Chapter 3 The Perfect Betrayal

Earlier that Evening-Before the Engagement Party

The air in Olivia's bedroom was thick with the scent of jasmine, the soft glow of candlelight flickering against the grand vanity mirror. Dressed in nothing but her silk robe, she sat in front of the mirror, staring at her own reflection.

She looked calm. Serene.

But beneath that composed exterior, a storm raged.

Her fingers traced the delicate embroidery of her robe, her mind already ten steps ahead. Tonight was the beginning of everything-the first move in a game that only she knew was being played.

A quiet knock at the door.

"Come in," she said softly.

The door creaked open, and Mary stepped inside, her face etched with nervous anticipation. In her hands was a small velvet pouch, the kind one might use to hold expensive jewelry. But Olivia knew better.

The real treasure inside wasn't jewelry.

It was justice.

Mary approached cautiously, placing the pouch on the vanity table before stepping back. "It's done," she whispered.

Olivia's fingers danced over the fabric before she slowly pulled the pouch open, revealing two small vials of liquid-one clear, the other tinted a faint amber.

One would dull the mind, making those who drank it lose their inhibitions. The other would enhance desire, forcing the body to act on temptation.

A perfect combination.

And when taken together?

A scandal waiting to happen.

Mary swallowed. "Are you sure about this, Miss Olivia?"

Olivia looked up, meeting Mary's gaze in the mirror. "Do you trust me?"

Mary hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "With my life."

A small smile tugged at Olivia's lips. "Then believe me when I say this is the only way."

She carefully lifted the vials, weighing them in her hands. The plan was simple: Spike Nathan and Sophia's drinks, let nature take its course, and ensure that when the moment came, they would be caught in the act-by everyone.

It was the perfect revenge.

Not only would Nathan lose his honor, but he would also lose the trust of her father, Charles Carter. And without that trust, the control he had over Carter Industries would slip through his fingers.

And Olivia?

She would walk away the victim-the woman betrayed, the fiancée humiliated, the one everyone would pity and support.

She would take everything back.

Piece by piece.

"Make sure these end up in their drinks before the night is over," Olivia instructed, slipping the vials into Mary's hands.

Mary hesitated. "And if something goes wrong?"

Olivia's gaze was steady. "Nothing will go wrong."

Because this time, she was in control.

---

Present-The Engagement Party

The engagement party was a masterpiece of wealth and status, the kind of event designed to cement alliances and showcase power. The grand ballroom was alive with the soft hum of conversation, the clinking of crystal glasses, and the warm glow of golden chandeliers. Everywhere Olivia looked, she saw familiar faces-socialites, businessmen, politicians, all gathered to celebrate what they believed was a perfect match.

But only Olivia knew the truth.

And by the time the night was over, the world would know it too.

She sat beside Nathan, a picture of elegance, her every movement calculated. Her ivory gown flowed like liquid silk, her diamond earrings catching the light as she nodded politely at the words of admiration thrown her way.

"Olivia, you look radiant," one of the older women at the table gushed. "Nathan is a very lucky man."

She smiled demurely, lowering her lashes just enough to appear modest. "Thank you, Mrs. Whitmore. I only hope to make him as happy as he makes me."

Lies.

Nathan, sitting beside her, chuckled softly. "She's too humble," he said, his voice rich with confidence. "From the moment I met Olivia, I knew she was meant to be mine."

More murmurs of admiration followed.

If only they knew.

Her fingers brushed against the stem of her wine glass as she glanced across the table.

Sophia sat a few seats down, looking effortlessly beautiful in a champagne-colored gown that perfectly complemented her auburn waves. She was engaged in quiet conversation, her lips curved in a soft smile.

A smile Olivia had once believed was warm.

Now, she knew better.

And soon, so would everyone else.

---

An Hour Earlier – The Setup

Olivia had always believed in poetic justice.

And tonight, she would deliver it herself.

As the party had begun, Mary had done her part flawlessly-slipping the two vials into the drinks meant for Nathan and Sophia.

Olivia had watched from a distance as they unknowingly took the bait.

The effects were subtle at first.

A slight flush to their cheeks. A barely noticeable shift in their posture.

But Olivia knew what would come next.

Heat. Desire. A loss of inhibition.

