Clara's POV
The elevator doors opened to the 50th floor of Reid Enterprises, and I smoothed down my cream silk blouse, clutching the handmade bento box closer. Three years of marriage, and my heart still skipped whenever I was about to see Alexander. The thought made me smile despite myself.
"You're such a fool, Clara," I whispered to myself, though my lips curved into a hopeful smile.
The executive floor was oddly quiet today. Jessica's desk—my best friend and Alexander's secretary—sat empty. Strange. She was always here, ready with a warm hug and friendly gossip about the office drama. In three years, I'd never seen her station unmanned during business hours.
My Louboutin heels clicked against the marble floor as I made my way down the corridor. The sound echoed in the unusually silent space, making me feel like an intruder rather than the CEO's wife.
As I approached Alexander's office, voices drifted through the heavy mahogany door. I reached for the handle, then froze at Henderson's words:
"The quarterly reports need your signature, Mrs. Reid."
Mrs. Reid? But I wasn't in there...
A familiar feminine laugh floated through—Jessica's laugh. My stomach twisted as I eased the door open silently.
"You're getting careless, darling," Jessica purred, perched on Alexander's desk with her skirt hiked up indecently high. "Calling me Mrs. Reid where anyone could hear..."
Alexander's hands gripped her waist possessively. "You've always been my real wife, Jess. Clara was just a convenient business arrangement—you know that."
The bento box slipped from my numb fingers, crashing to the floor. They jumped apart, but not quickly enough to erase what I'd seen.
"Clara..." Alexander's face smoothed into that practiced mask I'd seen him use in business dealings. "This isn't what you think."
A bitter laugh escaped my throat. "Really? Because I think my husband is sleeping with my best friend. I think I've been living a lie for three years. Tell me, Alexander, how long? How long have you been laughing at stupid, naive Clara behind her back?"
"Don't be dramatic," Jessica stood, straightening her skirt. Her face showed a flash of guilt before settling into cool composure. "It's not personal, Clara. It's just business. You got the lifestyle you wanted, didn't you?"
"Business?" My voice cracked. "Is that what you call betraying your best friend? The person who helped you through college, who let you cry on her shoulder when your mother died?"
Alexander stepped forward, his six-foot-two frame towering over me. "Enough scenes. Go home, Clara. We'll discuss this later."
"Discuss what? How you two have been making a fool of me? How everyone probably knows except the stupid little wife?" I backed away, my designer heels catching on the plush carpet. "Well, congratulations. You've succeeded. I hope you're both very happy together."
"Clara, wait—" Jessica reached for me, but I slapped her hand away.
"Don't touch me! Don't you dare touch me, you treacherous snake!"
I turned and ran, ignoring their calls. Tears blurred my vision as I exited the building onto the busy street. The screech of tyres came too late for me to react.
The last thing I saw was the grill of an overspeeding truck, and a single thought flashed through my mind: *Am I going to die without making them pay?*
Then everything went black.
Pain exploded through my body, and somewhere distant, I heard screaming. The world spun in a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds.
"Someone call an ambulance!"
"Oh God, there's so much blood..." "Miss, can you hear me? Stay with us!"But I was already floating away, the voices growing fainter. In my last moments of consciousness, I thought about all the signs I'd missed. The late nights at the office, the secret smiles between them, the way Jessica always seemed to know Alexander's schedule better than I did.
*What a fool I've been*, I thought as darkness claimed me. *What an absolutely perfect fool*.
The world faded to black, and with it, the last traces of the naive woman I'd been. Clara Reid died that day on the street outside Reid Enterprises.
But that wasn't the end of my story.
******************
My eyes snapped open to the sound of Taylor Swift's "Love Story" blaring from my old iPhone alarm. For a moment, I lay frozen, the phantom pain of the truck impact still echoing through my body. The memory of crushed metal and screaming bystanders felt so real, so vivid.
But this wasn't the Reid mansion's master bedroom. This was...
"Impossible," I whispered, sitting up slowly.
My old apartment. My cramped bedroom with the IKEA furniture and the wall of dress designs I'd abandoned after marriage. And there, hanging on my closet door like a ghost from the past, was my wedding dress. Tomorrow's wedding dress.
I scrambled for my phone, my hands shaking as I checked the date. June 15, 2021—the day before my wedding to Alexander Reid.
A laugh bubbled up from my chest, slightly hysterical. "Oh my God. Oh my God."
My phone buzzed with a text from Jessica: "Rise and shine, bride-to-be! Big day tomorrow! ❤️"
I stared at her message, remembering how she'd helped me pick out my wedding dress, all while knowing she was sleeping with my fiancé. My fingers tightened around the phone until my knuckles turned white.
