The toys were still in my hands when I saw her. Barefoot on the cold marble, in her wrinkled yellow dress, picking dry dog food out of the bowl with fingers that wouldn't stop shaking.

Breakfast the next morning was a masterclass in psychological warfare.

Richard walked into the sun-drenched formal dining room wearing a perfectly tailored navy suit, looking every inch the relaxed, oblivious billionaire CEO. The long mahogany table was set with fresh fruit, warm pastries, and steaming silver pots of coffee.

Eleanor was already seated at the far end, wearing a pristine white silk robe, sipping an espresso while scrolling lazily through her tablet. She looked radiant, entirely unbothered by the monstrous cruelty she had inflicted the day before.

"Good morning, darling," Eleanor purred, looking up with a dazzling smile. "How is little Sophie feeling today?"

"Much better," Richard lied smoothly, pouring himself a cup of black coffee and taking a seat. "The doctor said it was just a twenty-four-hour bug. She's resting upstairs."

"Oh, thank goodness," Eleanor sighed dramatically, placing a delicate hand over her heart. "I was so worried I hardly slept. Have you had any luck finding a new nanny?"

"I have an agency sending over a few candidates this afternoon," Richard replied, taking a slow sip of his coffee. He watched her over the rim of the cup, analyzing her every breath, every twitch of her eye. "But let's not focus on that. We have the engagement gala this weekend. Is everything ready?"

Eleanor’s eyes lit up with genuine greed. "Yes! The florists are arriving tomorrow to set up the white orchids, and the caterers have finalized the menu. It is going to be the social event of the season, Richard. Everyone who is anyone will be there."

"They certainly will," Richard agreed, offering a warm, devastatingly fake smile. "In fact, I've decided to make a rather significant announcement at the gala."

Eleanor leaned forward, her interest entirely piqued. "An announcement? About us?"

"About your future," Richard said softly. "I instructed my lawyers this morning to draft a massive trust transfer. I want to ensure you are completely taken care of, darling. A gesture of my absolute commitment to you."

Eleanor’s breath hitched. She tried to mask the sheer, overwhelming triumph on her face, but she failed miserably. She thought she had won the lottery. She thought she had broken his daughter and secured his fortune all in the same week.