I sit across from Alex in the dim glow of Le Parfum, the restaurant where I’d planned to surprise him just yesterday—before I saw him at another table, laughing with a woman whose hand lingered too long on his thigh. Now, I swirl my wine, watching him lie with perfect ease. 'Just home all day,' he says. 'Working.'

I smile. Soft. Cold. 'You didn’t step out even once?'

'No, love. Why?' He reaches for my hand.

I let him take it—but don’t return the squeeze. 'No reason. Just checking.'

Later, alone in my office, I dial my father. 'I’m ending it with Alex.'

'You will not.' His voice is steel. 'That merger closes next week. You’ll smile and marry him, or you’ll watch this company fall.'

I hang up. Then open my laptop. Lidia already sent the file.

I click upload.

The screen counts down: 3… 2… 1…

Let them burn.