Chapter 1 Sealing the Deal

"You can do this, Sierra," I whispered, slamming the brakes a little too hard as the light turned red.

"Sorry!" I mouthed at the furious driver behind, then rolled up my window and blasted Katy Perry's Eye of the Tiger.

"This is it. 200 Montgomery Street."

The watch read 6:30 a.m. sharp. I slid my phone onto DND mode in anticipation of Matthew's call and turned off the engine.

The Maine Mansion loomed only a few blocks away. If I was lucky, I'd catch Carlos Maine himself, the ghostlike CEO that shied away from public eyes.

Sirens howled in the distance. Engines revved closer. It was time to activate my plan.

I yanked my beanie low and hissed, "Now."

I flung the door open and sprinted into the street, straight into the incoming convoy of tinted SUVs

"Wait!" I screamed. Tires shrieked as the lead vehicle skidded to a stop, few inches from me.

Doors flew open and the guards stormed out, grabbing my arms.

"Lady, you got a death wish?" one barked.

"No! I need to speak with Mr. Maine!" I wriggled defiantly against their grip

The cars had all screeched to a halt and several men now surrounded the SUV at the center of the convoy. Executives always rode in the middle; my husband did same. I knew he was in there.

"Paparazzi?" another sneered.

"Get your filthy hands off me!" I snapped as one inspected me for weapons

"Boss!" a guard called over his shoulder. "Not press. Says she needs a word."

I planted my feet, voice rising. "Carlos Maine! I need to talk to you. Please!"

A baritone voice snapped from the SUV

"Bring her into my car"

My knees bucked with relief as my palm sweated profusely

***********

The air in the SUV was thick; woody, musky, edged with oud. It jolted me. Matthew wore something similar. My husband.

"And you are?" he asked, one brow arched in faint annoyance. Handsome, too handsome... but the arrogance in his posture ruined it.

"I can't disclose my identity here," I murmured, flickering at his driver.

"Not with company."

His smirk was razor-sharp. "You think I'll dismiss my driver just so a stranger can whisper secrets"

I took off my shades and stared right at him with boldness and defiance

"I'm sure I don't look like an assassin of sorts."

"Maybe I'm not the best judge of appearances." He responded with an air of caution

I leaned in closer "What if I told you this was about the Ton?"

A wicked smile tugged at my lips.

I had rehearsed that question several times. It was my bait

His expression changed, just slightly, but enough.

"Rico," he said softly, never taking his eyes off me, "leave us."

Heat rose in my cheeks. I knew the moment he learned this was about Matthew Wellington, "the Ton" as he was referred to in his inner circles, he'd realize I wasn't bluffing.

Once Rico stepped out, I tugged off my beanie hat, golden strands of hair tumbling free from my head, then slid the shades from my brown eyes.

"Well. Well. Well..." he drawled,

" Who do we have here? Mrs. Wellington herself. To what do I owe this... honor? How hilarious. Matthew really thinks I'd be foolish enough to fall for his wife parading as bait?"

Heat flared in my chest. "I won't let you speak that way. You have no right! I thought you'd be different. But clearly, I over-estimated your quest for vengeance. All men are the same. Goodbye, Mr. Maine "

I snapped, reaching for the door and praying he'd stop me. I had no Plan B

"I'm sorry."

The words pierced me. His hand closed over mine, tugging me back. Firm. Grounding. My palms trembled, but I tried to conceal it. I couldn't afford to portray weakness. Not here. Not with him.

"I must admit," I said, forcing steel into my voice, "You have better manners than my husband. You two aren't one and the same"

"Oh, spare me." His mouth curled. "I'm no saint. But I'm not the devil's spawn like your husband."

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. "Months ago, I'd have disagreed. Now? I couldn't agree more."

He studied me, then pulled a folded handkerchief from his pocket. "For your hands. Now, what do I owe this visit?"

"I need your help," I whispered

He leaned back, amused. "You need help... from your husband's enemy?"

"Yes." My grip tightened on the handkerchief. "I need your help to destroy him."

Carlos chuckled, mocking "Delicious. Manhattan's favorite couple and the wife comes crawling to me to destroy her husband."

"It's not what you think. This isn't a trap. I'm just... tired. I've experienced so much pain and humiliation in this marriage" Streaks of hot tears flowed freely onto my cheeks as I spoke.

"Tired?" His tone sharpened. "Tell me, what did you expect when you married the most unbearable narcissist alive? That he'd bankroll you into a fairytale?"

"I may be many things.. but being called a gold-digger is such as low blow," I snapped, lifting my chin. "And I won't stand here while you paint me as one."

"Then what is this? Some housewife's revenge scheme? Punishment because the monthly allowance came late? Enlighten me. I may be Matthew Wellington's biggest enemy, but I am a man of honor."

"Well, of course," I shot back, heat rising in my throat. "That's all you men ever see-women as pawns, trophies, arm-candy. I wish I had the time and patience for this chit-chat, Mr. Maine. But sadly, I don't. I thought you'd be willing to find out more about the Manhattan Montgomery Project."

He stiffened, tilting his head as if trying to understand me. "Oh? Well, what about it? Evidence that your slimy bastard of a husband bribed his way into securing the deal? I need to at least know if it's pact-worthy. I'm a very busy man, and if this isn't worth my while, I might end the conversation here."

"Uhmmmmm..." I struggled to mince my words and not disclose too much, or too little.

"What's your motive? If I'm striking this deal with you then it's the least information you could possibly provide"

"Well. My husband is cheating on me. I caught him sharing when I attempted to pay him a surprise visit for his birthday. I'm still in shock at his betrayal and infidelity. I sacrificed my dreams and ambitions for this marriage. All I seek is your assistance" I pleaded. "I have spotted some bits and pieces of evidence here and there, especially pertaining to the bribe offered to lawmakers for the Manhattan Montgomery Project. I can get more information if you'll show me how."

Carlos snorted. "Natasha? That's stale news."

I bit my lips as the fountain of tears ran down my eyes accompanied by a wave of embarrassment. Apparently, all of Manhattan already knew about the affair, except me. Even Madam must have known. The thought stung. I was such a fool.

He reached out with another handkerchief and dabbed my cheeks since I was too struck to use the first he had given me. The customized linen handkerchief smelt husky and domineering, just like him of him, the oud fierce domineering scent, and I saw the embossed insignia on the linen handkerchief, CM.

"I'm so sorry, Sierra. I'm not exactly sure I don't know how it feels to be cheated on as a wife. But I've been betrayed countless times and it's not a position anyone should be in. Certainly not a beautiful woman like you." He added and tilted my head upwards.

I interpreted his words as my father's mantra "Chin up and face your battles"

My voice hardened, my spine was straightening.

" You're right about this. And that's why Matthew Wellington must feel the full fiery heat of my wrath. I'll either destroy him or die trying. With or without your help. So, are you willing to help this betrayed housewife?"

"You've just made the most dangerous proposition of your life." His eyes burned into mine, with a smirk curving his lips, he added, "But my mother taught me never to leave a beautiful woman hanging."

He extended his hand.

"We have a deal, Mrs. Wellington"

"Thank you"

And, for the first time in years I felt a wave of hope and excitement.