Elena's POV I sat on the couch, staring directly into their terrified eyes, my fingers toying with my gun.“I know you you must be curious about who I am, but trust me, you don't want to know. I'm just a nobody who felt used.”Julian lifted his finger, “can I ask a question?”I shrugged, “feel free”“How do you know Gina?”“I was just a simple house girl in her home. When she needed someone who would work as a spy for her, I made myself available.” I said.Silence enveloped the room, all of them dealing with their own thoughts.“You know I'm not actually sorry about Lily's miscarriage. Gina only wanted to return the favor.” I smirked, noting the change in facial expressions and stirs. But of course, they can't voice out their aggressions, for fear of being shot.I wasn’t the type to beg, far from it, but here I was, sitting in Julian’s living room, facing three pairs of eyes that probably wished I were dead. The tension in the air was suffocating, thick enough to strangle me. Julia
Elena's POVI cleared my throat, “Good. As we all know, Your famous philanthropist, Regina Saxton was my…”“...That name sounds familiar.” Monica said, cutting in.“Of course, it's supposed to ring a bell. It's Gina.” “My Gina?” Julian asked immediately, his eyes widening.“Your Gina? Ha! You wish. She belongs to someone else now.” I sneered.“Regina is not a philanthropist. Not in this life, not in another. She doesn't have much things to live by anyway, not to talk of giving out.” Monica said in her usual mocking tone.I sat on the edge of the leather couch, legs crossed, eyes scanning the room as if daring them to challenge me. The atmosphere was thick with disbelief, the silence almost deafening. I had just dropped a bomb, and I was relishing the way it detonated. Monica was the first to react. Her perfectly arched brow lifted as she tilted her head. “Gina? A philanthropist?" She scoffed. "Are we talking about the same woman who grew up with Lily? That Gina?"I rolled my eyes,
Elena's POV For some reason, Julian remained quiet. I expected some hesitation, maybe even an argument, but Julian’s reaction still irritated me. The moment I laid out my plan—to expose Gina and use the truth of Lily’s miscarriage as leverage—Julian leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest, brows furrowed in deep thought. His hesitation was written all over his face, and I knew exactly what he was about to say before the words even left his mouth. "I don’t know if we should go through with this," he muttered, shaking his head. "Saxton’s Empire… I need their funding." Silence stretched across the room. For a second, I thought I’d misheard him. "Excuse me?" I said, my tone sharper than I intended. Julian sighed, rubbing his temples. "Look, Elena, I get it. Gina is dangerous, manipulative, and she’s hurt us all. But Saxton’s Empire is one of the biggest financial players in the country. I’ve been trying to get in negotiations with them for months now, trying to secure
Gina’s POVThe moment the call ended, a wave of dread settled in my chest, heavy and suffocating. I stood frozen, gripping the phone so tightly my knuckles turned white. Elena. I had spent months underestimating her. I had used her, twisted her loyalty, and made her my pawn. I never thought the day would come when she would turn on me, let alone hold something over my head. My past mistakes had finally caught up with me. I exhaled shakily, pacing back and forth across the room, the silky hem of my nightgown brushing against my legs. Should I tell Alex? No. That was out of the question. I couldn’t let him know. Not about the call. Not about what I did to Lily. Alex had always been unpredictable when it came to his morals—sometimes ruthless, other times irritatingly righteous. If he found out the truth, if he knew how far I had gone to destroy Lily, I had no idea how he would react. He had warned me severally to drop my revenge schemes, he even begged me that night. But
Gina's POVThe morning sun barely filtered through my bedroom curtains as I fastened the delicate clasp of my necklace. I had barely slept, my mind racing all night with thoughts of Elena and the impossible situation she had trapped me in. I told myself I could handle it. That I had faced worse threats before. But this wasn’t just about power or business. This was about survival. Just as I slipped on my heels, my phone vibrated on the nightstand. I already knew who it was before I picked it up. Elena.With a deep breath, I opened the message. “9 AM. Abandoned warehouse near the East Docks. Alone. Don’t make me regret giving you this chance.”My fingers clenched around the phone. The East Docks. Of course, she’d choose an isolated place. She wanted me cornered, helpless. But she had underestimated me. I would go. I had no choice. But I wouldn’t walk into her trap blindly. I was still lost in thought when the bedroom door opened, and I felt warm hands slide around my waist
Gina's POVI drummed my manicured nails against the polished surface of my desk, my patience thinning with each passing second. The digital clock on my desk read 9:45 AM, and for the past thirty minutes, I had been staring at my phone, half-expecting Elena to send another taunting message. But she didn’t. Was she testing me? Trying to unnerve me? I exhaled sharply. Fine. If she wanted me rattled, she’d be disappointed.Pressing the intercom button on my desk, I called my secretary. "Jenna, come in." A few seconds later, the door opened, and Jenna stepped inside, her tablet clutched against her chest. She was a diligent employee, sharp and efficient. "Yes, ma’am?" I stood, straightening my dress as I grabbed my purse. "I’m heading out for the day. If anyone asks for me, tell them to come back tomorrow." “But ma'am, we just started the day.” She said.“Let's just say, I have to go on an errand.”Jenna blinked in surprise but quickly nodded. "Understood. Should I reschedule
