Chapter 24: The Awakening of Power

Chief Lee studied Hailey and Tyler, noting the smug confidence they both carried—one that reeked of entitlement.

“Ms. Camden,” Chief Lee said firmly, “we cannot arrest Mr. Jordan Steele without concrete evidence.”

“If you insist on pressing charges, you must provide proof—video footage, photos of him stealing the watch, or a record of him selling it.”

He paused and then added with a hint of disapproval, “And I suggest you refrain from calling your ex-husband a pauper or a good-for-nothing. Regardless of your feelings, the two of you were once married. A little respect goes a long way.”

Hailey scoffed, folding her arms. “I’m not wrong. If he was even a little more competent, I wouldn’t have divorced him.”

The officer raised an eyebrow. “So, you were the one who initiated the divorce with Mr. Steele?”

Still brimming with arrogance, Hailey nodded. “Yes, I was. Why? Has he already started regretting it?”

The officer forced a polite smile, choosing to hold his tongue. Inside, he thought, You’ll be the one regretting it soon enough.

As the officers turned to leave, Hailey called after them.

“Wait… was there a woman in his room?”

Chief Lee shook his head. “Mr. Steele is staying alone.”

Hailey sighed in relief, whispering to herself, “I knew it. He still loves me.”

Chief Lee, watching her misplaced confidence, could only shake his head.

Tyler, on the other hand, frowned. “Why were they so polite to Jordan after coming downstairs?”

Hailey didn’t pay attention to his concerns. Instead, she pulled out her phone. “I need to call my mom and tell her to gather evidence.”

Before she could dial, her phone rang—Drew.

“Drew?”

“Hailey,” Drew’s voice was unusually friendly. “How’s it going? I heard you called the police. Did they take him in?”

Hailey sighed. “No, they said there’s no evidence.”

Drew chuckled. “What kind of evidence do they need?”

“Something proving he stole the watch or sold it for money,” Hailey replied, frustrated.

Drew smirked to himself. There was no actual evidence of Jordan stealing anything—but that didn’t mean he couldn’t create some.

“Leave it to me,” Drew said. “I’ll find out who bought the watch and make sure Jordan pays for it.”

Hanging up, Hailey ruffled her hair in frustration. She wanted Jordan to suffer, but… not too much. After all, three years of marriage wasn’t something she could just forget.

Tyler, watching her play with her hair, felt his desire flare. He reached for her hand. “Babe, why don’t we stay at West Lake tonight too?”

Smack!

Hailey’s palm met his cheek in a stinging slap.

“You couldn’t even handle Jordan,” she snapped. “And you have the nerve to think you deserve me?”

Fuming, she stormed off, leaving Tyler humiliated in the middle of the hotel lobby.

He clenched his fists, watching her walk away.

Jordan Steele, you embarrassed me today. But once you step out of that hotel, I’ll make sure you regret it.

Tyler stormed over to the hotel manager, grabbing him by the collar.

“When Jordan Steele leaves this hotel,” he ordered, “you call me immediately.”

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A New Beginning

Six a.m.

Jordan stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie. He ran a hand through his freshly styled hair—his signature side pompadour, giving him the polished look of a true CEO.

For the past three years, he had worn nothing but casual clothes, blending into the background of his in-laws’ world.

Now, he stood in a tailored suit, exuding confidence and dominance.

When he stepped into the hotel lobby, all eyes turned to him.

“He looks like a completely different person…”

“Such a powerful aura… Who is this man?”

Even the front desk attendants, who had seen him the day before, were in awe.

“I wonder who’s lucky enough to be his wife.”

Jordan smirked at the whispers but ignored them.

As he stepped outside, the hotel manager discreetly dialed Tyler’s number.

“Jordan Steele has left the building.”

Across the street, Tyler’s men sprang into action, tailing Jordan’s cab.

Twenty minutes later, Jordan stepped out in front of a towering skyscraper—the headquarters of Ace Corporation.

He gazed up at the building, a slow smile forming on his lips.

Victoria Clarke… Yesterday, you tried to destroy me.

Today, you’ll have no choice but to bow before me.