Chapter 55

Sarah's POV

I sprawled across the sofa, mindlessly clicking through television channels.Nothing held my interest for more than a few seconds. I sighed and tossed the remote aside, calculating how much the gesture of boredom resembled something from the soap operas I occasionally watched.

Life had become almost too comfortable since Philip had set me up in this Upper East Side apartment. His excuse for our "temporary separation" had been that Brian and I needed to "cool down," as if we had actual problems that required solving. The very thought made me smirk.

Not that I complained about the arrangement. Philip's absence meant freedom to enjoy the lifestyle I'd schemed for without his constant neediness. I mentally cataloged my victories: prime real estate, unlimited credit cards,and-perhaps most valuable-entry into New York's elite social circles where wealthier prospects awaited.

I checked my watch, calculating whether I had time for a facial before meeting anyone worth impressing tonight. My phone interrupted the thought-Philip's ringtone, that pretentious classical piece he'd programmed himself.

"Missing me already?" I purred, instantly switching to te honeyed voice that had always made him malleable.

"I'm sorry," Philip replied, his tone unexpectedly heavy. I sat up sharply, instinctively scanning for threats.Philip never apologized unless something threatened his comfort. Had he discovered one of my secret accounts? Was he cutting off my access to funds? "Did you cheat on me?" I asked tentatively, already calculating how I could leverage such an indiscretion. "No," Philip answered quickly. Then, to my shock, he continued, "But I've suddenly realized that the person I care about isn't you-it's Annie. I want to win her back and make things right with her."

My grip tightened on the phone as he continued, his voice growing almost cheerful. "The Upper East Side apartment you're living in now? It's yours to keep. I'll continue paying Max's child support on schedule too."

His tone became almost jubilant: "In the future, when we see each other,we can just pretend we don't know each other."

"Philip!" I exclaimed, genuinely alarmed. If I accepted this arrangement, I'd lose my personal ATM! There was absolutely no way I could let him go before securing my next financial provider.

"You can't possibly have feelings for Annie!" I stated calmly, shifting to a more reasonable tone. "Don't forget, you actively chose me over Annie. If you truly loved her, how could you have let her go so easily?"

When Philip didn't interrupt, I pressed my advantage. "This idea you've developed is nothing but an illusion created by our time apart. You're confused,that's all."

I made a mental note that living separately from Philip was clearly a mistake. It had taken him only a few days to "realize his true feelings."The thought of having to reprogram him yet again was exhausting.

"Sarah," Philip's voice cut through my planning, "have I ever told you that every minute I spend with you feels unbearable?" His words left me speechless. Before I could formulate a response, the call ended with a decisive clic, leaving me listening to the dial tone. By evening, I paced my kitchen, mentally reshuffling priorities while swirling winein a glass. The situation demanded immediate action. First:identify and secure a wealthier replacement for Philip. Second: manipulate Philip into continuing financial support until the transition was complete.I couldn't afford even a temporary interruption to my cash flow.

I drummed my fingers against the countertop, strategizing how to make Philip feel obligated to me again. The victim card always worked best with him. Robert's harassment offered the perfect opportunity-I'd weave a story of constant fear and maternal sacrifice that would trigger Philip's protective instincts.

Robert's recent unhinged behavior was irritating,yet perfectly timed. His appearance at Max's school yesterday-while genuinely annoying-provided exactly the kind of dramatic material I needed. Philip's guilt complex would make him feel responsible for our "safety." Men were so predictable in their need to play savior.

I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts until I found Caroline's number. She'd been working at Howard Technologies for several months now-surely she'd have valuable intelligence about potential prospects there.

"Sarah!" Caroline answered on the second ring. "I was just about to call you.You won't believe what's happening at work."

"Tell me everything," I prompted, settling back against the cushions. "Annie's illustrations have gained a huge following, and she's made significant contributions to Howard Technologies' gaming division. I can't find any way to undermine her position. What are you planning to do?" I massaged my temples, feeling a headache forming. "I'll have to handle it myself. Philip's personality is actually quite predictable-even if he initiated this separation, I can easily drag things out if I choose to." I continued, thinking ahead: "By the way,since you work at Howard Technologies, you must encounter men with substantial status and wealth.If you notice anyone single, unmarried, and with assets exceeding Philip's,keep me informed. Send me their information and I'll screen for suitable candidates. Once I learn their preferences, I can pursue them directly."

I had no intention of pathetically clinging to Philip, begging him to love me again. Philip loved Annie... and the harder I tried to change that, the more he'd resent me. Eventually, he'd abandon me completely,leaving me financially strapped. Better to invest my energy in securing a new benefactor while I still had resources and position.

"What about Howard?" Caroline suggested after hearing my criteria.

"Howard?" I repeated, realizing I knew very little about the man beyond his reputation.

Caroline eagerly elaborated: "He likes Annie, which means he doesn't mind someone who's been married before. More importantly, his assets would take you a lifetime to spend. He's incredibly generous when it comes to Annie. He's built business initiatives around her talents and spares no expense promoting her work."

Her voice grew more animated as she continued, "Even if the relationship eventually ended, his company's annual profits alone would cover all your expenses."

The prospect was undeniably appealing. "I'll consider it," I replied thoughtfully. I hunched over my laptop after the call, methodically researching Howard Thompson like a hunter studying prey. The results made my pulse quicken.Caroline hadn't exaggerated-his business achievements were extraordinary,his personal reputation spotless. No scandals, no weaknesses exposed to public view. The articles documented Howard Technologies' exponential growth but revealed frustratingly little about the man himself.

I closed several tabs showing profit margins and market expansion,focusing instead on photos of Howard at events. The subtle indicators of wealth-the custom watches, the perfectly tailored suits that only the truly rich could afford-told me everything. This wasn't just money; this was*empire*.

A calculating smile spread across my face as I imagined the possibilities.Howard had feelings for Annie? Pathetic. I'd already proven my superiority by taking Philip from her-Howard would be no different. Men like him might build corporate empires, but ultimately they all responded to the same basic programming.

I began mentally cataloging approaches, discarding ineffective strategies.Philip had been susceptible to obvious sexuality and emotionalneediness.Howard would require subtler manipulation-intelligence,cultural refinement,strategic vulnerability. I'd need to project the perfect complementary presence to his power.

My fingers tapped rapidly, creating a document listing potential "accidental" meeting locations, conversation topics that would intrigue him,and ways to position myself as everything Annie wasn't. I'd need to study his schedule, preferences,weaknesses-information Caroline could provide. I closed my laptop with a decisive snap, feeling the familiar rush of plotting a complex acquisition. Howard Thompson represented everything I'd worked toward-permanent financial security that wouldn't evaporate with a man's changing moods. The challenge energized me in ways Philip never could. By morning, I'd have the foundation of my strategy mapped out.Philip's rejection would soon seem like the luckiest break of my life. Annie Baker would once again watch helplessly as I claimed my prize. And Howard-brilliant,wealthy Howard-would never recognize the trap until he was thoroughly ensnared.