He Tried to Cheat Me, I Took Back My Rights

Chapter 3 Hidden Bargains

The email confirming that the rural gallery project had won an award came the same day Carl Gilmore invited me to collaborate.

"I looked over the museum project," he said. "You earned that award." He paused, then added, "The Institute of Architects is holding its annual gala next weekend. Half the industry will be there. Interested?"

"I am," I said.

But the moment I stepped into the ballroom, the whispers started.

"She's got some nerve, showing up here."

"I heard that project only won because she got cozy with Carl..."

"She's pretty enough, I guess. Maybe that's the only talent she has."

I moved toward a quieter corner of the room. Carl was surrounded by people across the room, but he caught sight of me and gave me a small nod.

"Well, if it isn't our rising star designer, Zoey."

Sasha walked over with Mateo at her side, her arm looped through his.

"Zoey, what a surprise." Her gaze dragged over me from head to toe. "That dress looks familiar... Last season, right?"

Then she gave a soft sigh, all fake sympathy. "But I guess that makes sense. Starting your own career can't be easy. Money must be tight. If you're that desperate, I can send over a few things. I never even wear half my clothes. They're just wasting closet space."

A few people nearby let out quiet, amused laughs.

I stepped closer until my mouth was almost beside her ear.

"The Westside payment went through a shell company no one's ever heard of. The registered agent's last name is Galvan. That's your cousin, right?"

All the color drained from Sasha's face.

"Misappropriated project funds. Falsified books." I leaned back and looked at her. "So tell me, if that gets out, do you think Mateo's company survives the month?"

"Bullshit!" Sasha snapped, but her voice cracked halfway through.

I said nothing after that. I just looked at her.

At that moment, Carl walked over.

"Zoey, the chairman's over there. Want to come say hi?"

Once we were out of earshot, I thanked him under my breath.

Carl glanced back over his shoulder. "What did you say to her? She looked like she'd seen a ghost."

"I had someone look into their books."

"That explains it." He went quiet for a beat. "Then be careful. A man like Mateo won't just sit there and take the loss."

I knew that.

From that moment on, this was no longer just a divorce.

That night, at Larsen Villa, Sasha was crying so hard she could barely breathe.

"How does she know? Mateo, what are we supposed to do?"

He stopped pacing and turned toward her, his expression so dark that she fell silent.

He forced my name out through clenched teeth. "Zoey. Smarter than I gave you credit for."

"This is your fault!" Sasha snapped back. "You're the one who told me to come for her! And now she's got leverage on us!"

"Leverage?" Mateo let out a cold laugh. "That only matters if she lives long enough to use it."

He sneered. "She wants to be a designer, doesn't she? She wants to make a name for herself in this city? Fine. I'll make sure everybody knows her name."

Then he said it like a vow. "I gave you every chance, Zoey. You chose this."