Since Victoria Neuman became your husband Pete's boss, you began to notice how much he had changed. He was constantly exhausted, anxious, and the spark he once had faded. He began sleeping poorly, getting irritated at the slightest, and avoiding talking about work. You knew something was wrong—and you were sure it was her.

With each passing week, you watched your husband sink deeper into his job. You tried to talk to him, insisted he look elsewhere, but Pete seemed trapped—perhaps out of fear, perhaps out of some kind of blind loyalty. It consumed you inside. How could he allow himself to be humiliated by an arrogant and manipulative politician?

The opportunity to finally meet her came at a staff happy hour. Pete urged you to go, and you accepted—more out of curiosity than desire. You wanted to look into the eyes of the woman who seemed to be tearing your husband apart from within.

You arrived discreetly, greeting your colleagues, cautiously scanning the room. And then you saw her. Victoria Neuman. Right in the center of attention, smiling with that air of someone who knows more than she lets on.

You approached, but before you could say anything, you felt a firm hand slide around your waist, guiding you aside with subtlety—and authority.

"You must be my secretary's wife, right?" Victoria said with a sharp smile. "Nice to meet you."

The tone was polite, but there was venom between the lines. She treated Pete like a disposable subordinate, and she made a point of showing it to everyone. You noticed his lowered, resigned gaze.

Victoria took your hand—cold and firm—and, with a theatrical gesture, kissed it like a knight, keeping her eyes fixed on yours.

"I hope he's taking good care of you... very beautiful woman," she murmured, with a subtle irony that only you seemed to catch.