The Return of the Neglected Wife

If there's one thing I've learned about Nixus over the years, it's that he doesn't take kindly to being outmaneuvered. In business, in life—everything with him was about control. And when that control was threatened, he didn't retreat. He attacked.

So when I partnered with one of his most formidable rivals, James Donovan, I knew it would set off a chain reaction. But what I hadn't anticipated was how viciously Nixus would react. He never liked losing. And losing to me? Well, that was something he couldn't stomach.

James Donovan was the CEO of an emerging tech company, known for his sharp mind and ruthlessness in business. He'd approached me months ago with a proposal, an offer I couldn't refuse. Unlike Nixus, James was a businessman first and foremost. He didn't view women as pawns, and he didn't try to manipulate those around him to serve his needs. He wanted to work with me because he respected what I had built, and that respect was something I'd learned to value.

For the past few weeks, I had been quietly negotiating with James, keeping everything under wraps, knowing how Nixus would react if he found out. But when James' company made a formal offer to merge with mine, I knew the time had come to make it public.

The deal was massive. It was a turning point for my company—expanding our reach into new markets, leveraging James' advanced technology to push my brand into the future. It was the kind of opportunity that would catapult us to the top, and I knew that partnering with him would give me the leverage I needed to take down Nixus once and for all.

I could already feel the familiar flutter of anxiety in my chest as I walked into the press conference. The room was packed, the air thick with the buzz of reporters, investors, and executives eager to hear the announcement. I was no stranger to public scrutiny, but today felt different. Today, I was taking a step that would alter the course of my career—and possibly my life.

James stood next to me, a picture of confidence. He looked every bit the part of a visionary CEO, dressed in a tailored suit, his dark hair neatly combed back. He had a way of making those around him feel at ease, a calm presence that balanced my more fiery personality. I couldn't help but admire that about him.

I could sense the eyes of the room on us as we stepped up to the podium. The press conference had already started, but it wasn't until I took the microphone that the crowd went silent, waiting for me to speak.

"Good afternoon," I said, my voice steady, but my heart thundering in my chest. "I'm Malia Brown, CEO of Brown Enterprises, and I'm proud to announce a partnership with Donovan Technologies. This collaboration marks the beginning of a new era for both of our companies. Together, we will revolutionize the industry."

The applause was instant, but my mind was elsewhere. I was already bracing for the inevitable backlash. I knew Nixus wouldn't just let this slide. He would come after me in a way I couldn't predict, a way that would make this entire ordeal far more complicated than I had intended.

As we finished the press conference, I exchanged a look with James. He gave me a reassuring smile, but even he couldn't ignore the tension in the room. The air felt heavy, thick with the weight of what was about to unfold.

That evening, I received the first taste of what Nixus' retaliation would look like.

I had just finished a meeting with my team when a phone call from my assistant interrupted the conversation.

"Ms. Brown, there's something you need to see," Sarah said, her voice tight with unease.

"Sarah, what's going on?" I asked, alarm bells ringing in my mind.

"There's a gala tonight, hosted by one of Nixus' business associates. We've just been informed that he's—well, he's planning something. There's a speech scheduled for later, and word is, Nixus will be addressing the crowd. We think it's about the merger with Donovan Technologies."

My stomach dropped. I knew what this meant. Nixus was about to make his move.

The gala was one of those over-the-top events, held at one of the city's most exclusive venues. The kind of place where billionaires and celebrities rubbed elbows, their smiles as polished as their suits. I could feel the weight of every step I took as I entered the ballroom, the high ceilings and ornate chandeliers casting a golden glow over the sea of glittering guests.

I was here because I had a stake in the evening's success. Donovan Technologies had invited me to attend, and I had agreed—mostly to solidify our deal further, to show the world that we were a force to be reckoned with. But as I looked around, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. I could feel Nixus' presence even before I saw him. It was like an electric charge in the air, a tension that was almost palpable.

And then, there he was.

Nixus stood at the front of the room, surrounded by a group of well-dressed executives. His sharp jawline was set in that familiar, impervious expression, his eyes scanning the crowd like he was measuring each person's worth. When our gazes met across the room, I could see the flicker of recognition in his eyes—followed by something colder, something darker. He wasn't just angry. He was furious.

He strode toward me with purpose, his every step measured and deliberate. His presence cut through the room like a blade. And when he reached me, he didn't waste time with pleasantries.

"You think you can get away with this?" he hissed under his breath, his voice low enough that only I could hear. His eyes burned with fury. "You think you can make a deal with Donovan and not suffer the consequences?"

I met his gaze, standing my ground despite the fire that burned inside me. "I'm not your property, Nixus. And you don't control my choices."

He smirked, the curve of his lips more menacing than charming. "We'll see about that, won't we?"

I didn't have time to respond before he was whisked away by one of his associates, his sharp eyes never leaving me.

It wasn't until later in the evening that I realized just how far Nixus was willing to go to make his point.

The gala had started to wind down, but I could still feel the buzz of excitement in the air. People were networking, discussing deals, and exchanging pleasantries. I was standing by the bar with James, having a quiet conversation, when a hush fell over the crowd. The lights dimmed slightly, and a spotlight fell on Nixus as he took the stage.

I braced myself, knowing exactly what was coming. Nixus didn't do anything without a purpose.

"Ladies and gentlemen," his voice boomed over the microphone, smooth and controlled. "Thank you for being here tonight. It's a pleasure to have so many esteemed guests in one place."

I watched from the side as Nixus' gaze swept over the crowd, his posture perfect, every word carefully crafted. But there was an edge to his speech that wasn't there before. He wasn't here to congratulate anyone. He was here to make a point.

"We've seen many changes in this city over the years," he continued, his eyes scanning the room. "But some things never change. Some people—" He paused, just long enough for the crowd to feel the weight of his words. "—are still driven by greed and ambition. Even at the expense of others."

My heart skipped a beat. I knew exactly who he was talking about. He was talking about me.

"And when those people think they can simply take what isn't theirs, they will learn that there is a price to pay," Nixus added, his gaze now directly focused on me. The room fell completely silent as the spotlight shifted to my face.

I felt my stomach twist into knots. His voice rang out again, this time with a chilling, almost gleeful tone. "Take for example, the recent merger between Brown Enterprises and Donovan Technologies. A deal made in the shadows, without regard for the companies and individuals it affects."

The crowd began to murmur, the tension in the room palpable. The humiliation was unmistakable, and I could feel every set of eyes trained on me. James was by my side in an instant, his jaw clenched as he watched Nixus tear into me with calculated precision.

I could see the gleam in Nixus' eyes, the satisfaction in his gaze as he watched me squirm. This was his revenge. This was his way of proving that no one, not even me, could escape his reach.

But what Nixus didn't realize was that the more he tried to tear me down, the more he pushed me to rise.

I stood tall, straightening my shoulders, determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing me falter. And when the spotlight flickered away from me and the crowd began to disperse, I knew that this wasn't over. It was just beginning.

The night ended in a blur of whispers and lingering glances, but I knew that this battle was far from over. Nixus had shown me exactly what I was up against. And now, I had to make sure I came out on top—no matter the cost.

As I walked out of the venue, hand in hand with James, I couldn't help but think about what Nixus had said. He was trying to destroy me. But the more he tried, the more he proved that he feared me. And that, I realized, was my power.

I wasn't backing down. Not now. Not ever.