He deceived his wife about a business trip to stay home and marry his mistress. The wedding hall fell silent when the large screen unexpectedly played a video of the groom and his future mother-in-law’s affair. Thinking his wife was far away, he and his mistress brazenly held a lavish wedding.

But when the music swelled and the large screen lit up, the entire assembly was stunned. It wasn’t a romantic wedding video, but a clip of his tryst with his future mother-in-law, exposing his vile nature to hundreds of guests. A cold, sharp act of revenge from a betrayed wife, leaving him in ruins on his own wedding day.

The early New York sun pierced the glass windows, bathing the luxurious kitchen in gold. Evelyn Reed squinted, the rich aroma of single-origin coffee mingling with the familiar scent of garlic-butter fried eggs. She smiled, leaning against the doorframe to watch the tall silhouette of the man busy at the kitchen island.

Julian Vance, her husband, was the man she loved with her entire being. He wore a casual gray shirt, its sleeves rolled to his elbows, revealing strong wrists and the Patek Philippe watch she’d given him for his birthday last year. His every move was graceful and practiced, not like a director consumed by billion-dollar contracts, but like a true husband, devoted to his family.

“Sweetheart, you’re up? Why aren’t you wearing slippers?” Julian’s deep, warm voice pulled Evelyn from her thoughts. He turned off the stove, placed a plate of hot fried eggs on the table, and looked at her with an expression that was part reprimand, part adoration. Evelyn pouted and padded across the cool wooden floor to his side, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind and pressing her cheek to his strong back. “I just want to hold you for a moment.”

Julian chuckled, turning to embrace her fully. His kiss brushed her forehead, as gentle and warm as the morning sun. “Be good and eat your breakfast. I have something to tell you.” Evelyn obediently sat at the table as Julian pulled out the opposite chair. He poured her a glass of fresh milk and took a sip of his own coffee. Breakfast unfolded in a sweet silence. Evelyn’s mind was occupied with the design for her “Apex Tower” project, a complex architectural undertaking into which she had poured her heart.

She knew Julian was also pursuing a critical collaborative project that could elevate his career to new heights. After they finished eating, Julian took her hand, his expression turning more serious. “Evie, I might have to leave for my San Francisco business trip earlier than planned.”

Evelyn looked up, a little surprised. “Earlier? Isn’t it supposed to be at the end of the week?” “The partner changed the schedule unexpectedly. I have to fly out this morning.” Julian squeezed her hand gently, his eyes filled with apology. “This project is crucial. If it succeeds, our company will take a huge leap forward. I’m sorry I can’t be with you this week.” Evelyn’s heart tightened.

A week wasn’t an eternity, but it was long enough for her to feel a void. But she was an understanding woman; she knew how much his career meant to him. She nodded, suppressing the disappointment in her heart. “It’s okay, work is more important. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything at home.”

She stood up with a smile. “Let me go pack your luggage.” Julian watched his wife’s slender back, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes before it vanished, replaced by his usual perfect smile. In the walk-in closet, Evelyn carefully selected each suit and shirt for him.

She knew he liked things pristine—every outfit perfectly ironed, every tie matching the color scheme. She placed a few boxes of the stomach medicine he often used in his suitcase, along with a bottle of the sandalwood cologne she loved most. Every gesture was steeped in boundless care and love. As she was zipping the suitcase, Julian came in from behind, wrapping his arms tightly around her. He rested his chin on her shoulder, his warm breath grazing her sensitive ear.

“Sweetheart, you’ve worked so hard. You have to take care of yourself at home. Don’t work too late, you hear me?” Evelyn turned to face him, looking deep into his dark, fathomless eyes—the same eyes that had captivated her from their very first meeting. But for some reason, in that instant, she felt an invisible distance, a faint mist clouding their depths that she couldn’t see through.

The feeling was fleeting, so quick she thought it was just her imagination. Perhaps the impending separation was making her overthink. She brushed aside the strange unease and stood on her toes to give him a light kiss. “I know. You too, okay? Call me as soon as you land.” “Of course.” Julian smiled, his smile as bright and warm as ever.

He leaned down and gave her a deep, passionate kiss, as if to make up for the days they would be apart. At JFK International Airport, Evelyn stood at the security gate, watching wistfully as Julian pulled his suitcase inside. He turned back to wave at her, mouthing the words, “I love you.” Her heart swelled with sweetness and pride.

She had a talented, loving husband and a marriage that many people dreamed of. Only after his figure disappeared through the gate did Evelyn turn to leave. She had no idea that the flight to San Francisco never existed. Today’s sweet lie was merely the prelude to the cruelest sentence life had in store for her.

The path ahead was not the bright future he had promised, but an abyss of betrayal and unimaginable pain. Two days passed in a whirlwind of work. The large penthouse felt unusually cold and empty without Julian’s presence. Every evening, Evelyn received calls and caring text messages from him.

He told her about tense negotiations, about the food in San Francisco that didn’t suit his palate, and about how much he missed her. His voice remained deep and reassuring, enough to soothe all her longing. Tonight was no different. Evelyn was buried in work at Reed Architecture, the commercial architecture firm she had founded. The Apex Tower project was entering a critical phase.

She needed to finalize the detailed drawings before the end of the week. While searching for a reference file on steel structures for a dome, she suddenly remembered saving it on the desktop computer in their home office a few years ago. It was nearly 11:00 PM, but the urgency of the work compelled her to drive home. The drive from Midtown to their Upper East Side apartment was quiet.

Evelyn played a melodic instrumental track, trying to ward off her fatigue. When she arrived home, she didn’t turn on the living room lights, instead heading straight for the second-floor study. The room was decorated in a minimalist style, half filled with her architecture books and the other half serving as Julian’s workspace.

She sat in the familiar chair and booted up the computer. After searching through old project folders for a while, Evelyn still couldn’t find the file she needed. She began to feel a little frustrated. Perhaps she had accidentally saved it somewhere else. She tried using the system-wide search function with the keyword “steel structure.”

A series of files appeared, and she patiently scrolled through them. Suddenly, a folder named “Contingency Plan” caught her eye. The name sounded work-related but was placed in a rather hidden location. Curious, she clicked on the folder. It was empty.

Evelyn sighed softly, thinking she had overthought it. But as she was about to close the window, a professional reflex made her check the folder’s properties. Its size was not zero; there were clearly hidden files inside. Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t one to pry into her husband’s private affairs, but a vague premonition urged her on. She enabled the option to show hidden files.

Instantly, a few PDFs and a saved email appeared. Her heart began to pound faster. The first file was a reservation confirmation from The Sterling Hotel in downtown Manhattan—a super-presidential suite for two nights this weekend.

What was this? Wasn’t Julian in San Francisco? Or was he planning a surprise for her? A glimmer of hope flickered but was quickly extinguished by the second file. It was a dinner reservation for two at the French restaurant Per Se, one of the most expensive and exclusive places in New York. Also for this Saturday night. Evelyn’s stomach dropped.

The vague unease she’d felt at the airport two days ago returned, stronger and clearer than ever. Her breathing grew ragged. Trembling, she moved the cursor to the final file: an email from a world-renowned luxury wedding dress brand, Vera Wang. Her hand froze on the mouse. After a few seconds of internal struggle, she double-clicked.

The email’s content materialized, each word a sharp knife stabbing into her heart. “Dear Ms. Chloe Preston, We are pleased to confirm your order for the limited-edition ‘Ethereal Dream’ wedding gown. The dress will be completed and delivered to your address on Friday morning. We wish you and Mr. Julian Vance a blissful and happy wedding this Saturday.” Chloe Preston. Julian Vance. Wedding.

The three words swirled in Evelyn’s head like a tornado. Her ears rang, deaf to any other sound. The computer screen blurred, the letters dancing as if to mock her stupidity. Who was Chloe Preston? Why was Julian’s name there? A wedding?

Could it be? Could the husband she loved with all her heart, the man who had just whispered sweet nothings to her, be preparing to marry another woman, right here in New York, this very week? No, it couldn’t be. There must be some mistake. Evelyn shook her head violently, trying to calm herself.

She reread the email once, then again. But every word, every punctuation mark, remained unchanged. It was a death sentence, coldly and cruelly proclaiming the devastating truth. The seed of doubt had, in a single night, sprouted into a great tree of betrayal. Its roots wrapped tightly around her heart, sucking away all life and trust.

Her body went cold, her hands gripping the edge of the desk to keep from collapsing. In the silent study, there was only the heavy, shattered breathing of a heart breaking apart. Evelyn’s heart felt as though it were being crushed by an invisible hand, the pain so intense she could barely breathe. Every cell in her body screamed in protest against the cruel reality before her.

She wanted to smash everything, to shout that this was all a twisted joke, a terrible mistake. But the cold logic of an architect accustomed to absolute precision told her the evidence was too clear. There was no room for doubt.

She sat motionless before the computer for what felt like hours, the screen’s glow illuminating a face that was now as pale as paper. Her usually clear eyes were empty and hollow. She had designed hundreds of magnificent buildings, calculated down to the millimeter to create perfection, but she had never calculated that the marriage she considered her strongest fortress had a fatal flaw in its very foundation.

Julian Vance, the man she had loved passionately for years, for whom she had given up a promising career abroad to build a life with, was somewhere in this city preparing for a wedding with another woman. How utterly ridiculous. The overwhelming pain gradually subsided, replaced by a chilling numbness.

She couldn’t break down. Not now. She needed one final confirmation, one last lie from his own mouth to sever the final, fragile thread of hope. Evelyn’s trembling hand reached for her phone. The screen lit up with their wedding photo as the background. Her radiant smile next to his affectionate gaze.

The picture now seemed like a bitter, cruel irony. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice as normal as possible, and dialed Julian’s number. The phone rang for a long time, so long that Evelyn thought he wouldn’t answer.

Just as she was about to hang up, a familiar voice came through, slightly drowsy and annoyed. “Evie, why are you calling at this hour? It’s very late over here.” That voice, the same deep, warm tone she heard every day, how could it sound so foreign tonight? San Francisco and New York were in different time zones, but not by that much.

The first lie. A sharp pain lanced through Evelyn’s heart. “I’m sorry, did I disturb you?” Her voice was choked with emotion, but she quickly reined it in. “I was just working late and missed you. Is everything going well with your work?” “It’s fine, just a little tired,” Julian replied, his tone softening. “The partners here are quite demanding, meetings run late every day. You have to take care of yourself at home, don’t stay up so late. I worry.” His words of concern, once so touching, now felt like knives twisting in her gut.

