Ethan stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his sleek house, gazing out at the vibrant cityscape before him. He cradled a glass of champagne on his left hand as he unbuttoned his shirt.
Undone to the midpoint of his chest revealing a glimpse of his strong chest, adorned with a gleaming silver chain. As he sipped the wine, his eyes never left the city. The door slides open breaking the silence as Bryan his Personal Assistant approaches him with a file in his hand, his footsteps quiet on the plush carpet. With a discreet nod, he offered the file to Ethan, his eyes never leaving his boss's face. Ethan's gaze flickered up from his wine glass, his eyes narrowing slightly as he accepted the file. With deliberate slowness, he opened the file, the papers rustling as they revealed their contents. A smile spread across his face as he gazed at the photographs of Elena. He leaned in, his lips brushing against the paper as he kissed her image. "I guess you don't know about this?" Ethan's gaze snapped up to meet Bryan, his eyes blazing with intensity."What kind of details?" Bryan hesitated, "Personal ones, sir. It seems Elena has been keeping some secrets." Ethan tightened his jaw, his eyes narrowing."Go on." Bryan continued, "It appears she is the hidden heiress of the Celestial Empire." Ethan's gaze returned to the photos."Elena, it seems you have a lot you are hiding. I wish your ex knew what he threw away. Keep me updated Bryan, I want to know everything about the Wellington family." Bryan nodded, "Already on it, sir. I will have something for you within an hour." Bryan turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Ethan. Ethan sat down on the leather chair, as he leaned back, the chair made a soft creak. His hand slipped into his trouser pocket, his fingers closing around the familiar shape of his lighter. He drew it out, the metal gleaming in the soft light, and flipped the lid open with a thumb. The flame danced to life, casting flickering shadows on his face. He retrieved a slender cigarette from his pack. He raised it to his lips, the tip glowing orange as he inhaled. Exhaling a smoke, he gazed at Elena's image again. "I asked you out on a date, and you ran away," he said his voice low and husky, the words curling around the smoke."Let's see if you'll run again, Elena." ********** Ethan settled into the dimly lit room, the only sound the soft hum of the laptop. Bryan sat beside him, their faces illuminated only by the faint glow of the screen. As Jeremy worked his magic, the screen flickered to life, casting an eerie light on their Ethan's gaze fixed on the images flashing across the screen, his brow furrowed in concentration. Jeremy's voice was low and steady, guiding them through the digital trail he was uncovering."Okay, I'm in ....looks like Alan's hacker is using a proxy server...but I can trace it back to the source..." Jeremy's fingers flew across the keyboard, his eyes scanning the code streaming across the screen."Ah got it! I'm on Alan's company's server...Oh man, this is not good." Ethan leaned in closer, his voice low and urgent."What is it, Jeremy?" Jeremy's eyes widened, his gaze fixed on the screen."It looks like Alan is planning to blackmail you with the project and some shady dealings are going on." Bryan's eyes narrowed."What kind of shady dealings?" Jeremy's fingers flew across the keyboard, pulling up more files."Looks like they're embezzling funds using Elena's name. He is working with Victoria Lockwood his fiancée." Ethan's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with anger."Find out everything about the Lockwood." Jeremy nodded his fingers flying across the keyboard again."Already on it, boss." Bryan leaned in, his eyes fixed on the screen."Can you show us what you are finding?" Jeremy gave a swift nod, his eyes darted across the screen, his brow furrowed in concentration."Okay...looks like Alan has been having an affair with Victoria Lockwood before getting married to Elena. Mr Lockwood connected Alan to the 5G." Ethan's gaze honed in, his eyes boring into the screen."Keep going, Jeremy. I want to know more about the 5G." Jeremy's eyes widened, his voice barely a whisper."It seems that Elena Wellington was their scapegoat. It was a plan all along by the Lockwood." Jeremy stood and stepped closer to the screen, his laptop still clutched in his hand. "See Lockwood's been using their wealth and influence to fund a developer, one who's been secretly building a platform to manipulate the city's infrastructure. It's a clever plan, one that's been hidden in plain sight." Jeremy's gaze became a piercing stare, as if boring into the digital information on the screen. He leaned in closer, his eyes darting back and forth. "Check this out. Lockwood's been funnelling millions into an offshore account." Jeremy gestured to the screen, his eyes darting between Ethan and Bryan as he explained."Following the money trail, and you'll see it leads straight to one