The view from the top-floor president's office dwarfed that of Cherry's, commanding a vista of nearly half of Ocean City.

Sullivan Sinclair stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, his back to the door, his posture rigid with an unmistakable weight.


Cherry knocked and entered, her steps measured, stopping a few paces behind him.

"President Sinclair," she addressed him formally.

Sullivan turned slowly, his gaze complex as it fell upon her. Today's sharp-edged executive was a stark contrast to yesterday's vulnerable bride—she looked like a warrior armed for battle.


He'd already heard about her performance at the project meeting—more assertive and brilliant than he'd anticipated.

"I hear you gave Winston Zachary quite a shock at the project meeting," Sullivan began, his tone carefully neutral.


"I'm merely fulfilling my duties as Vice President—clarifying bottlenecks and pushing for progress," Cherry replied coolly. "If Zachary sees this as a power play, it only shows how lax his work has been."

Sullivan sat behind his desk, fingers unconsciously tapping the surface. "Winston is a company veteran. He's been with my father for over a decade. Sometimes, tact is required."

"Sinclair Corp may be a family business, but it's also publicly traded," Cherry met his gaze unflinchingly. "Shouldn't efficiency and results come before personal loyalties? If veterans become obstacles to growth, will you continue protecting them regardless?"

Her pointed questions left Sullivan momentarily speechless. He realized he could no longer handle this version of Cherry with the same approach he'd used with her docile former self.

"Fine, even if you're right." Sullivan changed the subject, pushing a document toward her. "The government plans to build a tech industrial park on the east district land—crucial for our new energy projects. Our main competitor is Horizon Group. You'll attend the bidding briefing with me next Friday."

This wasn't a request but a directive—and a test to see if she could handle more complex business situations.

Cherry picked up the document and quickly scanned it. Horizon Group was Sinclair Corp's longtime rival—this would be an intense confrontation. "No problem. I'll prepare thoroughly."

"Also," Sullivan paused, his tone carrying a barely perceptible caution, "Victoria Skye… she's staying at Lakeside Apartments for now. I trust you won't disturb her."

Cherry's fingers, flipping through the document, paused momentarily before resuming their rhythm.

She raised her eyes, the corner of her lips curling into a faint, mocking smile. "President Sinclair worries too much. As long as she and her child don't actively appear before me, challenging what little dignity I have left as Mrs. Sinclair, I have no interest in where someone who can't bear the light of day chooses to hide."

Her casual tone was like a fine needle, precisely piercing Sullivan's carefully maintained composure. His expression darkened, but he merely waved his hand. "Get back to work."

Cherry turned and left without a backward glance.

The moment the door closed behind her, the mask of calm slipped from her face, replaced by cold determination.

Sullivan was still protecting Victoria Skye—expected, but infuriating. This only strengthened her resolve to gain the upper hand as quickly as possible.

Back in her office, Cherry immediately dove into researching the East City land plot and Horizon Group.

She assembled a small team of trusted subordinates, assigning them to gather intelligence, analyze Horizon's likely pricing strategies, and identify competitive advantages and weaknesses.

Her focus and efficiency were stunning. Even subordinates who had been skeptical found themselves swept up in her intensity.

Meanwhile, she didn't neglect another crucial matter. She picked up her personal phone and dialed a number.

"I need you to investigate someone—Victoria Skye. I want everything: background, family, education, work history, and especially when and how she met Sullivan Sinclair. Be thorough."

A steady male voice replied: "Understood, Miss Thorne."

After hanging up, Cherry walked to the window and gazed at the endless stream of traffic below.

Ocean City was both vast and small. Victoria Skye's appearance couldn't have been coincidental. A woman who could make Sullivan lose composure at his own wedding—whom he would defend even at the cost of his reputation—couldn't be some innocent ingénue. What secrets lay behind this? Could it be connected to power struggles within Sinclair Corporation?

She had to uncover the truth. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you'll never be defeated—whether in business or in this twisted marital war.

Several days later, at the bidding briefing meeting…

Sullivan Sinclair and Cherry Thorne arrived together, drawing countless stares.

This was their first public appearance since the wedding fiasco. Sullivan maintained his usual austere calm, while Cherry wore a crisp white suit with impeccable makeup and commanding presence—showing none of the dejection everyone had expected.

The head of Horizon Group—a shrewd middle-aged man—approached them immediately, his greeting laced with subtle probing and veiled provocation.

Sullivan responded appropriately while Cherry stood beside him with a measured smile, saying little but missing nothing in the rival CEO's words and shifting expressions.

After the briefing began and government officials outlined the planning details, Sullivan raised questions about key policy issues. Then, to everyone's surprise, Cherry raised her hand.

Her question directly addressed standards for future energy infrastructure and technical thresholds—challenging yet professionally framed. It not only forced officials to consider their answer carefully but drew sharp attention from competitors, especially Horizon Group representatives.

While ostensibly directed at officials, her question cleverly highlighted Sinclair Corp's technological advantages and readiness to meet future high standards—a sophisticated power move disguised as inquiry.

Sullivan sat beside her, noting the shifting attitudes around them. Looks that had initially held sympathy or anticipated drama gradually transformed into surprise and respect.

He glanced sideways at Cherry, who listened attentively to the official's response, her profile calm and elegant.

In that moment, he had to admit that professional Cherry radiated a unique, captivating power—entirely different from the girl who had once orbited him like a satellite.

After the briefing, in the parking lot, Sullivan watched Cherry preparing to leave and suddenly spoke: "You performed very well today."

Cherry's hand paused on the car door, but she didn't turn around. "Just doing my job," she replied coolly.

Watching her car disappear into the distance, Sullivan stood motionless, his heart churning with conflicting emotions. He realized he could no longer read this woman. Her capability, composure, and determination far exceeded anything he'd understood about her.

Shortly after driving away, Cherry received an encrypted message on her phone from the private investigator.

The preliminary report on Victoria Skye had arrived.

The message was brief: "Victoria Skye's background shows signs of deliberate erasure. Timeline of first meeting with Sullivan Sinclair questionable. Further investigation in progress."

Cherry's eyes hardened as she read the message.

As expected, something was very wrong.

Beneath the calm surface, dangerous currents were beginning to surge.