Reclaimed By My Ex-husband

Those words reminded her of what he had told her. A chill slid down her spine.

"Nathaniel isn't at home," Zachary continued. "His assistant met with an accident this morning. Likely dead. He is busy dealing with the police. It's the perfect opportunity. You'll go to his place, slip into his study, and get me the details on the tender he has been working on."

Riya's pulse quickened. The idea of breaking into Nathaniel's study turned her stomach. If someone caught her stealing confidential information from his study, she would be doomed. But saying no to Zachary wasn't an option she could afford.

Her lips were dry as she forced herself to answer. "I'll get the information. But… I need one more favor from you."

There was a pause. "Go on," Zachary said.

"I have… someone to kill Zara," she said cautiously. "Once the job is done, you have to get rid of him, too."

Zachary had already learned that she had met Jaxon at the hotel and suspected she was plotting something, but he hadn't imagined her scheme would be this vicious.

Kill Zara?

He smirked coldly. If Riya's plan ever came to light, she would be ruined.

"Get it done," Zachary said carelessly. "If I land the deal, I'll back you up."

The line went dead.

Riya exhaled in relief. Being his woman didn't seem so bad after all. He might be violent, ruthless, but he gave her what Nathaniel never did: a sense of being wanted, of being seen.

She was even starting to enjoy it. Since Nathaniel had no regard for her feelings, she no longer cared what kind of trouble he might end up in.

"You made me do this, Nathaniel," she muttered. "This is the price you'll pay for not caring about my feelings."

At the accident site…

"Sir," his secretary edged closer, "you have a meeting with the client. Do you still want to go? Shall I arrange clothes?"

Nathaniel lifted his hand sharply, cutting her off without turning. His focus was still fixed on the cordoned-off zone, where men in orange vests moved deliberately, combing ruins and searching for signs of Roberto.

A dozen thoughts spun in his head. He couldn't focus on anything, let alone thinking about securing a deal.

"Postpone it," he said flatly. "Until I hear something about Roberto, I'm not leaving this place. Call the client and explain. Try to get tomorrow's appointment."

The woman nodded quickly.

"Bring me something to wear. And food," he added brusquely.

"Of course. I'll be right back." She hurried off.

Left alone, Nathaniel stood with his arms folded, the faint crease between his brows deeper than usual. The sudden ringing of his phone almost jolted him.

He pulled it from his pocket and saw Zara's name.

He stared at it for a second, thumb hovering, before pressing decline.

Not now. He'd explain later; she'd understand.

Sliding the phone back into his pocket, he stepped toward the officer. "Officer…"

On the other end, Zara sat staring at her phone, worry gnawing at her chest.

Nathaniel had rushed out that morning in such a hurry, without explaining anything to her. Since then, her thoughts had been restless, circling him. She had tried to distract herself, but nothing held her focus.

Each passing hour only made the unease heavier. At last, dialed his number, unable to hold back, even though she knew he hated being interrupted at work.

The call barely rang before he cut it off. It was expected.

Her shoulders sank, and she let out a long, weary sigh, whispering to herself, 'I hope you are alright.'

"Mommy." A cheerful little voice broke through her worries. Zane came running in, his small arms wrapping around her waist.

Zara's face softened instantly. She bent down with a smile, brushing her fingers through his hair. "You are back. What did you do at school today? You look so happy."

"I am," he chirped, eyes shining. "I told my friends about the toy house. They all want to see it. Can I invite them over?"

She laughed softly. "Of course, you can."

"Yay… Mommy is the best," he shouted, bouncing with pure joy.

His excitement filled the room, chasing away the heaviness in her heart.

"What makes you so happy?" The cheerful air in the room shifted the moment a sharp, all-too-familiar voice cut through.

Zara's smile fell. She turned and found Riya standing at the door, her presence souring her mood.

"You?" Zara muttered, rising to her feet.

"Yes, it's me." Riya shifted her attention toward Zane. "Hey, Zane, come here."

She bent down, hand outstretched in an almost affectionate gesture.

Zane, innocent and unaware of the tension between the two women, skipped happily over to her.

"I heard about your toy house," Riya said, slipping her hand around his small fingers. "Can you show me around?"

Zane's face lit up. "Yes. Come with me," he exclaimed, tugging her eagerly out of the room.

A knot tightened in Zara's stomach as she watched them leave. Something about Riya's sudden appearance unsettled her. Was she truly here for the toy house? Or was there another reason?

She followed, fearing Riya would hurt Zane. By the time she reached the toy house, Zane was already pointing out his treasures with pride, his little voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

"Wow," Riya said, feigning amazement. "You have so many toys. Did your daddy buy a whole toy shop for you?"

Zane puffed out his chest with pride. "Daddy can buy anything for me."

Riya's smile sharpened as she caught a glimpse of Zara entering through her peripheral view. "Yes, of course he will. But when you have a little sister or brother, your daddy won't spoil you this much anymore."

She added those words deliberately to see Zara's reaction.

But her words hurt Zane's innocent heart. His smile wavered, his eyes clouding with worry. "Are you saying Daddy won't love me anymore?"

"What nonsense are you teaching the child?" Zara snapped as she stormed forward, pulling Zane protectively into her arms. Fury flared instantly in her chest as she shot a stern glare at Riya.

When she turned to Zane, she softened her tone. "No, sweetheart, it's not like that. Daddy and Mommy will always love you, no matter what."

She smoothed his hair. When she lifted her eyes again at Riya, they burned. "Have you completely lost your sense? If you can't speak properly to a child, stay away from my son."

Riya tilted her head with a pitiful pout. "Why are you so angry? I only meant he should learn to share when he has siblings. Am I wrong?"

"That's not how it sounded," Zara shot back, her chest rising with restrained fury. She released Zane, then stepped closer to Riya. "I know exactly what you are doing." Her words dropped to a near whisper. "You are trying to fill his head with poison. He is just a child."

She took another step, eyes blazing with a deadly warning. "Don't dare. This is the last time I'm telling you. Push me again, and you'll see the worst of me."