The villa was quiet, but the silence didn’t feel peaceful. It felt oppressive, the kind that settled into the cracks of your mind and fed your worst fears. I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands trembling as I stared at the photograph and the note again.Victoria’s words echoed in my head: Welcome to the lion’s den.The picture of her and Alexander was damning. They looked too close, too familiar. The timestamp was recent enough to make my stomach churn. I fought the rising wave of panic, my thoughts spiraling into questions I didn’t know if I wanted answers to.The sound of my phone buzzing again made me jump. It was Alexander’s text repeating in my mind: Don’t wait up.I couldn’t. Not this time.I grabbed my coat, sliding the photo and note into my bag. I needed to confront him, to demand the truth, no matter how much it might hurt.The Wells Enterprises building was just as imposing at night as it was in the daytime. The lights of the top floors burned bright against the dark sky,
“You don’t get to walk away from me, Alexander,” Victoria said, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and pain.Alexander didn’t turn around immediately, his back stiff as he stood near the expansive glass window of his private office. The city lights below reflected faintly in his steely gray eyes, a sharp contrast to the storm brewing inside him.When he finally spoke, his tone was calm, but it carried an edge. “This has to stop, Victoria.”She laughed bitterly, the sound hollow. “Stop? You think I’m the one who needs to stop? You’re the one who put me in this position—like I’m some villain who’s just desperate to win you back.” She stepped closer, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. “And then you act surprised when I fight for what I deserve.”He turned to face her then, his jaw set. “Sending that photograph to Elena was cruel. You crossed a line.”Her blue eyes flared with defiance, but she masked it with a shrug. “I didn’t send it.”“Don’t insult my intelligenc
“Do you think I look okay?” I asked nervously, smoothing down the soft fabric of my tailored dress.Victor glanced at me from where he stood near the boardroom doors, his expression kind but unreadable. “You look perfect,” he said, his voice steady. “But, Elena, you don’t need to overthink this. You’re here because Alexander chose you to stand beside him—not because you have to prove yourself to anyone.”I tried to smile, but the knot in my stomach tightened. My hand fiddled with the silver bracelet circling my wrist—a small but comforting reminder of my father. I’d worn it every day since he gave it to me years ago, and today, it felt like a lifeline.“I’ve never done anything like this before,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “These people… they’re powerful. What if they take one look at me and think I don’t belong?”Victor’s gaze softened, his professional facade melting just enough to let some warmth shine through. “Elena,” he said gently, “they’ll think what Alexande
“You didn’t have to do all this for my father,” I said softly, my fingers tracing the rim of my coffee cup.Alexander sat across from me in his office, his expression unreadable as he leaned back in his chair. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, exuding an air of control and dominance that always left me feeling both intimidated and intrigued.“I wanted to,” he replied simply, swirling the dark liquid in his own cup.I exhaled slowly, trying to process everything. A partnership. It was more than I had ever expected. My father had spent months drowning under the weight of his company’s decline, and now—just like that—Alexander had pulled him to safety.“I just… I don’t even know how to thank you,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.A flicker of something crossed Alexander’s face—something softer, more human, before it disappeared behind his usual stoic mask. “You don’t need to thank me, Elena.”I hesitated before continuing. “But I also… I wasn’t expecting you to involve me
As I stepped out of the office, Rachel Greene stood in the far end of the hallway, poised, elegant, and engaged in a quiet conversation with none other than Victoria. I stopped in my tracks.A chill crawled up my spine as I watched them exchange words in hushed tones, their expressions unreadable. My stomach twisted. How did they even know each other?I didn’t have to wait long for the answer. As I approached, Rachel caught sight of me first. She smiled genuinely, like she was really happy to see me. Victoria, on the other hand, turned with slow deliberation, a smirk tugging at her lips.“Elena,” Victoria said smoothly, crossing her arms. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”I ignored her and looked at Rachel. “Hello Miss Rachel.”“Elena Wells, what a pleasure seeing you again” she said with a warm smile.“Oh, I see you both have already met. Elena, my cousin here is the most influential Gallerist in Florida” Victoria cut in with pride.I blinked. “Cousins?”Rachel nodded. “We are dist
Alexander swirled the whiskey in his glass, his gaze steady on me. “You have a role to play,” he said, his voice calm, controlled.A cold weight settled in my stomach. “What do you mean?”He leaned against his desk, setting his drink aside. “Spears Manufacturing. Your father’s company has been making significant progress since our partnership began.”I exhaled slowly, folding my arms. “And?”Alexander tilted his head slightly, watching me like he was choosing his words carefully. “With my investment, we’ve expanded production, modernized outdated equipment, and secured new distribution channels. The company is more profitable than it has been in years.”I hesitated. I knew the business had been improving, but hearing it from him—like a report—made it feel less like my father’s legacy and more like another one of Alexander’s acquisitions.“I’m glad to hear that,” I said cautiously.Alexander stepped closer. “There are some details I still need to go over.”His tone was casual, but some
