Katelyn thought her nightmare was over when she left her cheating husband and rebuilt her life as a secret genius—designer, doctor, and hacker. But when her past as the legendary hacker Shadow catches up to her, she’s dragged into a deadly game with the ruthless Syndicate. Now, with a powerful billionaire by her side and enemies closing in, she must outsmart them all… before they destroy her.
As secrets unravel, Katelyn discovers a shocking family betrayal—the man hunting her is closer than she ever imagined. With the world watching, she faces a final, brutal choice: walk away or burn everything down. But in this game of power and revenge, winning might cost her the one person she’s learned to trust. Will she survive her own crown?
Chapter 1: “I Never Want to See You Again”
Katelyn Bailey stepped into the quiet villa, her heart fluttering with excitement. Today was her third wedding anniversary with Neil Wheeler, and she had spent weeks planning the perfect celebration.
But the house was eerily silent.
“Neil?” she called out, frowning when no one answered.
Then she heard it—soft moans drifting from the master bedroom. A woman’s voice, breathless and teasing: “Neil… what if Katelyn finds out?”
Katelyn’s blood ran cold. She knew that voice.
Lise Cooper.
Neil’s ex. The woman he had never gotten over.
Her legs moved on their own, carrying her upstairs. The door was slightly ajar, and through the gap, she saw them—Neil, bare-chested, pressing Lise into the sheets, his mouth trailing down her neck.
Lise’s eyes flicked up, meeting Katelyn’s horrified gaze. A smirk curled her lips.
Katelyn shoved the door open.
Neil jerked back, grabbing a blanket to cover himself. His face darkened when he saw her.
“Get out,” he snarled.
Katelyn’s hands trembled. “You’re cheating on me… on our anniversary?”
Lise sighed dramatically, pulling the blanket lower to reveal the marks on her skin. “Katelyn, don’t act so shocked. Neil never loved you. He only married you because of your family. A real man has needs, and you… well, you could never satisfy him.”
Katelyn’s nails dug into her palms. “You disgusting—”
Before she could finish, Neil cut in, his voice dripping with contempt. “You and your family forced Lise away. Did you really think I’d ever want you?”
Katelyn’s heart shattered. That was a lie. She had never forced Lise to leave. But Neil had already made up his mind.
Lise smirked. “Poor Katelyn. Three years of marriage, and he never touched you. No wonder you’re so bitter.”
Rage burned through Katelyn’s veins. She lunged forward—
SLAP!
Her palm cracked across Lise’s face.
Lise shrieked, clutching her cheek. Neil’s eyes flashed with fury.
“You bitch!”
His hand struck Katelyn’s face so hard she stumbled back, her vision blurring.
He hit her.
For Lise.
Neil stormed to the nightstand, yanked out a document, and threw it at her.
“Sign it. I never want to see your face again.”
Katelyn stared at the divorce papers—already signed by him.
Her heart ached, but her pride burned hotter. She snatched a pen, scrawled her name, and flung it back at him.
“Congratulations, Neil. You’re free.”
As she turned to leave, her phone rang. The caller ID made her freeze.
She answered, and a frantic voice burst through:
“Iris! Where are you? The studio’s drowning in orders—someone just offered a hundred million for your work!”