Another text came in, this one from Alexander: "Everything's arranged for tomorrow. Don't be late."
"Don't be late," I mimicked bitterly. "Can't keep your business arrangement waiting, can I?"
I got up and walked to my closet, pulling out the innocent white wedding dress I'd spent a month's salary on. In my previous life, I'd thought it made me look like a princess. Now I saw it for what it was—a costume for their perfectly orchestrated play.
My phone buzzed again. An unknown number this time:
"Miss Lin, this is Nathan Chen. I know we haven't met, but I have information about Alexander Reid that you need to hear before tomorrow. Please call me."
I remembered this message. Last time, I'd deleted it immediately, convinced it was just a jealous competitor trying to ruin my happiness. How differently things might have turned out if I'd listened.
This time, my fingers flew over the keypad: "Mr. Chen, I believe we have much to discuss. Café Laurent, one hour?"
His reply came instantly: "I'll be there."
Walking to my mirror, I studied my reflection. The naive Clara who'd died yesterday stared back at me—young, hopeful, desperate to believe in fairy tales. Her eyes still held that innocent sparkle, untouched by betrayal.
"Time to grow up, princess," I murmured, reaching for my red lipstick. "Let's show them what happens when they underestimate you."
I opened my laptop, pulling up files I'd never bothered to look at in my previous life. Alexander's company reports, news articles about Reid Enterprises, and most importantly, the string of mysterious acquisitions that had built his empire.
Three years as his wife had taught me every weakness in his armor. Every dirty deal, every skeleton in his closet, every person he'd stepped on to climb to the top. Knowledge that, in the right hands, could bring his empire crashing down.
My phone buzzed with another text from Jessica: "Don't forget our spa appointment at 2! Can't have our bride looking anything less than perfect! 💅✨"
I smiled at my phone, a plan forming in my mind. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, bestie."
Opening my contacts, I dialed a number I'd memorized but never used in my past life—my college roommate who now worked for the SEC.
"Sarah? It's Clara. Remember how you always said you owed me one for covering up your little scandal in senior year? I think it's time to collect."
As I outlined what I needed, I felt a thrill of anticipation. In three hours, I would meet Nathan Chen and set my plan in motion. In twenty-four hours, I would walk down the aisle again.
But this time, I wouldn't be the sacrificial lamb at their altar.
This time, I would be the wolf in white silk.
And they would never see me coming.
Clara's POVCafé Laurent was exactly as I remembered it—elegant, discreet, and far from Alexander's usual haunts. I chose a corner table, my back to the wall, and waited. The gentle jazz music couldn't calm my racing heart.Nathan Chen walked in exactly on time, commanding attention without trying. Six-foot-three of lean muscle in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, with sharp features that belonged on a classical statue. In my past life, I'd only seen him once, at my engagement party. Now, I noticed details I'd missed before—the calculating intelligence in his dark eyes, the slight cruel twist to his sensual mouth."Miss Lin." He slid into the seat across from me, studying my face with an intensity that made my skin tingle. "I must admit, I'm surprised you agreed to meet."I smiled, letting my mask slip just enough to intrigue him. "Tell me, Mr. Chen, do you believe in second chances?""That depends on what's at stake." His voice was deep, with a hint of something dangerous underneat
Nathan's POVI watched Clara Lin walk away from the chaos of her almost-wedding, her white dress a beacon in the afternoon sun. She was nothing like I'd expected. When my intelligence team had first flagged her engagement to Reid, I'd dismissed her as another social climber. Now, seeing her orchestrate Reid's downfall with such precision, I felt something I hadn't experienced in years—genuine interest."Mr. Chen!" Reid's voice cut through my thoughts. "Whatever she told you, it's lies!"I turned to face him, enjoying the way his perfectly controlled facade was cracking. "The SEC seems to disagree. As do the federal agents currently raiding your offices.""You bastard," he snarled, grabbing my lapel. "You planned this!"I removed his hand with deliberate calm. "Actually, your bride planned it. I just provided the audience." I straightened my tie. "Consider this karma, Reid. You should have treated her better."The federal agents were leading him away now, but his eyes burned with a hat
Clara's POVThe candlelight at Le Cirque cast shadows across Nathan Chen's impossibly perfect features as he studied me over his wine glass. In my past life, I might have blushed under such intense scrutiny. Now, I met his gaze with equal force."The Zhang deal," he said, setting down his glass with deliberate precision. "Tell me how you know about it."I smiled, letting the silk of my black dress slide slightly off one shoulder. "Careful, Mr. Chen. Information like that doesn't come free.""Name your price." His voice carried that dangerous edge I was beginning to recognize—the sound of a predator spotting prey."You assume I want something that can be bought?""Everyone has a price, Clara." He leaned forward, his cologne teasing my senses. "The question is, what's yours?""A partnership," I said, matching his posture. "I have information that could make you billions. You have the resources to help me destroy Alexander Reid completely."Nathan's dark eyes flickered with interest. "An