She fell silent, trying to swallow the bitter taste rising in her throat.

“Are you alone in the hotel?” she blurted out, asking a question to which she already knew the answer. “Of course. Who else would I be with?” Julian chuckled softly. “What nonsense are you thinking now?” Just as he finished speaking, a woman’s clear, giggling laugh suddenly echoed from his end, very close and distinct. “Julian, who are you talking to for so long?” Evelyn’s world shattered in that instant. The last fragile thread snapped.

Julian was clearly startled. There was a shuffling sound, then he hurriedly spoke into the phone, “Evie, I have an urgent meeting. I’ll call you back later.” Beep. Beep. Beep. The cold, disconnected tone ended the clumsy charade. Evelyn dropped the phone. The tears she had been desperately holding back finally broke free, rolling silently down her cheeks. But she didn’t sob aloud; only her chest ached as if it were being torn apart.

This betrayal wasn’t just a fleeting affair; it was a meticulously planned conspiracy. He wasn’t even bothering to hide it well. She had been too foolish, too trusting. After a long moment submerged in despair, Evelyn wiped her tears. Her eyes became sharp and determined. She couldn’t let herself be destroyed by such a scumbag.

She needed to know everything—who that woman was, their entire plan. Without hesitation, she opened her contacts and found the one name she trusted most: David Chen, her best friend from university, now one of New York’s most brilliant and sharp-witted lawyers. The call connected quickly. David’s calm voice came through.

“Evie, why are you calling so late? Is something wrong?” “David, I need your help.” Evelyn’s voice was hoarse but resolute. “Help me investigate someone.” “Who?” David recognized the abnormality in her tone and immediately became serious. “Chloe Preston,” Evelyn said the name, feeling as if thorns were piercing her tongue, “and Julian’s fake business trip here in New York.”

The line went silent for a few seconds. David was smart enough to grasp the gravity of the situation. He didn’t ask about her feelings, only stated firmly, “Okay. Send me whatever information you have. I’ll have answers for you by morning.” Evelyn barely slept that night.

She sat on the living room sofa, hugging her knees tightly, her eyes staring blankly out the window. The New York skyline was still brilliant with lights, but in her eyes, it was all a desolate gray. The pain had passed. Now, only a frightening emptiness remained in her heart. She no longer cried, no longer felt her heart breaking. It seemed to have died after that phone call.

Dawn broke. Evelyn got up and went to the bathroom. She looked at her reflection in the mirror: a haggard face, swollen and dark-circled eyes. She wouldn’t allow herself to look so pathetic. She meticulously applied makeup, concealing all traces of a sleepless night.

She chose an elegant black business dress that exuded strength and determination. Today, she was not a betrayed wife; she was a warrior preparing for battle. She prepared breakfast for one as usual and quietly ate her portion. She and Julian had built this life together, every corner filled with memories.

But now, they only made her feel disgusted. Around noon, her phone rang. It was David. “Evie, where are you? Can we meet? There are some things I think I should tell you in person.” David’s voice was heavy. Evelyn’s heart twinged, but she answered calmly, “Okay. The Bluebird Café on Bleecker Street. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

The vintage-style café was tucked away in a quiet alley. David was already waiting in a secluded corner. He wore an impeccable suit, his handsome face marred by a frown. When he saw Evelyn enter, he quickly stood up. Seeing her unnaturally calm demeanor made him even more worried.

He would rather she cried and screamed than endure it in silence like this. “Have a seat.” David pulled out a chair for her and ordered a cup of chamomile tea to help calm her nerves. Evelyn sat down without a word, her eyes fixed on him, waiting. David placed a thin file on the table, took a deep breath, and said, “What you suspected is all true.”

He pushed the file toward her. “Chloe Preston, 24 years old, is the only daughter of Arthur Preston, the chairman of the real estate conglomerate Preston Holdings. She just returned from studying in the UK. According to industry sources, she and Julian have been seeing each other for over six months.” Evelyn’s hands, hidden under the table, clenched into fists. Six months.

So for the past half-year, while he was being attentive and whispering words of love to her, he was also with another woman. “Julian’s company is desperate to secure the new Hudson Yards development project, which Preston Holdings is heading. This marriage is clearly a transaction,” David continued, his voice low.

“What about his car?” Evelyn asked, her voice still without a ripple of emotion. “I checked its route through the automatic toll and GPS systems. Julian’s car hasn’t left New York this week. For the past two days, it’s been parked at a high-end estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, one of the properties owned by the Preston family.”

Every word David spoke was like a sledgehammer blow, completely shattering Evelyn’s last illusions. She had known the outcome, but hearing it confirmed still left a bitterness she couldn’t swallow. “Evie…” David looked at her with concern, hesitating before continuing, “There’s one more thing I think you need to know.”

He pulled a color-printed photo from the file. It was an exquisitely designed and luxurious wedding invitation. Evelyn didn’t need to look closely to see the names “Julian Vance” and “Chloe Preston” embossed in gold ink. But what made her freeze was the line stating the time and location.

Saturday, October 18, at the Waldorf Astoria New York. This Saturday was the day Julian had lied he would be returning from his “business trip.” He wasn’t just cheating; he was planning to deceive her until the very end, turning her into an utter fool while he happily married someone else. A wave of nausea rose in Evelyn’s throat.

Contempt and disgust for Julian overwhelmed the pain. She let out a laugh, a bitter and sarcastic sound that echoed in the quiet café. It sounded so desolate. “Well done, Julian. Well done,” she muttered to herself. David watched her with worry. “Evie, what are you going to do? Just tell me. I’ll help you.”

Evelyn looked up, the smile gone, replaced by a gaze that was chillingly resolute. “David, thank you. I know what I have to do now. This wedding gift… I will be sure to prepare it very carefully for him.” After leaving the café, Evelyn didn’t go home. She drove to the Hudson River waterfront, parked in a deserted spot, and sat silently in her car. She stared at the skyscrapers of Midtown, where the project she was pouring her heart into was located.

She had once thought that after its completion, she and Julian would have an even more perfect life. But it was all just a dream she had drawn for herself. The overwhelming pain passed, and her mind became strangely clear and calm, like the dead stillness after a great storm.

She no longer cried, no longer felt weak. The pain had transformed into a kind of strength, an iron will that urged her forward. She had to stand up, not just to expose the face of a traitor, but to reclaim everything that belonged to her. Julian had not only deceived her emotionally; he had also intended to use her, to use her family’s connections as a stepping stone for his career.

She remembered how Julian’s construction company had started as a small firm. It was through the connections of her father, a renowned veteran architect, that he had landed his first lucrative contracts and achieved his current success. And now, he had the heartlessness to treat her this way. A meticulous and ruthless plan for revenge began to form in her mind. She wouldn’t cause a scene, wouldn’t engage in a foolish public confrontation.

She would let him climb to the peak of his happiness and then push him into the abyss of humiliation. She wanted him to lose everything: his career, his reputation, and the very marriage he had built on deceit. Evelyn started the car and headed home. The apartment was no longer a home but a stage where she would perform her final act.

That evening, as usual, Julian called. Evelyn looked at the caller ID on the screen, a cold smile touching her lips. She took a breath, composed her emotions, and answered in a sweet voice, as if nothing had happened. “Ah, Julian, I was waiting for your call.”

“Sweetheart, how was your day? Was work tiring?” Julian’s voice on the other end was still filled with feigned concern. “I’m fine, just miss you a little,” Evelyn replied, her tone slightly coquettish. “How about you? Are the negotiations going well?” “Everything is progressing very smoothly. We’ll definitely sign the contract,” Julian said with a laugh, unable to hide his satisfaction. “As soon as this is done, I’ll fly right back to you.

Sweetheart, wait for me. I have a big surprise for you.” A big surprise? Probably a divorce petition, Evelyn thought, but she replied cheerfully, “Really? I’ll be waiting.” The conversation continued for a few more minutes, filled with sweet lies and empty promises.

Evelyn played the role of a gentle, trusting wife perfectly. She listened to him describe his “tense meetings” while knowing full well he was with his mistress preparing for their wedding. With every word he spoke, the hatred in her heart grew. After hanging up, the smile on Evelyn’s face vanished instantly.

She walked straight into Julian’s study. She needed more evidence—evidence that would leave him with no way to recover. She didn’t just want him ruined for cheating; she wanted him to pay a legal price if he had committed any other wrongdoing. She began to search his study carefully.

Her eyes fell on a small safe hidden behind a landscape painting on the wall. She had known of its existence for a long time, but Julian had told her it only contained important company documents and she shouldn’t touch it. She had never doubted him. But now was different.

A gut feeling told her the real secrets might be inside that safe. The problem was how to open it. The password certainly wouldn’t be their birthdays or anniversary. Julian was a very cautious man. Evelyn thought for a moment, and an idea sparked. She took out her phone and composed a text message to Julian.

“Julian, sorry to bother you again. I’m helping Dad find the design contract for the Crestwood Resort that your company and Dad collaborated on a few years ago. He said he needs it urgently for reference. I can’t find it anywhere. Do you remember where you put it? Is it in your safe?” Less than a minute later, Julian called back, his voice a little flustered.

“That contract? It’s been so long, I don’t really remember. Try looking in the safe, I might have put it in there. The password is 8-4-1-9-8-8.” “Thanks, I’ll try looking,” Evelyn replied, trying to keep her voice from trembling with excitement. “Just look for that and nothing else, okay? Don’t get curious about other things,” Julian added before hanging up. Evelyn stared at the phone, a cold smile spreading across her lips.

Julian, he was too confident, too dismissive of her. He could never have imagined that the password he had just given her was not the key to an old contract, but the key to opening the gates of hell for himself. After getting the password, Evelyn didn’t act immediately. She calmly went downstairs to the kitchen and made herself a cup of hot ginger tea.

The warmth of the tea spread through her body, helping her maintain the necessary composure. This was a critical moment; she couldn’t afford any mistakes. She sat on the sofa, closed her eyes, and took deep breaths. Images of their marriage flooded her mind: the passionate early days, the vows and promises, the happy moments of building their home together.

She had once believed she was the happiest woman in the world, but it was all just an elaborate, well-staged play. Her heart no longer ached; it was completely numb. All that remained was a determination as cold as ice. Once she was completely calm, Evelyn stood up and went to the study.

