneath.

As I went through the financial reports, one thing became clear-Rod Hills had managed the company well. The numbers were solid, the growth steady, and the expenditures reasonable.

This was the first thing I wanted to examine. I needed to know the true nature of the Hills couple. For all I knew, they could have been hiding illegal activities beneath their respectable image.

I wasn't a saint. I never claimed to be. But I believed that if a company was legal, it should remain so. There was no need to risk contaminating it. It was always wiser to keep clean businesses intact because, when the time came, they would be the ones to save you.

It didn't take long for me to fully understand Hills Pharma's current financial standing.

But I know I still need to look into other aspects of the company's cash flow. Why is Hills Pharma declining despite Rod's proper management? It only means that there's another matter I need to look into.

I moved on to what interested me next-the company's origins.

I pressed the intercom and relayed my request to Matt.

"Right away, Ma'am," he replied promptly.

A few minutes later, he returned with additional documents, which I immediately examined. I couldn't deny my mild sense of admiration-Rod Hills had started from nothing.

Hills Pharma was established shortly after Rod returned from abroad. Esmeralda had already been by his side back then.

Rod was once a pharmacist who later became a pharmaceutical chemist. He had devoted his entire life to this company-his time, his intellect, his ambition. This wasn't just a business to him. It was his legacy. And throughout, Esmeralda was with him. Supporting him.

I was nearly finished reading when a knock echoed through the room.

"Come in," I said without lifting my gaze from the document. I waited for the door to close, aware that the person was already standing in front of my desk. "Speak."

"Is that how you treat a guest?"

At the sound of that voice, my brow arched slowly as I finally looked up.

"All I see is trash," I replied coldly.

"Emily!" Asher shouted.

Of all the things I hated, being shouted at by a man who held no significance in my life ranked at the top.

"I don't remember what you did to me," I said calmly, my voice eerily steady. "But one thing is certain-I don't like you. I don't like seeing your face. And I especially despise men who climb out of poverty by clinging to a woman's generosity."

Asher froze, his eyes locked onto mine as if he were staring at a stranger.

"W-What did you just say?" he stammered.

"Oh, did I stutter?" I leaned back against my chair, completely at ease. "Would you like me to repeat it?"

His hands clenched at his sides. I could see the restrained anger, mixed with something else-shock, perhaps fear. But whatever it was, I had no interest in it.

"I came here to take you with me," he said through gritted teeth. "We're going to stop the divorce proceedings. And now you're saying those things to me?"

"And why exactly should I cancel the divorce?" I scoffed. "What do you take me for-a fool? I must have been insane when I begged my parents to help your family. But I'm no longer insane enough to take back a divorce that you were the one who offered."

"Emily Bennett!" he yelled.

My eyes narrowed. If I could, I would have snapped his neck without hesitation.

But I couldn't.

Because I was Emily Hills now-not Nora Dumont.

And this body... I still needed it.

"Emily Hills. That is my name now." My voice was calm, lethal in its certainty. "I have nothing to do with your family anymore. Whatever help the Hills extended to you, consider it charity. A donation from me to your entire bloodline."

"What-" I didn't give him the chance to finish.

"Now get out," I said coldly, already lowering my gaze back to the documents on my desk. "Before I call security and have you dragged out of this building."

I felt Asher remain standing for a few seconds longer, as if hoping I would look at him again. I didn't. Moments later, I heard his footsteps retreat toward the door, followed by the soft click of the door closing behind him.

I never looked up.

I wasn't Emily-the woman who let her heart dictate her decisions. And I was certainly not as foolish as she had been.

Was he insane?

After I told the Hills couple that Asher himself had admitted to filing for divorce, they became more determined than ever to keep him away from me. That was the reason they insisted I stay at their home after I was discharged from the hospital.

I returned my focus to my work. I needed to understand how this company functioned-from the inside out.

As Emily Hills, I had a responsibility.

I needed to protect what was mine now.

Before lunchtime, I had finished reviewing everything I needed. My head throbbed faintly, but it was worth it.

