Reborn Of The Malicious Woman

My anniversary dinner ended not with a kiss, but with my husband Cole cheating on me with my cousin, Britney.

He kicked me out of our home, the one my father helped us buy, and banished me to the guest house. But when I arrived, Britney was already there, wearing my favorite silk robe, smirking as she told me I'd be staying in the damp basement apartment instead.

Down in the cold, musty cellar, I found what my father left me: proof that Cole hadn't just married me. He had orchestrated the hostile takeover that destroyed my father's company, drove him to his death, and then married me to steal everything that was left, including my life's work, a project called "Aura."

He had me committed to a psychiatric facility, telling everyone I was unstable. He thought he had buried me, but my childhood friend Eric helped me fake my death in a staged car crash.

Now, years later, I've returned.

Under a new name, Iris, I've created a new masterpiece that has the tech world buzzing, and it's about to bring Cole's empire to its knees.

He thinks Emma Russell is dead. He has no idea she's about to destroy him.

Chapter 1

My anniversary dinner with Cole ended, not with a kiss, but with my discovery of his affair with Britney, my innocent-faced cousin. The scent of champagne and roses still hung in the air, clashing with the bitter taste in my mouth. Guests were trickling out, their polite goodbyes sounding hollow, like echoes in an empty hall.

I stood by the large bay window, watching the luxury cars disappear down the tree-lined driveway. Each tail light was a fading memory of a life I thought I had, a life that was never real. My spine felt rigid, cold. Other women might have cried, screamed even. I just felt… quiet. A stillness had settled deep inside me, a dangerous calm.

A hand touched my arm. It was Mrs. Albright, a family friend from Cole' s side. Her eyes were full of pity, or what she thought was pity.

"Emma, darling, are you alright?" she asked, her voice a soft flutter.

I turned my head just enough for her to see my eyes. I didn't say a word. My gaze was a wall. She withdrew her hand, her smile faltering, and quickly excused herself. Good. I needed space. I needed this clear, cold air around me.

I walked to my study, the one room Cole rarely entered. My fingers, steady as a surgeon's, picked up my phone. I scrolled through my contacts.

"Mr. Davies," I said, my voice barely a whisper, yet firm. "It's Emma Russell. I need to initiate divorce proceedings. Immediately."

There was a pause on the other end, a sharp intake of breath. "Mrs. Woodard? Are you certain? This is rather sudden. Is everything alright?" Mr. Davies, my family lawyer, sounded genuinely surprised.

"I am entirely certain," I affirmed, each word a stone dropping into a deep well. "There is nothing 'alright' about it. Just do it."

He hesitated. "Very well. I'll start the paperwork first thing tomorrow. Is there anything specific you'd like to include regarding the division of assets?"

"Just get the ball rolling," I replied, my voice devoid of emotion. "I will provide details later. For now, speed is of the essence."