Chapter 5 The Queen Is Back

An hour after the phone call Mirena had with Ada, she stood by a yacht dock, staring up at a super yacht.

Her eyes scanned the structure with mild awe and thick nostalgia.

She'd almost forgotten what luxury truly felt like. After getting married to George and becoming a doormat for the Sterling family, she'd lived a middle-class life.

Despite all the wealth the Sterling family possessed, she wasn't given luxurious treatment. And as for George? He also allowed his sister to issue funds to her.

And well, we can all guess how that went!

Thank Goodness that chapter was finally over.

"Rena!" Ada's familiar voice pulled Mirena out of her thoughts.

A smile kissed her lips as she watched her best friend rush down the dock-black bob hair going wild in the wind.

When she finally got close enough, she threw herself into Mirena's arms, offering a bone-crushing hug.

Mirena let out a soft grunt, then a laugh, returning the embrace without restraint. In Ada's arms, she felt something she hadn't in years-unconditional warmth, support, and a love that asked for nothing in return.

She really had been a fool to abandon this life, all for George and the Sterling family.

"Jesus, girl, I've missed you!" Ada beamed as she pulled back, her sharp eyes sweeping over Mirena's outfit. "And this look," she added, a knowing gleam in her expression.

Mirena's smile grew. Thank goodness she'd stopped by a boutique on the way.

The moment Ada mentioned an exclusive yacht party-the kind attended only by top-tier socialites and old-money elites-Mirena knew the simple clothes she'd worn to leave Alexander's wouldn't do.

Thirty minutes and one power-shopping spree later, she stood transformed: a sharp leather pencil skirt, a sleek strapless crop top, knee-high boots, and-still draped over her shoulders-Alexander's tailored coat.

"That outfit's fire," Ada complimented as she entwined their fingers and began pulling her towards the yacht.

"God, you have no idea how long I've waited for this," Ada, as usual, carried on as they stepped on board.

Mirena allowed her gaze to drift across the yacht's interior. Soft gold and midnight blue tones glowed under low lighting, every surface polished to a liquid sheen. The air hummed with muted conversations and the clink of crystal-a familiar symphony of wealth and exclusion. A faint, knowing smile touched her lips. This was Ada's world, and for a moment, it felt like coming home.

But her smile wavered as she noticed the stares. Guests glanced her way, some squinting in curiosity, others with dawning recognition. Whispers began to weave through the music, hands lifting to mask murmured comments.

With a calm exhale, Mirena turned back to Ada, who had just procured two flutes of champagne from a passing waiter.

"After all these years," Ada said, handing her a glass, "you're finally back to being you."

Mirena accepted it with a graceful nod. "Well," she replied, taking a measured sip, "I suppose shedding parasites does wonders for the complexion."

Ada rolled her eyes in mock sympathy. "Parasites? Darling, George and the Sterlings were a full-blown infection. You're lucky you made it out before they rotted your soul completely."

"A bit late, but I finally did," Mirena conceded, the champagne bubbles fizzing softly on her tongue. "Better late than never, right?"

"Better late than never," Ada echoed, her smile warm and unwavering. "Congratulations, then. You've finally ditched the leeches and returned to where you belong." She lifted her glass slightly. "Welcome back, Ms. Crowne."

The old alias stirred something deep in Mirena's chest-a thrill she had long suppressed for George's sake.

A genuine smile returned to her lips. "Thank you, Ada."

She followed her friend toward what she assumed would be a relaxing spa session-their original plan. But the whispers only grew louder as they entered the main salon.

"Isn't that Ms. Crowne?"

"What's she doing here? Is she making a comeback?"

This time, no one bothered to lower their voices.

"You're still a hot topic, I see," Ada murmured as they settled into recliners, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Mirena simply chuckled, unbothered. She shrugged off Alexander's coat, sank into the plush chair, and closed her eyes. She hadn't come for gossip or past dramas-only for peace, a good spa day, and her best friend's easy company.

But Ada, of course, had other plans.

"By the way," Ada began, slipping off her sheer kimono jacket to reveal a sleek crop top and shorts, "we're gambling tonight."

Mirena cracked one eye open. "We?"

"Don't give me that look," Ada pouted. "Ryan's hosting a high-stakes game downstairs, and he may have. persuaded me to join."

"Let me guess," Mirena said, sitting up slowly. "You're losing again?"

Ada's guilty grin said it all. "In my defense, they're cheating!"

She leaned in, grabbing Mirena's arm with desperate enthusiasm. "Come on, Rena, help me out here. I've been fighting alone for years-I need my partner back." She batted her eyelashes, bottom lip pushed out in an exaggerated plea. "Please?"

Mirena watched her for a moment, then gently pulled her hand away, a fond smile playing on her lips. "You're incorrigible."

"But you love me anyway, don't you?" Ada beamed.

Shaking her head in amusement, Mirena downed the last of her champagne. "You owe me another spa date. Let's go."

She rose to her feet, and Ada followed eagerly, their coats draped over her arm like a happy attendant.

"Let's go make them cry, Rena!" Ada cheered in a hushed voice. "Let's show them the queen is back-and their reign is over!"

Mirena laughed softly, but as they stepped out of the spa area, she walked straight into a solid chest and stumbled back a step.

Before she could stumble, strong hands caught her waist, steadying her effortlessly.

"Mirena?"

That voice-deep, familiar-sent a flicker of surprise through her. She looked up into warm, knowing eyes.

"Logan." Her lips curved into a genuine smile. The man who had once been her business partner-and so much more-stood before her, unchanged yet different.

"Hey," she greeted, her voice softer than she intended.

"When Ada said you were back, I almost didn't believe it," he said, his tone as smooth as she remembered. "But here you are."

She smiled faintly. "And you've grown taller." The old tease came naturally, as if no time had passed.

Logan leaned in slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "Life's been good. Better now that you're here."

He flashed that smile-the one that had always disarmed her-and she opened her arms instinctively. He didn't hesitate, wrapping her in a warm embrace, his face buried against her neck.

"I've missed you, Renny," he murmured. "Welcome back."

Her hand came up to stroke his back gently. "Thank you, Logan."

Beside them, Ada cleared her throat loudly. "I'm here too, you know."

Logan lifted his head and offered her a casual wave. "Ada."

"That's all I get? No hug? Fine then-Rena, let's go. We've got a game to win."

"Where are you headed?" Logan asked, his hand lingering comfortably at the small of Mirena's back.

"Gambling," Mirena replied. "Ada's on a losing streak."

Logan nodded slowly, a knowing look in his eyes. "Ah."

"I'm coming with you," he said.

When Mirena nodded, Ada didn't object. The three of them fell into easy conversation as they moved toward the casino-a familiar trio reunited.

But from the shadows of the upper deck, someone watched.

Alexander's knuckles whitened around his glass. With a sharp snap, the stem broke in his grip, yet he didn't flinch. His jaw tightened, his gaze locked on the scene below-on her.

On them.

Logan's hand resting possessively on Mirena's back. The ease in her smile. The intimacy he hadn't seen in years.

Something dark and possessive twisted deep within him.

In the next instant, he hurled the shattered glass against the nearest wall, where it exploded into a thousand glittering pieces.