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 “With my investment, we’ve expanded production, modernized outdated equipment, and secured new distribution channels.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
Elena Victor’s breath was warm against my skin The car was still now, the only sound the faint hum of the engine. His gaze flickered to my lips, and for a second a dangerous second, I didn’t move away.Then my phone beeped loudly.The sharp sound sliced through the moment, making us both jolt back. My heart hammered against my ribs as I fumbled for the device, seeing Alexander’s name on the screen. He had just sent me a message that he would be home late.I had barely registered the response to give. I type A quick, “Alright. Be safe.” My hands were trembling. What had just happened, I was still trying to process it.Now, minutes later, Victor finally spoke. “Elena… I’m sorry.”I turned to him, finally meeting his eyes. They were filled with regret, but also something else. What did he want me to say ? “It was a mistake?,” I asked quickly, as if saying it aloud would make it true.He exhaled, shaking his head. “It wasn’t. But it shouldn’t have happened.” His fingers tightened on
Victor’s gaze landed on me first, then flickered to Victoria. His brows pulled together, his expression unreadable, but the tension in his stance said everything.“Well,” Victoria said, breaking the silence as she took a step back, completely at ease. “I suppose that’s my cue to leave.”She reached for her purse on the desk, her fingers brushing past the documents I had been working on, her sharp blue eyes flicking to the paperwork in a way that didn’t go unnoticed.“You really should lock your doors, Alex,” she said, her voice dripping with amusement. “Never know who might walk in.”With that, she walked out, the click of her heels fading down the hall, leaving Victor and me standing in the thick, unspoken tension she had left behind.Victor exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face before fixing me with a hard stare. “Tell me I didn’t just walk in on you making the worst mistake of your life.”I leaned back against the desk, folding my arms. “Nothing happened.”He scoffed. “Sure as hel
It was finally the day I have been waiting for. The exhibition hall buzzed with excitement as guests arrived, dressed in elegant evening attire. The warm glow of chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, reflecting off polished marble floors. Rows of stunning artwork lined the walls, each piece carefully mounted, waiting to be admired, critiqued, and ultimately sold to the highest bidder.I took a deep breath, smoothing the front of my dress. This was it. The night that could change everything. I glanced at Victoria, who stood beside me, arms crossed.“Is it set?” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the low hum of conversation.Victoria nodded subtly. “Everything’s in place. But are you sure about this?”I swallowed, not entirely sure at all. “I have to be.”A part of me wandered if Victoria’s help was just about the company’s Glory or there was something more.Before she could respond, a microphone crackled, drawing everyone’s attention to the stage. Rachel Greene, the event
Darkness.A dull ache pulsed in my skull as my senses slowly stirred. The air was damp, carrying the scent of dust and rusted metal. Something cold pressed against my cheek—concrete. My wrists ached, bound behind me, and my throat felt parched.I tried moving, but my body was stiff, restrained. My pulse quickened. Where was I?Memories flashed—the exhibition, the missing painting, stepping out to find help… a hand gripping my arm.And then—blackness.A flickering light buzzed overhead as my vision adjusted. A warehouse. Crates were stacked along the walls, the only sound a faint hum of machinery in the distance.I wasn’t alone.A figure stood a few feet away, leaning against a metal table. He wasn’t in a rush, watching me with an air of amusement.Adrian Volkov.I knew his name. One of the powerful elites invited to the exhibition. A popular businessman. He smirked when he saw my eyes widen. “You’re awake.”I clenched my jaw. “What am I doing here ?”He took a slow step forward, hand
