The Final Checkmate

Yvonne would tremble with anger as tears streamed down her face.

Eventually, Zayn would try to smooth things over. He explained, "It's just the pregnancy hormones. That little one must be giving her a hard time."

The mention of the baby softened Yvonne's expression, but when they were alone, she broke down. "She's torturing me on purpose! I'm just a secretary, not her personal assistant. Why should I run her errands?"

"Don't be upset," Zayn said as he comforted her, pulling her close. "Remember, she's carrying our baby. Once she delivers, you won't have to deal with her anymore."

"That wench," Yvonne seethed through gritted teeth. "Just wait until our son grows up and inherits the Summers fortune. I'll make her pay!"

I watched them on the surveillance feed with amusement, like a puppeteer pulling the strings of two marionettes.

After my parents died in a car accident, every relative crawled out of the woodwork, trying to grab a piece of the Summers fortune. Even my parents' most trusted allies turned against me, hoping for their share.

With an iron fist and ruthless determination, I drove away all those eyeing the Summers' assets—some ended up bankrupt, others in prison.

Then, I met Zayn, who seemed like a ray of sunshine—warm, bright, and gentle. For him, I had hidden my claws and masked my strong personality. After he joined the Summers Group, I had even stepped back from the company's operations, at least on the surface.

I took a deep breath, calming myself down. That feeling of complete control was exhilarating. Everything was falling into place, and I was just waiting for my prey to walk into my trap.

Nonetheless, I was not ready to spring it yet. Watching them dance in their cage, thinking they had reached paradise, only to strike when their guard was down, would be so much more satisfying.

Meanwhile, I did not make life easy for Zayn. I had given our night nurse paid leave, which meant when I got hungry at night, Zayn had to cook for me. If the food failed to satisfy me, he would have to redo it.

"Don't bother," I would say when he failed to satisfy my cravings. "The baby and I can go hungry."

My words only made him more determined to try again and again.

Just as Yvonne and Zayn reached their breaking point, little Lucas Summers was born. I had booked the most exclusive postpartum retreat center and hired the best maternity nurse, insisting on top-of-the-line everything—from formula to diapers.

When Yvonne came to visit with baby clothes, she muttered, "This bitch doesn't deserve this luxury center! It's all Zayn's money anyway."

However, her face brightened as she cooed, "Candice, your son is so lucky. He's born with a silver spoon in his mouth!"

I gazed lovingly at my newborn son. "Lucas deserves nothing but the best, and I'll make sure of that."

Her eyes flickered with triumph and resentment as she asked, "How wonderful that he's already the Summers Group's little heir. He'll take over the company when he's of age!"

I gave her a cool glance that made her shrink back. "Yes, I'll transfer all my shares to him when he comes of age."

Zayn, who had just rushed in from an online meeting, exchanged knowing looks with Yvonne, both wearing smug smiles. Lucas grinned his toothless smile, and I was so enchanted that I did not even spare the cheating pair a glance.

As I held my precious boy, I secretly looked forward to seeing their reactions when they discovered the truth.

...

As Lucas grew, his features increasingly resembled mine. Even though Zayn was puzzled, he pretended to be jealous, saying playfully, "Lucas looks just like you; there's nothing about him that resembles me!"

I remained indifferent. "And I wonder why..."