've heard a

est as I remembered my purpose: I was going back to face the people who had killed me and stolen my

for me outside, along

bbing my hair affectionately before pulling me into a warm hug.

father,"

ved goodbye to everyone, feeling a wave of emot

ved at the airport, and I was

that Richard and Jessica had turned the company into their personal ba

-

New York. My private driver was waiting, and he swiftly t

office. One by one, employees rose from their desks, greeting me with r

died me with unveiled surprise. The real Elizabeth had been wild and wayward; the wo

She's so... different," one murmured. "I

expression neutral and my gaze fixed ahead. I

the room through immense floor-to-ceiling windows, framing a breathtaking view of the New York skyline. The floor was polished dark marble that reflected th

or pulled me from my th

ent-looking woman. "Ms. Alvarez? I'm Maya,

orm inside me. "Please, bring me the company's financial file

poring over them, my fingers tracing the lines of numbers that told a story of betrayal. With each page, my

ession a carefully crafted mask of calm. "Maya, please schedule an immedi

ace the man who h

'll reach out to Mr. Williams' secretary immediately. Howe

ting is not optional. Ensure it is scheduled for tomorrow. Unfailingly. Tell hi

ession was still uncertain. "

a sharp edge to my v

ing in protest. The rest of the day was spent plotting, my mind a

-

rp, powerful shade of crimson, and my hair was pulled back into a severe, elegant chignon. Ever

e office door. "Mr. Williams has agreed to

touched my l

widened almost imperceptibly as he took me in, a slow, predatory grin spreading across his face. He was completel

murdered me, stolen my entire fortune, and replaced me with his mistress. A w

e stared at me like I was a prize to be won, his gaze that of a horny beast. "I'

my voice sweet yet laced with steel. My eyes locked with his, and for a single, electric moment, I let the mask slip ju