The doctor lowering her mask at my abortion consultation was my husband's sister—and hours later, I filed to divorce Chicago's most feared man.

Twenty minutes later, Vanessa walked into Luke’s corner office, clutching a designer handbag, an innocent, concerned smile on her face.

"Luke, darling, Mark was so aggressive. What happened? Did you find Sophia?"

Luke stood by the panoramic window overlooking the frozen Chicago skyline. He didn't turn around. "Three years ago, Vanessa, why did you leave for Paris?"

Vanessa’s smile wavered slightly. "Luke, we talked about this. My modeling career—"

"You left because my mother paid your agency’s half-million-dollar debt," Luke interrupted, turning slowly to face her. His gaze was venomous. "And you came back two weeks ago because your European investors dried up, and my mother promised you that Sophia was weak enough to be pushed out."

Vanessa went pale. "Luke, that's absurd! I’ve always loved you! Your mother only wanted what was best for the family—"

"Get out," Luke said.

"Luke—"

"If you ever step foot inside my home, my offices, or near my wife again," Luke stepped forward, his presence suffocating the entire room, "I will systematically bankrupt every single account associated with your name. I will ruin your family’s foundation by morning."

"You're defending her?" Vanessa shrieked, shedding her poised facade. "She filed for divorce! She doesn't want you! She threw away your child, Luke! Elena told your mother everything! She destroyed your baby!"

Luke gripped Vanessa’s wrist with terrifying precision—not enough to bruise, but enough to freeze her in place.

"If you speak of my child again," Luke whispered, his tone chillingly venomous, "you will find out exactly why this city fears me. Now run."

Vanessa tore her arm away and fled the office, her heels clicking frantically against the marble floor.

Luke turned to Mark, who stood by the door. "Where is Elena?"