person."Shadow." Jeremy continued."Shadow is the web developer. He is building a platform named"Omnia", designed to integrate with the city's infrastructure. Jeremy's voice dropped to a whisper, his eyes locked onto the screen."Omnia's not just a platform. The Luminaries are using it to get to the 5G and boss, paving the way for the Luminaries to take over." The room fell silent. Jeremy and Bryan stared at their boss. Ethan's eyes were fixed on the screen, his jaw clenched in anger. Ethan's chair scraped against the floor as he pushed it back. He strode across the room, his eyes fixed on the bar in the corner. The soft clink of glass echoed through the room as he poured himself alcohol. He lifted the glass to his lips, his expression a mask of calm detachment. Ethan's eyelids drew together, his gaze compressing into a sharp, intense focus."How does Elena fit into this?" Jeremy's gaze darted sideways, his eyes jerking towards Bryan with a swift involuntary movement, and then just as quickly his eyes snapped back to Ethan. "Elena knew something,boss. She found out about it three months ago, before the divorce." Ethan's glass paused halfway to his lips, his eyes locked onto Jeremy's."What did she know?" Jeremy's expression turned grim."She had discovered Alan's involvement with Shadow. Alan decided to keep her mouth shut by blackmailing her, and sending her to prison, promising to bring her out as soon as possible." Jeremy continued."Boss, Alan's been working with a nurse in the prison and it looks like they are planning..." Ethan took a step closer, still holding his glass. Jeremy, what's going on? Tell me, Now. The air seemed to vibrate with Ethan's intensity. "I think Alan is planning to break her, mentally and emotionally. He wants to keep her mouth shut." Bryan's eyes widened."Alan is a psychopath."How can he do that?" Jeremy pulled up a video feed, showing Elena in the cell. "This was taken yesterday. Alan's got connections, boss." Ethan's eyes flashed with anger, his fists clenched at his sides. "We need to get her out, now."Elena's fist pounded the punching bag with anger. The bag swung widely, Alan's picture on it taunting her with every strike.Sweat dripped down her face, her eyes filled with hatred.Her mind wandered away, taking her to the past as she punched the bag harder.The other inmates watched her in awe, some nodding, while some watched her laughing."Hey, it's time for lunch."But Elena was too consumed by her rage to notice. She swung her fist again, accidentally striking the woman.The woman shouted, stumbling black. The environment fell silent, all eyes on Elena."Oh my God, I'm so sorry Jasmine! Elena said, her face pale with shock.Jasmine's eyes blazed with anger, her face reddening. Without warning, Jasmine's fist, flew towards Elena's face, giving her a hard punch.Elena's head snapped back, as Jasmine's fist made contact with her cheek. Her face stung, with the force of the blow sending a jolt of pain through her skin.Jasmine's fist clenched, her arm cocking back for another. Elen
As the heavy steel doors creaked open, Elena walked away from the prison. She felt the warm sun on her skin, a sensation she hadn't experienced in three long months.As she walked, the sound of the prison doors closing got fainter until she got to the main entrance.Elena's fingers grasped the collar of her jacket, pulling it back and over her shoulder, as she stepped out into the bright sunlight.As she emerged, a figure darted towards her. Her secretary's heels clicked on the pavement, a warm smile spreading across her face."Welcome ma'am, we 've missed you so much." her arms outstretched, enveloping Elena in a warm embrace.Elena smiled, her eyes shining with warmth."It's great to be seen, she replied, her voice gentle."Her secretary held her at arm's length, taking in the sight of her."You look free..."Elena's smile grew wider."I am. Now let's get out of here. I need to go home.""Of course, boss."Secretary Ann nodded taking Elena's jacket from her.As they settled into the car
Elena pushed open the door to the office hall, a hush fell over the room. The soft hum of fluorescent lights and the gentle rustle of papers suddenly seemed amplified as all eyes turned to her.Two days ago, Elena's life turned from grass to grace when her heiress status was revealed at the party, splashing her face across news headlines and billboards.Elena's heels clicked on the floor as she approached the receptionist's desk. Her gaze swept the room, meeting the stares of the office staff. A gentle hum of whisper rustled through the office, like a soft breeze stirring leaves."Wow..." someone breathed, the word barely audible."Stunning," another voice whispered, the tone hushed out admiring.She reached the receptionist's desk. Her lips curved upward, the corner of her mouth rising in a gentle arc, as her face relaxed into a soft, radiant smile.She slid her glasses off, revealing her eyes that shone in the fluorescent light."Welcome Miss. Elena!" she exclaimed, her voice full o
