**Chapter 21** As the door clicked shut behind Matthew, the silence in the drawing room was deafening. Rachel and Jack stood frozen, the reality of their situation sinking in like a stone. The confidence they had walked in with was shattered, replaced by a cold, creeping dread. This wasn’t the Matthew they had known and dismissed as insignificant. This Matthew was someone else entirely—someone who had the power to destroy them. Rachel’s mind raced, trying to piece together what had just happened. She had always thought she could manipulate Matthew, twist him around her finger like she had done so many times before. It was easy back then—back when he was still the naive, lovesick fool she could play with at her leisure. But now, she realized she had gravely underestimated him. The power he wielded wasn’t just in the wealth and influence he had gained—it was in the resolve and ruthlessness that had taken root in him. There was a time when Matthew was nothing more than a convenient too

**Chapter 23**The early morning light filtered through the heavy curtains of Matthew’s study, casting a faint glow over the room. He hadn’t slept much, but the adrenaline coursing through his veins kept him wide awake. Today was the day everything would change. Today was the day his enemies would fall.Matthew sat at his desk, reviewing the final details of the plan with Yvonne. She was as meticulous as ever, ensuring that nothing was left to chance. They had worked through the night, fine-tuning every aspect of their strategy, and now all that was left was to set it into motion.“The press release is ready to go,” Yvonne said, scrolling through her tablet. “Once it hits, the media will have a field day with Rachel and Jack. I’ve also arranged for interviews with a few key journalists who will dig deeper into their pasts. By the time they’re done, Rachel and Jack’s reputations will be in shambles.”Matthew leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. “And the lega

**Chapter 25**The opulent Donovan mansion buzzed with a sense of urgency. Matthew, having recently emerged victorious over Jack’s scheming, felt the weight of the new responsibilities settling heavily on his shoulders. The grand hall, illuminated by the soft light of the chandeliers, seemed almost too quiet for the storm brewing outside. The city’s skyline, visible through the massive windows, twinkled with a deceptive calm that belied the intensity of the ongoing battle.Matthew stood by the window of his study, his gaze fixed on the glittering lights below. His reflection in the glass was a mix of determination and exhaustion, a testament to the trials he had faced. His phone buzzed, jolting him from his thoughts. It was a message from Yvonne.*Everything is set. We’re ready for the next move.*A cold smile touched Matthew’s lips. He turned and walked to his desk, where Yvonne and a team of top legal and PR experts awaited. They had been working tirelessly to counter Jack’s latest

**Chapter 27**The Donovan mansion, now bathed in the soft glow of dawn, was a picture of calm and elegance, yet beneath its serene exterior, Matthew was far from idle. The events of the previous night had marked a significant victory, but Matthew knew that true power required more than just revenge; it demanded strategic foresight and calculated action. As the city slowly awakened, Matthew was already at his desk, poring over reports and planning his next moves. His office, a blend of modern luxury and classic refinement, was filled with the quiet hum of productivity. Outside, the city began to stir, and the first rays of sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the room. But inside, the atmosphere was charged with the intensity of a man on a mission.Matthew's focus was on the upcoming board meeting—a pivotal event that would solidify his control over the Donovan empire and set the stage for his future endeavors. The board members had been summoned under

**Chapter 29**The night was thick with tension as Matthew sat in the back of his car, the city lights blurring into streaks of gold and red as they sped through the streets. His thoughts were razor-sharp, focused on the next phase of his plan. Rachel and Jack were on the brink of losing everything, but he wasn't finished yet. There was still one more piece of the puzzle to put into place, one final move that would cement his dominance and ensure they could never rise again.The car pulled up to a sleek, modern building in the heart of the city—a place where the elite gathered to discuss matters of power and influence. Matthew had an appointment tonight that he had been looking forward to for weeks. It was time to finalize an alliance that would not only boost his empire but also drive the final nail into the coffin of those who had betrayed him.As he stepped out of the car, Yvonne was already waiting for him at the entrance, her expression a blend of excitement and determination. "E