Diane’s POV
The elevator doors slid open with a soft ping, and I stepped into the underground parking garage, my heart still racing from the confrontation upstairs. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows, giving everything a stark, almost unreal quality.
The click of my heels echoed off the concrete walls as I made my way toward the exit, each step fueled by a mixture of adrenaline and vindication.
I had done it. I had faced Liam, watched him squirm, and planted the seeds of fear in his mind. The look on his face when I dropped that lingerie on his desk—pure panic. It was intoxicating.
As I rounded the corner, a familiar vehicle caught my eye. Liam’s precious Audi R8, gleaming under the parking garage lights. The car he loved more than anything—maybe even more than he’d ever loved . I slowed my pace, drawn to it like a moth to fla.
"You threatened to destroy , to leave with nothing."
His words echoed in my mind. The casual cruelty, the absolute certainty that he could cut off without consequence.
I stopped beside the car, running my fingertips along its sleek, polished surface. A hundred mories flooded back—the day he bought it, how he’d insisted on taking for a drive along the coast, the way he’d lovingly detailed it every Sunday. Material possessions had always ant everything to Liam.
Sothing dark and primal stirred within . Before I could second-guess myself, I scanned the parking garage. Empty. Security caras were positioned at the entrance and exit, but this corner was a blind spot—I knew because Liam had specifically chosen this spot to avoid door dings from other cars.
My gaze fell on a tal rod leaning against a support column—probably left behind by maintenance. Without thinking, I walked over and picked it up, testing its weight in my hand. Substantial. Heavy. Perfect.
I returned to the Audi, my movents deliberate, almost dreamlike. Standing before the car, I raised the rod high.
"For breaking my heart," I whispered.
The rod ca down on the windshield with a satisfying CRACK, sending a spider web of fractures across the glass. The sound seed to reverberate through my entire body, releasing sothing that had been wound tight inside for months.
I moved to the driver’s side, raising the rod again.
"For trying to ruin ."
CRACK. The driver’s window shattered, tiny fragnts of safety glass cascading onto the leather seat.
I circled the car, a predator savoring the hunt. At the rear tire, I knelt down and positioned the pointed end of the rod against the rubber.
"For sleeping with my sister."
I thrust the rod forward with all my strength. The tire surrendered with a long, satisfying hiss.
One by one, I punctured the remaining tires, each escaping breath of air like a sigh of relief. I smashed the side mirrors, dented the doors, and took particular pleasure in scratching a long, jagged line across the custom paint job.
When I finally stepped back to survey my handiwork, I was breathing hard, my hair falling loose from its elegant twist. The perfect red dress now had a tear at the hem, and there was a smudge of grease on my sleeve. I didn’t care. Looking at the destroyed vehicle, I felt lighter than I had in months.
But I wasn’t quite finished.
I reached into my handbag and pulled out my favorite red lipstick—the sa shade I’d carefully applied earlier that morning. With deliberate strokes, I wrote across the hood in bold, crimson letters:
"FUCKING CHEAT"
I added a smiley face for good asure, capped the lipstick, and dropped it back into my bag.
Only then did the reality of what I’d just done begin to sink in. I’d destroyed Liam’s precious car in the company parking garage. I should have felt remorse, maybe even fear. Instead, I felt... free.
I smoothed my hair, straightened my dress, and walked calmly to my own car, sliding into the driver’s seat with a smile playing at the corners of my lips. As I pulled out of the parking garage, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the rearview mirror. My cheeks were flushed, my eyes bright with a dangerous gleam.
I barely recognized myself. And I liked this new version of Diane Ashton much better.
The heavy bass from the car stereo matched the pounding of my heart as I navigated through midday traffic. My phone chid with an incoming call, and I glanced at the display. Andrew. I hesitated for a mont before answering via Bluetooth.
"Diane speaking," I said, trying to sound composed despite the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.
"Diane, it’s Andrew." His voice was warm but businesslike. "I was wondering if you might be available to et this afternoon. There’s sothing I’d like to discuss with you—sothing that could be relevant to your situation with Liam."
