Chapter 17
Nosh had already begin to regret marrying Patricia
But after receiving a package from the private lowestigator, that regret surged into full–blown disgust.
Inside the folder were photos and a detailed report.
The photos were so explicit, anyone who didn’t know better would have thought they were stills from an X–rated film.
And the woman front and center in every single shot was none other than his seemingly sweet, Innocent newlywed wife, Patricia. In each photo, she was tangled up with different men, her smile seductive, her behavior shamelessly depraved
The attached report made everything crystal clear. Patricia wasn’t some innocent nobody. She had a polished image, but her past was messy and lourd enough to make headlines.
She was never his sweet college junior. She had been a high–end escort, packaged to appeal to wealthy clients.
Noah’s chest tightened as the truth settled in. He had thrown away Calista, who had loved him faithfully for over a decade, only to marry someone as disgraceful as Patricia
And now, because of her, Sheldon Group was on the brink of bankruptcy. Noah was so furious he could hardly breathe.
Without wasting a second, he drove straight back to their apartment and threw the photos in Patricia’s face.
Patricia refused to admit it. Instead, she looked at Noah with wide, tearful eyes, playing the victim.
“Noah, where did these come from? They’re fake, clearly edited! You know my past. You know what I’ve been through. Do you really think this is something I’d ever do?”
Her voice cracked as she spoke, eyes filling with fake bears.
Then, as if something had just occurred to her, she snapped, “It was Calista, wasn’t it? She must’ve hired someone to fake all this and send it to you. She’s jealous that I married you and wanted to tear us apart. This is her doing!”
Watching Patricia still try to talk her way out of it despite the evidence, Nods felt like a complete fool. He couldn’t believe he had fallen for the innocent act she had so carefully put on.
“Photos can be edited. But what about audio? What about video? Want to tell me these are edited, too?”
Without another word, Noah pulled out a flash drive containing both audio and video files. His fingers trembled slightly as he plugged it in and hit play.
The moment the serven lit up, the content was downright obscene. In the audio, Patricia called different men “darling” in the same syrupy tone she once used on him.
The videos were even worse. She straddled man after man, her expression brazen and seductive.
Once the evidence was on the table, Patricia had nothing left to say.
Noah didn’t hesitate. He called his lawyer and had the divorce agreement drafted that very night. And he made it clear–Patricia would walk away with nothing.
At first, Patricia refused to sign. She fell back on her usual tactic. She cried, accusing Noch of betraying her love. She insisted she couldn’t live without him and bogged him not to be so cruel.
Noah let out a cold laugh, then slapped her without a second of regret.
When Patricia realized there was no saving it, that Noah was fully resolved to end the marriage, she dropped the act completely. The fake sweetness vanished, and the mask she had worn for so long finally shattered.
Patricia shrieked, her voice sharp and venomous. “You really think you can throw me out with nothing? Drein on, Noah! No matter who I used to be, I’m your legal wide now. Skeldon Group is marital property. If you want a divorce, fine–but I’m taking half.”
Her eyes narrowed, and her voice dropped with menace. You wouldn’t want this to blow up in the press, would you? Your company’s already hanging by a thread. One headline and it’s over.”
Noah stared at Patricia, her eyes glinting like a snake ready to strike. He let out a bitter laugh and muttered, “You really are ruthless, Patricia I’ll give you
She scoffed. “And you’re not? Calista stuck by your side for years, and what was shie to you? Just an assistant. She loved you with everything she had. But how did you treat her? Don’t pretend you’re any better than me, we’re the same.
How words hit him
punch to the chest. They cut straight into the guilt he tried to bury. His fingers trembled slightly, but he swallowed the anger.
No eventually gave in and agreed to Patricia’s demand for half of his assets.
They both signed the divorce agreement, and the next morning, they officially finalized it at the courthouse and received their divorce certificate.
Patricia left the building practically glowing, already imagining how she would spend her newly acquired fortune
But she didn’t get far
Hours later, Noah’s people found her and knocked her unconscious
Chapter
When she came to, she found herself in one of Alderan’s filthiest underground clubs.
The place was infamous for its arsenal of cruel methods, each more depraved than the last. Most who walked through its doors weren’t there for fun. They came with a hunger for torment and a fetish for control.
Noah stood outside, hands in his coat pockets, his lips twisted in a merciless smile. This was the place he had chosen for her. This was her paradise.
He had built everything from the ground up, rising from nothing to become the ruthless president of Skeldon Group.
Calista had helped him a great deal along the way, but he hadn’t climbed to the top by playing nice.
When it came to being ruthless, no one played the game better than he did not even Patricia, the woman he once loved most.