Gina's POVI watched as Elena cleared her throat, squaring her shoulders like I hadn’t just slapped the life out of her a moment ago. Impressive. Most people would’ve cowered by now. But she wasn’t most people. She smirked, brushing imaginary dust off her sleeve before tilting her chin up. "From today onwards, Gina," she said in a sickeningly sweet tone, "you’re going to obey my every word." I scoffed, folding my arms. "Oh? And why would I do that?" "Because," Elena said, her smirk widening, "if you don’t, I’ll expose everything. The world will know exactly what kind of woman you are. Your perfect little image? Gone. Your empire? Crushed. Even the little marriage you think you're proud of? Gone. I can imagine how Sir Alex will react to hearing all the malicious things his angelic wife has done in the name of revenge. And you will have no one to blame but yourself." I clenched my jaw, my nails digging into my palm. She was bluffing. She had to be. Still, I needed to know ex
Gina’s POVI exhaled sharply, my patience wearing thin as the voices around me clashed in another round of petty insults. Julian and Lily were ganging up like the pathetic duo they had always been, and Monica… well, she just stood there, soaking in the drama like a queen presiding over a circus. But then Elena snapped her fingers, and the room fell into silence. "Enough," she said, her voice firm. "We didn’t come here for all this bickering. Let’s get to business." I folded my arms, tilting my head slightly. "Oh? And what business would that be?" Elena smirked. "Simple. First, you’re going to sign a partnership deal with Julian’s company and assist him with funds." A sharp laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. "Excuse me?" "You heard me." I shook my head in disbelief. "Elena, if this is some kind of joke, I’m not laughing." Elena leaned forward slightly, her eyes gleaming. "It’s not a joke, Gina. It’s a demand. And if you refuse, well… you already know the cons
Gina's POV The next morning, I arrived at my office feeling drained. I hadn’t slept well, my mind running in endless circles around Elena’s threats, Alex’s suspicions, and now, the nightmare of having to employ Lily. I wasn’t ready for another battle, but it seemed fate had other plans. As soon as I stepped into my office, my secretary, Jenna, was already on her feet, her expression uneasy. “Mrs. Moretti, Mr. Thompson has requested to see you,” she said, her voice hesitant. I exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose. Of course. Mr. Thompson was the chairman of the board of directors, and I already knew why he wanted to see me. The partnership with Julian’s company had stirred more backlash than I’d anticipated. I wasn’t in the mood for another lecture, but delaying the conversation wouldn’t help either. “Let him in,” I said, forcing my voice to remain neutral. Jenna nodded and left. Seconds later, the office door opened, and Mr. Thompson stepped inside. The mom
Gina's POV I clenched my fists under the table, my nails digging into my palms as Elena's voice echoed in my head. **“You’ll employ Lily in one of your companies. No objections, Gina.”** My lips had parted to protest, but Elena’s narrowed gaze cut me off. She tilted her head, her tone dripping with false patience. **“If you don’t, I’ll deal with Alex.”** My heart had stopped at those words. “Don’t you dare involve Alex in your blackmailing scheme,” I’d hissed, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. Elena only smirked, taking slow, deliberate steps toward me. “Then do as I say.” She turned, walking away with her henchmen, her expensive heels clicking against the marble floor. “You have a day to think about it.” And just like that, she was gone, leaving me standing alone in the empty building. I felt sick. I had fought Elena’s control for as long as I could, but she was relentless. She knew exactly where to strike to break me down. And now, she was using Alex. My husban
Gina's POV The evening was windy and the howl of the wind sent shivers down my spine. The quietness of the area gave me an eerie feeling which I couldn't shake away. Stepping out of my car, I left my bag and stuff inside, holding out only my car keys. I walked gingerly to the entrance, having this hunch that I was being watched. I glanced over my shoulders severally but no one was in sight. Elena had better be quick about whatever she has to say so that I can leave this strange place.The hall were I saw Elena the last time was empty unlike the last time. “Elena, I'm here now,” I voiced out but my voice echoed back, informing me that I was the only one here.Well, look who said I shouldn't be late.I leaned against the wall, thankful for the flat shoes I wore today. It would have been a worse situation if I wore heels. I called her line to be sure she was going to come but the line went straight to voicemail.I tried to occupy my mind with diverse things just so that time would pa