She put on a pair of thin medical gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints and carefully lifted the landscape painting off the wall. The black safe, embedded in the wall, was revealed. Her hand trembled slightly as she entered the numbers Julian had given her: 8-4-1-9-8-8. A soft click sounded, and the safe door swung open. Inside, there wasn’t much cash, just a few stacks of documents and a USB drive.

Evelyn took out the top file. It was indeed the Crestwood Resort contract she had fabricated a story about. Julian had truly kept it here, but that wasn’t what she needed. She examined the remaining documents, most of which were land deeds and construction permits for his company—nothing out of the ordinary. Her gaze settled on a black leather-bound notebook hidden at the very bottom.

The notebook had no title and looked plain, but her intuition told her this was the most important item. Evelyn’s heart pounded as she opened it. The first page was filled with Julian’s neat handwriting. As she read the lines, she felt as if she had been struck by lightning. This wasn’t an ordinary work journal.

It was a black ledger detailing kickbacks, under-the-table deals, and, most damningly, a comprehensive plan of how Julian had embezzled a huge sum of money from the very projects his company had collaborated on with her family’s firm. Every number, every date, and every name was recorded with chilling clarity. He had started this two years ago.

Shortly after his company stabilized, he began to exploit her father’s trust and her love to systematically plunder her family’s assets. The amount ran into the tens of millions of dollars. Evelyn’s heart felt like it had stopped. This shock was far more devastating than discovering his affair.

This betrayal wasn’t just emotional; it was a calculated, ruthless, and systemic conspiracy. He didn’t just want to leave her; he wanted to ruin her entire family. The man she had shared a bed with turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a common swindler.

All her love, all the beautiful memories of Julian, completely crumbled, leaving only a bone-deep disgust and hatred. He didn’t deserve forgiveness; he deserved the most brutal punishment. Trembling, Evelyn took out her phone and carefully photographed every page of the notebook, ensuring every word and number was clear.

She then plugged the USB drive into the computer. It contained Excel files and bank statements—irrefutable proof of the shady transactions recorded in the notebook. She quickly copied all the data to her own portable hard drive. Once finished, she placed everything back in its original position perfectly, leaving no trace.

She closed the safe, rehung the painting, and the room returned to its quiet, undisturbed state, as if nothing had happened. But Evelyn knew the real storm was just beginning. With this evidence in hand, she could not only destroy Julian’s reputation but could also send him to prison.

The drama at the upcoming wedding wouldn’t just be emotional revenge; it would be a public judgment for all the sins he had committed. Evelyn sat across from David Chen in his law office on the 35th floor of a skyscraper in Midtown. Through the reinforced glass, the magnificent panorama of New York unfolded before them, but Evelyn was in no mood to appreciate the view. All her attention was on the documents David had just neatly arranged on the desk.

They were copies of the black ledger and all the data from the USB she had retrieved. “It’s all here,” Evelyn said, her voice as cold as ice, devoid of emotion. “Is this evidence enough to send Julian to prison?” David adjusted his glasses, carefully reviewing each document. His expression grew increasingly grave. “Evie, this is worse than we thought.

This isn’t just embezzlement; it’s organized fraud, tax evasion, and bribery. With such a large sum, he could face a very heavy sentence. You did very well to find this.” He looked up, his gaze deep and serious. “But are you sure you want to go this far? Once this is exposed, not only Julian but also your family’s reputation could be affected.” “I’m sure,” Evelyn replied without a hint of hesitation.

“Compared to letting a venomous snake continue to lurk by our side, a little damage to our reputation is nothing. My father will understand. I have to make him pay for everything.” Seeing the determination in her eyes, David said no more. He knew Evelyn had changed. She was no longer the gentle woman who lived only for love.

The cruel betrayal had forged her into a sharp blade, ready to pierce through all deceit. “Alright, I’ll start drafting the indictment,” David nodded. “In the meantime, we need to learn more about the Preston family. Know your enemy. Especially Chloe Preston’s mother, Diana.” “Why her?” Evelyn asked, a bit puzzled.

“Because I found some rather strange details.” David opened his laptop and turned the screen toward her. “Diana Preston, 48, is Arthur Preston’s second wife. She comes from a humble background but is very shrewd. In New York’s high society, she’s known as an ambitious woman with a complicated private life.

But what’s noteworthy are her financial transactions over the past six months. There are large sums of money being transferred between a secret account of hers and an account under the name of Julian’s assistant. This money has nothing to do with their business collaboration.” Evelyn’s heart sank. Another secret? “There’s more,” David continued.

“I had someone follow them, and they recorded a video. This is Julian and Diana meeting privately at a high-end teahouse in SoHo yesterday afternoon.” He pressed play. The video was silent but the images were crystal clear. Julian and Diana were in a private room.

They didn’t look like a future son-in-law and mother-in-law. The way they looked at each other, the way Diana naturally stroked Julian’s wrist as he spoke. And especially as they left, Julian put a coat on her—a gesture so intimate and familiar it was suspicious. His hand deliberately grazed her waist with a suggestive touch.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes, replaying that moment over and over. A man about to marry a woman’s daughter would absolutely not behave so furtively with his future mother-in-law. Unless… a crazy and depraved thought flashed through her mind, making her shudder with disgust. No. That’s impossible. It’s too outrageous.

“Do you see anything unusual?” David asked, interrupting her thoughts. “Very unusual,” Evelyn replied, her voice hoarse. “They don’t look like they’re discussing business, nor like elders talking to a junior. There’s an inappropriate intimacy.” “I thought so too,” David nodded. “Diana is not a simple woman.

I suspect she’s the one pulling the strings, maybe even this whole marriage. Chloe might just be a pawn in her mother’s game.” Evelyn was silent. If David’s speculation was correct, then Julian was not only cheating with Chloe but also had another illicit relationship—one far more disgusting and perverse.

This betrayal had crossed every moral boundary she could imagine. “David,” Evelyn looked up, her eyes as sharp as knives. “I want the truth. I want to know what other filthy secrets they’re hiding behind my back. Is there a way?” David looked into her eyes, understanding what she was thinking. He pondered for a moment, then said, “There is a way, but it’s very risky. If we’re discovered, the consequences could be severe.” “I’m not afraid,”

Evelyn said decisively. “Compared to what I’m enduring, what’s a little risk? I want the final piece of evidence—one that can destroy them all at once.” The plan David proposed was both daring and dangerous: to install a tiny hidden camera in the villa where Julian and Chloe were staying to prepare for the wedding.

It was the only way to get authentic evidence of the abnormal relationship between Julian and Diana. “Are you sure, Evie? This is illegal. If we’re caught, we’ll be in big trouble,” David asked one more time, wanting to ensure she had thought it through. “I’m sure,” Evelyn affirmed, “They pushed me down this path. I’m just using their methods against them.”

Seeing her resolve, David stopped trying to dissuade her and took action. Fortunately, he had extensive connections. Through an acquaintance, he contacted a high-end cleaning service company—the very one the Preston family used for their weekly estate cleaning.

He used a hefty sum and an old favor to persuade a trustworthy female employee to help. The device they chose was a state-of-the-art hidden camera, the size of a button, cleverly concealed inside a luxurious-looking essential oil diffuser. It had 4K resolution, highly sensitive audio recording, and could transmit a live feed to a phone or computer via a private network.

The ideal placement was the living room, offering a panoramic view of the main living space. The plan was executed on a Thursday afternoon when Julian and Chloe were out for their wedding attire fitting. Evelyn and David sat in a car parked on a secluded street near the Greenwich estate. Her heart pounded as they communicated through tiny earpieces.

“She’s inside,” David’s voice was a little tense. Evelyn clenched her fists, her eyes glued to the laptop screen, which showed a “waiting for signal” interface. Every second felt like an eternity. She feared the plan would be exposed, that the cleaning lady would be caught.

Ten minutes later, the cleaner’s voice came through the earpiece, slightly panicked. “Mr. Chen, someone’s home! I think it’s the housekeeper.” Evelyn’s heart seized. “Tell her to stay calm and just continue cleaning as usual. Is it done?” David asked urgently. “Almost. Just need to plug it in and connect.”

Evelyn held her breath. She could hear footsteps and a muffled conversation through the earpiece; the housekeeper seemed to be giving the employee instructions. A few minutes later, just as she felt she couldn’t bear the tension any longer, her laptop screen flickered to life. The signal was connected. A clear image of the luxurious living room appeared.

“Success!” Evelyn whispered. Soon after, the cleaning employee safely left the estate. The first step of the plan was a success. Evelyn and David let out a collective sigh of relief. The next two days were an agonizing wait.

Evelyn barely ate or slept, her eyes glued to the laptop, monitoring every movement in that house. But all she got was disappointment. The camera only recorded the normal life of an engaged couple. They watched movies together, had dinner together. Julian even played the piano for Chloe. He played the role of the perfect fiancé—gentle and attentive.

Chloe was completely immersed in her happiness, a smile always on her face. Watching these scenes only made Evelyn feel sick. She had to admit, Julian was a superb actor. Diana visited a few times, but always with her husband, Arthur.

In front of everyone, she played the part of a kind mother-in-law, concerned about her daughter’s happiness, with no suspicious actions. Evelyn began to feel bewildered. Had she been too paranoid? Was the relationship between Julian and Diana merely a normal business and in-law connection? She almost gave up on this line of investigation. Perhaps the financial evidence and his affair with Chloe were already enough to destroy him.

“Maybe we were wrong, David,” she said, calling him on Friday night, the eve of the wedding. Her voice was weary. “The camera hasn’t recorded anything. Maybe I was just too suspicious.” “Be patient a little longer, Evie. Sometimes the prey only shows its weakness at the very last minute,” David comforted her, though he himself was beginning to doubt his judgment.

Evelyn sighed and looked at the laptop screen one more time. Chloe had just received a call; it seemed her friends were taking her out for a bachelorette party. She happily kissed Julian and left with her purse. Now, Julian was alone in the house. Evelyn felt hopeless, about to turn off the computer and get some sleep for the battle ahead.

But just then, the estate’s doorbell rang. Julian went to open the door, and the person who walked in was none other than Diana. This time, she was alone. Evelyn’s heart immediately started pounding again. Her intuition told her: the main act was about to begin. As night fell, the splendid estate was lit only by the warm yellow glow from the living room.

