Julian Sterling dialed his ex-wife from the cathedral steps strictly because he wanted her to hear the bells ringing.

It rained the day Julian came crawling back.

Elena was in her new office—the CEO’s suite at Sterling Enterprises. She had spent the last two weeks stabilizing the stock, cooperating with the SEC, and cleaning out the toxic executives Julian had installed. She was exhausted, but it was a good exhaustion. It was the exhaustion of a woman building a legacy.

Her assistant buzzed the intercom. “Ms. Vance. Julian Sterling is downstairs. Security won't let him up, but he’s making a scene. He says he needs to speak with you.”

Elena sighed. “Send him up. But have security wait outside the door.”

A few minutes later, Julian walked in. He looked completely broken. His expensive suit was wrinkled, his hair was unkempt, and he smelled faintly of stale alcohol. The billionaire playboy was dead.

He stopped in the middle of the office, looking around at the space that used to be his. Then, he looked at Elena, who was sitting behind the massive desk, signing a stack of contracts.

“Elena,” Julian said, his voice cracking. “Please.”

Elena didn't look up. “Make it quick, Julian. I have a board meeting in ten minutes.”

Julian walked to the edge of the desk and dropped to his knees. The sight of it made Elena feel a brief flicker of disgust, but no pity.

“I was wrong,” Julian begged, tears welling in his eyes. “I was so stupid. Chloe manipulated me. She was poisoning my mind against you. I never should have left you. I love you, Elena. And I love our son. Please, let me be a father to him. Let us be a family again.”

Elena finally set her pen down. She leaned back in her leather chair, studying the pathetic man before her.

“Chloe didn't manipulate you into having an affair, Julian. Chloe didn't force you to lie in court and call me infertile. Chloe didn't force you to try and steal my son,” Elena said, her voice dripping with ice. “You did that. Because you are a selfish, hollow man who only loves power.”

“I can change! I have nothing left, Elena. The SEC froze everything. I’m facing jail time. Please, you have to help me.”

“Help you?” Elena let out a short, humorless laugh. “Six months ago, I begged you to stay. I cried on the floor of our house while you packed your bags to go to your mistress. You told me I was weak. You told me I was nothing.”

She stood up, walking around the desk to look down at him.

“I am not weak. And I am not your savior. The police are waiting in the lobby, Julian. Chloe took a plea deal this morning. She handed over all your private emails in exchange for immunity. They have a warrant for your arrest.”

Julian’s eyes widened in sheer, unadulterated terror. “No… no, Elena, please!”

Elena walked to the door and opened it, signaling the two security guards waiting in the hall.