More importantly, he had no idea I held majority ownership of the company where he’d recently become chief operating officer.

My father founded Whitmore Development, but he’d transferred controlling ownership to me three years earlier.

Ethan assumed Dad still controlled every major decision.

I’d never corrected that assumption.

When I walked inside, my mother gasped.

“Laurel? Sweetheart, what happened?”

I took off my veil and set it on the kitchen counter.

“Mom, please call our attorney.”

My father appeared at the doorway.

“What’s wrong?”

I glanced at my wedding ring.

“Ethan just chose his ex-girlfriend.”

Then I slipped it off.

“And tomorrow, he’s going to discover exactly what that choice cost him.”…

## PART 2: THE TRAP THEY NEVER SAW

Twenty minutes later, Ethan phoned.

I watched his name light up my screen before answering.

“Have you finished your tantrum?” he demanded.

“Yes.”

“Good. Get to the reception. People are asking questions.”