Chloe had been gone for a while. Julian loosened his tie and slumped onto the Italian leather sofa, his face weary and bored—a stark contrast to the happy fiancé he portrayed in front of Chloe. When Diana entered, she wore a tight, wine-red silk dress that accentuated her meticulously maintained curves. Her hair was swept into a high bun, revealing a pale neck and sparkling diamond earrings.

She looked less like a mother visiting her future son-in-law and more like the mistress of the house returning home. Julian didn’t stand to greet her, merely looking up with a smirk. “Future mother-in-law, what brings you here so late? Aren’t you afraid my future father-in-law will get jealous?” Diana let out a cold, seductive laugh.

She walked over and sat beside him, casually placing her leg on his thigh. “That old man? He’s probably talking business with his old cronies. He has no time to pay attention to me.” She pulled out a slim cigarette. Julian expertly lit it for her. The smoke swirled, masking the calculating expressions on both their faces.

“The wedding is tomorrow. Are you all prepared?” Diana took a drag, blowing smoke toward the ceiling. “Don’t let anything go wrong. After the wedding, you need to quickly win Old Arthur’s trust and convince him to put you in charge of the Hudson Yards project. Once we have that project, we’ll have half of the Preston family’s assets.” “Don’t worry.”

Julian’s lips curled as his hand began to wander up Diana’s smooth leg. “Your daughter is as naive as a lamb. Isn’t she completely under my control? A few sweet words and she believes everything. Old man Arthur also adores me. Everything is going according to plan.” In front of her computer, Evelyn was frozen, the blood in her veins turning to ice. Their conversation, word for word, confirmed her most horrific suspicions.

This marriage was a complete conspiracy, a trap set to seize their assets.

Poor Chloe was just a sacrifice for the greed of her own mother and the man she adored. “What about that architect wife of yours?” Diana asked, a hint of jealousy in her voice. “Have you dealt with her?” “Done. I lied and said I was on a business trip to San Francisco for a week. She totally bought it,” Julian scoffed. “That kind of woman, always buried in her work, acting all high and mighty, is actually incredibly stupid. After things are settled here, I’ll divorce her. By then, her family’s little fortune will be mine too.” CRACK! Evelyn felt a massive explosion in her head. Her mind went blank, all thoughts vanishing.

Disgusting! The only feeling left was an overwhelming, soul-deep revulsion. She had misjudged him, loved a monster in human skin for all these years. But the most horrific part was yet to come. Diana stubbed out her cigarette in the ashtray. She turned to Julian, her eyes filled with lust.

“You truly are a cunning fox. But I like it. Compared to my daughter, you’re a much better match for me.” With that, she actively leaned into Julian’s embrace, her red lips seeking his. Julian didn’t refuse. On the contrary, he responded with feverish passion. His roaming hands began to slip under her silk dress.

The scene that unfolded next on the screen made Evelyn’s blood run cold. Right there in the living room, on the same sofa where just hours before he had been cuddling with Chloe, Julian and his future mother-in-law threw themselves at each other like two starved animals.

They writhed together in a frenzied, depraved act of passion, without a shred of decency or guilt. Evelyn sat motionless. She didn’t scream, cry, or break anything. She just watched silently, letting the filthy images burn into her retinas, her mind, her dead heart. The pain was gone. The hatred was gone. In their place was a cold, hollow emptiness.

She felt nauseous, not because of the scene itself, but because of herself. For having once loved a scumbag, a demon like him. The camera was still faithfully recording everything. It had captured the final, most damning piece of evidence. A time bomb powerful enough to obl-iterate all the sinners in this disgusting play.

The New York night remained quiet, but the most terrifying storm was about to break. Evelyn didn’t know how long she sat frozen before the laptop—an hour, two, maybe more. She only knew that when she regained her senses, the depraved scene on the screen had ended.

Julian and Diana had straightened their clothes, exchanged a few more words, and Diana had quickly departed like a phantom. The house was quiet again, with only Julian left on the sofa, lighting a cigarette with a look of utter satisfaction. The silence in Evelyn’s mind was shattered. Instead of collapsing, a terrifying clarity and coldness enveloped her. She was no longer the victim.

From this moment on, she was the judge. She would decide the fate of them all. Her first action was to save the horrifying video to a folder encrypted with multiple layers of security. Then, she calmly called David. It was nearly 2:00 AM, but she knew he was waiting for her news. The phone was answered on the first ring. “Evie? What happened?” David’s voice was filled with anxiety. “David, I have it.”

Evelyn’s voice was flat, emotionless, yet it sent a chill down the spine. “I have the most perfect wedding gift for them.” Half an hour later, in David’s office, he finished watching the video Evelyn had sent. His face was pale with shock and disgust. He had handled many complex divorce cases, witnessed many of humanity’s ugly faces, but nothing had ever crossed every moral line like this.

“Animals,” he hissed, unable to restrain a curse. He turned to Evelyn, his eyes filled with pity. “Evie, you…” “I’m fine,” Evelyn cut him off, her eyes shining with a strange light in the darkness. “Now is not the time for weakness. We don’t have much time. David, I need your help to finalize the plan.”

The two of them stayed up all night. The law office became a veritable war room. Evelyn’s revenge plan was mapped out in meticulous detail, leaving no room for error. First, David immediately made multiple copies of all the evidence: the video, the black ledger, the financial data.

They were stored in various secure locations, both in the cloud and on physical hard drives. These were the ultimate weapons; no mistakes could be made. Second, based on the evidence of embezzlement, David drafted a complete criminal indictment. Simultaneously, he prepared the divorce petition and legal procedures to demand the division of assets, in which Julian, with all fault lying with him, would leave with nothing. Third, and most importantly, was the step to protect her assets. Under David’s guidance, Evelyn used her online access to quickly transfer all her personal savings and investments to a new Swiss bank account that Julian knew nothing about.

She also called her family’s private lawyer, instructing them to immediately freeze all joint accounts she shared with Julian and revoke his executive rights in several subsidiary companies where her family held shares. Everything had to be done silently and completed before dawn. Finally, there was the fateful wedding gift.

David contacted an IT expert he trusted implicitly. This person would pose as a hotel technician, infiltrate the wedding hall’s projection control system, and, at the last moment, replace Julian and Chloe’s romantic video with the depraved one.

Everything would be done remotely, leaving no trace leading back to Evelyn or David. As dawn broke over the horizon, everything was in place. Evelyn stood by the window, watching the day’s first light illuminate the city. Today was Julian’s wedding day. It would also be his judgment day.

“Evie, are you sure you don’t need me to go with you?” David asked, his voice full of concern. He was afraid she wouldn’t be able to handle the shock of facing it all. Evelyn turned, a faint, cold smile on her lips. “No need. This is my battle. I want to witness his downfall with my own eyes. You just need to help me finalize the legal procedures right after the show is over.”

She put on her trench coat, her posture resolute and strong. The storm was ready. Now it was time for her to unleash it upon those who had dared to destroy her life. Saturday, October 18.

The New York sky was a brilliant, cloudless blue, the golden sun shining as if to bless a momentous day. But for Evelyn, this was not a day of happiness, but a day of judgment. She woke up very early, not from excitement, but because her mind was unusually calm and clear. She felt no more pain or anger, only a cold determination flowing through her veins.

She brewed a pot of tea and sat by the window, quietly watching the city awaken. At 8:00 AM sharp, the phone on the table rang. It was Julian. Evelyn stared at the flashing name, a sarcastic smile playing on her lips. He still remembered to call to perform the final act. She took a deep breath and answered, her voice as sweet as honey.

“Ah, Julian, you’re calling so early?” “Sweetheart, I’m sorry.” Julian’s voice on the other end sounded incredibly apologetic and tired—a masterclass in acting. “It looks like I can’t make it back today. My flight was suddenly delayed due to weather.” Weather? Evelyn glanced at the clear blue sky outside her window.

The weather in New York was beautiful, and she was certain there were no storms in San Francisco. Another clumsy lie. “Oh? What a shame.” Evelyn’s voice sounded disappointed and pitiful. “I had a special dinner planned to welcome you home.” “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I miss you too and want to come back right away.” Julian’s voice held an unconcealable excitement; he thought she had believed him completely.

“But don’t worry, I’ll take the earliest flight back tomorrow morning. Be good at home, okay? Don’t go anywhere.” “Yes, I know,” Evelyn replied obediently. “You take care of yourself too. Have a good day.” “You too. Love you, sweetheart.” He hung up.

The smile on Evelyn’s lips instantly vanished, replaced by a chilling coldness. A good day? Oh, she would certainly give him a good day he would never forget. After the call, Evelyn began her preparations. She didn’t cry or break things; she just silently went through her ritual.

She stepped into the bathroom and soaked in a warm tub filled with lavender essential oils, allowing her body and mind to completely relax. She needed to be in her best state to enjoy the play she had directed. Then, she walked into her closet. She skimmed past the rows of gentle, elegant dresses Julian used to praise.

Her eyes stopped on a dress she had never worn, an Alexander McQueen design she had bought on a business trip to London. The dress was a fiery, blood-red, with a form-fitting silhouette and bold cutouts that were both seductive and exuded a deadly, powerful aura. Today, she was not the gentle wife; she was the queen of vengeance.

She sat at her vanity, meticulously applying her makeup. A flawless foundation concealed the fatigue of sleepless nights. A sharp line of eyeliner made her gaze deeper and colder. Finally, she chose a ruby-red lipstick that matched her dress.

As the color glided across her lips, the woman in the mirror transformed—beautiful, arrogant, and dangerous. She chose a pair of Jimmy Choo heels and spritzed a touch of Chanel No. 5, the scent of classic, timeless elegance. Everything was ready. She looked at herself one last time in the mirror. The woman reflected was a stranger, yet so powerful. She smiled, a smile devoid of warmth.

She wasn’t going there to cause a scene. She was going to deliver a verdict. The verdict for betrayal, deceit, and shamelessness. The hour of judgment had arrived. The Waldorf Astoria New York, one of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in the city, was situated right on Park Avenue. Today, its grand ballroom was lavishly decorated with thousands of white roses and lilies, soft silk ribbons, and dazzling crystal chandeliers. The air was thick with opulence and joy.

The elite of New York and key business partners of the Vance and Preston families had all arrived, dressed in their finest, offering smiles and blessings to the bride and groom. Evelyn’s white Maserati quietly pulled over on the opposite side of the road. She didn’t enter through the main gate, which was swarming with reporters.

