Chapter 2

Chloe tapped her champagne glass for attention, her voice cutting through the party chatter.

"Everyone, a small announcement," she said, smiling a predator' s smile.

"The M&A project Leo has been developing for the last six months is a huge opportunity for Vanderbilt Holdings."

Heads turned toward me. In my past life, this was my moment of pride.

"And," she continued, her eyes locking with Carter' s, "to ensure its success, I' ve decided to put it in more capable hands. Carter will be leading the project from now on."

The air went still. It was a public execution.

Last time, I protested. I said it was my work, my research. I looked like a desperate, whining child. They laughed at me.

This time, I smiled. A small, calm smile.

"That' s an excellent decision, Chloe," I said, my voice even. "Carter has the right temperament for it. I fully support him."

The silence was now one of shock.

Chloe' s smile faltered. Carter looked at me as if I' d grown a second head. They had a script, and I had just thrown it into the fire.

As Carter turned away, smug but confused, I saw it.

On his wrist was a sleek, black bracelet, identical to the one Chloe wore. In my first life, I' d dismissed them as some new "wellness" fad for the rich.

Now, I saw them for what they were.

A uniform. A symbol of their secret alliance.

The conspiracy had a face. And it was staring right at me.