Chapter 1

My husband has a female director who’s not just highly capable, but also incredibly devoted.

From her early twenties to her thirties, she stood by Julian Hayes’ side, helping him conquer the business world. And she's still unmarried.

Meanwhile, I stepped back years ago to focus on our daughter’s education, choosing to stay out of his business entirely.

My friend was outraged:

"Celeste Miller acts like she’s the lady of the house, the main woman! How can you just sit there, unbothered?"

I just smiled.

"What’s there to be afraid of?"

It's just a low-cost form of exploitation.

There’s a term for it online that hits the nail on the head.

It’s called—a loyalty acquisition strategy.

I had just finished dinner at home with my daughter when Marcus Sterling was on a corporate cruise with his team.

My best friend, Megan's, SnapChat notifications started buzzing relentlessly.

Over a dozen photos flooded in.

Her call followed immediately, and I could hear the dull thump of waves against the boat through the phone.

Her voice was laced with anger:

"Audrey, why didn't you come to the retreat?"

"That Chloe, she's practically glued to Marcus!"

Megan's husband was a business partner of Marcus's company, and this retreat was co-organized by both.

As for the photos…

I had already seen them on Chloe's Ins Story.

One was particularly glaring.

On the deck, with the vast sky and sea as a backdrop.

Chloe wore a sheer, bright yellow bikini, minimal fabric perfectly highlighting her proudly flaunted curves.

She clung tightly to Marcus's arm, while he had an arm around her waist, their skin pressed together.

She raised a champagne glass, smiling brightly and confidently.

In almost every photo, she and Marcus were front and center.

Her posture screamed 'lady of the house.'

She hadn't even bothered to set her SnapChat story to a private group or 'visible to me only.'

So, the comments section, filled with a chorus of compliments and blessings, was also visible to me.

Yet, beneath these almost provocative, brazen photos,

she selectively replied to a few comments like "future Mrs. Sterling!" and "Couple goals!" with a transparent attempt to deflect:

"Oh, don't say that!"

"Audrey might get upset."

They were out there enjoying the sea breeze and champagne, while I was here.

Our nanny had taken time off.

Leaving me to handle various chores myself.

I was peeling an orange for my daughter, Lily, after dinner, and a splash of juice seeped into my nail beds, leaving a crisp, tart sting.

At the same time.

A new message from Chloe popped up on my screen.