She had her own plan. From her car, she could clearly see Julian, looking dapper in an Armani suit, standing beside his bride, Chloe Preston, who was as beautiful as a princess in her Vera Wang gown. The look of blissful satisfaction on his face made Evelyn feel sick.

She took a deep breath and opened the car door. As her elegant figure in the fiery red dress appeared, all eyes turned toward her. She was too striking, too different from the party’s dominant theme of white and pastels.

She ignored the stares, walking steadily and proudly on her high heels toward the staff entrance that David had arranged. As expected, she was stopped by two security guards. “Ma’am, this is a staff-only entrance. Please use the main gate,” one of them said, his tone polite but his eyes filled with suspicion. Evelyn showed no sign of being flustered. She removed her sunglasses, revealing a beautiful but cold face. She smiled, a smile full of power.

“I am Evelyn Reed, chief architect of Reed Architecture. I am a very important business partner of Chairman Arthur Preston. As I arrived late and did not wish to disturb the ceremony, I asked Chairman Preston’s secretary to arrange for me to use this entrance. You can confirm with them.” She spoke with confidence and fluency.

The aura of someone from the upper class was unmistakable. The two guards exchanged a hesitant look. Just then, one of their phones rang. He answered, nodded a few times, and then his attitude immediately changed. He bowed respectfully. “Our apologies, Ms. Reed. Please, come in.” David had done his job well. Evelyn gave a slight nod and walked calmly inside.

She didn’t go directly into the main banquet hall but followed a corridor to a small, elevated balcony that overlooked the entire scene below without being noticed. From here, she could see everything clearly. She watched Julian, arm-in-arm with a happy Chloe, going from table to table to accept blessings.

She saw Diana Preston, in a luxurious designer gown, smiling contentedly beside Arthur Preston. They were all acting in a perfect play about a happy family, a well-matched marriage. What a pity. This play was about to end, and the one writing the ending was her. A waiter passed by. Evelyn signaled for a glass of red wine.

She held the glass, swirling it gently. The deep red of the wine matched her dress—seductive and dangerous. She stood there silently like a phantom, an uninvited guest waiting for the moment the play’s velvet curtain would fall. She wouldn’t do anything. She would just sit here and enjoy the show. Enjoy the downfall of the man who had ruthlessly trampled on her love and trust.

After the greetings and toasts, the official ceremony began. The lights in the grand hall slowly dimmed, leaving only spotlights focused on the fairytale-like stage. Melodious, romantic music filled the air. The MC, with a charismatic voice, stepped out and began the ceremony with flowery words about a dreamlike love story between a talented director and a noble lady.

The audience applauded, everyone believing they were a match made in heaven. From her balcony, Evelyn took a sip of wine, a contemptuous smile on her lips. A dreamlike love story? Yes, a dream built on lies, betrayal, and the filthiest of conspiracies. Julian and Chloe walked hand-in-hand onto the stage.

Chloe nestled beside the groom, her sparkling eyes filled with happiness and adoration. As for Julian, he looked at his bride with a deeply affectionate gaze—a gaze Evelyn once thought was reserved only for her. His acting skills had truly reached their peak. The officiant began to read the vows.

“Julian, do you take Chloe to be your wife, to love, honor, and be faithful to her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?” Julian looked deep into Chloe’s eyes, his voice deep and resolute. “I do.” Those two words, the same two words he had spoken to her five years ago, now sounded so jarring and fake.

Evelyn tightened her grip on the wine glass, her knuckles turning white. “Chloe, do you take Julian to be your husband?” “I do!” Chloe rushed to answer before the officiant had even finished the question, her voice trembling with emotion. The hall erupted in laughter and applause at the bride’s charming eagerness. “You may now exchange rings.”

They exchanged expensive diamond wedding bands, symbols of a false eternal promise. Then, Julian gently lifted Chloe’s veil and placed a sweet kiss on her lips. The applause was thunderous, bringing the ceremony to its climax. Evelyn drained her glass. This happy charade needed to end. After the kiss, Julian took the microphone. He looked out at the audience, especially at his father-in-law Arthur Preston, with a grateful expression, then turned to Chloe with a loving gaze. “Thank you all for coming to celebrate with us today.

I especially want to thank you, Chloe. Meeting you was the luckiest thing in my life.” He paused, his voice choking with emotion. “And to commemorate this special day, I’ve prepared a special gift—a video that captures the sweetest moments of our love story.

I hope you’ll like it.” Chloe was moved to tears. She threw her arms around Julian. The guests below murmured in admiration of the groom’s romantic gesture. The MC quickly followed up, “What a wonderful gift! Ladies and gentlemen, please turn your attention to the large screen behind the stage to witness the beautiful love story of our bride and groom.”

The lights in the hall went out completely, leaving only the soft glow of candles on the tables. All eyes, including those of Julian, Chloe, and their parents in the front row, were fixed on the giant LED screen. Everyone was expecting a romantic video, but they had no idea they were about to watch a horror film—a blessing straight from hell.

On the balcony, Evelyn set down her empty glass, leaned gently against the railing, and prepared to enjoy the most spectacular performance. The time bomb she had set was about to detonate. The gentle melody of a famous love ballad began to play.

On the large screen, sweet images of Julian and Chloe appeared. The first photo was of the moment they met at a party—Julian dapper in a suit, Chloe like a princess. Next were photos of their trip to Paris, holding hands at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, dining at a lavish restaurant on the Seine.

Then came everyday moments: Julian playing the piano for Chloe, cooking together, watching movies. Every photo was perfectly edited to exude happiness and fulfillment. Chloe rested her head on Julian’s shoulder, her eyes welling with tears of joy. Below, Diana and Arthur smiled with satisfaction.

The guests praised them as a perfect couple. Julian stood on stage, his chest puffed out with pride and satisfaction. He was at the pinnacle of his life. Evelyn watched it all unfold silently. Enjoy it, Julian, because these are the last moments of glory you will ever have. The video played for about a minute. Just as everyone was immersed in the romantic atmosphere, the screen suddenly flickered. The image stuttered a few times and then went black.

The music stopped. A murmur went through the hall. “What’s wrong?” “A technical glitch?” Julian frowned, slightly annoyed. He signaled to the technician backstage to check. Chloe looked a little worried, but then the screen lit up again. However, the image that appeared was not another glamorous photo, but a fixed shot of a villa’s living room.

The image quality was crystal clear, the sound just as real. While everyone was still confused, Julian and Diana’s faces went pale. They recognized it as the living room of their Greenwich estate. On screen, Julian was sitting on the sofa, and the woman in the red silk dress who walked in was Diana.

Their disgusting conversation echoed clearly in the silent hall. “The wedding is tomorrow. Are you all prepared? Don’t let anything go wrong. After the wedding, you need to quickly win Old Arthur’s trust.” “Don’t worry. Your daughter is as naive as a lamb. Isn’t she completely under my control?” The entire hall fell dead silent.

The whispers stopped, replaced by a terrifying quiet. People began to look at each other, then their gazes shifted to the stage and the front row with disbelief. Arthur Preston’s smile froze on his face. As for Chloe, she stared at the screen, her beautiful face turning deathly white.

But the nightmare had only just begun. The conversation continued, growing more shameless. “What about that architect wife of yours?” “Done. I lied and said I was on a business trip… that kind of woman, always buried in her work… is actually incredibly stupid.” At this, some guests recognized the name of Julian’s official wife, Evelyn Reed. The chatter began again.

The looks directed at Julian were no longer of admiration, but of contempt. And then, the most horrific scene unfolded. On screen, Diana leaned into Julian’s arms, and they began to claw at each other in a frenzy. The depraved images of their lovemaking, the obscene sounds, echoed throughout the hall. “Ah!” A few female guests screamed and covered their eyes.

A loud crash was heard as someone dropped a glass. The happy, luxurious atmosphere of the wedding had, in an instant, turned into a living hell. Everyone was stunned, speechless at the unimaginable depravity and shamelessness of the groom and the bride’s mother.

Chloe stood on stage, her whole body trembling violently. She watched the man she was about to marry and the mother she revered engage in such a vile act on screen. Her eyes were wide and empty. Diana was frozen in her seat, her face drained of all color.

She wanted to scream, to run, but her legs had turned to jelly. Julian stood as if struck by lightning, cold sweat drenching his shirt. His mind was a blank. He couldn’t understand how this could have been filmed and shown here. In his extreme panic, his eyes unconsciously scanned the hall. And then, they stopped.

On the distant balcony, an elegant figure in a fiery red dress stood, silent as a statue. Even from a distance, he could see the cold smile on her lips. Their eyes met across the space. In Evelyn’s eyes, he saw no pain or jealousy, only a contempt so cold it was as if she were looking at a filthy insect.

In that instant, Julian understood everything. It was her. All of this was her doing. The horrifying silence held for about ten seconds before chaos erupted like a bomb. “Aaaahhhhh!” A piercing, crazed scream tore through the air, not from a guest, but from the bride herself, Chloe. The cruel truth was an invisible blade that had stabbed through her naive heart.

Love, trust, happiness—all shattered into dust in that single moment. She was no longer a fairy-tale princess but a pitiful fool, betrayed and humiliated in the most degrading way by her own mother and fiancé. The pain and fury morphed into madness.

Chloe spun around, her bloodshot eyes glaring at Julian, who was still frozen beside her. She lunged at him, clawing and punching with all her might. “You bastard! You animal! Why? Why would you do this to me?” Her magnificent wedding dress was now disheveled, her expensive makeup smeared by tears and rage.

Julian, caught off guard, could only raise his arms to shield his face, his mind still reeling from the nightmare. But Chloe’s true target was not Julian. After venting her rage on him, she launched herself off the stage like a wounded animal, tearing her restrictive gown as she ran toward the front row where Diana sat, motionless, her face ashen. “You filthy woman! Slut!

Why you? You’re my mother! How could you do something so despicable?” Chloe flew at her mother, grabbing her carefully styled hair and yanking it hard. Pearl hairpins scattered across the floor. Diana was dragged from her chair, her elegant designer gown torn wide open.

Mother and daughter, two women who had been the center of admiration, were now wrestling and clawing at each other on the floor like madwomen. The chaotic, humiliating scene left the guests in stunned silence. The whispers and gossip grew louder. The cameras and phones of several guests were surreptitiously raised, secretly recording the greatest drama in New York.

