Chapter 5 A Game Of Power

I rushed out of the restroom, my heart pounding in my chest. The air in the hallway felt heavy,

almost suffocating. I could hear the faint chatter and laughter from the banquet hall as I made

my way back. But then, just as I turned a corner, I felt it, footsteps behind me, too close, too

deliberate.

Before I could react, a sharp shove sent me stumbling forward. My heels skidded against the

marble floor, and in the next instant, I crashed onto the ground. A gasp rippled through the

crowd as the lights flickered back on, illuminating my sprawled figure.

Silence followed, brief but deafening.

"Victoria!" Mr. Johnson was the first to reach me, his hands gripping my arms as he helped me

to my feet. His eyes were filled with concern, but I knew better than to trust him.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I forced a smile, brushing nonexistent dust off my dress. "I'm fine. But I need to go. See you at

work tomorrow."

My bodyguards appeared almost instantly, parting the crowd as they escorted me out. I could

feel the curious stares and hushed whispers following me, but I didn't care.

The moment I stepped into my house, the composure I had maintained crumbled. I collapsed

onto the couch, sobs wracking my body as my mother-in-law rushed to my side, worry etched

on her face.

"What happened?" she asked gently, rubbing my back.

Through choked breaths, I whispered, "Bella is pregnant for Williams. They're expecting a

baby."

Saying it aloud made it even more unbearable. The pain cut deep, deeper than I had

anticipated. Bella had taken everything from me, my husband, my home, my happiness. And

now, she was carrying the child that was supposed to be mine.

I clenched my fists. "She has always wanted my life," I spat bitterly. "And now, she has it."

Jealousy burned through me like wildfire, igniting something dark within. A plan began to take

shape in my mind, one that would shatter the perfect world Bella had stolen.

I grabbed my clutch from the couch and made my way to my room, but before I could settle in,

my phone buzzed relentlessly.

Mr. Johnson.

Disgust rolled through me as I stared at the screen. I knew he had something to do with the

blackout at the party. I switched off my phone without hesitation, I got on my bed, turned to the

wall, and willed myself to sleep.

The next morning, I sat in my office, immersed myself in documents, trying to ignore the

lingering ache in my chest. The upcoming meeting was all I could focus on.

A sharp knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Come in."

Mr. Johnson entered, his expression unreadable. "How are you?"

"Fine."

"I wanted to apologize for what happened at the party-"

I cut him off, standing up and gathering my documents. "It's fine."

He opened his mouth as if to say more, but I didn't give him the chance. Without another word, I

walked past him and out the door. His presence sickened me.

Walking down the hallway toward the stockroom for the meeting, I bumped into Williams. Our

eyes locked for a moment. A smirk played on my lips before I walked past him, feeling his gaze

linger.

Inside the meeting room, Williams took center stage, presenting his achievements and unveiling

his plans for expanding the business to Miami. His confidence was undeniable, and the board

members nodded in approval.

As soon as he finished speaking, a round of applause filled the room.

"I'll invest in your business in Miami," I announced, my voice steady. "And I'm also planning to

open a high-end hotel there."

Williams' lips curled into a smile. "That's amazing. Thank you, Victoria."

I simply nodded, watching him intently.

"Since we're both working on projects in Miami, we should travel together to inspect the lands,"

he suggested.

"Agreed," I replied smoothly.

The meeting ended shortly after, and Williams showed up at my office.

"Thank you for your support," he said sincerely.

I leaned back in my chair. "I invest wisely."

His eyes searched mine, as if trying to decipher something. The silence stretched between us

until he finally looked away.

"We leave in two days," I added.

"Okay," he muttered before walking out.

A slow smile crept onto my lips. Bella would hate this arrangement. But she had no choice

unless she wanted Williams' business to crumble.

That night, my mood was considerably lighter. My mother-in-law noticed it immediately.

"What are you up to?" she asked, amusement flickering in her eyes.

I sipped my wine before answering. "I'll be traveling to Miami with your son in two days time."

Her expression shifted from curiosity to surprise. "Victoria..."

"Don't worry," I assured her with a smirk. "It's just business."

She sighed. "Williams is all I have left. Handle him with care. And maybe, just maybe, try to

forgive him."

I laughed bitterly. "Forgive him? Do you know what he did to me?"

She remained silent, but the guilt in her eyes said it all.

"I loved him," I admitted. "I still do. But love isn't enough. He has to pay for what he did first."

She swallowed hard, knowing there was nothing left to say.

I had played the victim long enough. Now, it was my turn to take control.

I went up to my room, taking a deep breath as I prepared for the night ahead. The evening air

carried a sense of anticipation, a quiet thrill that coursed through my veins.