I called Matt and instructed him to clear my desk.

"I'm going out for lunch," I said.

He nodded without question, and I walked out of my office with steady, unhurried steps.

I already knew where I was going.

Once inside my car, I drove straight to my favorite restaurant-the one I frequented as Nora Dumont.

As soon as I entered, I was greeted by the warm smile of a waitress. The staff had always been accommodating. Professional. Polished.

"Do you have a reservation, Ma'am?" she asked politely.

"No."

The woman hesitated.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am, but you'll need a reservation first."

I already knew that. I was just testing the waters.

This restaurant catered to the wealthy. To people like Nora Dumont.

The Emily Hills standing in front of the waitress now looked nothing like their usual clientele.

I took a deep breath. I couldn't rely on intimidation here-they didn't know who I was.

"I'm really hungry," I said softly, deliberately gentling my voice. "This was the first restaurant I saw while driving. I just want to eat."

"I'm really sorry, Ma'am," she replied apologetically. "But we do have rules."

I didn't argue. I was about to turn away, shoulders lowered in resignation, when a voice cut through the moment.

"Just let her in. She said she's hungry."

I turned to see a man who looked every bit respectable. He was dressed in a crisp white business suit, a black necktie perfectly matched with his polished shoes. His presence commanded attention without effort.

I didn't recognize him. And I was certain I had never seen him here-not even back when I was a regular.

"But Mr. Ashworth, according to-" the waitress began.

"It's fine," the man interrupted smoothly. "I'll speak with Mr. Moss."

"O-Okay, sir."

The waitress then turned back to me. "Please follow me, Ma'am."

I nodded. But before I did, I glanced once more at the man she had addressed as Mr. Ashworth.

"Thank you," I said flatly-no smile, no emotion.

I noticed the slight smirk that tugged at his lips before I turned away and followed the other waitress. Mentally, I made a note to look into him later.

As I walked, my thoughts lingered on Mr. Ashworth-and on how effortlessly he had stepped into the situation.

Did he know Emily?

And if he did... wouldn't he find my behavior strange?

I pushed the thought aside. If necessary, I could always claim amnesia. After all, that excuse covered everything.

For now, food came first.

I would think about them later.

NORA

The waitress led me to a slightly secluded corner of the restaurant-far enough from the main floor to offer privacy, yet positioned perfectly for observation. I had a clear view of the entrance, which worked in my favor. I liked knowing who came in and who left.

I took my seat, deliberately facing the door.

I didn't know why, but an unsettling sensation crept over me, the unmistakable feeling of being watched. My gaze shifted subtly toward the private room to my right.

A one-way mirror.

I couldn't see inside, but whoever was there could see me clearly.

"Here's the menu, Ma'am," the waitress said, placing it neatly in front of me. "Once you've decided, you can press the button at the center of the table."

I followed where she pointed before nodding.

This was actually my first time dining out in the open area. I was always inside a private room before. There was a button there too-but it was built into the wall, not the table.

"No need," I said calmly. "I order fast. You can take my order now."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I scanned the menu.

My preferences were simple. Even inside Emily's body, they hadn't changed.

Seafood.

I loved seafood.

Without hesitation, I rattled off my order. The waitress wrote everything down efficiently before excusing herself.

Moments later, the dishes were placed in front of me one by one.

For a split second, I must have looked like a child staring at a pile of shrimp, practically salivating.

I slipped on the plastic gloves provided and began peeling them methodically. I haven't tasted anything yet. I preferred finishing the preparation first so I could eat without interruption.

Once I was done, I took my first bite.

"Mmm..."

A soft sound escaped me before I could stop it. I even closed my eyes. It was that good.

I took another bite, the corners of my lips lifting slightly in satisfaction.

I was enjoying myself-until I suddenly froze.

An uncomfortable itch spread across my body.

I immediately grabbed my glass of water and downed it in one go. When I set the glass back on the table, my eyes fell on my hands.

Red patches were forming.

My brows knitted together.

Damn. Is there something wrong with the food?

No.

