Martin paid an unexpected visit to Sheila at her luxurious mansion. She greeted him with a delighted smile, grateful that her other companion had already left.
"Gosh, hon! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" she said, welcoming him with a hug.
"To surprise you," Martin replied smoothly, kissing her lips.
"You're so sweet," she giggled.
He handed her a bouquet of flowers and a few gifts from the city, which she received with exaggerated affection. Sheila ushered him inside, placing the food he brought on the dining table.
Martin didn't waste time showering her with attention. He pulled her close, kissing her with the same heat he'd shown the night before. But her body resisted—last night had drained her, and she needed a break.
"Martin," she murmured.
"Yeah?" he asked, still eager.
"I need to rest."
He paused, eyes searching her face. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't even think of that."
"It's okay. My body just can't take any more right now." She gave him a tired smile.
They moved to the living room and sat down together.
"Has anyone been bothering you since you moved here?" he asked, concerned.
"I'm fine. I have a bodyguard who keeps watch when night falls," she replied casually.
"That's good. It's important you stay safe," he said, returning her smile.
She smiled back sweetly. Stay calm, Sheila. Just a little more patience, she reminded herself. She needed to secure the Francisco fortune, and Martin was the key.
"This place… Wasn't this your sister's villa?" Martin asked, glancing around the opulent interior.
"Yeah. My sister and her husband saved up for it. They passed it on to me after… everything." She laughed lightly, brushing off the topic.
"I was just curious," Martin continued, gazing out the window at the garden bathed in golden sunlight. "I heard once that your sister, Angely, was a mistress."
She stiffened at the question. "W—Where did you hear that, hon?"
"Just rumors that went around back then," he replied.
She remained quiet.
"Don't worry. I never believed it. I know your sister was the legal wife of Mr. Fredrick Manuel Santiago," he added with a reassuring smile.
"Yeah. People will say anything," she said with a forced laugh.
What no one knew was that Angely had once worked as a prostitute. After his wife died, he married her sister. Sheila pushed the thought away and focused on Martin.
"I'm sorry if that question caught you off guard," he said.
"Martin... am I your mistress?" she asked boldly.
He raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. "Of course not. Once Sharlene signs the divorce papers, you'll be my legal wife."
He leaned in, whispering, "You know you're my queen, right?"
She blushed and smiled, basking in the words. Yes, spin a little more, Martin. Just a little more.
"That's why I love you," she cooed.
He hugged her tightly, and she smiled secretly behind his shoulder. All of this... it's for your wealth.
"How's your business going?" Martin asked suddenly.
She flinched inwardly but kept her smile.
"Ah... that. I haven't launched it yet. Still recovering, you know. But I've been in touch with my partners—we're meeting soon to finalize things," she lied smoothly.
Martin nodded. "Let me know when you meet them. I'd love to be introduced, just to see everything is in place."
"Y-Yeah, of course. But I want it to be a surprise. I'll show you once everything is stable," she covered quickly.
He smiled again. "It's your call. I believe in you. I know you'll succeed, hon."
"Aww, thank you. You're my number one fan," she said as she stroked his cheek.
"When you're happy, I'm happy," he replied warmly.
She stood up. "I had my maid prepare an early dinner for us. Just wait here, okay?"
"Sure. I'm enjoying this view anyway," he said, still gazing out the window.
As she turned away, her thoughts spiraled. No business. No partners. Everything I told him was a lie. Her phone vibrated. A text from Justine.
She quickly deleted the message. Thankfully, Martin hadn't noticed.
Some of the money Martin gave her had gone to her extravagant lifestyle. The rest was safely tucked away in her bank account. She also gave Justine some money for playing along and visiting her older sister's estate.
Sharlene is here… isn't she? The question crept into her mind.
"Manang, please call Martin," she instructed the maid.
The old woman nodded and fetched him from the living room.
"Wow, something smells great," Martin said as he approached the dining table.
"Of course. Come, let's eat," Sheila said cheerfully, gesturing for him to sit.
"You really went all out."
"For you." She winked playfully.
They ate in comfort, the illusion of peace thick between them.
"Martin, I heard Sharlene's been around here lately. That she's working nearby," Sheila said casually as she took a sip of wine.
"Oh yeah? Where'd you hear that?"
"My maid knows her. Said she has a boyfriend now."
Martin's expression twitched.
"Really? The nerve…" he muttered, but left it at that.
"Don't worry about her," Sheila said. "But... what if Ashley isn't actually your daughter?"
Martin didn't respond.
She took another sip of wine, smiling subtly to herself.
This will be my sweetest revenge, Sharlene. Watch as I strip him from you—piece by piece.