After freshening up, I carefully selected my outfit, a sleek, short bodycon dress that hugged my

curves perfectly, paired with black heels that added a touch of elegance. My makeup was subtle

yet striking, enhancing the sharp confidence I wanted to project.

As I walked down the stairs, I spotted my mother-in-law sitting on the couch, lost in thought. Her

fingers absentmindedly traced the hem of her scarf, her gaze distant. I didn't need to ask what

was on her mind-I already knew.

Williams.

He was her only son, her last remaining child after her daughter was tragically killed just a day

before her wedding. That kind of loss never truly faded.

A pang of guilt tugged at me as I remembered how cold I had been earlier. Despite everything,

she had always been kind to me. I walked over and wrapped my arms around her from behind.

She sighed, placing a warm hand over mine. "Are you going out?" she asked.

"Yes," I replied, stepping in front of her. "I have a dinner meeting with an investor."

Her brow furrowed slightly. "Who?"

I smirked. "Liam. Your ex-husband's biggest rival."

She blinked in surprise before a slow smile spread across her lips. "How wonderful."

"I won't rest until Mr. Johnson is ruined," I added firmly. "Your wealth will be returned to you."

Her eyes gleamed, and for the first time in a long while, she looked truly at peace. It wasn't just

about money-it was about justice. Mr. Johnson had stolen everything from her, manipulated

and discarded her like she was nothing. Seeing him fall would be the best revenge.

She reached out, cupping my face gently. "Be careful, my dear."

I kissed her cheek. "Always."

With that, I grabbed my clutch and stepped out into the night.

When I arrived at the restaurant, Liam was already seated, waiting for me. He stood as I

approached, his eyes scanning me with open admiration.

"You look stunning," he said smoothly, pulling out a chair for me.

I smiled, accepting the seat. "Thank you."

Once settled, we got straight to business. I spoke about the hotel project in Miami, outlining my

vision and strategic plan. Liam nodded along, intrigued.

Then he leaned back, studying me. "I've been thinking about withdrawing my shares from Mr.

Johnson's company."

Hearing that was music to my ears. I hid my excitement behind a composed expression, waiting

for him to continue.

"I don't trust him anymore," Liam admitted. "And after what he pulled at the banquet, I see no

reason to stay invested."

Before I could respond, an unexpected presence disrupted our conversation.

Williams.

I froze, my eyes locking onto him the moment he walked in. And right beside him-Bella.

Bella's grip tightened on Williams' arm the second she spotted me. She whispered something to

him, her body slightly shifting as if trying to block his view. But it was too late-he had already

seen me.

Liam noticed the shift in my expression and followed my gaze. Then, without hesitation, he

called out to Williams.

"Williams! Over here."

Bella's face dropped instantly.

Williams, on the other hand, smiled, walking over with his wife trailing behind him. He greeted

us with a polite nod before Liam extended an invitation.

"Join us."

Bella's jaw clenched, but she had no choice but to sit.

I leaned back, my fingers lightly tracing the rim of my wine glass, observing how restless Bella

had become.

Williams, oblivious to the underlying tension, was thrilled to be included. After all, Liam was a

powerful investor, and gaining his support could push his business to new heights.

"I've decided to invest in your Miami project," Liam announced, much to Williams' delight. "But

only because of Victoria."

Williams turned to me, his eyes shining with gratitude. Without thinking, he reached over and

hugged me, even placing a small peck on my cheek.

My breath hitched.

For a fleeting moment, everything else faded. His warmth, his familiar scent-it all came rushing

back, reminding me of the love we once shared. A part of me wanted to hold on, to tell him I

missed him.

But reality crashed in just as quickly.

"Thanks, Victoria," he murmured.

I forced a smile. "It's business, Williams."

Bella's forced smile wavered as she clutched his arm. "So, are you ready for your trip in two

days?" Liam asked casually.

Williams nodded. "Almost."

Bella's nails dug into his sleeve. "What trip?"

Williams hesitated. "Victoria and I are traveling to Miami for the business deal."

Silence.

Bella's face twisted, her forced smile finally shattering. "No," she said sharply. "I won't accept it.

If my husband is going on a trip, I'm coming too. Or he's not going at all."

The table went quiet.

Williams looked completely caught off guard, glancing between his wife and me.

I let out a soft chuckle, standing up. "I feel like you're not ready for this project, Williams." My

voice was calm but firm. "And I don't want to come between you and your wife. So, I think I'll

consider Mr. Emmanuel's project instead."

Bella smirked, assuming she had won.

I turned to Liam. "If you may excuse me, good night."

Liam nodded, watching me with admiration as I gracefully walked away.

As I exited the restaurant, I felt Bella's gaze burning into my back. But I didn't care.

She might think she won this battle.

But I wasn't done playing the game yet.