“Are you sure about this?” Mia’s voice crackled through the speaker, laced with concern.I adjusted the strap of my dress, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The muted olive-green fabric hugged my frame, simple yet elegant. My hair cascaded in loose waves over my shoulders, and I had kept my makeup soft just enough to mask my uncertainty.“It’s just lunch,” I murmured, slipping on a pair of heels. “If she’s trying to mess with me, I’ll know.”“That woman doesn’t do anything without an agenda, Elena. Be careful.”I sighed, grabbing my purse. “I will.”Victoria had chosen an upscale restaurant downtown, the kind where waiters glided between tables in crisp white shirts, and soft jazz hummed in the background. She was already there when I arrived, effortlessly poised in a sleek black dress, her blonde hair twisted into a loose chignon. She looked up as I approached, offering a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.“Elena, darling. Right on time.”“You don’t strike me as the type w
Chapter 17: A Dangerous Pull“You don’t have to be nervous.”Alexander’s voice was calm, reassuring, as he buttoned his cuffs in front of the mirror. I stood by the dresser, brushing my hair, stealing glances at him through the reflection. He was always so composed, so effortlessly put together.“I know,” I muttered, though the knot in my stomach said otherwise.The art exhibition was getting closer, and no matter how much I told myself it was just another step in my career, I couldn’t shake the anxiety creeping in. I had dreamed of this moment, but it suddenly felt… overwhelming.I turned to face him. “I was thinking of inviting my dad and Mia.”Alexander met my gaze, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, he nodded. “You should. Your father would be proud to see his daughter’s work displayed.” My Dad has never really supported my dreams as an artist, and not like he was against it. But he was always nonchalant. Unlike my late mom who had registered me in different art clubs
Victoria’s POVIt was a few days after Alexander and his little play team ruined my life. The walls of my penthouse felt smaller now, everything felt different, my life had changed for bad.The curtains were open, but the light didn’t touch me. I hadn’t eaten since the arrest. I hadn’t slept either. I’d been staring at the TV, waiting for them to say my father had been released. That something could be done, but there was nothing, I had made several calls and no one seemed to help, they said the allegations were true and heavy on him. All our connections had failed us, my life was in shambles.Just while I was lost in thoughts, there was a knock at the door.Then another.I wasn’t expecting anyone but I opened the door.Adrian.He stood there, in his black coat, hands in his pockets, face calm like he hadn’t just helped destroy everything I had ever built.“You have a lot of nerve,” I snapped, stepping aside to let him in, only because I didn’t want the neighbors to hear the screaming
Elena’s POvI don’t know what possessed me to come here. Maybe it was closure. Maybe it was vengeance.Maybe it was both.And at the center of it all, Victoria Greenwood.She stood at the stage, her red dress flowing like a curtain of blood. She held the microphone with an effortless grace, and when the lights focused on her, the applause was thunderous.“Good evening, darlings,” she began, her voice silk and venom. “First, thank you all for coming tonight. It means the world to me that I get to celebrate with each of you—those I love, admire, and aspire to collaborate with. Tonight isn’t just about glamour—though, let’s be honest, I’m killing it.” Laughter rippled across the room.She winked. “But really, this is about gratitude. For those who have believed in me, supported me, and paved the way… especially one very special man—my amazing father.”The applause returned, louder this time. And then he emerged.Mr. Greenwood Stones.A walking headline in a sleek tux, polished shoes, and
Victoria’s POVMy phone hadn’t stopped ringing all morning. It was my birthday today, my big day!“Is the floral arrangement in place? I want the cherry blossoms centered—nothing else,” I snapped into the phone, pacing across the marble floor of my apartment. The mirrored panels along the hallway reflected my anxious expression as I turned the corner into my bedroom, where my evening dress lay spread across the bed like a silent promise.I hung up the call before the planner could ask another question and immediately dialed Isla.She picked up on the second ring. “Hey, babe! Big night!” she chirped.“I hope you’re looking stunning. I don’t want to be the only jaw-dropper walking that red carpet tonight.”Isla giggled. “Trust me, I’m going full glam. I’ve got that bejeweled emerald gown you love—hair slicked back, high heels tall enough to break necks.”“That’s the spirit,” I smiled, easing into the chaise by the window. “This night’s going to be perfect. Dad says he even has a surpris
