"Oh, my god, it feels so damned good to have that bitch out of our lives," Sarah exclaimed excitedly, leaning back into the velvet sofa.
Her bright, red nails tapped rhythmically in the glass she held that was filled with sparkling wine.
Veronica, sitting across from her, chuckled, the corners of her lips twisting into a smirk. "Mission accomplished," she said, reaching for the bottle of exotic wine resting on the glass coffee table.
She poured herself another drink, the golden liquid reflecting the sunlight streaming through the large windows of the Fury mansion. "Let's toast to the end of that nuisance."
Their moment was interrupted as a maid made her appearance at the door, hesitant as if to acknowledge entering an uninvited conversation.
"Madam Veronica," the maid ventured, "is there anything you might need before I leave for the market?"
Veronica's face had hardened. She waved her hand dismissively; her tone was clipped. "No. Go."
The servant nodded and quickly scurried off, shutting the door softly behind her.
Veronica sighed, relieved, and turned back to Sarah. "These girls… always snooping around."
She set the wine bottle down with a clink, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Now, where were we?"
Sarah raised her glass. "To finally getting rid of Nicole," she said, her voice dripping with malice.
"To freedom!" Veronica said, clinking her glass against Sarah's.
Both women tossed the wine down their throats with one gulp, laughing loudly without a care that it was still early in the morning.
Sarah leaned back and let out a sigh of dramatic proportions. "Honestly, I never thought Riley would still marry her after everything we did to stop it. But here we are." She waved her hand around the grand room. "Our dreams have finally come true."
Veronica smiled knowingly. "Men can be stubborn, but even they can't resist the truth when it's shoved in their face. Especially not with the help of a good mother." She winked.
Sarah smirked. "On the eve of their wedding, I thought I had her cornered. I mean, I drugged her at that bachelorette party. I even hired that guy to get all touchy-feely with her."
Her voice lowered conspiratorially. "And those photos we got of them together? I was sure Riley wouldn't go through with it."
Veronica's lips twisted. "Yet, he did. He still married that... low life slut. But we've fixed that now, haven't we?"
Sarah's smile faltered. "I guess." She swirled the remaining drops of wine in her glass, her brow furrowing slightly. "But… what about the baby? What if she—"
Veronica raised a hand, silencing her. "That baby doesn't exist. It was a lie. And even if it did..." She trailed off, her gaze turning icy. "I took care of it."
Sarah's glass froze midway to her lips. "You. took care of it?" she asked in a whispered tone.
Her face spoke volumes with its shock and unease as she stared into Veronica's eyes, searching for a certain expression.
Veronica leaned forward and lowered her voice to near a whisper. "That lowlife doesn't deserve to bring a child into this world. Not my son's child."
Her words were resolute, holding no room for debate. "And don't look at me like that, Sarah. You know she had it coming. That slum girl had the audacity to take Riley from you."
Sarah hesitated, but Veronica's words sank in. She nodded slowly, her resolve hardening. "You're right," she muttered. "She doesn't deserve pity."
"Exactly," Veronica said with satisfaction.
She leaned back in her chair and waved her hand towards the grand staircase. "Now, enough dwelling on that waste of space. Riley's in his study. Why don't you go remind him who the perfect woman is for him?"
Sarah's eyes widened. "You think I should—"
"I think it's about time you stopped playing nice and showed Riley what a good wife looks like," Veronica cut in, her voice razor-sharp. "Go. And don't forget to look your best."
Sarah hesitated for only a moment before standing.
She smoothed down her blouse, tugging the neckline lower to show just enough of her boobs to catch Riley's attention.
She glanced at Veronica, who gave her a reassuring nod, and then turned to make her way up the staircase.
She reached Riley's study, paused to pat her hair by tucking in the edges and fluffing it a bit. Smoothing her lips into a gentle smile, she knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," Riley's deep voice called from inside.
Sarah entered, her heart pounding. Riley was seated at his desk, papers scattered before him, his dark eyes focused intently on a contract.
When he looked up and saw her, his brow furrowed slightly. "Sarah? Is everything okay?"
She closed the door behind her and stepped forward, her voice soft and shaky. "I just… I needed to talk to you."
Riley's gaze softened as he gestured for her to sit. "What's wrong?"
Sarah sat across from him, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "I've been thinking," she began, her voice trembling. "About everything that's happened. About Nicole. And about us."
Riley's expression darkened at the mention of Nicole. Sarah saw her chance and pressed on.
"I just… I feel like I failed you," she said, tears welling up in her eyes. "I should've been there for you. I should've warned you about her."
Riley sighed and leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "Sarah, it's not your fault. None of this is your fault."
"But it is!" she cried, letting the tears fall freely now. She reached out and touched his hand. "You deserve someone who truly cares for you, Riley. Someone who would never lie to you or hurt you."
Riley's hand twitched under hers, but he didn't pull away. "Sarah…"
She sniffled, looking up at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. "I've always cared for you, Riley. I've always wanted what's best for you."
Riley's expression softened even further, and he leaned in, his hand gently squeezing hers. "I know, Sarah. And I appreciate that."
For one fleeting second, Sarah thought she had him. She thought she had finally managed to break through.
Then a knock at the door splintered the moment.
"Mr. Fury," a maid said, poking her head into the room. "The investors you've been waiting for are in the living room.
Riley stood immediately, pulling his hand away from Sarah's. "I'll be right there," he said, grabbing his suit jacket. He turned to Sarah. "We'll talk later, okay?"
Sarah nodded, but as he turned and left the room without so much as a backward glance, her heart sank.
Defeated, she slumped back in her chair, until her gaze landed on Riley's phone, which was still buzzing on the desk.
She picked it up and read the message on the screen, from Nicole: "Riley, please come to the hospital. I was attacked last night. I need you."
For a moment, guilt gnawed at Sarah. But it was short-lived.
She quickly typed out a response: "Don't ever contact me again. I don't care what happens to you."
She hit the 'sent' button and sighed, relief washing over her.
She quickly deleted Nicole's original message and her reply before placing the phone back on the desk.
A wicked smirk crossed her lips as she stood and smoothed down her dress. "Looks like you're truly on your own now, Nicole," she muttered, walking out of the study with her head held high.