LAPDOG HUSBAND IS A TRILLIONAIRE HEIR

Chapter 18

Katherine paced her spacious office, her designer heels clicking rhythmically against the marble floor as she scrolled through her phone. The guest list for her birthday celebration was growing impressively—CEOs, socialites, and influential figures from across the city had all confirmed their attendance. Yet her victory felt hollow after the devastating loss of the Group A contract.

"James, I want this birthday party to be more than just a celebration," she declared, setting her phone down with purpose. "I want to use it as an opportunity to destroy both Morgan and Faye."

James looked up from his laptop, a slow, menacing smile spreading across his face. "I like the way you think, darling. What did you have in mind?"

"I want to humiliate them so thoroughly that neither will ever recover—personally or professionally." Katherine's eyes gleamed with malice. "Especially that backstabbing bitch Faye. How dare she steal what was rightfully mine!"

"Speaking of which," James leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "I have some resources we could use. People who owe me favors."

"What kind of resources?" Katherine's interest was piqued.

James ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair. "Let's just say I have connections to certain... organizations in the city. They operate outside the law, but they're extremely effective."

"You mean... gangsters?" Katherine's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"I prefer to call them businessmen with alternative methods." James smirked. "I'm actually one of their leaders, though that's not exactly public knowledge."

Katherine studied him with newfound appreciation. "And all this time I thought you were just another corporate executive."

"There's a lot about me you don't know yet," James replied, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. "That useless ex-husband of yours couldn't protect you if his life depended on it. But I can make problems disappear."

Katherine's lips curved into a smile as she circled her desk and perched on his lap. "Tell me more about these... solutions you can provide."

"For starters, we could ensure Faye's newly signed contract faces some unexpected complications." James traced a finger along her arm. "Perhaps a fire at her main factory? Or key staff suddenly deciding to quit? As for Morgan—" his expression darkened, "—I haven't forgotten how he had me slapped like a common criminal. No one humiliates me and walks away unscathed."

Katherine's eyes lit up with vindictive pleasure. "Make them both suffer," she whispered against his ear. "And make sure everyone at my birthday celebration witnesses their downfall."

Across town, Yemin sat in his private office at his discreet penthouse, staring thoughtfully at his phone. The confrontation with Katherine's mother had been frustrating but ultimately inconsequential. He could easily retrieve the rings using his authority, but something held him back—a desire to handle this personal matter without resorting to his position of power.

His thoughts were interrupted by his phone ringing. Seeing Faye's name on the screen sent an unexpected warmth through him.

"Hello, Faye," he answered, his voice noticeably softening.

"Hi, Morgan," Faye sounded hesitant. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all. How did the contract signing go?"

"It went well, though..." she paused, and Yemin could hear the discomfort in her voice. "I ran into Katherine afterward. It wasn't pleasant."

Yemin frowned. "Did she say something to you?"

"Nothing I couldn't handle," Faye replied quickly, though her tone suggested otherwise. "Actually, I was wondering if we could meet? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Of course," Yemin agreed without hesitation. "When and where?"

"There's a small café near my office called The Copper Kettle. Would an hour from now work for you?"

"I'll be there," Yemin promised, already standing to get ready.

As he hung up, a small smile played on his lips. Meeting Faye again felt right somehow, as if pieces of a long-forgotten puzzle were finally coming together. Yet he needed to be cautious—he had to confirm she was truly the girl who had saved him all those years ago, the true owner of his mother's ring.

The Copper Kettle was a cozy establishment with warm lighting and the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. Yemin arrived early, selecting a quiet corner table that offered both privacy and a view of the entrance.

When Faye walked in, he was struck again by her natural grace. Unlike Katherine's calculated elegance, everything about Faye seemed genuine—from her slightly nervous smile to the way she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she spotted him.

"Thanks for coming," she said, settling into the chair across from him.

"I'm glad you called," Yemin replied truthfully. "I've been hoping for a chance to talk with you again."

A waitress appeared to take their orders, and after she left, an awkward silence settled between them.

"So..." they both began simultaneously, then laughed, breaking the tension.

"Ladies first," Yemin gestured with a smile.

Faye fidgeted with her napkin. "I wanted to thank you properly for what happened at Group A. I still don't understand why the CEO would choose my company over Katherine's, but I suspect you had something to do with it."

Yemin watched her carefully. "You give me too much credit."

"Do I?" Faye tilted her head, studying him. "The CEO treated you with such respect. And then suddenly my struggling company gets chosen for a partnership that could save everything I've worked for." She leaned forward. "Who are you really, Morgan?"

Yemin knew he should be cautious, but something about Faye made him want to be honest. Still, years of protecting his identity couldn't be abandoned on a whim.

"Before I answer that," he said carefully, "there's something I've been wondering about." He watched her reaction closely as he continued. "Katherine mentioned something about a ring—she claimed you once owned a ring that matched one I have. Is that true?"

Faye's eyes widened in surprise. "A ring?" Her brow furrowed in concentration. "Wait... yes, I did have a unique ring many years ago. It had an unusual pattern, almost like half of a design." She looked up at him curiously. "You have one like it?"

Yemin's heart raced as hope surged through him. "Can you describe what happened to your ring?"

"It's strange you should ask," Faye replied, her expression clouding. "It disappeared during a visit from Katherine years ago. I never confronted her about it because I couldn't prove anything, but I always suspected she took it." She shook her head. "I don't understand—why are you asking about this ring?"