Singapore gleamed in the tropical sun, a city of glass and ambition. Nancy stood on the balcony of her penthouse—her penthouse, bought with money she'd earned, investments she'd made, risks she'd taken—and reviewed the morning's headlines.
"Clark Capital acquires European tech firm."
"Nancy Clark: From Scandal to Empire."
"The Comeback Queen: How One Woman Rebuilt from Nothing."
Three years. Three years of eighteen-hour days, of learning Mandarin and Japanese, of building relationships with investors who cared about returns, not rumors. Three years of proving that Nancy Clark was more than Adrian Thorne's ex, more than a thief's daughter, more than the lies Sonia had spun.
She was a force. And she was coming home.
"Ms. Clark?" Her assistant, James, appeared at the door. "The jet is ready. Your meeting with Thorne Enterprises is tomorrow at 2 PM."
"Thorne Enterprises," Nancy repeated, tasting the name. "Is he... will he be there?"
"Mr. Thorne is still CEO, though he's been less visible lately. Health issues, apparently." James hesitated. "Ms. Clark, are you certain about this acquisition? Thorne is struggling, yes, but the personal history—"
"Is exactly why I'm doing it." Nancy turned, her reflection in the glass showing a woman transformed. Sharper. Harder. Beautiful in a way that commanded rather than invited. "Adrian Thorne taught me that love is conditional. That trust is fragile. That I'm disposable when convenient." She smiled, cold and brilliant. "It's time he learned the same lessons."
She picked up her phone, scrolling to a contact she'd never deleted. Adrian Thorne. CEO. Tyrant. Love of my life. Liar.
Her thumb hovered over the call button. Then she set the phone down.
No. Their reunion would be on her terms. In his boardroom, with his company on the line, with all the power she'd spent three years accumulating.
She wanted him to see what he'd lost. To regret what he'd destroyed. To understand, finally, that Nancy Clark was not a woman you discarded.
She was a woman you begged to stay.
And she was going to make Adrian Thorne be