Chapter 5

Once a Fool, Now a Queen

Aurora Sinclair’s POV

⸻

I had never been one to hesitate.

But as I stared at my phone, Killian’s number glowing on the screen, my fingers hovered over the call button.

I knew what this meant.

Accepting his offer wasn’t just about revenge. It was about power. About stepping into an arena where men like Damian and Killian thrived—and proving I could do the same.

And I would.

With or without Killian Wolfe.

I pressed dial.

He picked up on the second ring. “Aurora.”

No pretense. No small talk.

“I’ll do it,” I said. “But on my terms.”

Silence. Then a low chuckle. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

Of course he was.

Killian never made an offer he wasn’t certain would be accepted.

I tightened my grip on the phone. “I don’t want to be your pawn, Killian. If we do this, we do it as equals.”

Another pause. This one longer.

Then—“Then show me you can keep up.”

⸻

“From now on, you need to start thinking like a predator,” Killian said.

We sat in his office, a sleek penthouse overlooking the city, the floor-to-ceiling windows making it feel like we were standing above the world.

Which, in a way, we were.

He slid a file across the table. “This is your starting point.”

I opened it, scanning the contents—potential investors, business contacts, market trends.

It was overwhelming. But I refused to show it.

Instead, I looked up. “So what’s the plan?”

Killian leaned back, watching me with that unreadable gaze. “You build something of your own. Something Damian can’t touch.”

I exhaled sharply. “That’s easier said than done.”

A new voice cut in. “Which is why you have me.”

I turned as Celeste Monroe strolled into the room, her signature smirk firmly in place.

“Did you really think I’d sit this one out?” she teased, dropping a thick envelope onto the table.

I arched a brow. “What’s this?”

“Names. People willing to take a risk on someone with your reputation.” She smirked. “You know, since your darling ex-husband made sure to drag it through the mud.”

My stomach twisted, but I ignored it. “And they’re actually interested?”

“They will be,” Killian said. “Once they see what you’re capable of.”

I held his gaze. “And what exactly do you think I’m capable of?”

He smiled, slow and razor-sharp. “More than you’ve ever allowed yourself to be.”

The words sent something electric down my spine.

I clenched my jaw, flipping through the names. One in particular stood out—a major investor who had the power to change everything.

Celeste caught my expression and hesitated. “There’s a catch.”

Of course there was.

“Their representative agreed to meet you,” she continued. “But the meeting is at an exclusive business gala.”

I frowned. “So?”

Celeste sighed. “Damian will be there.”

My fingers tightened around the paper.

Of course he would be.

Killian studied me carefully. “If you’re not ready, we can wait.”

I straightened my shoulders, ignoring the knot in my stomach.

“No,” I said firmly.

I had spent too long running.

It was time Damian saw exactly what he had unleashed.

***

To be continued

***

Hey, awesome readers!

Thanks for sticking with me through Once a Fool, Now a Queen!

I hope you’ve loved the drama, the twists, and all the swoon-worthy moments as much as I loved writing them.

If you’re enjoying the story, don’t forget to add it to your library and keep reading—there’s more to come! Your support seriously means the world, and I’d love to hear what you think.

See you in the next chapter!