Chapter 7

The celebration banquet that night called for my sleekest black evening gown. As Daniel Evans escorted me into the private room, his colleagues burst into applause. This was his moment in the spotlight—not mine. I pasted on my brightest smile and worked the room.

Richard Lowell, the balding executive, made for the most awkward encounter. Though Daniel had invited him, Richard wouldn't meet my eyes all evening, showering everyone with over-the-top politeness instead. I could practically see the terror still etched on his face from last night's encounter with Olivia Macmillan. Clearly, Alexander Roscente's invisible hand was at work behind the scenes.

But Alexander's motives were the least of my concerns tonight. I needed to uncover what secrets Daniel had been keeping from me. How could he betray me like this?

Midway through the champagne-fueled festivities, my phone buzzed with an anonymous text: Ladies' room, first stall on the right. The sender's name—Olivia—stopped my breath. I excused myself immediately, pretending I needed the bathroom. Daniel had vanished earlier, supposedly mingling with guests.

Holding my breath, I slipped into the designated stall. Before I could orient myself, Daniel's voice carried through the partition:

"Victoria, Emily gave up everything for my promotion. Just hang on a little longer. Once she delivers the baby, we can finally be together—you, me, and our child."

The words hit me like a gut punch. My entire world crumbled in that instant. Had Daniel secretly given me fertility shots? Was his plan to dump me after childbirth and start fresh with another woman? What the hell was I to him?

"I trust you, Danny. And congratulations again today," purred a feminine voice I knew all too well.

At first I refused to believe it. Then it hit me—my direct supervisor's full name was Victoria Evans. The puzzle pieces snapped together with brutal clarity.

I didn't make a sound. Just waited in silence before slipping out unnoticed.

Ten minutes later, Daniel emerged. Right behind him came Victoria Evans—my stunning, backstabbing boss. How did she even know my husband? She'd never once hinted at their connection during all our work interactions.

Timing it perfectly, I "accidentally" collided with her near the restroom entrance. "Victoria! What are the odds running into you here!"

The blood drained from her face when she saw me. For the first time ever, the unshakable Victoria Evans looked genuinely spooked.