Chapter 2

Julian guided Chloe Sinclair through the private terminal at JFK, his hand firmly on her arm. The rain was still coming down hard. “Damn paparazzi,” he muttered, more to himself than to Chloe. “Can’t a man help a friend without it becoming a headline?” Chloe leaned into him slightly, her expression a careful mix of vulnerability and gratitude. “Oh Julian, you’re a lifesaver. I don’t know what I would have done.” His priority was clear: Chloe was here, Chloe needed him. Evelyn, his wife, was an afterthought.

He’d send Evelyn a text. She’d understand. She always did. Evelyn was… accommodating. Quiet. Never made a fuss. He figured she was probably home, maybe a little annoyed he missed her birthday dinner, but she’d get over it. He’d buy her something nice tomorrow. A bracelet, maybe. That usually worked. His mind was already on the meetings scheduled for the next day, the deals to be closed. Chloe’s return was an unexpected complication, but also, perhaps, an opportunity.

At the penthouse, Julian tossed his wet coat onto a chair. Chloe shivered dramatically. “Let me get you a towel, and maybe something of Evelyn’s to change into? She won’t mind.” He didn’t even consider asking Evelyn. He just assumed. Chloe smiled sweetly. “You’re too kind, Julian.” She looked around the opulent living room, a possessive glint in her eyes. This was the life she felt she deserved, the life she’d almost had. Evelyn’s things were tasteful, but understated. Chloe imagined her own touch here.

The next morning, Evelyn packed a small suitcase. Essentials only. She looked at her reflection. The woman staring back was tired, but her eyes held a new light. A spark of determination. She was leaving the penthouse. She’d found a small, furnished apartment hotel in Midtown. It wasn’t much, but it was hers. A fresh start. A place where she wasn’t waiting for someone who never truly came home.

Her phone rang. Chloe Sinclair. Evelyn let it ring for a moment, then answered. “Evelyn, darling,” Chloe’s voice was syrupy sweet. “I just wanted to call and see if you’re alright. Julian was so worried when he couldn’t reach you last night after, well, after he helped me.” The implication was clear: Julian’s concern was for Chloe, and Evelyn was an inconvenient detail. “I heard he had to rush off to your side. Such a good friend, Julian.” The words were laced with a subtle possessiveness, a gentle staking of a claim.

Evelyn wasn’t playing this game. Not anymore. “I’m fine, Chloe.” Her voice was cool, devoid of the warmth Chloe was trying to elicit. She hung up. A moment later, her phone rang again. Chloe. Evelyn answered, but this time, she spoke first. “Actually, Chloe, I was about to call you.”

Chloe’s voice sharpened, the sweetness vanishing. “Oh? What about?” She sounded like a cat whose prey had suddenly bared its teeth. Evelyn took a breath. “I have a proposition for you. Something I think you’ll find very interesting.” “I’m listening,” Chloe said, her tone now wary, suspicious. “You want Julian,” Evelyn stated, no emotion in her voice. “I’m going to give him to you.”

A beat of silence on the other end. Then, a surprised, slightly breathless, “What?” Evelyn could almost hear the calculations whirring in Chloe’s mind. “I’m divorcing him,” Evelyn continued. “And you’re going to help me.” This was not how Chloe had envisioned things. She’d expected a fight, tears, a messy emotional battle. Not this. Not this cold, calculated offer. Evelyn’s unexpected move threw her off balance, but also presented a tantalizingly quick path to her goal.