I checked the ti on the dashboard. Just past noon. I had nowhere else to be.
"I’m actually free now," I replied. "Where did you have in mind?"
"There’s a private lounge at The ridian Hotel. Discreet, comfortable. I can text you the details."
"That would be perfect. I’ll head there now."
After ending the call, I made a quick detour to Joan’s house to change—the tear in my dress and the grease stain were telltale signs of my parking garage activities. I slipped into a navy blue flowery dress, fixed my makeup, and was back on the road within twenty minutes.
The ridian was one of the city’s most exclusive hotels, its understated facade belying the luxury within. I parked my car and made my way to the private lounge on the zzanine level, where a hostess greeted by na.
"Mrs. Ashton, Mr. Andrew is waiting for you in the Jasmine Room."
She led down a corridor lined with original artwork to a door marked with a small brass plaque. Inside, the room was intimate but elegant—plush seating, soft lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city.
Andrew rose as I entered, his expression warm. He looked impeccable as always in a tailored gray suit, his silver hair perfectly styled. There was sothing comforting about his presence, a quiet strength that put at ease despite our brief acquaintance.
"Diane, thank you for coming on such short notice." He gestured to the seat opposite him. "Please, make yourself comfortable. Can I order you sothing? Tea, perhaps, or freshly squeezed Juice?"
I settled into the leather armchair. "I think a freshly squeezed juice will do. It’s been quite a morning."
Andrew raised an eyebrow but didn’t pry. He signaled to the attendant hovering discreetly by the door. "Freshly Squeezed Juice for the lady, and I’ll have another scotch, neat."
Once our drinks arrived, Andrew leaned forward slightly. "You seem... invigorated. I take it sothing significant happened today?"
I took a sip of my juice, savoring its freshness. "You could say that. I paid Liam a visit at the office."
"Ah." He nodded thoughtfully. "And how did our friend Mr. Ashton take that?"
A smile tugged at my lips. "Not well. I may have left him with a few things to think about."
"I imagine you did." Andrew’s eyes twinkled with amusent, as if he could sense there was more to the story. "Liam has never handled challenges to his authority gracefully."
"I see, seem like you know him more than you let on."
Andrew’s expression darkened slightly. "More than I would like. But that’s actually why I wanted to et with you today."
He reached for a leather portfolio on the table between us, opening it to reveal a stack of docunts. "After our conversation at the hospital, I did so digging into Liam’s current business dealings. What I found might interest you."
He slid several papers toward —financial reports and corporate filings. I scanned them quickly, my brow furrowing.
"Synergy Sphere is on the verge of a major deal," Andrew explained. The deal would essentially double the company’s portfolio." But not to worry I already call the person in charge of the deal not to award it to Synergy Sphere.
I looked up, surprised.
Andrew handed another docunt. "This is the new list of Synergy Sphere’s major shareholders. Look at the distribution."
I studied the page. "Liam holds Thirty-five percent... the rest is divided among various investors and board mbers which included Mr. Guerrero and Noah."
"Exactly. Liam is the largest single shareholder, but he doesn’t hold a controlling interest. He needs the board’s approval for major decisions like this acquisition."
I set the papers down, my mind racing with thought as Andrew broke the silence.
He smiled, a calculating gleam in his eye. "What if you were to beco a major shareholder yourself?"
I stared at him, montarily speechless. "You an buy the highest shares of Synergy Sphere? With what money? Liam has done everything possible to limit my access to our assets."
"That’s where I co in." Andrew leaned back, pouring so drink in his glass. "I’m prepared to finance your acquisition of shares—enough to give you significant leverage against Liam."
I shook my head, stunned by the offer. "Why would you do that? It’s a big risk."
"Let’s call it an investnt in justice." He set his glass down. "Diane, Liam Ashton has built his fortune by exploiting others, by taking what isn’t rightfully his. I’ve watched him do it for years.
When our paths crossed, I saw an opportunity to finally hold him accountable."
"That sounds like Liam," I said bitterly.
"The experience with Liam taught valuable lessons about who to trust and how to protect myself. And now, I have the resources to ensure Liam faces consequences for his actions—not just against , but against you as well."
