Chapter 15%
When I returned, Ethan wasted no time in introducing me to the board. The moment I walked into that room–dressed in a crisp white suit, my hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail–I could feel the weight of their eyes on me. Some were skeptical, their gazes assessing, as if trying to determine whether I was truly capable of standing beside my brother in the business world. Others looked intrigued, curious about the woman who had returned from the dead.
But I didn’t falter.K
I had spent hours studying, pouring over documents, absorbing everything I could about our empire. Ethan had guided me patiently, explaining the ins and outs of our company, introducing me to the right people. It wasn’t just about numbers or strategy–it was about power. Influence Control.2
And I was determined to master it all..
While I focused on learning, my hired men kept me updated on the lives I had left behind.
Cameron.E
Even his name no longer stirred the same emotions in me. There was no longing, no regret. Just cold, detached curiosity.!
According to my sources, he was spiraling. Devastated. The man who once walked with an air of untouchable arrogance had been reduced to nothing more than a drunkard. They said he barely functioned, drowning himself in alcohol, haunted by my supposed death.
I’felt nothing.
Tyron, on the other hand, had grown more violent at school. He lashed out unpredictably, his behavior bordering on psychotic. The reports disturbed me, but I wasn’t sure if it was guilt I felt or something else entirely.
And then there was Nadine.E
Still clinging to Cameron. Still carrying his child.E
She refused to abort it, despite everything.E
I merely nodded when I was told, uninterested for now. She was a problem for another time.
For now, my focus was on something else–the banquet Ethan had planned to formally introduce me to our business partners. It was a crucial event, meant to solidify my presence in the company and establish me as more than just Ethan’s long–lost sister.E
Lucas would be my date for the evening.
It was a strategic choice. Lucas was charming, well–respected, and powerful in his own right. Having him by my side would strengthen my image–though, between us, we both knew this was nothing more than an arrangement.
The night before the event, Ethan made sure the invitations were sent, even extending one to Cameron.
I doubted he would come.
But if he did… well, I was more than prepared to face him.E
The day of the banquet arrived faster than I expected.E
I stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room, my fingers smoothing over the silk of my gown. It was a deep shade of crimson, the fabric hugging my figure perfectly. Powerful. Elegant. Unforgettable.
I would make sure no one dared to question my place tonight.
As I adjusted my earrings, I suddenly heard voices from the adjacent room.
I froze.K
The voice was familiar.
I turned my head slightly, my body stilling as I strained to listen.!!
Nadine.
I recognized her whimpering tone immediately.
“I feel like he’s losing his mind,” she murmured. “Sometimes, he thinks I am Zoe. It’s like… even with her gone, he still doesn’t see me…when it wasn’t like that before!”
A bitter laugh followed. “I’m carrying his child, and yet he doesn’t love me. He never will. I don’t know why I even try. Damn it!! hate that Zoel Good thing she was dead, and if I didn’t force and brainwash Tyron about her then she would still be here.“% My nails dug into my palms.
Pathetic.
She had betrayed me. Played the role of the other woman in my own home. And now, she had the audacity to complain about
- her misery? Tyron. She was the reason why that kid hated me when all
123 PM
A slow smirk curled at the corner of my lips !!
She wanted to be me?
Fine.X
I’d give her a taste of what it was like to live in my world.”
I stepped outside the dressing room, my heels clicking softly against the marble floors. With a single nod to the nearby staff, I issued a quiet command.
“Leave. All of you.”
The staff exchanged glances but obeyed without hesitation, clearing the hallway within seconds. X
Then, with a simple motion, I gestured for the doors to be locked.
The click of the lock echoed through the space.
And then I waited.
At first, there was silence.
Then–X
A rustle. A soft gasp.
Followed by a panicked bang against the door.”
“What? Why is the door locked?” Nadine’s voice wavered.
I leaned against the wall outside, biting back a chuckle.
Then came another bang. Louder this time.
“Hello? Someone open the door!”
She pounded against it frantically now, her breathing growing uneven. “This isn’t funny! Open the damn door!”
Still, I said nothing.
A strangled sob escaped her. “Please… I don’t like this…”
I let her panic for a moment longer, savoring the satisfaction curling in my chest.
Then, finally, I let out a low, amused laugh.X
Her cries immediately stopped.
For a second, there was nothing but silence.
And then-
A shuddering whisper, Zoe…7||
My smile widened
Had she recognized my laugh?
Good.
Let her believe in ghosts. Let her believe that even in death, I would never let her rest..
I turned on my heel and walked away, the sound of my heels clicking against the floor the only thing left in the quiet hallway.!
This was just the beginning.
She had taken everything from me.!!
And now, it was my turn to take everything from her.