Alexander’s POV“I’ll sort Adrian out.”Victoria’s voice was steady, but I didn’t trust it. I folded my arms and leaned back against the leather chair in my office, watching her carefully.“You’ll sort him out?” I repeated, skepticism dripping from my tone. “Sorting out isn’t enough for someone who nearly destroyed my reputation and kidnapped my wife like a madman. You expect me to believe he won’t blackmail you again?”Victoria exhaled and stepped closer. “Alexander, listen to me. Adrian is obsessed with me, yes, but I know how to handle him now. I won’t let him come after me or the company again.”I scoffed. “And what exactly is your plan?”“I have my ways, just trust me please.”Her answer was vague, and I hated that. “That’s the problem, I can’t trust you Victoria.”She sighed, rubbing her temples. “Look, I know I messed up before, but I swear I’ve changed. I want to come back, and I want to make things right. You need someone you can trust in your company—someone who understands
Victoria’s POV“It’s time for what papa?” I asked, gripping my phone tighter. My father’s voice was calm but firm, carrying that heavy weight of authority that always made my stomach twist.“Since you refuse to come to Milan, I will come to Florida.”My heart nearly stopped. “What?”“I should have done this sooner,” he continued. “This situation has gone on long enough. Your silence, your avoidance—it all tells me there’s something you’re not saying. If you won’t come to me, I have no choice but to come to you.”Panic surged through me. “You don’t have to do that,” I said quickly, forcing out a small laugh as if the idea were ridiculous. “I mean, I’ve just been… busy. Things are under control, really.”“Victoria.” His voice held no patience for my excuses. “Enough.”I swallowed hard. “Dad, please. There’s no need to—”“I’ll be in Florida soon.”The finality in his voice made my chest tighten. “Dad—”The call ended.I let out a shaky breath, pressing my phone against my forehead. Shit.
Alexander’s POVLorenzo met my gaze, his jaw tightening. “I want answers.”I let out a sharp laugh, shaking my head as he reached for the glass of whiskey he’d abandoned earlier. “Answers?” He took a slow sip before setting the glass down. “To what, exactly?”I leaned forward, bracing my hands against the desk. “To this mess, Alexander. To the way my name and yours is being dragged through every damn blog and media outlet. To the way the showcase was sabotaged. To how exactly I got tangled in all of this.”My eyes darkened. “You think I wanted this?” My voice dropped, the underlying anger in it barely restrained. “Do you think I enjoy waking up to headlines splashing my name across the internet like I’m some fucking criminal?” I scoffed, shaking my head. “I was supposed to be the shadow, Lorenzo. The one pulling strings from behind the scenes, not the one thrown into the public eye like a circus act.”I studied him for a moment. For all his arrogance, there was a layer of genuine fru
Elena’s POVVictoria stood near one of the displayed paintings, arms folded across her chest, a smug smile curling on her lips the second her gaze met mine.“Well, well, well,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. “Look what the cat dragged in.”Isla, beside me, exhaled softly but said nothing. My eyes flickered to her briefly, but her expression was unreadable—calm, indifferent. She made no move to acknowledge Victoria, and Victoria, in turn, acted like she didn’t see her. But something in the way Isla stiffened ever so slightly didn’t sit right with me.“You seem surprised to see me,” Victoria continued, stepping closer, her heels clicking against the polished floor. “I figured after that… spectacle you put on at the showcase, you’d be too busy hiding under a rock somewhere.”I squared my shoulders, refusing to let her get under my skin. “Funny. I was thinking the same about you.”Victoria let out a laugh, sharp and taunting. “Oh, darling, please. Unlike you, I don’t crumble u
Mia reached into the box and picked up the bracelet, her eyes widening as she turned it over in her palm. It wasn’t just any bracelet—it was expensive-looking, delicate yet striking. A thick, silver band wrapped around itself in an intricate woven design, almost like intertwining vines. The metal had a polished gleam, catching the dim light in the room, and at the center was a locket charm. Mia clicked it open, revealing a tiny, hand-painted portrait of Elena inside.“Oh, wow,” Mia breathed, holding it up to the light. “This is some real Romeo shit.”Elena said nothing. Her fingers curled around the edge of the box, heart hammering against her ribs.Mia turned the bracelet in her hands again, tilting her head as she examined the artistry. “Look at this detail. This isn’t some basic mass-produced jewelry; this was customized. The way the edges are carved? The way your picture’s been hand-painted and set into the locket instead of just printed? Girl, Victor did not play around with this
