Chapter 4 Cold Betrayal

ALEXIS

The elevator doors closed behind me as I left Nathan's office, my head spinning from more than just the rapid descent. The leather portfolio he'd given me felt heavy in my hands – CEO of NatsTech, a position that would have thrilled me just days ago. Now it felt like another complication in my already unraveling life.

I checked my reflection in the mirrored walls: designer suit still pristine, makeup intact, not a hair out of place. No one would guess that less than twenty-four hours ago, I'd caught my husband in bed with my sister. No one would know that beneath this polished exterior, I was plotting revenge.

My phone buzzed – Ava's number flashing on the screen. My lawyer, my friend... or so I'd thought.

"I'm heading to your office now," I said before she could speak.

"Perfect timing," she replied, her voice oddly cheerful. "I have those papers ready for you."

The drive to her downtown office gave me time to think. Nathan's proposal, the CEO position, the keys to a Bentley that now felt heavy in my pocket – it was all happening so fast. But I needed it, needed the power and position to make Logan pay for what he'd done.

Ava's office occupied the entire top floor of a boutique law firm, all glass and chrome and success. Her assistant waved me straight through to her corner office with its panoramic views of the city.

"Alexis!" Ava rose from behind her massive desk, but something was off about her smile. "I'm so glad you could make it."

"The divorce papers?" I asked, getting straight to the point.

"About that..." She gestured to one of her leather client chairs. "Why don't you have a seat?"

The office door clicked shut behind me. I turned to find Logan standing there, looking immaculate in one of his custom suits, that arrogant smile I once found charming now making my stomach turn.

"Hello, darling," he drawled.

"What is this?" I demanded, looking between them.

Ava moved around her desk, perching on its edge near Logan. Too near. The realization hit me like a physical blow as I watched her lean slightly into his space, watched his hand brush her arm with familiar intimacy.

"Oh God." The words escaped me in a whisper. "How long?"

"Long enough," Ava replied, her professional mask dropping away to reveal something cruel underneath. "Did you really think someone like Logan would be satisfied with just your sister?"

The mention of Abigail sent fresh pain through my chest. "You're supposed to be my lawyer, my friend-"

"I'm supposed to be whatever pays best," she cut me off. "And Logan's offer was... very generous."

Logan pulled a thick envelope from his jacket. "Speaking of paperwork..."

"These aren't divorce papers, are they?" I stood, backing toward the door, but Logan was faster. His hand clamped around my arm, fingers digging in hard enough to bruise.

"Sit down," he ordered, all pretense of charm gone. "Unless you want certain photos of your little meeting with Nathan Cole this morning to find their way to the press. Imagine the scandal – the married assistant sleeping her way to the top."

"That's not-"

"Truth doesn't matter, dear," Ava cut in, spreading papers across her desk. "Perception does. And right now, you're in no position to argue."

My hands shook as I scanned the documents. Not divorce papers – transfer papers. Everything my parents had left me, everything I'd earned, all of it to be signed over to Logan.

"This is illegal," I protested. "You can't-"

"Can't what?" A new voice joined us as my sister Abigail slipped into the office. She looked different – harder, colder, dressed in clothes I'd never seen before. "Can't take what's rightfully ours? What you've been hoarding all these years?"

"Abi..." My voice broke. "What did they do to you?"

She laughed, the sound nothing like my baby sister's usual giggle. "They opened my eyes. Showed me what you really are – a selfish, entitled princess who never deserved any of this."

"The papers, Alexis." Logan's grip tightened. "Sign them, or Nathan Cole will receive some very interesting evidence about your part in your parents' accident."

My blood ran cold. "What are you talking about?"

"Sign," he repeated, "and you'll never have to find out."

Ava pushed a pen into my trembling fingers. One by one, I signed away everything I owned, everything I'd worked for. With each signature, I felt another piece of my old life crumble away.

When it was done, Logan snatched my car keys from my purse. "Your things will be sent to you. Eventually." He smirked. "If we find them worth returning."

"You can't just throw me out-"

"Watch us," Abigail said, her eyes glittering with malice. "How does it feel, big sister? To have nothing?"

I looked at her – really looked at her. Behind the expensive clothes and cruel smile, I could still see traces of the little girl who used to crawl into my bed during thunderstorms. They'd poisoned her mind, twisted her love into hate.

"I'm sorry, Abi," I whispered. "Sorry I didn't protect you better from men like him."

Logan's hand connected with my cheek, the slap echoing in the quiet office. "Get out," he snarled. "Before I forget my manners entirely."

I straightened my spine, tasting blood where my lip had split. "Enjoy it while it lasts, Logan. Because I promise you – this isn't over."

"Threats, darling?" He laughed. "From a woman who just signed away everything she owned? I don't think so."

I looked each of them in the eye – Logan with his smug cruelty, Ava with her calculated betrayal, my sister with her poisoned heart. "You think you've won? You think this is the end? You have no idea what I'm capable of."

"Security will escort you out," Ava said smoothly, pressing a button on her desk.

As two guards appeared to "help" me leave, I caught one last glimpse of Abigail. For just a moment, her mask slipped, and I saw uncertainty flicker across her face. Good. Let that seed of doubt grow.

They left me on the sidewalk outside the building, the afternoon sun beating down on my shoulders. No car, no phone, no money – they'd taken everything except the clothes on my back and Nathan's portfolio, which I'd managed to keep clutched to my chest through it all.

I pulled out the Bentley keys Nathan had given me, their weight somehow reassuring in my palm. Logan might have taken my past, but he'd forgotten something crucial: I still had my future. And Nathan Cole had just handed me the weapons I needed for my revenge.

Looking up at Ava's office windows, I smiled. Let them think they'd broken me. Let them celebrate their victory. They'd learn soon enough – sometimes the most dangerous enemy is the one with nothing left to lose.

Except I did have something to lose, didn't I? My hand drifted to my stomach, where my secret still grew. Logan's child, yes, but mine too. And I would make damn sure this baby never knew the taste of betrayal like its aunt had.

I straightened my jacket, checked my reflection in a nearby window, and began walking. I had a new office to get to, a new role to embrace, and a revenge to plan. Let them have their moment of triumph.

I'd have the last laugh.