The Preston family scandal would undoubtedly be the hottest news for months. At the center of the chaos, the most powerful man there, Arthur Preston, finally reacted. But it wasn’t with a roar or a decisive action. He clutched his chest, his face flushing red then turning pale. His breathing became ragged. The shock of being cuckolded by both his wife and the son-in-law he trusted had dealt a fatal blow to the aging man. He staggered and then collapsed onto the floor, unconscious.

“Mr. Preston! Call an ambulance, quickly!” The chaos worsened. Hotel security rushed in, trying to separate the mother and daughter and get Mr. Preston to safety. Screams, sobs, gossip, the sound of breaking glass—it all blended into a symphony from hell.

Amidst this pandemonium, only one place was still. On the high balcony, Evelyn stood, quietly observing it all. The wine in her glass had long been finished. The smile on her lips remained unchanged, cold and distant. She had seen enough. The play had reached its conclusion. An ending even more spectacular than she had imagined.

Her eyes met Julian’s one last time. He stood on stage, lost and helpless in the turmoil. He looked at her, his eyes filled with hatred, malice, and a sliver of unconcealable fear. He knew he had lost, lost miserably at the hands of the woman he had most underestimated.

Evelyn didn’t spare him another glance. She calmly placed her empty glass on a nearby table and put on her trench coat. She turned, her posture elegant and proud, and quietly left through the staff exit, the same way she had come. She had arrived like a vengeful ghost and departed like a queen who had reclaimed her kingdom, leaving behind a pile of ashes and a living hell of her own creation.

Within hours, the scandal at the Preston family wedding became a media firestorm that swept across New York. Leaked videos and candid photos of the chaotic scene at the reception spread like wildfire on social media.

Major newspapers and high-society gossip bloggers all ran with the most sensational headlines: “Shock in New York: Groom Cheats with Mother-in-Law at Wedding of the Century,” “The First Wife’s Spectacular Takedown,” and “The Fall of the Preston Dynasty.” The names Julian Vance, Chloe Preston, and Diana Preston became a public joke and the topic of discussion for everyone, from business elites to ordinary citizens.

The stock prices of both Preston Holdings and Julian’s construction company plummeted in after-hours trading. After being rushed to the hospital, Arthur Preston regained consciousness. The minor stroke had not taken his life, but it had stripped him of all the pride and trust a man builds over a lifetime. The pain of betrayal was greater than any physical ailment.

The first thing he did upon waking was not to ask about his wife or daughter, but to call his most trusted assistant. “Freeze it,” his voice, hoarse and filled with hatred, rasped in the VIP hospital room. “Freeze all of that bitch Diana’s assets. Throw both of them out of the house immediately.

I don’t want to see their faces ever again.” He gritted his teeth. “As for that bastard Julian Vance, cancel all contracts with his company, pull all our investments, and inform all our partners: anyone who continues to work with him is an enemy of Arthur Preston.” The orders from the head of Preston Holdings were executed swiftly and ruthlessly.

An invisible but powerful net was immediately cast, tightening around Julian from all sides. Meanwhile, Julian was in another hotel, completely broken. After fleeing the chaotic wedding, he had tried to contact Diana, but her phone was unreachable.

He called Chloe, only to be met with a torrent of crazed curses before being blocked. He tried to call Arthur, but his assistant coldly informed him that the chairman did not wish to speak with him. A real fear began to set in. He rushed out of the hotel and drove to the Preston family’s estate, only to be stopped by guards at the gate.

He was informed that his name was now on the blacklist, permanently unwelcome. Desperate, he returned to his company, hoping to salvage the situation, but what awaited him was even worse. Department heads were gathered, their faces panicked. The office phones rang incessantly. “Director Vance, Titan Corp just emailed to cancel the commercial center project contract!”

“The bank is calling; they’re demanding early repayment of our loan!” “The materials supplier said they’re halting all deliveries until we clear our debts!” One piece of bad news after another rained down like poisoned arrows. Ongoing projects stalled, cash flow was cut off, and partners turned their backs.

The company he had painstakingly built was collapsing before his eyes in a single morning. He knew this was Arthur Preston’s retaliation, but he also knew who was truly pulling the strings, who had pushed him into this dead end: Evelyn. Fear turned to rage. He slammed his hand on the desk, roaring like a wounded beast.

“Evelyn, you vicious woman! I won’t let you get away with this!” He frantically dialed her number, but her phone was off. He drove to their shared apartment, but the locks had been changed. He was completely isolated. He realized that while he had been busy scheming to take everything, Evelyn had been silently setting an even bigger trap, and he had stupidly walked right into it.

The road ahead had no exit, only the blackness of despair. On Monday morning, the New York Stock Exchange opened to a scene of chaos. Shares of Julian’s company, Vance Construction, and the real estate giant Preston Holdings were sold off in a panic, hitting their daily limit down from the opening bell.

The wedding scandal was no longer just a moral issue; it had become a full-blown financial crisis. But for Julian, the worst nightmare was yet to come. At the headquarters of the Reed Group, Evelyn’s family company, an emergency board meeting was underway. The Reed Group was not just a prestigious architecture firm; it also held a significant stake in Vance Construction as the angel investor that had helped Julian’s company get its start.

Evelyn, dressed in a powerful black suit, sat at the head of the table next to her father, Robert Reed, a respected veteran architect. Across from them were the board members, their faces tense after reading the weekend’s news. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Evelyn began, her voice calm and firm, echoing through the boardroom.

“I have convened this meeting today not to discuss the shameful personal matters you are all aware of. I am here as a major shareholder to present evidence of the illegal activities of Director Julian Vance, who has exploited our trust for personal gain and caused serious damage to our company.” She then signaled to David, who sat beside her as legal counsel.

David stood up and connected his laptop to the projector. The entire contents of the black ledger and the USB drive were presented clearly and systematically on the large screen. Each page of notes on bribes, each fraudulent transaction, and each bank statement with its shadowy money trail was displayed.

The board members, all seasoned veterans of the business world, were initially skeptical, but as they watched, their faces grew pale. The evidence was too complete, too detailed, leaving no room for denial. “According to our preliminary statistics,” David said, his voice professional and cold,

“over the past two years, Julian Vance has embezzled more than 50 million dollars through projects in which the Reed Group was a partner. This conduct not only severely violates company regulations but also constitutes the crimes of fraud and money laundering under criminal law.” A heavy silence fell over the room.

Robert Reed, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke, his deep voice filled with disappointment and anger. “I treated him like a son. I gave him every opportunity. I never thought he would be such an ungrateful wolf.” He turned to the board members. “I propose the immediate dismissal of Julian Vance from his position as director. Furthermore, our company will formally press charges, requesting legal authorities to investigate and recover all assets he has stolen.”

No one objected. The resolution passed quickly. Immediately, a team of auditors and lawyers was dispatched to the Vance Construction headquarters. Julian, still frantically trying to salvage the situation in his office, was stopped at the door by security.

He was informed he had been suspended and was not allowed to enter. Minutes later, an official termination notice arrived in his email, along with a summons from the economic crime investigation department. Evelyn’s second blow had landed, without an ounce of mercy. This was no longer personal revenge; it was the punishment of justice.

She didn’t just want him ruined; she wanted him to pay for his greed behind bars. All of Julian’s assets, from his penthouse and luxury cars to his bank accounts, were frozen for the investigation. From a promising young director, in less than 48 hours, he had lost everything, becoming a penniless man and an economic criminal.

Driven into a corner, Julian was like a wild animal that had lost all reason. He had lost his company, his money, his reputation, and soon, possibly his freedom. Only one name remained in his mind: Evelyn. He believed she was the cause of all his tragedies. After a day of aimless wandering, he finally found Evelyn’s temporary residence through an old contact—a high-end serviced apartment in the city center.

He no longer had the polished look of his former self. Instead, he was disheveled, his hair a mess, his bloodshot eyes burning with resentment. He waited by the entrance to the parking garage. When Evelyn’s white Maserati drove in, he rushed out to block her car. Evelyn braked calmly. She looked at the man standing before her through the windshield, without a hint of surprise or fear.

It was as if she had expected this. She leisurely turned off the engine and got out. “What do you want?” her voice was indifferent, as if speaking to a stranger. Seeing her calm and arrogant demeanor, the anger in Julian’s heart flared, but when he met her icy gaze, that anger was extinguished, replaced by an invisible fear.

He realized he no longer had any right to be angry with her. His only remaining tactic was debasement. “Evie,” he stepped forward, his voice suddenly trembling and pitiful. “I was wrong. I truly know I was wrong. Can you forgive me this one time?” He reached out to take her hand, but Evelyn stepped back, her eyes filled with disgust.

“It was all that bitch Diana’s fault!” Julian, seeing her lack of reaction, quickly shifted the blame. “She seduced me! I was just momentarily confused. The person I truly love is you, Evie. We had five happy years together. Have you forgotten all that?” He began to rehash old memories and vows, trying to stir some lingering affection in her.

But he was mistaken. Evelyn’s heart was dead. Those memories now only made her feel more disgusted. “Happy?” Evelyn laughed, a laugh full of scorn. “Julian, don’t you find that ridiculous? You cheated on me, embezzled from my family’s company, and were about to marry someone else, and you have the nerve to talk about happiness? Your shamelessness truly exceeds my imagination.”

When begging failed, Julian’s tone turned hostile. “Evelyn, don’t push it. What good does this do you? Ruining me won’t make you happy either. We were husband and wife, after all.” “Husband and wife?” Evelyn stared into his eyes, her voice sharp as a knife. “You are not worthy. The man I once loved died the day you decided to deceive me.

As for you, you’re just a scumbag, a common fraud.” She didn’t want to waste another second on him. She took a file from her purse and threw it at him. “This is the divorce petition. I’ve already signed it. You sign it too. Let’s not waste each other’s time.” Julian bent down and picked up the file, his hand trembling.

Next to the petition was another document: a restraining order from the court, forbidding him from coming within 100 meters of her. “Oh, right,” Evelyn added, as if just remembering something. “You should prepare a good lawyer. For what you’ve done, you’ll probably be in prison for a very long time.

That’s the price you have to pay.” With that, she didn’t give him another look. She turned and walked decisively toward the elevator. Julian stood frozen in the middle of the parking garage, holding the divorce papers. He watched her cold, retreating back, a back he would never be able to touch again. He had lost everything. Absolutely everything.

