The Doormat Wife’s Ultimate Glow-Up novel Chapter 5

In the car, Reese flipped through the documents in her folder, trying to piece together what little information she had. She never would’ve guessed that the person Lyla wanted her to pick up was the founder of Iron Financial—a name making waves everywhere these days.

The folder didn’t help much. There’s no photo, barely any personal details. Even after a quick search online, she found almost nothing. All anyone seemed to know was that he’d left the country young, made a fortune abroad, and now he was back to start fresh at home.

On her way to the airport, Reese made a pit stop at an ad agency and begged them to make a welcome sign on the spot. Thanks to traffic, she was already running late, and by the time she arrived, passengers were pouring out of the arrivals gate.

She rushed inside, barely lifting the sign before a familiar voice cut through the crowd. “Reese!”

She spun around. Her eyes widened, a grin breaking out on her face. “Tara!”

Tara was her cousin, her uncle’s daughter, and basically her best friend since childhood. They’d grown up together, as close as sisters.

Tara threw her arms around her. “You came to pick me up? You must’ve known I was flying home today!”

Normally, Reese would have joked right back, but today she had a job to do. She quickly explained she was there for work, ready to get back to her mission of finding Iron Financial’s mysterious founder.

But Tara just laughed, grabbed her hand, and started weaving through the crowd. “Don’t worry about it. I actually know the guy you’re looking for.”

Reese blinked, surprised. “You do?”

“Yup. No need to wander around. I’ll take you right to him.”

It sounded impossible. How had Tara, after just a few years overseas, ended up crossing paths with someone this important? She must have noticed Reese’s confusion, because Tara shot her a secretive little smile. “Not only do I know him, you know him too.”

Reese stared. “Me? No way. I think I’d remember meeting someone like that.”

But Tara just winked and led her to the baggage claim. There, a man in a white T-shirt with a subtle print stood off to the side, one hand in his pocket, the other steadying a suitcase.

Reese forced a smile, stepping forward. “Zach, it’s been a long time.”

“It has,” Zach said, his voice cool.

With introductions done, Tara handed all the luggage to Zach without a second thought, then pulled Reese ahead.

“Don’t mind him,” Tara whispered. “He’s always like that—kind of standoffish with people he doesn’t like. He’ll come around.”

“Oh, and we’re getting married,” Tara added, as if it was no big deal. “We’re staying here for good this time. Ready to start our life here together.”

Reese glanced at her cousin. They’d grown up side by side, shared every secret, told each other everything. At least, she thought so.