Elena’s POVI blinked, sure I had misheard him. “What?”Victor’s eyes remained steady on mine. “I think Isla might be involved.”I let out a sharp laugh. “You think Isla—my assistant —is involved? Are you even hearing yourself?”Victor sighed, leaning back slightly. “Elena, I need you to listen—”“No, you listen,” I snapped. “You don’t get to come in here and start pointing fingers at someone who has been nothing but good to me.”Mia, who had been silently munching on her fruit, straightened up. “Wait. I’m gonna need some context for this one.” “Who’s isla again ?”I turned to her “Isla Kerrington, she’s my personal assistant and her reason why I got on that showcase”“Oh that’s nice , so mr Victor, why is she your suspect?”Victor exhaled. “Look, something happened in London when Alexander was away.”I crossed my arms. “I know that’s where Alexander met Isla for the first time.”“Right,” Victor nodded. “But what you don’t know is that something strange happened to Alexander during t
Elena’s POV“You won’t at least take the flowers?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.I stared at them again. I had no reason to accept anything from him. Yet, something in the way he was looking at me, almost as if he was pleading, made me reach out and take them.“Fine,” I muttered, plucking them from his grasp.Victor’s lips twitched into a small smile, but I turned away before I could acknowledge it. I walked into the living room, setting the flowers down on the coffee table before sitting on the couch. Victor followed, sitting across from me.The air between us was thick, unspoken words sitting on both our tongues. Before either of us could say anything, footsteps sounded behind us.“Well, well, well,” Mia’s voice was laced with sarcasm as she strolled into the room, arms crossed. “Look what we have here, the Romantic lawyer himself .”Victor chuckled, shaking his head. “Always a pleasure, Mia.”Mia smirked. “Flowers? Gifts? What’s next, a violinist playing love songs outside
Isla’s POVI grabbed the phone and answered immediately.“Elena?”“Isla,” she breathed, her voice quiet but urgent. “I need to talk to you.”I frowned, my grip on the phone tightening. “Are you okay? How are you doing ?, sorry I didn’t reach out to you after I left the hospital”There was a brief pause before she sighed. “It’s fine Isla.”Something in her tone put me on edge. “What’s wrong, you don’t sound fine”.Elena hesitated, as if she was weighing her words carefully. “I don’t know Isla, the whole thing from the showcase, my name being on blogs, has put my career on the line and I’m just so overwhelmed.”I exhaled, sinking into the chair. “I know Elena, but don’t worry about it, soon something else would take over from this and the bloggers would move on. Besides, I reached out to the sponsors and PR team of the showcase already ““Really?” I could feel the excited in her voice “Yes Elena, you have nothing to worry about for now”“For now?” She asked “Yes, they would have to ge
Victoria’s POV“Who the fuck is this?”The words flew out of my mouth before I even processed the call. I wasn’t comfortable having this phone call while I was still at Alexander’s premises. Then, silence. A beat too long.And then“Are you fucking serious right now, Victoria?”Victor, I realized.I blinked, my grip tightening on the phone as recognition settled in. “Oh.” A slow smirk crept onto my lips. “Victor, darling, didn’t expect to hear from you so soon. What, miss me already?”His voice was ice, laced with barely controlled rage. “You set me up, you crazy bitch. Right ?”I rolled my eyes, already bored. “Oh, please. Set you up? I did you a favor.”“A favor?” he spat. “Are you out of your damn mind?”I sighed dramatically, looking around cautiously before responding “Think about it, genius. Now that Elena thinks Alexander’s some bitter, conniving snake, guess what? She won’t go running back to him anytime soon.” I let that sink in before adding, “Which means you have the perfe