This was my first time here as Emily Hills. Who would even think of poisoning me?

Then my chest tightened.

Breathing became difficult.

And then it hit me.

Fuck.

Emily is allergic to shrimp!

I shot up from my seat. I needed to get to a hospital, but my lungs refused to cooperate. Each breath felt shallow, forced.

My vision blurred.

My knees weakened.

I felt myself tipping forward.

The last thing I registered was the figure of a man rushing toward me-moving fast, decisively. Strong arms caught me before I hit the floor.

Then-

Nothing.

Everything went black.

****

"Shit!"

I gasped as I jolted upright, my heart pounding violently. I scanned my surroundings in alarm before realization set in.

A hospital room.

"You're awake," a male voice said.

I turned my head.

A man was sitting on a three-seater sofa across the room. I stiffened slightly but kept my reaction controlled. Still, my brows furrowed.

"Who are you?" I asked coolly.

He stood up, giving me a better look at him.

He was dressed casually-a red shirt, denim pants. A matching denim jacket was draped over the back of the sofa.

And something about him felt... familiar.

"I'm Devon," he said as he stepped closer to my hospital bed.

Just Devon.

No last name?

"I was heading back to my table when I noticed you were about to collapse. Good thing I caught you in time," he added casually.

I studied him for a brief moment before responding.

"Thank you."

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Judging by the slight shift in his expression, he understood immediately-I had no interest in knowing anything beyond that.

"The hospital contacted your parents," he continued. "They're probably on their way."

I nodded and adjusted the pillow behind my back so I could sit more comfortably.

He didn't offer to help.

Didn't even attempt to.

Did he already know I would refuse?

"Your face says it all," he said suddenly.

I frowned.

The "I don't need your help" look," he added, a hint of amusement in his voice.

That made me chuckle.

"At least you're perceptive."

"Hm," was all he replied.

"Anyway, thank you again," I said, dismissive but polite. "You can leave now. I can take care of myself. You probably have personal matters to attend to."

"I'll leave once your parents arrive."

So he was stubborn.

Before I could respond, the door opened.

But it wasn't Rod and Esmeralda who walked in.

My expression hardened instantly.

"What are you doing here?" I asked coldly.

Asher didn't even look at me. His eyes were locked on Devon.

"What are you doing here?" I repeated, this time louder-sharper.

Only then did Asher turn toward me, irritating me further when he reached out as if to touch me.

"Are you out of your mind?" he snapped. "You know you're allergic to shrimp, yet you still ate it?"

I rolled my eyes.

"You no longer have the right to be concerned about me, Mr. Bennett. Or have you forgotten that we're already separated?"

"I went to the civil registry and canceled our divorce," he declared. "There will be no separation."

For a second, my head felt like it was about to explode. I wanted to get out of bed and smash his face against the wall.

"So end whatever relationship you have with this man," he continued, pointing at Devon-who, infuriatingly enough, was smiling.

What the hell is wrong with him?

There was something about Devon that felt... strange. Unreadable. Unlike Asher, whose jealousy was practically written all over his face.

"You're delusional if you think I'll ever go back to you," I said, my voice firm and final.

He heard it. I knew he did.

"I've told you countless times-there is nothing going on between Corrine and me!" Asher shot back angrily. "When will you finally understand that?"

"Then go ahead and start something with her," I replied flatly. "I don't care. I just want to be separated from you. Don't force me to do something you'll regret, Mr. Bennett. I am no longer the Emily you once knew."

He froze.

Confusion. Shock. Disbelief.

They all crossed his face in rapid succession.

"Mr. Bennett," Devon cut in calmly.

I narrowed my eyes. I didn't like anyone interfering in matters that involved me.

"You heard what Emily said," Devon continued. "You can leave now."

"Tsk," Asher scoffed, turning to him. "You're waiting for nothing. I'm not divorcing Emily."

Devon didn't even blink.

"Do you think I care?" he said coolly. "As long as she's with me, that's all that matters."

This time-

I was the one caught off guard.

Who the hell is this man?