Chapter 26

★★★ NEW YORK AIRPORT ★★★

As Lydia walked out of the airport with her twins, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. They had finally arrived in New York, and she was eager to start their new life. She adjusted her glasses and pulled out her phone, dialing Sandra's number.

"Hey, Sandra! We've arrived!" Lydia exclaimed, trying to contain her excitement.

"Ah, wonderful! I'm so glad you made it safely," Sandra replied, her voice warm and welcoming. "Now, if you look around, you should see a taxi waiting for you. I've arranged for a car to take you to your new home, so you don't have to worry about a thing."

Lydia scanned the crowded airport, her eyes scanning the sea of yellow cabs until she spotted one with a sign that read "Sandra's Taxi" on the side. She smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her friend.

"Ah, I see it! Thank you so much, Sandra. You've thought of everything," Lydia said, her voice filled with appreciation.

"Of course, dear! I want to make sure you and the twins are comfortable and settled in. You've got enough on your plate with the move and helping me is a lot from you. Don't worry about a thing, I've got everything under control," Sandra reassured her.

Lydia felt a weight lift off her shoulders as she made her way towards the taxi, her twins chattering excitedly in her arms. She knew that with Sandra's help, they would be just fine in this new city and make Rita see that she's very wrong.

As they drove away from the airport, Lydia took in the sights and sounds of the bustling city, feeling a sense of excitement and possibility. She knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, and she was ready to embrace it with open arms.

*************

Marcus walked into a dimly lit room, the security lock clicking open with his fingerprint. He wore a face mask that made him look entirely different, an effective disguise for his secretive operations. As he entered, he picked up his phone and dialed a number. It rang twice before Lily answered.

"Hey, Mark," she said, her voice warm and affectionate.

"Hi, darling," Marcus replied smoothly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "How's my favorite girl doing?"

Lily giggled. "Missing you, of course. When are we meeting again?"

"Soon," Marcus promised. "I have some things to take care of first, but I can't wait to see you."

"I can't wait either," Lily said softly. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Marcus chuckled. "Flattery will get you everywhere, you know that?"

They shared a few more moments of intimate conversation before ending the call. As soon as he hung up, Marcus's expression shifted to one of malicious satisfaction. He touched the scar on his neck, a reminder of the pain and chaos he thrived on. His thoughts drifted to Cassandra, and a dark smirk spread across his face.

***********

At exactly 12 PM, the internet exploded with brutal comments and revelations about the fraudulent activities that had plagued the Cross Company for years. Social media was awash with outrage and disgust, news outlets picking up the story and broadcasting it to millions. The hashtag #CrossCompanyFraud was trending within minutes.

Alexander sat in his office, feeling as if the walls were closing in on him.

His world was spinning out of control, the ground beneath him slipping away.

The damning reports were too detailed, too accurate—someone had fed this information to the press deliberately.

He felt choked, gasping for breath as he struggled to comprehend the full extent of the disaster.

His phone rang incessantly with calls from panicked employees and furious clients.

. The only shareholder who had stuck with him through thick and thin had just withdrawn their support, leaving him utterly alone.

In desperation, Alexander dialed Cassandra's number. "We need to talk," he said, his voice shaking. "Please, meet me at Cross and Boom Hotel. It's urgent."

★★★ Cross and Boom Hotel ★★★

I arrived at the hotel with a sense of anticipation, knowing that the tables had finally turned. Alexander was already there, looking like a shadow of his former self. His face was pale, his eyes hollow. He stood up as I approached, his body language screaming defeat.

"Sit down, Alexander," I said, my tone cold and commanding.

He obeyed, sinking back into his chair. I could see the struggle in his eyes as he tried to maintain some semblance of dignity. But it was a losing battle.

"You wanted to talk about a partnership?" I asked, my voice dripping with mockery. "The wife you once disgusted is now your saving grace?"

Alexander swallowed hard, his pride shattered. "Cassandra, please. I know I've wronged you. I was a terrible husband, and I hurt you in ways I can't even begin to apologize for. But my company... my life is falling apart. You're the only one who can help me."

I leaned back, crossing my arms. "And why should I help you, Alexander? After everything you did to me?"

He hesitated, then did something I never thought I'd see. He knelt in front of me, his head bowed. "Please, Cassandra. I'm begging you. I need your help. Partner with me, buy the company, whatever you want. Just don't let everything I've worked for go to waste."

I stared at him, the image of him on his knees seared into my mind. It was a powerful moment, one I had longed for. "You want me to help you? Fine. But on my terms."

Alexander looked up, hope flickering in his eyes. "Anything. I'll do anything."

"Good," I said, standing up. "Because I don't plan on just partnering with you. I'm buying your company, and you will work as my assistant. You will answer to me, and you will see what true power looks like."

His face twisted in a mix of shock and humiliation. "Cassandra, you can't—"

"Oh, but I can," I interrupted sharply. "And I will. This is the price you pay for your arrogance and cruelty. This is what it means to fall from grace."

He lowered his head, defeated. "I understand," he whispered. "I accept your terms."

I smiled, a cold, victorious smile. "Good. We have a deal then. Welcome to your new reality, Alexander."

As I walked out of the hotel, I felt a sense of triumph. The storm had struck, and I was its driving force. Alexander's submission was complete, and my revenge was just beginning.