“I took what belonged to me,” she said smoothly.

“The consulting fees you promised me six months ago.”

“The ones you kept delaying.”

“I loved you,” Adrian said, his voice cracking.

“I gave up everything for you.”

“I left Claire.”

Serena laughed, a short, sharp sound that echoed in the quiet corner of the lounge.

“You left Claire because she was too smart for you, Adrian,” she said.

“And because you thought I would make you look better at the gala dinners.”

“You never loved me.”

“You loved the idea of a woman who didn’t ask questions about your failing balance sheets.”

Adrian stared at her, his mouth slightly open.

“That’s not true,” he whispered.

“I trusted you.”

“Then you are a fool,” Serena said.

She leaned back, her eyes cold as flint.

“The Bennett name is worthless now.”

“Your board is ready to oust you.”

“Your creditors are calling the office every ten minutes.”

“Did you really think I was going to stay and watch you drown?”

I watched Adrian’s shoulders slump.

The realization seemed to hit him like a physical blow.