Chapter 33

There was no mistaking it now—Jared had become every inch the capitalist. He delegated the daily operations to others, reserving for himself only the big decisions that kept the company on course.

Next to Tracy’s influence, I was still an outsider. And being Jared’s wife put me in this weird spot—not quite part of the team, yet impossible to ignore. People made sure to keep their gossip out of earshot when I was around.

Still, secrets never stayed buried for long.

When I stepped into the restroom, I immediately heard voices outside.

“You think Mrs. Holcomb suddenly decided to work here because she’s feeling insecure?”

“Let’s be real—she’s just a housewife. There’s no way she can compare to Tracy. I mean, Tracy comes from money, she’s highly educated, and top companies are practically fighting over her.”

“Tracy’s Mr. Holcomb’s most valuable employee. Do you really think he would be stupid enough to pick anyone else? Honestly, Mrs. Holcomb should stop making a fuss. Every penny she spends comes from Tracy’s work.”

“Still, you have to admit, Mrs. Holcomb is stunning. Like, next-level gorgeous.”

“Yeah, well, what else would Mr. Holcomb see in her? Just the pretty face, obviously.”

“If I looked like that, I’d never close the bathroom door.”

“Ugh, what do I have to do to get a face like that? Then maybe I could find a husband like Mr. Holcomb—handsome, wealthy, and successful.”

“But what if you had to go up against someone like Tracy?”

“Who cares? As long as he gives me the money—that’s all I’m after.”

“Shhh, let’s get out of here.”

I stayed hidden until the women finished gossiping. It hit me that the whole office knew about Tracy and Jared. Those two made me sick with their shameless affair.

The betrayal cut deep, but what stung worse was my own helplessness. All I could do was choke down my rage for now.

Closing my eyes, I faced reality. Even with this second chance, changing this situation, getting the money, and taking back my life wouldn’t come easily.

The Holcombs moved in different circles. Jared was no average husband, and Tracy combined wealth with ruthless patience and a schemer’s mind.

In my previous life, she’d been the wife in everything but name, commanding Jared’s complete devotion while skillfully managing his business affairs. Without the official title, she nonetheless enjoyed the most enviable life a woman could want.

As the water ran in the background, I gripped the counter, knowing exactly what needed to be done. First came divorce and my fair share of the money. Then I’d walk away from both my daughter and husband for the career and freedom I needed.

The weather turned strange this afternoon. By four o’clock, thick clouds had swallowed the city sky, thunder growling in the distance. I stood at the window, my heart heavier than the storm clouds outside.

Running a business properly required so much more than I’d imagined. Seeing Jared and Tracy’s competence only highlighted how inadequate I was in comparison.

A deep thunderclap shook the air, and suddenly, rain came pelting down, drumming against the windowpanes.

Jared appeared in the doorway without warning. “I had Tracy pick up Yvonne,” he said. “You don’t mind, do you?”

I turned to face the handsome man in his tailored suit. The irony wasn’t lost on me—since when did Jared seek my permission? He’d never bothered before.

“Tracy must be overwhelmed with work already,” I said, forcing gratitude into my smile. “It’s very kind of her to fetch our daughter.”

Jared’s gaze turned searching. “Have you heard any office gossip since you started working here?”