He Cheated Before Our Wedding, So I Slept With My Future Uncle‑in‑Law

After leaving the hotel, Zamir Peterson got a call from Carly Perkins.

“Zamir, we have a problem. I heard Sol Smith is planning to sell her shares in Windward Corp.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Zamir’s voice went ice-cold.

“It’s true. I’ve already reassured everyone that it’s just a misunderstanding between you two and that the rumors about her selling are completely baseless... But if Sol Smith is set on selling, there will be buyers.”

The company had just gone public and was making serious waves in Manchester’s business scene, drawing plenty of attention.

Zamir, jaw tight, turned back to confront Sol Smith.

“Sol, what gives you the right to sell your shares in Windward Corp? Get out here and talk to me!”

Sol had just taken a deep breath when the pounding started—and Zamir’s voice, furious and barely controlled, cut through the door. She wasn’t stupid enough to open it and let him in. Ever since she’d found out about his infidelity and betrayal, their relationship was done. There was nothing left to say.

She called the hotel front desk. “Hello, I need someone up here immediately to remove the man harassing me outside my door. Otherwise, I’ll have serious questions about this hotel’s security.”

Soon, she heard Zamir arguing with someone—then the sound of him being hauled away.

Her phone rang again. Unknown number. The second she answered, Zamir’s cold, angry voice filled her ear.

“Sol Smith, without my consent, no one will dare touch the shares of Windward Corp.”

His past successes had made him arrogant, overconfident.

At his boast, Sol Smith let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “Zamir, I hope you can hold on to that confidence.”

She had no interest in talking further. She hung up and blocked the number.

Sol Smith logged into her online banking, changed every card password, and made a call. “Contact Eagle Corporation. Tell them I’m willing to sell my Windward Corp shares at a ten-percent discount.”

With only two days left, she wanted this handled fast—and she wanted to avoid dragging out any conflict with Zamir.

Meanwhile, Zamir spent the night spreading threats through business circles: anyone who dared acquire Sol Smith’s shares in Windward Corp would be making an enemy of him, and he promised to make sure they’d regret doing business in Manchester.

No one wanted to risk offending a rising star in the business world.

...

“Mr. Lopez, we’ve been approached about acquiring a fifty-percent stake in Windward Corp at a ten-percent discount. What’s your take?”

The head of Eagle Corporation asked cautiously. Mr. Lopez had never shown much interest in Windward Corp before. Then, for reasons no one understood, he’d changed his tune.

Adrian Lopez lounged on the sofa, shirt collar unbuttoned, and took a sip of coffee. The heat of it eased the tension in his brow, just a little.

“An opportunity like that doesn’t come around every day. Buy it at the discounted price.”

“Understood. I’ll let them know right away.”

After he hung up, a knock came at the door. Adrian rose to answer it.

When he saw the woman outside, he raised an eyebrow, eyes narrowing slightly. “What’s going on?”

She had changed into a cream-colored Victorian-style dress, delicate pearl buttons at the neckline. The fabric draped elegantly, casting a soft glow over her features.

“Thank you for your help earlier. If you don’t mind, may I treat you to dinner?”

She hated owing anyone.

Adrian slid one hand casually into his trouser pocket, standing tall and indifferent. “Miss Smith, are you always this forward?”

“Of course not. It depends on the person.”

She wasn’t the type to let just anyone close. But when gratitude was due, she paid it.

The answer seemed to amuse him. Adrian accepted.

In the hotel restaurant, Sol Smith handed him the menu.

“Ladies first.”

A gentlemanly move.

She chose a few light dishes at random, and Adrian added some of the restaurant’s specialties.

Then something occurred to her, and she looked at him, puzzled.

“Mr. Lopez, do you know me?”

How else would he know her last name was Smith? She didn’t remember telling him.

Adrian dodged the question, a faint smile on his lips. “I do now.”

She didn’t push. They were just passing acquaintances. Once she left Manchester, they might never cross paths again.

“Thank you for today. I’ll have your clothes cleaned tonight and returned to you tomorrow.”

Adrian smiled lightly and said nothing.

In the car parked by the roadside, Zamir still hadn’t left. After ending his call, he glanced up—and saw a man and a woman by the restaurant window. The man was the same one who’d interfered earlier. The woman was Sol Smith.

The light fell over them, framing a handsome man and a beautiful woman in pleasant conversation. They looked effortless together. In harmony.

Zamir’s face darkened instantly, his eyes stormy with jealousy he refused to name.

How did Sol Smith even know him? Had she been seeing this man in secret all along? Was staying at this hotel really just a coincidence?

Using his money to dine with another man.

Bravo, Sol Smith.

Adrian sensed someone watching. He turned, his sharp gaze locking onto Zamir’s furious stare from inside the car.

With calm indifference, Adrian looked away.

“Don’t move.”

Sol Smith froze, lifting her eyes to his.

“What’s wrong?”

Adrian leaned in and brushed his thumb across her lips.

“A little sauce.”

He pulled out a napkin and wiped his fingertips with practiced grace.

Sol Smith blinked, her cheeks warming with embarrassment. “Thank you.”

It felt awkward. Who did that? They’d just met, and he was already this forward...

Or maybe he was just smooth—the kind of man who treated every woman with that same easy charm?

“I’m not usually this attentive with others. If I overstepped, I apologize.”

“...”

Sol Smith felt awkward. She shouldn’t have assumed the worst about a man who’d helped her.

“Your ex-boyfriend seems persistent. Be careful.”

Adrian gestured toward the window.

Sol Smith turned her head, spotted the figure by the car, and frowned instinctively.

He still hadn’t left. But he wasn’t her problem anymore.

“Ignore him.”

Just an arrogant fool.

“Just broke up?”

“Yeah.”

She didn’t like discussing her personal life—especially this rare lapse in judgment. It was embarrassing.

“He seems deeply attached. Unwilling to let go.”

Sol Smith laughed bitterly. Very much so. So attached that he’d had an affair for two years without her knowing. If Carly hadn’t grown impatient and exposed them, Sol Smith might still be in the dark, patting herself on the back for finding true love. What a joke.

Of course, she didn’t believe Zamir stayed because he couldn’t let go. He knew she was selling half her shares in Windward Corp—it struck at his core interests, and he wanted to stop her.

Zamir hadn’t expected Sol Smith to ignore him and keep dining happily with another man. The loss of control infuriated him.

He was just about to get out and confront her when his phone rang.

“Zamir, I’m pregnant.”