She glanced at the ship’s manifest on her computer screen. The honeymoon package Dererick booked included champagne, premium meals, a private chef, and a sunset cruise along the coastline. He paid for it with their joint credit card. Simone opened her desk drawer and pulled out her phone. Not her regular cell, but the secure line she used for business.
She scrolled through her contacts and stopped at one name. Patricia Monroe, the best divorce attorney in the state. Simone pressed call. It rang twice before a crisp, professional voice answered. Patricia Monroe. Patricia, this is Simone Carter. I need to retain your services immediately. There was a pause. Patricia had handled the legal incorporation of Carter Maritime Group.
She knew exactly who Simone was and what she was worth. I am clear for the next hour, Patricia said. Are you safe? I am safe, Simone replied. But I need to move quickly. My husband is currently on one of my yachts with another woman. He does not know I own the company. I need to file for divorce, freeze assets, and ensure he cannot touch my business.
Do you have a prenuptual agreement? Yes, ironclad. You drafted it yourself. Good. I will pull the file. Can you come to my office now? Simone looked at the monitor again. Derek and the woman were sitting on the deck drinking champagne, toasting to something Simone could not hear. I will be there in 20 minutes, Simone said.
She ended the call and stood up. Her reflection stared back at her from the dark window. She was 34 years old, beautiful, successful, and apparently married to a liar. Her dark brown skin glowed even under the fluorescent office lights. Her natural hair was pulled back into a sleek bun. She wore a white blazer and tailored pants because she had a meeting earlier with potential investors.
Investors who wanted to partner with her, not Derek. Simone grabbed her purse and took one last look at the monitors. The azure dream sailed smoothly across the water, carrying her cheating husband and his mistress toward what they thought was a romantic evening. They had no idea the storm that was coming.
Simone walked out of her office, locked the door, and headed toward her car. Her hands were still steady. Her mind was clear, and for the first time in 2 weeks, she felt something other than sadness. She felt powerful. Simone had not always owned 12 luxury yachts and a marina that stretched across 2 acres of prime coastal property.
10 years ago, she was a recent business school graduate with a dream and a small inheritance from her grandmother. $50,000. That was all she had. Most people told her to invest it safely, buy a condo, start a retirement fund, play it smart. But Simone saw an opportunity. She grew up spending summers on her uncle’s fishing boat, learning navigation, maintenance, and the ins and outs of maritime operations.
While other kids were at the mall, she was scrubbing decks and studying boat mechanics. She loved the water. She loved the freedom. And she saw how much wealthy tourists paid for a single day on a luxury vessel. So she bought a small yacht. Nothing fancy. A 30-footer that needed work. She spent 6 months fixing it up herself, learning everything from engine repair to interior design. She named it Dream One.
Her first client was a couple celebrating their anniversary. They paid $3,000 for a sunset dinner cruise. Simone made sure everything was perfect. the food, the music, the route along the coastline. They left a glowing review and referred three more clients. Within two years, she owned three boats. Within five years, she had eight and enough revenue to purchase the marina property.
