My mother-in-law poured something filthy over my wedding dress and left a note: “Know your place.” In front of 200 guests, I put it on anyway, took my father’s arm, and walked down the aisle without shedding a tear. Then I smiled at the groom and whispered, “Your mother forgot one thing — I know the secret that will destroy you both.”

Six months later.

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my new office in downtown Chicago.

After leaving the Whitmore scandal behind, I had accepted a position as the Senior Director of Forensic Audit at Sterling & Croft—one of the premier financial investigation firms in the country. My work was featured in national business journals, and my reputation for absolute integrity had made me one of the most sought-after analysts in the Midwest.

My phone rang on my desk. It was Tessa.

"Morning, CEO," Tessa laughed over the line. "Have you seen the local news today?"

"I've been reviewing quarterly spreadsheets since seven AM," I smiled, leaning back in my executive chair, sipping green tea. "What happened?"

"Eleanor Whitmore's charity resignation went public yesterday," Tessa reported, pure satisfaction in her voice. "The board released a statement confirming that four point two million dollars was 'returned' to the pediatric medical fund. To cover the shortfall, Eleanor had to liquidate her beloved summer villa in Newport!"

"Karma works on a very reliable schedule," I replied softly.

"And what about Daniel?" Tessa asked gently.

"Daniel signed the final annulment papers three months ago," I said. "Last I heard, he moved to a small branch office in Ohio to escape the gossip. His father barely speaks to him."

"And you, Maya?" Tessa asked, her voice softening. "How do you feel?"