Gina's POV Morning came too quickly. As I sat before my vanity, brushing through my dark, sleek hair, my mind kept returning to the message Elena had sent me last night. *The usual spot. 6 PM.* Simple words, yet they carried a weight I couldn’t ignore. Elena never called for casual meetings. This was about business, and when it came to her, business always meant trouble. I glanced over my shoulder at Alex, still fast asleep, his chest rising and falling steadily. He had no idea what I was up to, and I intended to keep it that way. If he knew, he’d try to stop me, just like he always did. But Alex didn’t understand—power wasn’t given; it was taken. And I wasn’t about to let anyone stand in my way, least of all my own husband. Pushing my thoughts aside, I adjusted the cuffs of my blazer and grabbed my purse. I slipped out of the house without a sound, leaving before Alex could wake up and ask questions I didn’t want to answer. --- By the time I reached my office, the buil
Gina's POV I pressed the button at my headboard to summon Lana in. In two minutes, she knocked and stepped in gingerly.“You sent for me. Do you need anything?” She asked.“Please sit,” I tapped on the edge of the bed for her to sit. I rubbed my temples in utter tiredness.“I've been worried about this whole situation. I can't let Elena do something stupid. At the same time, I can't stand by and watch her destroy what I've built. This isn't what I envisaged. At all…” I started, trailing off as soon my voice got shaky.Lana took my hands in hers, giving it a little squeeze as she smiled.“Don't get all worked up. Everything will be fine in the end. Elena may think she has won, but she is just digging her own grave.” Lana assured.As vague as it sounded, it gave me some kind of relief. Everything would be fine in the end. All I have to do, is wait.I heaved a deep sigh of relief, “help my and draw my bath. I need to have dinner with Alex. He has been worried about me. I can't let him b
Gina's POVI barely noticed when I stepped through the front door. My mind was a haze, my body heavy with exhaustion. The weight of the day pressed down on me like an anchor, pulling me deeper into despair. My hand trembled as I dropped my purse onto the console table with a dull thud. I stood there for a moment, staring at nothing, trying to steady my breath. “Madam, you’re home,” Lana’s voice cut through the silence, soft and cautious. I turned my head slightly, meeting her worried gaze. “How was the meeting, Madam?” she asked. Something inside me cracked. My throat burned as I tried to swallow the lump forming there. I opened my mouth to speak, but the words caught in my throat. Lana stepped closer. “Madam, are you alright?” A bitter laugh slipped past my lips. Alright? I was anything but alright. “No, Lana… I’m not,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. Her brows furrowed in concern. “What happened?” I shook my head, my vision blurring as hot tears welled
Gina's POV The boardroom was silent as we entered, save for the quiet murmurs and shifting of papers. The long, polished mahogany table stretched across the room, occupied by the board members, all of whom turned their attention toward me. Alex took his seat without a word, his posture stiff, his jaw clenched. Julian, despite the blood he had wiped off his face, still carried that smug arrogance as he sat across from me. I could feel the weight of their stares, the unspoken questions lingering in the air. Without hesitation, I stood, smoothing the nonexistent wrinkles on my blazer before clasping my hands in front of me. My face was carefully composed, revealing nothing of the turmoil churning inside me. “Thank you all for coming,” I began, my voice firm. “I’ll get straight to the point. As of today, we are announcing a new partnership between this company and Julian’s firm.” A ripple of reaction swept through the room—muffled whispers, exchanged glances, the sound of a chair
Gina's POV I yanked at my wrist, but Julian’s grip was like iron. His dark eyes blazed with something raw, something possessive that sent a chill up my spine. "You belong to me," he growled, his fingers tightening around my skin. Rage burned through me, but beneath it, an unsettling flicker of something else—something I refused to name. I had spent years breaking free from Julian’s hold, from the chaos he brought into my life. I *would not* let him drag me back. "Let me go," I seethed, my voice low but full of warning. Julian only smirked. "Say it like you mean it, Gina." Before I could shove him away, the office door swung open. Alex. His presence hit the room like a thunderstorm. His sharp blue eyes locked onto Julian’s hand wrapped around my wrist, then flicked up to my face. His expression darkened, and in that moment, I knew—Julian had just made the biggest mistake of his life. Without hesitation, Alex strode forward, his movements precise, controlled, but crackl
Gina's POV The soft ticking of the clock was the only sound in my office. I sat behind my glass desk, staring at the documents in front of me, but I wasn’t reading them. My mind was elsewhere, my thoughts circling around one unavoidable fact—Julian was coming. For months, he had been trying to force his way into my company, showing up unannounced, waiting for hours, only to leave when I refused to acknowledge him. He wanted to see me. He wanted to confront me. And now, he had found a way in. I took a slow breath and leaned back in my chair, steeling myself. Julian had always been relentless. He wasn’t the type to walk away easily. That was why I had to be stronger than him. A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called. Lisa, my secretary, peeked in. “Ma’am, Mr. Julian is here.” I exhaled through my nose. Right on time. “Send him in.” The door swung open, and Julian stepped inside, exuding the same arrogance he always had. His expensive suit