He collapsed to his knees, letting out a desperate, agonized howl. But the only reply was the cold, clinical sound of the elevator doors closing, completely severing the past between them. The media storm after the wedding didn’t just destroy Julian; it also dealt a fatal blow to Diana and Chloe.

But instead of facing the hardship together, hatred and selfishness turned them into crazed vultures, tearing at each other’s flesh in the ashes of their own making. The Preston family estate was shrouded in a grim, heavy atmosphere. Arthur Preston was out of the hospital, but the emotional shock had aged him a decade.

He sat silently in his study, his cold gaze enough to freeze the entire house. In the living room, once the scene of lavish parties, now only a fiery confrontation between mother and daughter remained. Chloe, in disheveled house clothes, her hair a mess and eyes swollen from crying, glared at her mother with pure hatred.

“This is all your fault! My life is ruined because of you!” Chloe screamed, her voice hoarse. “Why would you do it? I’m your daughter! How could you steal my husband, destroy my wedding?” Diana, after days of panic, had regained some composure, but it was a composure laced with venom and shamelessness.

She smirked, a smile utterly devoid of remorse. “Daughter, don’t you dare use that tone with me,” she shrieked. “If it weren’t for me, do you think you’d have the life you have today? Living in luxury, studying abroad, being a high-society princess? You’re just a fool who can’t even hold onto a man, so who can you blame?” “You…” Chloe trembled with rage, unable to believe the words coming from her mother’s mouth.

“How dare you say that? How long have you and him been sneaking around? How long have you been lying to me?” “What does it matter how long?” Diana paced the room. “You should blame yourself for being too naive, too easily fooled. How many times have I taught you? In this society, there is no eternal love, only eternal benefit.

Julian chose me because I can give him what you can’t: cunning and ruthlessness.” A loud slap echoed through the room. Chloe had struck Diana with all her might. “You shameless woman! I don’t have a mother like you!” Diana clutched her burning cheek, her eyes flashing like a cornered snake. “You dare hit me, you little bitch!”

She lunged to grab Chloe’s hair, but just then, two men in black suits, looking like lawyers, entered with the old housekeeper. “Ms. Preston, the master has given his orders,” the lead lawyer stated, his voice cold and emotionless. “You and the master are no longer husband and wife. This is the divorce petition.

The master has signed it. Please sign here.” He placed a document on the table. Diana froze, staring at the papers and then at the lawyer. “He… he wants to divorce me?” “That is correct,” the lawyer replied. “According to the prenuptial agreement you signed, you will not receive any assets from the Preston family upon divorce. All your credit cards and bank accounts have been frozen.”

The second lawyer continued, “The master gives you one hour to pack your personal belongings and leave this house. If you are still here after one hour, we will call security.” Diana’s world collapsed. She had calculated everything but had never anticipated Arthur would be so ruthless and decisive.

She turned to Chloe, hoping for a final shred of maternal pity. “Chloe, help me talk to your father. I can’t leave.” But she was met only with Chloe’s cold, hateful gaze. “This is the price you pay. Go. Get out of my house. I never want to see you again.” Desperate,

Diana screamed and cursed, but it was all in vain. She was eventually half-dragged upstairs by two maids. An hour later, Diana, the woman who once reigned over New York’s high society, was seen being escorted out the grand gates of the estate, carrying a small suitcase in a pathetic state.

She had lost everything: money, status, family. She became a social outcast, a public laughingstock. The trial for Julian Vance’s economic crimes was held behind closed doors but still attracted significant attention from the financial and legal communities. It wasn’t just a typical fraud case; it involved two major corporations and a shocking moral scandal, making it incredibly complex.

Julian stood in the defendant’s box, looking haggard and years older. His designer suit had been replaced by a drab prison uniform. His eyes were sunken, filled with exhaustion and despair. Opposite him, David, as the plaintiff’s lawyer for the Reed Group, appeared calm and professional. Evelyn did not attend.

She had no desire to see Julian’s pathetic state or hear any more of his lies. For her, his sentence had been decided long ago. She simply sat in her office, awaiting the final result from David. The trial lasted for days. Julian’s lawyer tried his best, arguing he was a victim of unspoken business rules, that the funds were merely “lubrication fees,” not embezzlement. He also tried to shift blame to his subordinates.

But every excuse crumbled before the irrefutable evidence David presented. The black ledger, in Julian’s own handwriting, was the fatal blow. David had brought in handwriting experts to confirm its authenticity.

Next, David displayed bank statements, tracing a complex network of money transfers through shell accounts, all eventually flowing into personal offshore accounts secretly established by Julian. He even called several key witnesses—former department heads from Vance Construction whom Julian had coerced into illegal transactions.

Under legal pressure and the promise of leniency, they confessed everything. “Your Honor,” David rose for his closing argument, his voice ringing with conviction. “The defendant, Julian Vance, exploited the trust of his investors, particularly the Reed Group, to carry out organized fraud over a long period.

He not only caused severe economic damage but also shattered trust in the marketplace. The defendant’s actions were sophisticated and deliberate, and he has shown no remorse. We respectfully ask the court to deliver the strictest sentence, to make an example of him and restore integrity to the business environment.” Julian slumped in his chair, his face ashen.

He knew there was no escape. After deliberation, the presiding judge began to read the verdict. “After reviewing the case file and the evidence presented, the court finds the defendant Julian Vance guilty of fraud involving an especially large sum and the crime of money laundering.

The court sentences the defendant, Julian Vance, to seven years in prison, confiscation of all illegal assets, and orders him to pay full restitution to the Reed Group.” The judge’s gavel struck, the dry, decisive sound putting an end to Julian’s career and future.

He staggered as two bailiffs stepped forward to handcuff him. The cold metal on his wrists was a shackle on the rest of his life. As he was led from the courtroom, he looked up, his empty eyes scanning the doorway. He had a brief hallucination, imagining he saw Evelyn standing there, watching him with a cold gaze. But the vision vanished, leaving only the long, cold corridor of the courthouse waiting for him.

Justice, though it came late, had been served. A week after the trial, Evelyn received a call from David. He informed her that her divorce from Julian was officially finalized. The court had processed it quickly, based on the irrefutable evidence of his infidelity and criminal behavior. She was completely free. Holding the divorce certificate,

Evelyn felt not joy or relief, but a strange sense of peace. The marriage that had once meant everything was now just a thin piece of paper. All debts of love and hate were settled. Her first act after the divorce was to put their shared penthouse, once her home with Julian, up for sale. She wanted to keep nothing of the past.

She didn’t return there herself, simply authorizing a real estate agency to handle everything. She requested they clear out and dispose of all their personal belongings. She wanted to erase every trace, as if the marriage had never existed. The apartment sold quickly for a good price. With that money and her own assets, Evelyn bought a new penthouse in the city center with a panoramic view of the Hudson River.

She redesigned the entire interior herself, transforming it into a modern, sophisticated space that was entirely her own. This was truly her home, a place to start anew. To thank David for his help, Evelyn invited him to dinner.

She didn’t choose a fancy restaurant but invited him to her new apartment. She personally prepared a few New York-style dishes they both liked. When David arrived, he was a little surprised to see her in an apron, her hair tied back neatly, looking incredibly gentle and approachable. “Wow, I never knew a powerhouse like you could cook,” David teased, handing her a bottle of white wine.

“I’m not just good at drawing blueprints, you know,” Evelyn smiled, a genuinely relaxed and happy smile that David hadn’t seen in a long time. The dinner was warm and lighthearted. They didn’t talk about Julian, the lawsuit, or any of the painful past.

They talked about work, future plans, and funny memories from college. “Thank you, David.” As the meal wound down, Evelyn raised her glass, looking him in the eye. “Truly, thank you. Without you, I don’t know how I would have faced everything.” David raised his glass, clinking it gently against hers.

“Between us, there’s no need for thanks. I just did what a friend should do. Seeing you stand up strong and start over like this, I’m happy for you.” He looked at her, his gaze gentle and sincere. “The past is past, Evie. From now on, live well for yourself.”

Evelyn nodded, a warmth seeping into her cold heart. Yes, the past was past. The storm had broken, and the sky was clear again. After weathering the storm together, her relationship with David seemed to have deepened.

It was no longer just friendship; there was something more, a subtle understanding that needed no words. That night, for the first time in a long, long time, Evelyn slept soundly, without dreams. Evelyn’s life gradually returned to a peaceful rhythm. She poured her heart into her architecture firm, taking it to new heights. She started traveling, meeting friends, and enjoying her free, single life.

The scar on her heart was still there, but it no longer ached. It was just a reminder of a foolish past. One winter evening, a heavy rain fell over New York. Evelyn had just returned to her apartment after a long day. As she was preparing dinner, the doorbell suddenly rang. She was surprised; she wasn’t expecting anyone.

Looking at the security camera, she froze. Standing outside her door was Julian. He looked pathetic—gaunt, pale, wearing cheap, old clothes, and soaked to the bone. His matted hair stuck to his forehead.

He bore no resemblance to the dashing young director he once was; he looked like a desperate beggar. He must have been out on bail, awaiting his sentence. Evelyn had no intention of opening the door, but he seemed to know she was inside. He started pounding on the door, shouting. “Evie, I know you’re in there! Please, open the door! I’m begging you!” Fearing he would disturb the neighbors, Evelyn had no choice but to open the door a crack, secured by the safety chain.

She looked at him through the gap, her eyes cold and emotionless. “What are you doing here?” Seeing her, Julian saw his last glimmer of hope. He immediately dropped to his knees on the cold, wet floor of the hallway. “Evie, I’m begging you, please save me!” he sobbed, tears mixing with rainwater on his hollowed face. “I know I was wrong.

I’m a bastard, an animal, but I don’t want to go to prison. I’m so scared.” Evelyn just watched him silently. “Can you drop the criminal charges?” He looked up at her, his eyes pleading. “If you drop the charges, they’ll reduce my sentence. Evie, I’m begging you. For the sake of our years of marriage.

I promise I’ll disappear from your life, I’ll never bother you again.” He started talking about the past, about how much she used to love him, about the promises they made. He tried to appeal to her compassion, but he had sorely underestimated her. Her heart remained unmoved. She only felt it was ridiculous and contemptible.

Even now, he was only thinking of himself. He didn’t regret hurting her; he only feared his punishment. “Julian,” she finally spoke, her voice as cold as winter snow.

