Chapter Thirteen

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 smoothed the silk, her touch lingering for a moment before she smiled.

"Much better. Nobody knows your tie as well, as I do."

Victoria's eyes flashed as she rose from her seat, her hand closing around the steam of Elena's wine Elena's hands shot out to grasp Victoria's wrist. The glass slipped shattering on the floor as they struggled with it.

Victoria took a step closer to Elena, her hands clenched into fists. Her eyes blazed with fury, her breath coming in short grasps. She raised her hand, to slap Elena but Elena caught it in mid-air, her hand wrapping around Victoria's wrist.

With a swift powerful motion, Elena pinned Victoria to the wall, their faces inches apart.

"Victoria Lockwood, we've passed the stage of you, laying a finger on me. I am a powerful woman now, so if you do that, you might lose your baby just like I did."

Elena's whispered her voice teasing.

Victoria's eyes widened, she tried to jerk herself free but Elena's grip tightened, her nails digging deeper into Victoria's skin.

Alan leapt to intervene, but Elena's hand shot out, her palm connecting with his chest. He stumbled backwards and crashed to the floor. Then, Elena's grip on Victoria's neck loosened and her entire body slumped to the floor.

Elena's eyes flashed as she confronted Alan.

"You're not going to intimidate me again, Alan. Those days are over."

Alan sneered, but Elena stood firm, her voice steady.

"I won't back down."

She grabbed her bag, pulled out a handkerchief, and dabbed her sweating palms.

"You need to respect boundaries, Alan. Mine."

Alan stood up to approach Elena, but Victoria held him. Giving him a sign of"No don't."

Alan retreated, his eyes never leaving Elena's face, and offered Victoria his hand. Victoria grasped it, wincing as she struggled to her feet. She leaned on Alan, still clutching her side.

"Ugh...what's your problem, Elena?" Victoria groaned, her voice laced with pain and irritation.

Elena's laughter filled the room.

"You want to know my problem?" She sat down on a seat in front of the door, blocking the exit, and crossed her legs.

"Listen up," she said, playing a voice note on her phone.

"You know what to do, man. Clean job, two hours, evidence required."

Victoria's eyes widened as she recognized the voice. She swayed, but Alan caught her, holding her upright.

Elena's laughter grew louder, her finger pointing at Victoria.

"Oh, Vicky, don't be dramatic! You'll ruin your wedding dress!"

"Calm down, babe," Alan said, guiding Victoria to a seat. "I've got this."

Victoria nodded, shivering, as Alan helped her sit.

Alan approached Elena, his voice firm. "Let's talk outside, Elena. The party's about to start."

Elena smirked. "Relax, Alan. I won't ruin your party... yet."

Alan's tone turned rude. "What do you want, Elena?"

Elena stood, her heels pushing the chair back, and closed in on Alan. "It's not simple, Alan," she whispered, her breath against his ear.

"Delete that note, Elena," he shouted.

Alan reached for her phone, but Elena swiftly moved it out of his grasp.

"No, Alan. Be a good boy. Don't try to outsmart me."

"You know, those days with you were the worst of my life. I wish I knew you were this wicked, Elena."

Elena smirked. "You brought out the beast in me, love. They say, 'Don't underestimate darkness' allure; even pure hearts are drawn to it.'All thanks to you."

Alan begged nervously, "Today's a happy day; don't ruin it. Let's reschedule. I'll meet you, give you whatever you want."

Elena laughed, raising her hands. "What more could I ask for? Check the news, Alan. It'll clarify things."

Alan scrolled through his phone, and his eyes widened as he saw Elena's face with the caption: "Hidden Billionaire Heiress of Celestial Empire Revealed."

Elena winked. "Message received? Don't bother with your dirty money. I'm striking back; get prepared. I'll destroy everything you love and worked for."

Victoria stood, determination in her eyes. "Elena Wellington, you've hidden your true self for years. Do you want war? Bring it. I'll fight with my last breath to bring you down. That voice note? No evidence it's mine."

Elena whispered in Victoria's ear, her eyes glinting. "We'll see about that."

With a smile, Elena touched Victoria's cheek, and Victoria's eyes widened.

"Congratulations on your engagement. I hope to get an invitation to the wedding."

Her heels clicked as she walked away, all eyes on her.

Elena pulled out her phone and dialled Ethan, who had been monitoring her via a device on her clothing. "Hey, how's it going?" Ethan asked.

"Good, thanks for your tips," Elena replied. "I'm heading back now."

"See you soon," Ethan said. "We need to sign those papers ASAP. Nice work, by the way, wifey."

Elena smiled. "Thanks, Ethan. Drop the 'wifey' thing, okay?"

As she entered the garage, she sensed footsteps. "Gotta go, Ethan. Call you back." Elena ended the call, crushed the device on her dress with her heel, and quickened her pace.

The footsteps grew louder, and two burly men emerged from the shadows.

Elena reached her car, dropped her purse on the hood, and wrapped a handkerchief around her hand.

With a fierce gaze, she faced the men.

"Shall we begin?"