The day passed in a blur of warmth and laughter. James had never imagined that such simple moments making breakfast, playing games, listening to Emily’s endless stories—could bring him a sense of fulfillment that rivaled even his greatest business victories. After breakfast, they spent the morning in the backyard. Emily ran barefoot through the grass, her laughter echoing as James playfully chased her around. Pamela sat on the porch, watching them with a soft smile, her heart swelling at the sight of James her once distant husband fully present, fully engaged, and fully theirs. James finally scooped Emily up, spinning her around as she squealed with delight. “Alright, princess, I think it’s time for a break before I run out of energy.” Emily giggled. “But Daddy, you never run out of energy!” James chuckled, setting her down. “I wish that were true.” He wiped the sweat from his forehead, then turned toward Pamela. “What about you? Want to join in?” Pamela smirked, standing up

Pamela stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of their penthouse, gazing at the city lights. The past few months had been a whirlwind—James’s rise, Brandon’s downfall, Helen and George’s desperate attempts at reconciliation. Through it all, she had remained silent, watching, waiting, but never truly speaking the words she knew James deserved to hear.Tonight, that would change.She turned when she heard James step into the room. He had just finished a call with Victor, no doubt securing another major business deal. Even now, despite everything, he remained relentless in his pursuits. But there was something different about him these days—he no longer carried the weight of proving himself. He had won.“James,” she called softly.He paused, studying her with those sharp, unreadable eyes. “Yes?”Pamela took a deep breath. “I need to say something. Something I should have said a long time ago.”He didn’t move, but she could see the slight tension in his jaw. She had hurt him with her silenc

Helen Shaw sat in the lounge of an upscale hotel, her fingers tightening around the delicate porcelain cup of tea in her hands. Across from her, George paced impatiently, his brows furrowed.“This isn’t working,” he muttered. “James should be struggling right now. Investors should be pulling out. But instead, he’s flipping the narrative in his favor.”Helen pursed her lips, frustration simmering beneath her composed exterior. She had underestimated him. Again. No matter what accusations were thrown at James, he remained unshaken, always one step ahead.“We can’t just sit here and watch him win,” George continued, his voice edged with irritation. “We need to do something.”Helen took a slow sip of her tea before setting the cup down with a soft clink. “Perhaps we’ve been looking at this the wrong way.”George frowned. “What do you mean?”She smoothed the sleeve of her silk blouse, her expression unreadable. “James is fighting every attack we throw at him with logic, strategy, and power

The next morning, Pamela stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out the crisp blazer James had left for her. It wasn’t overly formal, but it was a step above her usual attire—something that fit the role she was stepping into today.Her reflection stared back at her, filled with both anticipation and nerves. Today, she would walk into Maple Group not as James’s wife, but as someone determined to understand his world.A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. “Pamela?” James’s deep voice carried through the room.She turned, her lips curving into a small smile. “I’m ready.”James leaned against the doorframe, his gaze sweeping over her. “You look the part.”“Let’s see if I can act the part.”His smirk was both amused and approving. “You’ll do fine. Just pay attention and don’t let Victor intimidate you.”Pamela chuckled. “I think I can handle Victor.”James extended a hand, and she took it without hesitation. “Then let’s get to work.”—Stepping into Maple Group’s headquarters

The following morning, Pamela arrived at Maple Group’s headquarters earlier than expected. She had spent most of the night thinking about everything she had learned the day before, her mind spinning with strategies, risks, and possibilities.Now, as she stepped into the sleek lobby, she felt different—more determined, more confident.“Mrs. Walker,” the receptionist greeted her with a polite smile. “Mr. Walker mentioned you’d be coming in today.”Pamela nodded. “Is he in his office?”“Yes, but he’s in a meeting right now.”Pamela thanked her and headed to James’s office anyway, figuring she’d wait. But as she reached the door, she heard voices inside—one of them sharp, unfamiliar.“I don’t care what it takes, Walker. Our deal stands, or you’ll regret it.”Pamela froze. The tone was threatening, laced with arrogance.James’s response was calm, but firm. “You overestimate your leverage. If you think threats will change my stance, you’re mistaken.”A pause. Then the other man scoffed. “We