Elena stepped out of the limousine and onto the red carpet, the soft glow of the restaurant's entrance lights illuminating her stunning features. The chauffeur's gloved hands offered a gracious assist, and she accepted with a smile. As she walked on the red carpet, her dinner gown made of sequence shined in the evening light, drawing the gaze of passersby.The restaurant gleamed with elegance, its sign reading "Bistro Bliss".A woman in a tailored suit welcomed her with a bow, ushering her into the reception hall.At the reception desk, a hostess presented her with a card written "VIP" in silver foil."Right this way, ma'am, "she said with a smile, leading her to a section adorned with candles, fresh flowers, and plush velvet drapes.The soft lighting and jazz music welcomed her.Ethan turned the moment he saw Elena. His charming smile was overwhelming as he walked towards Elena giving a perfect look to his black suit. He hugged her. Kissing her on the forehead before he offered a gra
The hum of conversation and clinking glasses enveloped Elena as she swept into the hall. Her short gown with a sweetheart neckline revealed her breasts and a matching purse dangling from her fingers as she reached for a wine glass from the passing waiter's tray.Elena raised the glass to her lips, her gaze fixed on the couple at the front. She took a sip as she walked in the direction the couple were seated.Elena's glance fell upon Victoria's belly, her eyes lingering on the subtle curve of her belly. A warm smile spread across her face as she raised her glass in a silent toast."Congratulations to the latest couple in town."Alan's chair scraped against the floor as he shot to his feet, his face darkening with a mix of surprise and annoyance."Elena, what are you doing here?"Elena's fingers brushed against Alan's tie, her touch as light as a feather."Don't puff up like a doughnut, Alan." she teased, her voice dripping with amusement. Today's supposed to be joyful, remember?She sm
Elena punched and kicked, trying to escape. Suddenly, a bike stopped to a halt beside her. The rider slammed into her attackers, sending them flying. He yanked off his helmet, revealing messy brown hair."Elena, come on!" he shouted.Elena's eyes widened as she recognized the rider - Ethan. She grabbed his hand and swung her leg over the bike. Ethan sped away, leaving the fight behind.As they sped onto the main road, Elena's grip on Ethan's waist loosened, and she let out a deep breath. Ethan glanced at her in the side mirror, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled."How did you know?" Elena asked, her voice laced with curiosity.Ethan's smile faltered for a moment, and he focused on the road ahead. "Know what?" he said, his tone casual, but his eyes darting back to hers in the mirror."I destroyed the clip, Ethan," Elena said, her voice firm. "Stop playing dumb."Ethan sighed, his shoulders sagging. He pulled the bike over in front of a shop and killed the engine. Without a
Elena's footsteps echoed through the silent hallway as she stepped inside. It was a stressful day and she needed to take a shower and prepare for her anniversary with Alan. Her expectations were cut short when she ascended the stairs leading to her bedroom only to hear the sounds of moans emanating from the room. The sounds grew louder as she ascended the stairs. The soft, husky moans sent a shiver down her spine, her heart racing with a mix of shock and disbelief. Tried so hard not to believe that it was coming from her matrimonial room but the more she climbed the stairs,it became clear that it was her matrimonial room. The creaks, the groans, the soft gasps and the unmistakable whispers of pleasure all painted a vivid picture in her mind. The partially opened door made it easy for her to the two figures curled up on the bed. The sheets were twisted around them. Her husband's arm was wrapped around the lady's waist, his hand resting on her hip. The lady's leg was draped over
"Let's get a divorce."Hearing the strangest words from her husband, Elena's eyes widened, her gaze fixed on him. Did she hear him right? A divorce? Her heartbeat picking up in an unsteady rhythm, uncertainty settling in, she forced a smile. "It's not funny, stop this joke, Alan."Upstairs was their luggage packed, set luggage a vacation for their wedding anniversary. Elena took hours getting ready at Alan's command. What's with this strange joke? "It's not a joke, Elena...My lawyer will be in touch soon."Elena's head jerked up, a slight movement, almost invisible. She turned, her feet carrying her upstairs, it was as if her body had disconnected from her mind.She grabbed her luggage with swift efficiency and headed downstairs.Her footsteps echoed through the silence, a solitary march towards the door and then she was gone leaving behind only the faintest whisper of her presence.Elena's feet moved swiftly, carrying her away from the house. She didn't look back. Ahead, she saw