Reclaimed By My Ex-husband

Roberto remained behind, his face tightening. He dialed a number. "Listen carefully," he said in a low voice. "Keep an eye on Miss Riya. I want detailed updates on her whereabouts and actions."

His gut told him she was working with Zachary. Something big was brewing. He could feel it, but until he had evidence, he couldn't tell Nathaniel about his suspicions. Doing so might only damage his credibility.

Slipping the phone back into his pocket, Roberto muttered under his breath, "I'll uncover your secret, no matter what."

With determination etched on his face, he strode out of the office.

~~~~~~~~~

Zara arrived at the Grand Hotel to meet Nicole, her thoughts tangled with questions she couldn't shake off. Why had Nicole chosen her as the head designer when there were surely more experienced candidates available? Was it just a gesture to repay Nathaniel? Or had Nicole genuinely seen potential in her?

Though Zara had decided to accept the position out of gratitude toward her husband, the curiosity still gnawed at her.

She found herself standing outside the presidential suite, hesitating briefly before pressing the doorbell.

The door opened a few seconds later, and Nicole greeted her warmly. "Come in. I've been expecting you."

Nicole stepped aside, holding the door as Zara entered.

"Have a seat. I'll call room service and have them send up two coffees."

As Nicole busied herself with the phone, Zara sat down on the plush sofa and glanced around the room. Her eyes landed on a neatly folded pile of clothes on the bed and an open suitcase beside it. Clearly, Nicole had started packing.

"I've already asked my secretary to prepare the official paperwork," Nicole said as she joined Zara on the sofa. "Once the contract is ready, I'll email it to you for review and signature."

Zara nodded, but her gaze lingered on the suitcase. "You are leaving already?"

Nicole chuckled. "Yes, I only came for the event and, of course, to speak with Nathaniel. I hadn't planned on staying long this time. The main office is chaotic—I've had nonstop calls since last night."

She laughed before adding, "But I'll be back in a few months. Hopefully, by then, the new office here will be up and running."

Zara gave a small nod. "Hopefully," she murmured, then, after a brief pause, she offered thoughtfully, "If you'd like, we can start right away. I run a small company. Our staff is limited, but everyone is skilled and dedicated. You are welcome to use my office space until your new setup is ready. I really don't mind."

Nicole's eyes softened with gratitude. She reached out and gently squeezed Zara's hand. "That's kind of you. I'll speak to my secretary and see that everything is arranged."

Zara hesitated, then glanced at the folder she had been carrying. "Um… I brought some of my sketches. Just thought, maybe, if you had time, you could take a look?"

She handed over the folder cautiously, her expression hopeful.

Nicole took it and began flipping through the pages. As she studied each sketch, her expression brightened, her eyes widening in admiration.

"These are amazing," she whispered, clearly stunned. Looking up at Zara, she asked with genuine disbelief, "Why have you been hiding this talent? You have no idea how extraordinary your work is. I can't believe you have stayed away from the industry for five years. If you had kept going, you'd probably be one of the top designers by now."

Regret flickered in Nicole's eyes for a moment, but it quickly gave way to excitement and hope. "But it's not too late. You will rise to the top. And I'll make sure of it."

She held up the folder. "I'm taking this with me. In a couple of months, I'll be launching my spring collection, and I want these designs to be part of it."

Zara couldn't believe what she had just heard. "Are you sure? You just glanced at them, and…"

Nicole didn't let her finish. "I know exactly what I'm doing, Zara," she cut in firmly. "You've spent years underestimating yourself, burying your dreams beneath the weight of family duties. But that ends now. It's your time to shine."

Zara stared at her, stunned. When she had brought those sketches, she only wanted to show Nicole that she was serious about the job, not some placeholder handed a title out of gratitude to Nathaniel. She never expected Nicole would be this impressed, let alone want to feature her designs in a major collection.

It felt surreal.

So many designers longed for even a single chance to have their work seen by Nicole, let alone selected. And here she was, offering Zara what others would only dare to dream of. But why?

"Why?" Zara asked, dazed. "Why are you so generous to me? Is it because I'm Nathaniel's wife?"

Nicole laughed, shaking her head. She could see the self-doubt still lingering in Zara's heart, and she didn't like it.

"No, Zara. This has nothing to do with Nathaniel," she said. "I'm not doing this out of pity or obligation. I'm doing this because I see you—your skill, your vision, your potential. Not just me, those judges at the event saw it too. You earned this."

She leaned back on the sofa. "Honestly, I went to that event expecting another routine evening. I've been to dozens like it. But I never thought I'd find someone like you there. You are a natural. A rare talent."

Her gaze shone with determination. "I found a treasure. And I'm not letting go. You are mine now—so get ready for the spotlight."

A genuine smile broke across Zara's face. Nicole's words cracked through the layers of doubt she had carried since last night.

Nicole hadn't chosen her just out of obligation to Nathaniel. She had seen her talent. And that realization filled Zara with a quiet confidence she had almost forgotten she had.

"Thank you for believing in me," she said with newfound confidence. "I promise I won't let you down."

"That's what I want to hear. And now," with a glint of excitement in her eyes, Nicole added, "it's time you start preparing for the grand opening of our new branch. The wedding season is just around the corner. I want the launch event to showcase wedding gowns. Something elegant, timeless, breathtaking. It should leave everyone speechless."

Zara nodded, already imagining the flowing fabrics and intricate designs in her mind. "Leave it to me. I'll get started right away."

~~~~~~~~~~

Riya slipped into Nathaniel's office while he was still busy in a meeting. This was what she had been looking for.

Wasting no time, she began looking for the file Zachary had mentioned. She scanned the shelves, her fingers quickly flipping through stacks of documents and files piled neatly across the desk. She yanked open drawers one after another, her movements growing more urgent with each passing second.

Then she froze.

There, tucked slightly under a stack of folders, was a blue file—marked in bold, capital letters: CONFIDENTIAL.

Her heart leapt. With trembling hands, she pulled it out and opened it.

The first page alone confirmed everything. The overseas company Zachary had spoken of was right there in black and white.

A victorious smile curled on her lips. "Found it," she whispered. This was exactly what she had been looking for.