Chapter 1

Blake Sterling, in front of everyone, presented the core "Digital Transformation" plan I had personally crafted for Reed Media, to Chloe Hayes.

"Chloe isn't just the love of my life; she's the future hope of Reed Media. From today forward, she will take over from Alex Reed as the Group's new CEO."

Silence blanketed the room.

I stared at the perfect couple on stage: he, handsome and commanding; she, delicate and vulnerable.

Behind them, on the massive screen, was the business plan I'd painstakingly written over three sleepless months, totaling over a million words.

Chloe nestled into Blake's embrace, her gaze landing precisely on me.

"Alex, I'm so sorry. Blake and I truly love each other. We've been together for three years. My baby, they can't grow up without a father."

Three years ago.

That was exactly when I earned my Oxford PhD, brimming with ambition, returning home ready to conquer the world.

Turns out, my life had been a joke since then.

Blake Sterling’s eyes were like ice. "Alex Reed, your family is bankrupt. Reed Media is now *mine*. I need a wife who can help my career, not someone who's all theoretical nonsense and no practical value."

"Look at yourself now – paranoid, suspicious, completely unstable. Chloe is kind, pure. She's the one who truly belongs by my side."

"Mentally unstable."

*Huh.*

What a convenient label to slap on me.

Before I could even speak, Chloe suddenly gasped, her body dramatically slumping towards me.

Blake lunged forward, catching her securely in his arms. Then he glared at me like I was a madwoman, roaring, "Alex Reed! Are you out of your mind? Chloe is pregnant, and you’d lay a hand on her!"

I stood rooted to the spot, not moving an inch.

But everyone around me had already condemned me, nailing me to the pillar of shame as the "evil ex-fiancée who pushed a pregnant woman."

Flashbulbs popped like crazy, reporters, like sharks scenting blood, shoved microphones into my face.

"Ms. Reed, did you truly push her out of jealousy?"

"We heard your mental state has deteriorated since your family's bankruptcy, is that true?"

"How do you feel about Mr. Sterling and Ms. Hayes' relationship?"

Blake held Chloe tightly, letting the vicious accusations and cold cameras crucify me.

In that moment, I didn't cry.

All my tears flowed back inward, hardening into the coldest ice.

I watched the phony horror and concern on that repulsive pair’s faces, and the contemptuous, gloating looks from the crowd.

The docile, kind Alex Reed of the past twenty-seven years, the one who believed in love and friendship, was utterly destroyed by them in that moment.

From her ashes rose a brand new me.

Only one thought burned in my mind.

I wanted them to pay, in blood.