By the time they realized what was happening, it would be too late.

---

Present – The Party Continues

Nathan exhaled quietly beside her, adjusting his collar.

He was starting to feel it.

She turned to him, her expression gentle. "Are you alright?"

He gave her a strained smile. "Fine. Just... warm."

She tilted her head in concern. "Maybe you should get some fresh air?"

He hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Yeah. I think I'll step outside for a bit."

She gave his hand a light squeeze. "Take your time."

And just like that, he was gone.

Across the table, Olivia caught the briefest flicker of discomfort on Sophia's face.

The other woman blinked, pressing a hand to her temple before giving a soft laugh. "Excuse me, everyone. I think the wine's gotten to me-I should lie down for a moment."

A chorus of understanding murmurs followed, and within moments, Sophia, too, had disappeared.

Right on schedule.

Olivia hid her smile behind her glass, taking a slow sip of wine.

The pieces were falling into place.

---

The Guest Room – Where It Begins

Nathan had intended to walk out onto the balcony.

He had planned to take deep breaths, shake off the heat crawling over his skin, and return to his guests.

But his body had other ideas.

His pulse thrummed heavily beneath his skin, his veins humming with an unfamiliar warmth that refused to subside. His jacket suddenly felt too tight, the fabric of his shirt suffocating.

His mind was fogged, his thoughts slipping.

And then he saw her.

Sophia.

She had been heading to the guest room at the end of the hall, likely to rest for a few minutes.

But when their eyes met-something snapped.

A tension neither of them had ever acknowledged flared between them, hot and undeniable.

Nathan's breath hitched.

Sophia took a hesitant step forward.

He should have walked away.

She should have gone into the room and closed the door.

But the drugs had taken hold.

And as their bodies moved instinctively toward each other, logic ceased to exist.

By the time they reached the guest room, they were already pulling at each other's clothes.

---

Downstairs – The Act of a Perfect Fiancee

Olivia waited.

She counted the minutes in her head, patient, composed, knowing.

And when enough time had passed, she glanced toward Nathan's empty seat and let a small frown crease her delicate features.

"Nathan's been gone for quite a while," she murmured, just loud enough for those near her to hear.

Richard Parker, Nathan's father, looked up from his conversation. His eyes narrowed slightly. "You're right."

One of the guests chuckled. "Perhaps he's nervous about the wedding!"

The table laughed, but Olivia simply shook her head. "I hope he's alright. Maybe I should check on him?"

Richard studied her. "I'll come with you."

Olivia offered a small, grateful smile. "That would be kind of you, Mr. Parker."

And just like that, several guests decided to follow.

Perfect.

She walked ahead, her hands clasped delicately in front of her as they made their way toward the upper level.

The anticipation curled within her like a slow-burning fire.

The moment they reached the hallway, muffled sounds could be heard from behind the guest room door.

Gasps. Whispers. Suspicious glances exchanged.

"What's going on in there?" someone whispered.

Richard's expression darkened.

Olivia took a slow, measured breath.

And then-

She pushed the door open.

The world froze.

Inside the room, Nathan and Sophia were tangled together, their clothes half-removed, their bodies pressed against each other.

Sophia's dress had fallen from her shoulders. Nathan's shirt was undone, his hands gripping her waist.

The sounds of pleasure died in their throats as the door swung open.

For a moment, no one moved.

And then-

A shriek.

Sophia scrambled backward, yanking the sheets up to cover herself. Nathan stumbled, his pupils blown wide as realization crashed over him.

"Olivia-"

But the damage was done.

Gasps of shock and horror filled the air as guests poured into the room, their faces twisted in disbelief.

Richard Parker's gaze was like steel. "Nathan. Explain yourself."

Nathan couldn't.

There was no explanation.

No excuse.

No way out.

And Olivia?

She let the tears fall.

Slow, heartbreaking, perfect.

She pressed a trembling hand to her lips, her body shaking as she stared at them-at the man she had loved, the best friend she had trusted.

"Nathan... how could you?" she whispered, her voice breaking.

A woman betrayed.

A fiancee humiliated.

The perfect victim.

And as the whispers turned into a storm of scandal, Olivia lowered her gaze.

Her first move had been played.

And the game?

Had only just begun.

---