Elena’s POV“What exactly do you mean by that ?” I asked turning to Adrian.Adrian leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes reflecting a lifetime of calculated decisions. “Victoria’s birthday celebration is tomorrow, correct?” His Russian accent added a gravitas to his words this time, making every syllable feel like a decree.Alexander nodded, his jaw tightening. “Yes. She had even sent a reminder just last night, she’s always extravagant with her celebrations. The city’s elite will be in attendance.”A slow, predatory smile spread across Adrian’s face. “Then it’s the perfect stage for our performance.”I shifted in my seat, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “Performance?”Adrian’s gaze met mine, unwavering. “A public unmasking. We expose Greenwoods for the charlatan he is, in front of his peers, his allies, his world, we make them see what humiliation feels like.”The audacity of the plan sent a shiver down my spine. The idea of confronting such a powerful figure in a p
Elena’s POVThe following morning came quicker than I expected. I hadn’t even taken a full sip of my coffee before I heard the soft knock at the door.Mia peeked out the window first, then turned to me. “It’s Alexander’s driver—and I think those are his security guys too.”I sighed, placing my mug down. “He didn’t mention he was sending a whole team.”Mia raised a brow. “You surprised? It’s Alexander. He sends an army if you sneeze too loud.”I offered a faint smile and grabbed my coat. I had already texted Adrian earlier that morning, and after a few minutes of back and forth, he had sent me a location. It was a private estate just a little outside the city limits—discreet, exclusive, and of course, heavily guarded. I didn’t tell him that Alexander would be coming too. I knew it was a gamble, but something told me Adrian would understand.The drive to Alexander’s penthouse was quiet. His men barely spoke a word, but they were polite, respectful. As the gates opened and the car pulled
Elena’s POVI had barely caught my breath when the silence between Alexander and Victor stretched thin like a worn-out thread ready to snap. The air was stiff, as though it could combust from the tension lingering in the room. Alexander’s chest rose and fell heavily beside me, still furious from everything I had just confessed to him. Victor just stood there helpless, sad, his eyes filled with regrets.Then, he spoke.“I know you hate me, Alexander,” Victor began, voice raw and cracking, “and I know I don’t deserve even a second of peace from you. But I just want you to understand one thing—I never wanted to take Elena from you or anything. Everything I felt for her was real.”I froze.Victor’s voice trembled as he stood from the couch. “I loved her genuinely. I still do.” He turned toward me, and I couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, just stared at him as his words pierced the quiet. “From the moment I saw you, Elena. Not because you were beautiful or brilliant—although you are—but becaus
Elena’s POVI didn’t realize how long I’d been standing outside until I felt a breeze brush against my skin, cooling the spot where Alexander’s lips had just touched mine. My heart was still racing from the kiss—his kiss—and I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t even know what to feel.So I asked the only thing that made sense in the moment.“Why did we just do that?”Alexander didn’t even hesitate. His voice was calm, low, but firm.“Why wouldn’t we?” he said, eyes not leaving mine. “You’re still my wife.”I looked away. His words pierced something deep in me. Something raw. Something that hadn’t healed yet. I felt my chest tightening as I fought back the emotions swirling inside me.But it didn’t work.I broke down.The tears came so suddenly I couldn’t stop them. I turned away from him, trying to hide my face, but he reached for me gently.“Elena,” he whispered, but I couldn’t meet his gaze.“I don’t know anymore, Alexander,” I sobbed. “I don’t know how to trust you. You hurt me. Yo
Elena’s POVThe silence that followed my words was louder than any argument we’ve ever had and then he asked again “what did you say?”“I still want a divorce,” I repeated, my voice quieter this time. Almost like I didn’t want him to hear it, but I knew he did. His chest barely moved. His eyes were locked on mine, and his lips parted, like he wanted to speak but forgot how to form words.Finally, he blinked. Once. Twice. And then… a slow exhale.“I see,” he said.I turned away, looking at the garden hedge behind him, anything but his face. “You said if you found out my father was innocent, you’d sign the papers.”His jaw tensed. “I did.”“And?”He took a step closer. “And I will.”I nodded. That should’ve made me feel relieved. But instead, it burned.He stared at me for a long time. Then his voice cracked gently through the air. “But before I do… can I say something? Please.”I didn’t speak. I didn’t nod. I just stood there. That was enough for him.He ran a hand through his hair, l
I barely had time to react before Alexander was on his feet, his chair scraping violently against the floor. His entire frame was tense, his jaw locked in fury as he glared at Victor standing a few feet away.“What the hell is he doing here?” His voice was sharp, demanding. His eyes flicked between Victor and me, searching for an explanation, his anger barely restrained.Victor, looking just as startled as Alexander, raised his hands in defense. “I didn’t know I was going to be here either,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “Elena invited me.”Alexander’s gaze snapped to me, his expression darkening. “You invited him?”I let out a slow breath, steadying myself. “Alexander, calm down.”His glare intensified. “Don’t tell me to calm down, Elena. Do you even realize what you’re doing?”“Yes,” I said firmly. “Victor is a part of this, whether you like it or not. He is one of us.”Alexander let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. “A part of this? You’re joking, right?”Before