Clara's POVThe Reid Enterprises building loomed before me, less imposing now that I knew its foundations were built on lies. I adjusted my Chanel suit and strode through the lobby, ignoring the whispers that followed."Mrs. Reid—I mean, Miss Lin!" The security guard stumbled over my name. "You're not authorized—""Check again," I smiled sweetly. "I believe you'll find I'm still on the board of directors.""But Mr. Reid said—""Mr. Reid is in federal custody, isn't he?" I arched an eyebrow. "Now, my credentials, please."His face paled as he verified his tablet. Success—in the chaos of Alexander's arrest, no one had thought to revoke my access.The executive floor was pandemonium. SEC agents combed through files while shell-shocked employees huddled in corners, whispering behind their hands."Clara!" Jessica's voice rang out. "You have no right to be here!"I turned slowly, savoring her disheveled appearance. "Hello, bestie. Love the outfit—orange jumpsuit next, perhaps?""You vindict
Alexander's POVI watched through the security feeds as Clara and Chen raced down the stairwell. Three years of careful planning, destroyed in a single morning by a woman I'd underestimated. The thought burned like acid in my veins."Sir," Johnson whispered, "the building's surrounded by federal agents.""Then we'll use the tunnels." I straightened my tie, a habit even handcuffs couldn't break. "Has the package been delivered to my office?""Yes, sir. Timer set as requested.""And the backup files?""Destroyed, as per protocol."I smiled, remembering Clara's face at the altar. Such fire, such betrayal. She'd learned well from me—perhaps too well."Sir," another guard approached. "Miss Stevens is asking for instructions.""Tell her to stick to the plan." I checked my watch. "And remind her what happens to loose ends.""You're really going to kill her?" Johnson asked. "Clara, I mean."I turned to him slowly. "Having doubts, old friend?""It's just... she was good to us, sir. To all of u
Clara's POVThe parking garage echoed with the sound of my heels as Nathan pulled me toward his Aston Martin. Smoke from the explosion filled the air, but I forced myself to stay focused. I couldn't let him see how shaken I was by Alexander's escape."Get in," Nathan commanded, opening the passenger door. His normally perfect suit was covered in dust, yet somehow he managed to look even more devastatingly handsome."I can handle myself," I protested, but slid into the leather seat anyway. The car purred to life as Nathan gunned the engine."Clearly," he said dryly, speeding up the ramp. "Is that why you're shaking?"I hadn't realized my hands were trembling until he pointed it out. "It's just the adrenaline.""Clara." His voice softened as he navigated through traffic. "You don't have to pretend with me.""I'm not pretending anything." I stared straight ahead, trying to ignore how his cologne filled the confined space of the car. "I knew exactly what I was getting into when I exposed
## Chapter 10: Behind Enemy LinesThe whiskey bottle shattered inches from my head, raining glass and amber liquid. Nathan's body pressed against mine behind the bar, his breath hot on my neck. Every nerve ending in my body was alive with adrenaline—and something else I refused to acknowledge."The panic room," he whispered, his lips brushing my ear. "Behind the bookshelf. Think you can make it?"I nodded, trying to ignore how his hands gripped my waist. This wasn't the time to get distracted by Nathan Chen's perfectly sculpted... everything."Found you!" Jessica's voice sang out again, closer now. "Come out, come out, wherever you are!""On three," Nathan murmured. His thumb stroked small circles on my hip, sending unwanted shivers down my spine. "One..."A bullet splintered the wood beside us."Two..."Jessica's heels clicked on the marble floor, getting closer."Three!"Nathan sprang up, providing cover fire with a gun I hadn't even seen him draw. I sprinted for the bookshelf, my h
Clara's POVThe private elevator descended smoothly into Nathan Chen's secret underground facility. His hand rested possessively on my lower back, the heat of his touch burning through the silk of my dress. The kiss we'd shared in his penthouse still lingered on my lips, an unwanted distraction from the gravity of my situation."Impressed?" His voice held that arrogant edge that had made lesser men crumble in boardrooms across Manhattan.I forced myself to remain calm despite his proximity. "It takes more than a few hidden tunnels to impress me, Mr. Chen.""Nathan." His fingers tightened slightly on my waist. "And somehow, I doubt that's true. You've been watching me for months, haven't you, Clara?"My heart skipped. In my previous life, I'd never known Nathan had noticed me before Alexander's betrayal. "I don't know what you mean."The elevator stopped, opening into a luxuriously appointed bunker that looked more like a five-star hotel suite. Nathan guided me inside, his touch both