Three days later, the scandal exploded through Harlan's company.

Mark had done his job perfectly—even the coffee cart vendors outside were gossiping about it.


"Did you hear about that CEO upstairs? Total sleazebag."

"Yeah, got successful and immediately dumped his girlfriend for some hot piece. Even moved the new girl in while they were still together."

"And I thought he seemed decent! Just goes to show—the handsome ones are always the worst."


"Hope his company tanks. Karma's a bitch."

"Damn straight!"


"…"

Each snippet of conversation was music to my ears.

In just days, his sterling reputation had been utterly destroyed.

The court of public opinion worked fast.

Not everyone was enjoying the show, though.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Vanessa cornered me at a café, her perfectly manicured nails digging into the table between us.

I stirred my latte with deliberate slowness.

"Just enjoying the show," I said mildly.

My calm demeanor pushed her over the edge.

She slammed her hand on the table, drawing stares from nearby tables.

"You pathetic bitch! Couldn't keep your man, so you're trying to destroy him? No wonder Harlan was desperate to get away from you!"

"Funny, he seemed pretty desperate to win me back last week," I replied coolly.

"You manipulative whore!"

Her insults were getting repetitive. I was already bored.

I stopped the recording app on my phone and held it up with a smile.

Vanessa's eyes widened. Twice now she'd fallen for the same trick.

She lunged across the table, grabbing for my phone.

I slipped it into my pocket and stood up. "Thanks for the additional material."

I didn't see the murderous look that crossed her face as I walked away.

I took a detour home along the scenic river path.

The breeze carried the scent of water and spring flowers, lifting my spirits.

The constant vigilance of my revenge plot had been draining.

I sat on a bench overlooking the water, allowing myself a rare moment of peace.

Suddenly, hands slammed into my back.

"No!"

I pitched forward with a scream, plunging into the cold river.

As I fell, I caught a glimpse of Vanessa's triumphant face.

She smiled down at me with childlike delight, as if watching a fascinating experiment.

I thrashed wildly, unable to swim. Water filled my lungs as I sank.

How ironic.

My revenge wasn't even complete.

Was this how it would end?

No. Not like this.