I Told the Security Guard I Was the CEO's Wife

I stared at the glowing screen of Mia's phone, reading the horrific text message again and again.

My husband of nine years was actively planning my brutal murder.

He intended to finalize the massive theft tonight, kill me, and frame me as a fleeing embezzler who committed suicide.

I looked down at Mia's unconscious body lying on my bedroom floor.

Tears of profound grief burned in my eyes, but I aggressively wiped them away.

I was done crying over people who wanted me dead.

I scrolled further through the text messages to gather more intelligence on their sick plan.

Daniel was hosting a massive, lavish corporate masquerade gala tonight at the grand city museum.

The charity event was the perfect cover for him to digitally transfer the stolen funds while surrounded by wealthy alibis.

He believed I was currently running terrified through the city, waiting to be hunted down.

He had absolutely no idea that I was standing in our bedroom with the evidence to destroy him.

I decided right then that I would not be a helpless victim waiting in the shadows.

If Daniel wanted to finalize his corrupt scheme at a masquerade ball, I would happily attend.

I stripped the elegant, dark red evening gown from Mia's packed duffel bag and put it on.

I pinned my hair up tightly and applied a bold layer of dark red lipstick.

I found a beautifully ornate, black feathered masquerade mask inside Mia's tote bag.

I tied the mask securely over my face, completely concealing my true identity.

I grabbed the loaded handgun and tucked it carefully into a hidden thigh holster under the flowing silk dress.

I locked Mia inside the master bathroom, ensuring she would remain trapped for hours.

I drove my car into the city, blending in perfectly with the endless line of luxury vehicles arriving at the museum.

The grand marble steps were covered by a brilliant red carpet and surrounded by flashing paparazzi cameras.

I confidently walked up the stairs, handing a forged digital invitation to the event staff.

I stepped through the towering golden doors and entered the breathtaking, crowded ballroom.

Hundreds of elite guests danced under sparkling crystal chandeliers while an orchestra played classical music.

I scanned the room for Daniel, my heart beating with cold, calculated precision.

For eight years, Dante Moretti—the most powerful Mafia boss in Chicago

The wooden train hit Cameron Jenkins in the shoulder before

The three knocks came one minute before midnight

Suddenly, a firm hand clamped down hard onto my bare shoulder from behind.

I turned around and found myself staring directly into the face of the female security guard from the office lobby.

Chapter 5 - The Betrayal