He reached into his portfolio again and pulled out a detailed financial proposal. "Here’s what I’m suggesting: I provide the capital for you to acquire shares in Synergy Sphere—strategically, through various investnt vehicles to avoid alerting Liam. Within three months, you could hold enough stock to significantly influence board decisions."
I studied the proposal, my mind racing. "Even if I acquired, say, fifteen or twenty percent to my already ten percent, Liam would still have more."
"True," Andrew conceded. "But combined with other shareholders who might be persuaded to vote with you, you could effectively block his initiatives or even push through your own."
"Such as?"
"Forcing a fair divorce settlent, for one. Or even removing him as CEO if we uncover all the evidence of his misconduct." Andrew’s eyes glead. "Which brings to the second part of my proposal."
He handed a business card. "This is Thomas Reed, a forensic accountant who specializes in uncovering corporate fraud. With your insider knowledge and his expertise, we might find that Liam’s business practices don’t stand up to scrutiny."
I turned the card over in my fingers, a plan beginning to take shape in my mind. "You’re suggesting we not only block his moves but potentially expose him?"
"Precisely." Andrew nodded. "Liam’s power cos from his position at Synergy Sphere. Remove that, and what does he have?"
The answer was clear: nothing. Without the company, without his wealth and status, Liam would be stripped of everything he valued. Just as he had tried to do to .
Tears pricked at my eyes unexpectedly, overwheld by the possibility that I might actually win this battle. After months of feeling powerless.
Andrew noticed my emotion and reached across to place a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Diane, I know this is overwhelming. But I want you to know that I’m committed to helping you through this fight, every step of the way. We’ll make sure you get what rightfully belongs to you."
I wiped away a tear, embarrassed by my show of vulnerability. "Thank you, Andrew. I just... I never expected to find an ally like you. Especially not after..."
"After I hit you with my car?" He offered a rueful smile. "Perhaps fate has a strange sense of humor."
I laughed despite myself, the tension breaking. "Perhaps it does."
Andrew refilled our glasses, raising his in a toast. "To justice."
"To justice," I echoed, clinking my glass against his.
"The plan we’ve discussed will take ti to implent. In the anti, I suggest you continue working with Joan silently and make sure to walk her thorugh everything we’ve discussed.
I nodded in agreent.
He reached into his jacket pocket and withdrew an envelope, sliding it across the table to . "This is a cashier’s check. Consider it an advance against future legal expenses, and whatever you need to maintain your independence during this process."
I opened the envelope and nearly gasped. The amount was substantial—enough to cover my expenses for months, even if Liam succeeded in cutting off my access to our joint accounts.
"Andrew, this is too much. I can’t—"
"You can and you will," he interrupted gently but firmly. "This is not charity, Diane. It’s an investnt in our shared goal of holding Liam accountable. You can repay when you receive your rightful settlent, if that makes you more comfortable."
I closed the envelope, overwheld by his generosity. "Thank you. I don’t know what else to say."
"Your determination is thanks enough," he replied. "Just promise one thing: no matter how difficult it gets, no matter what Liam throws at you, you won’t give up."
I thought of the wreckage I’d left in the parking garage, of the look on Liam’s face when I’d confronted him in his office. I thought of my babies, growing inside , counting on to protect them.
"I promise," I said, my voice steady and certain. "Liam has taken enough from . Not anymore."
Andrew smiled, a look of approval and sothing else—was it pride?—crossing his face. "That’s the spirit.
By the ti we parted ways, the sun was setting over the city. Andrew walked to my car, his presence steady and reassuring.
"I’ll be in touch tomorrow with the initial paperwork," he said. "In the anti, try to get so rest. You’ve had quite a day."
If only he knew the half of it, I thought, rembering Liam’s destroyed car.
"I will," I promised. "And Andrew... thank you again. For everything."
He squeezed my hand gently. "This is just the beginning, Diane. Just the beginning."
As I drove away from The ridian, the thought of Liam discovering his precious car brought a smile to my lips. Let him taste the frustration of having sothing he loved destroyed. It was rely an appetizer for what was to co.
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