The Game Begins

Clara's POV

Café 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 underneath the polished exterior.

I leaned forward, dropping my voice. "How about Reid Enterprises? Interested in acquiring it for pennies on the dollar?"

His eyebrow arched slightly. "That's quite a proposal from Alexander Reid's fiancée."

"Former fiancée," I corrected, pulling out a USB drive. "This contains proof of fraud in the Morrison merger, details of embezzlement from the company pension fund, and evidence that the Reid family fortune came from money laundering in the 90s."

Nathan's fingers brushed mine as he took the drive, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine. "And what do you want in return?"

"I want to watch Alexander Reid lose everything." I met his gaze steadily. "His company, his reputation, his precious social standing. I want him to feel what it's like to have his whole world ripped away."

"Revenge?" A small, cruel smile played at his lips. "That's a dangerous game, Miss Lin."

"The game's already started. The question is, are you playing?"

He studied me for a long moment, then signaled the waiter. "Two espressos, please. It seems Miss Lin and I have much to discuss."

As the waiter moved away, Nathan leaned back, loosening his tie slightly. "Tell me everything you know about the Morrison merger."

For the next hour, I laid out every detail I'd gathered in my previous life. Every document I'd seen, every conversation I'd overheard, every suspicious transaction I'd noted but been too naive to question.

"Impressive," Nathan murmured, making notes on his phone. "But why now? Why not wait until after the wedding when you'd have more access?"

"Because tomorrow at the altar, I want to see his face when he realizes his perfect plan has backfired." I sipped my coffee. "Besides, timing is everything. The SEC investigation needs to hit just as he's trying to close the Zhang deal."

Nathan's eyes sharpened. "You know about Zhang?"

"I know it's the only thing keeping Reid Enterprises afloat after the pension fund manipulation." I smiled. "Amazing what people will say in front of someone they consider nothing more than decorative arm candy."

"You're far more dangerous than you appear, Miss Lin." Nathan's voice held a note of admiration.

"That's the idea." I stood, gathering my purse. "Have your lawyers ready with the injunction tomorrow. I want it served right after he says 'I do.'"

"One question," Nathan caught my wrist as I turned to leave. His touch sent electricity through my skin. "Why trust me? I could be worse than Reid."

I looked down at his hand on my wrist, then back to his face. "Oh, I don't trust you, Mr. Chen. But my enemy's enemy is my friend... for now."

His low chuckle followed me out of the café. "Until tomorrow then, Miss Lin."

Outside, I took a deep breath of the summer air. My phone showed three missed calls from Jessica and a text from Alexander: "Dinner tonight? Need to discuss wedding details."

I typed back: "Sorry, darling. Busy with last-minute bride things. See you at the altar. ❤️"

Next, I called Sarah at the SEC. "Everything ready?"

"Files are being processed now," she confirmed. "Operation starts at your signal tomorrow."

"Perfect." I hung up and headed for my next appointment—the bridal salon.

Time to make some alterations to my wedding dress. After all, if I was going to break Alexander Reid's heart, I should look absolutely devastating while doing it.

The game was set. The players were in position.

Tomorrow, they would learn why you should never underestimate a woman with nothing left to lose.

**********

My wedding day dawned bright and clear—again. The bridal suite of the St. Regis buzzed with activity as my makeup artist and hairstylist worked their magic. In the mirror, I watched Jessica flutter around in her maid of honor dress, chattering excitedly.

"You look absolutely perfect!" She gushed, adjusting my veil. "Alexander won't know what hit him!"

*No*, I thought, watching her pretend to be my best friend. *He really won't*.

"I can't believe my best friend is marrying Alexander Reid!" She hugged me, and I forced myself not to flinch. "It's like a fairy tale!"

I caught her eye in the mirror. "Yes, it is. Tell me, Jess, in fairy tales, what happens to people who betray their friends?"

She stiffened slightly. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing." I smiled sweetly. "Just pre-wedding jitters, I guess."

My phone buzzed with a text from Nathan: "Everything in place. Ready when you are."

I deleted the message just as Jessica peered over my shoulder. "Who's that, sweetie?"

"Just the florist," I lied smoothly. "Confirming the arrangements."

The door opened, and my father stepped in, looking dashing in his tuxedo. "Ready, princess? It's time."

I stood, smoothing down the white silk of my wedding dress. I'd had it altered yesterday, transforming the innocent princess gown into something more... lethal. The sweetheart neckline now dipped lower, the silhouette clung closer, and the split up the side showed just enough leg to be dangerous.

"Clara, you look..." Dad's eyes misted over. "Your mother would be so proud."

I hugged him, breathing in his familiar cologne. "Thank you, Daddy. For everything."

As the wedding march began to play, I thought of the meeting I'd had with Nathan last night. Everything was in place. The USB drive was already in the hands of his lawyers. By tomorrow morning, the SEC would be opening an investigation into Reid Enterprises.

I began my walk down the aisle, seeing Alexander waiting at the altar. He looked devastatingly handsome in his tuxedo, every inch the billionaire prince. Our eyes met, and he smiled—that same smile that had once made my heart race.

Now I saw the predator behind it.

"Dearly beloved," the priest began, "we are gathered here today..."

I felt Alexander's hand take mine, his grip slightly too tight. Possessive. Controlling.

"If anyone can show just cause why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony..."

I waited one heartbeat. Two. Three.

"I object."

The entire church gasped as Nathan Chen stood up from the back pew.

Alexander's hand tightened painfully around mine. "What is the meaning of this?"

Nathan walked forward, his footsteps echoing in the stunned silence. "I believe the SEC would like a word with you, Mr. Reid. Something about fraud and embezzlement?"

I turned to Alexander, watching as comprehension dawned in his eyes. "Clara... what have you done?"

"Me?" I smiled, finally pulling my hand free. "I'm just a naive little bride. Isn't that what you always thought?"

Jessica rushed forward. "Clara, whatever you think you know—"

"Oh, I know everything, *bestie*." I spat the last word like poison. "About your little arrangement, about the Morrison merger fraud, about the pension fund... everything."

The church doors burst open as federal agents streamed in.

"Alexander Reid?" The lead agent held up a badge. "You're under investigation for securities fraud and embezzlement. Please come with us."

I stepped back, watching as my carefully orchestrated chaos unfolded. Alexander's face had gone from shock to fury to that carefully blank mask I knew so well.

"This isn't over," he growled at me.

I leaned close, whispering so only he could hear: "No, darling. This is just the beginning."