“Do you know the biggest difference between a human and an animal? It’s decency and a moral compass. You have lost both.” She looked straight into his tear-filled eyes. “Our marital bond died with your betrayal. The memories only make me feel disgusted. As for dropping the charges, don’t even dream of it.” She paused, then delivered her final, most cutting sentence.

“The man I once loved is dead. As for you… I don’t know who you are.” Without waiting for a reaction, Evelyn slammed the door shut. The click of the lock was as dry and cold as a final death sentence. Outside, Julian stared in shock, then collapsed, sobbing in despair.

Inside, Evelyn leaned against the door and closed her eyes. A single, final tear for a dead love rolled silently down her cheek. Then, she turned and walked toward the bright lights of her living room, leaving the darkness and the painful past completely behind her. The law of karma never misses anyone.

After the storm, those who had sinned finally faced the sentences they had created for themselves. Each had a different fate, but all shared a tragic end. On the day Julian officially began his sentence, another cold rain fell on New York. He, along with other inmates, had his head shaved, changed into a prison uniform, and was escorted onto the prison transport vehicle.

The moment the iron gates of Otisville Federal Correctional Institution slammed shut behind him, Julian knew that seven of the best years of his life would be buried within these four cold walls. He was no longer the imposing Director Vance, but just a number: inmate 7358. His former arrogance and ambition were now a joke.

In the long nights in his cell, the final image that haunted him was not one of hatred, but the cold, distant gaze of Evelyn Reed—a look of judgment that had sealed his fate. Diana Preston, after being thrown out of the family, completely fell apart.

She lost her financial support, her social status, and the beauty that had been maintained by money. From a socialite living in a grand estate, she had to move into a shabby, damp apartment in a poor working-class neighborhood. The smell of mold and the constant noise from the nearby market tormented her daily.

She tried to contact her old high-society friends, but they all avoided her like the plague. No one wanted to be associated with a scandalous, has-been woman. She sought out old lovers, but they just tossed her some pity money and sent her away. Loneliness and destitution aged her rapidly. Deep wrinkles carved themselves into her once-seductive face.

She lived in torment and resentment, blaming everyone but herself. Whenever she saw a happy family on TV, she would fly into a rage, smashing things, lost in a mad spiral of belated regret. As for Chloe, the naive princess who had lived in a pink-hued world was completely broken.

The overwhelming humiliation and double betrayal from her mother and lover became a psychological scar that would never heal. She couldn’t face the gossip, the pitying and scornful looks of society. Using what little savings she had left, she bought a one-way ticket to a distant city in Europe. On the day she left, no one saw her off at the airport.

Her lonely, lost figure, dragging a small suitcase, disappeared into the bustling crowd, as if trying to escape a brutal reality. She had escaped New York, but she could never escape the ghosts of her past. The Preston family, though not completely ruined, had suffered a heavy blow.

Preston Holdings’ reputation was damaged, and its stock price had plummeted. Arthur Preston managed to save the company after his illness, but he became more suspicious and cruel. The smile vanished from his face forever. The family that was once his pride was now in shambles.

He cut off all contact with Diana and no longer cared about the whereabouts of his only daughter. A prestigious family, brought to ruin by the greed and immorality of a few individuals, had become cold and devoid of human warmth. Each sinner had met their own end. An end they had written for themselves.

One year after the storm. Time, long enough for the deepest wounds to begin to heal, and long enough for new seeds to sprout from the ashes. At the International Convention Centre in Singapore, the Asian Pritzker Architecture Prize ceremony, one of the industry’s most prestigious awards, was in full swing.

The world’s top architects were gathered, and the Gold Award for the Mixed-Use Project of the Year went to… The chairman of the jury opened the envelope, smiled, and read the result aloud. “The Apex Tower project from New York! Congratulations to Chief Architect, Ms. Evelyn Reed of Reed Architecture!”

Thunderous applause filled the hall. Under the brilliant stage lights, Evelyn, in a minimalist yet exquisite emerald-green evening gown, walked onto the stage. She was no longer the heartbroken, vengeful woman of a year ago. In her place was a confident, radiant Evelyn, full of life. Her chic short hair, sunny smile, and determined eyes captured everyone’s attention.

She accepted the prestigious trophy from the chairman, bowed her thanks, and stepped up to the podium. “Ladies and gentlemen, I am incredibly honored and moved to be standing here today.” Her clear, charismatic voice resonated through the hall. “The Apex Tower is not just an architectural work for me; it is a journey—a journey to rediscover myself and my beliefs.” She paused, her gaze distant.

“When I started this project, I used to think that a great building needed a glamorous design and a magnificent facade. But after going through many trials, I realized that the most important thing for a building, just like for a person’s life, is not its appearance, but its foundation.

A foundation built with honesty, perseverance, and a heart that never gives up in the face of adversity. Only with a solid foundation can a structure stand the test of time.” Her words, though not directly mentioning her past, were understood by all who knew her story.

She had transformed her personal pain into a life philosophy and a source of creative inspiration. She no longer ran from her past; she faced it and turned it into strength. “I want to thank my team at Reed Architecture, my family who has always been by my side, and all the hardships that have made me stronger today. Thank you.”

The applause erupted once more, even more enthusiastic than before. People admired not only her talent but also her strength and resilience. After that night, the name Evelyn Reed truly shone on the world’s architectural map.

She became a symbol of female empowerment, a role model for women who dared to rise after falling. Leading architecture and business magazines vied to interview her. But they no longer brought up the old scandal. They focused on her talent, her vision, and her inspiring story. Evelyn was no longer defined by a failed marriage.

She was defined by the achievements she created. She had truly found herself again, brilliant and proud. Throughout the past year, alongside her professional success, one figure had always been quietly by Evelyn’s side: David. He was never pushy, never rushed things, and never brought up the past to evoke pity.

He was simply there, a confidant and a steady pillar of support whenever she needed one. When she was busy, he would quietly bring her a lunch box or a cup of coffee. When she won an award, he was the first to text his congratulations.

When she ran into legal troubles with contracts, he was always the one to resolve things smoothly. His care was not loud, but it was warm and sincere, gradually warming Evelyn’s cold heart. The friendship between them slowly underwent a subtle transformation. It was no longer just friendship; there was something deeper, a lingering affection.

Sometimes, during late nights working together in her office, they would just sit in silence, each focused on their own work, yet the space felt harmonious and peaceful. An accidental glance, a knowing smile—it all made the atmosphere feel different.

After Evelyn returned from the awards ceremony in Singapore, David invited her to a concert. “Welcome back, champion,” he smiled, handing her the tickets. “Consider it a small gift. I think you need a relaxing evening after all the hustle.” It was a symphony concert at Carnegie Hall. Evelyn accepted.

She chose a simple, long white dress and light makeup. When David came to pick her up, he wore a smart but not overly formal suit. They looked less like a couple on a date and more like two close friends enjoying art together. In the grand, classic ambiance of the theater, as the powerful and majestic melodies of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony filled the air, Evelyn felt a strange peace settle over her.

She wasn’t thinking about work or the past; she just let her soul drift with the music. For a moment, she unconsciously turned to look at the man sitting beside her. Under the soft, warm lights, David’s angular face looked calm and kind. As if sensing her gaze, he turned too. Their eyes met.

In his eyes, she saw no possession or desire, only respect and tenderness. For the first time in a very long time, Evelyn’s heart stirred. It was a gentle flutter, not the fiery, burning passion she had felt for Julian, but warm and safe like a cool spring.

The concert ended. Instead of going straight home, David suggested a walk along the Hudson. The New York night was as glamorous and brilliant as ever, the breeze from the river cool and refreshing. They walked side-by-side, making idle conversation, the atmosphere completely at ease. After a while, David suddenly stopped. “Evie,”

he looked at her, his voice slightly hesitant. “Can I ask you something?” “Go ahead.” “Are you ready to start over?” Evelyn understood his meaning. She fell silent for a moment, watching the glittering lights of the city reflect on the river. The past was still a lingering ghost, but she knew she couldn’t live in its shadow forever.

She turned back to David and smiled gently. “I don’t know. But maybe… I’m ready to try.” Hearing her answer, David smiled too. He said nothing more, just quietly reached out and gently took her hand. His hand was very warm. Evelyn didn’t pull away. She let him hold it.

A new love, built on a foundation of trust, understanding, and respect, was slowly prying open the door to her heart. Night fell, blanketing the glamorous city of New York. Millions of lights from skyscrapers and endless streams of traffic merged into a glittering galaxy on the ground.

Evelyn stood on the balcony of her penthouse, holding a warm cup of chamomile tea. The cool night breeze swept through her short hair, carrying the fresh scent of a new life. She quietly watched the sleepless city below, her heart as calm as an autumn lake. She thought of Julian, no longer with hatred or resentment, but with a distant sense of pity.

He once had it all: a loving wife, a promising career, a bright future. But his own greed and immorality had destroyed everything. He had chosen his path and was now paying the price. To her, Julian was just an old chapter in a finished book, an expensive lesson she would never forget but would also never revisit.

He no longer occupied any space in her mind or heart. She had truly set herself free. She thought of Diana and Chloe. They were also pitiful figures in a tragedy of their own making. They had trampled on kinship and morality to chase after vanity, and in the end, they received the fate they deserved.

She would never step into their world again. A soft ping from the phone on the table interrupted her thoughts. It was a text from David. “It’s getting cold. Go inside before you catch a cold. Good night.” A simple message, with no flowery words, but it was enough to make Evelyn’s lips curve into a warm smile.

She typed a reply: “You too. Good night.” She didn’t know where her future with David would lead. Their feelings were progressing slowly, naturally, and steadily. There were no empty promises, only companionship and understanding.

Perhaps after experiencing a love that was intense and painful, what she needed most was a peaceful harbor like this. She wasn’t in a hurry; she was willing to let time provide the answers. Evelyn took a deep breath, the fresh night air filling her lungs. The past was behind her. The scars would fade with time.

Now she had her own career, sincere friends, and a family that always welcomed her with open arms. Most importantly, she had herself back—a strong, independent, and free Evelyn Reed. She looked out at the distant horizon, where the city lights blended with the stars. Her future was like this city: vast, brilliant, and full of endless possibilities.

And she, a talented architect, would personally draft the blueprint of her own life, building a new structure of happiness on a solid foundation of self-respect and self-love. A blank new page was waiting for her to write the next chapters of her life.