The Rebirth of My Dead Billionaire Wife

Chapter 210

A few years later

Avery Kane Deveraux sat at the head of a sleek conference table in the boardroom of Kane Enterprises, her sharp gray eyes scanning the projections on the screen. Her team hung on her every word as she laid out the company’s next expansion plans. Her authority was undeniable, and her business acumen had turned the family company into a global powerhouse.

“Good work on these numbers,” she said, addressing her CFO. “But we need stronger projections for the Asian market. Let’s regroup on this by Friday.”

The team nodded in unison, scribbling notes as the meeting adjourned. As the room cleared, Avery leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. Running a billion-dollar company was exhilarating but exhausting. And with her wedding just a few months away, she was barely keeping her head above water.

Her assistant, Cara, poked her head into the room. “Ms. Deveraux, Shawn’s here to see you.”

Avery smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “Send him in.”

Shawn entered, exuding the easy confidence that made him so irresistible. His charcoal suit fit perfectly, and his blueprints tucked under his arm were a reminder of his own success as a rising architect. He set the plans aside and walked over to Avery, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

“Still conquering the world, I see,” he teased.

“Trying,” Avery replied, giving him a tired smile.

Shawn pulled a chair beside her. “Well, lucky for you, I’m here to make your life a little easier. Wedding plans.”

Avery groaned. “Shawn, I love you, but I can’t think about centerpieces or catering right now. I have back-to-back meetings all week.”

“Which is exactly why I’m stepping in,” Shawn said, pulling a thick folder from his bag and placing it in front of her. “I’ve got everything covered—venues, menus, even the DJ. All you need to do is approve the choices.”

Avery raised an eyebrow. “You? Planning a wedding? You once forgot to buy milk for three weeks when we moved in together.”

“Hey, that was rookie-level Shawn,” he said with a laugh. “This is upgraded Shawn. I’ve even made appointments for cake tastings and dress fittings for you.”

Her skepticism softened into gratitude as she looked at him. “You really mean it, don’t you?”

“Absolutely,” he said, reaching for her hand. “You’re juggling more than anyone should have to. Let me take this off your plate. I want our wedding to be perfect—and for you to enjoy it.”

Avery squeezed his hand, her eyes misting slightly. “Thank you, Shawn. I don’t say it enough, but I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’ll never have to find out,” Shawn said with a wink.

Later that evening, Avery’s best friend, Janice, arrived at her apartment with a bottle of wine and her usual enthusiasm.

“I can’t believe you’re getting married!” Janice exclaimed as she hugged Avery tightly. “And to Shawn Carter, no less. High school Avery would be losing her mind right now.”

Avery laughed, pouring them each a glass of wine. “High school Avery wouldn’t recognize herself, let alone believe she’d be CEO of Kane Enterprises.”

Janice settled onto the couch, her tone growing nostalgic. “You’ve come so far, Aves. I still remember those awful days at Crestwood—the football field, the hospital, all of it. And look at you now. Running a billion-dollar company and marrying the guy who makes every other guy look like a waste of time.”

Avery smiled, but a flicker of self-doubt crossed her mind. “Sometimes I feel like I’m barely keeping it together, Janice. Between work and the wedding, I’m stretched so thin.”

Janice set her glass down, her expression serious. “Hey, you’ve already proven you can handle anything. Don’t let the pressure get to you. And don’t be afraid to let Shawn help. He adores you, Avery.”

Avery nodded, taking comfort in her best friend’s words. “Thanks, Janice. I don’t know what I’d do without you, either.”

“Please,” Janice said with a playful smirk. “You’d still be fabulous—but maybe a little less fun.”

The two laughed, the weight of Avery’s responsibilities momentarily forgotten.

Later that night, after Shawn had gone back to his apartment to finalize more wedding plans, Avery sat at her desk, catching up on emails. The glow of her laptop illuminated her face as she scanned through reports, client inquiries, and correspondence from her team.

Just as she was about to call it a night, an email with the subject line URGENT: SABOTAGE WARNING caught her attention.

Her pulse quickened as she clicked it open. The email contained no sender name, only an anonymous address.

Ms. Deveraux,

You don’t know me, but I’ve been following the activities at Kane Enterprises closely. Someone within your company is trying to sabotage your operations. Be careful who you trust.

The email ended with no signature, just an attachment labeled Evidence.zip.

Avery stared at the screen, her heart pounding. Her instincts screamed at her not to open the file, but curiosity and concern warred within her.

Her phone buzzed on the desk, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was a text from Shawn:

Don’t work too late. You’ve got a fiancé who’s dying to see you smile again. :) Love you.