Chapter three

Ethan strode into the Luminaries company's conference room, his confident stride commanding attention. The room fell silent as he took his seat at the polished mahogany table, surrounded by the industry's top investors.

Mr.Alan, the meeting's host and the CEO smiled warmly."Gentlemen let's begin. Our first agenda item: the proposed merger."

The room burst into a loud din, each investor vocalising their stance. Ethan listened attentively, his eyes scanning the room as he absorbed every word.

"I think it's a risky move," said one investor, her voice laced with concern.

"I disagree," countered another."It's a bold opportunity for growth."

As the debate raged on, Ethan's gaze locked onto Mr Alan, who nodded thoughtfully."Mr.Nelson your thoughts."

Ethan's voice was calm and authoritative.

"I believe this merger has potential, but we need to carefully consider the financial implications."

The room fell silent once more, the investors nodding in agreement.

Mr.Alan smiled."Thank you, Mr.Nelson."I think we've reached an agreement."Let's move forward with caution."

The meeting adjourned, the investors rising from their seats, their faces filled with determination. Ethan stood tall, his presence commanding respect as he shook hands with Mr.Alan.

"Thank you for your insight, Mr.Nelson."

Ethan smiled, his eyes gleaming with confidence."Anytime, Mr.Alan.Let's make this merger a success."

The other investors smiled, as they all clapped.

"Mr.Nelson, a moment, please."

Alan moved to his office, a glass-walled office adjacent to the conference room.

Ethan followed his long strides matching Mr Alan's pace. The door slid shut behind them, giving them privacy.

Alan's hand extended, motioning to a plush leather chair."Have a seat, Ethan."

As they sat, Alan's fingers drummed a short and sharp beat on his desk."I'd like to discuss the merger further, Mr.Nelson."

Ethan's eyes narrowed, his mind already racing with strategies."I'm listening, Mr.Alan."

Alan leaned back in his chair, his eyes piercing."I believe our companies share a nice potential, Ethan. Our combined resources could make the industry grow bigger."

Ethan's gaze never shifted."I agree, but I need to discuss it with my directors. You know the conflicting business models."

Mr.Alan's nod was almost barely noticeable. Yes, but I believe our teams can find a way to harmonize our approaches.

Ethan's fingers drummed on the armrest."It's a possibility, but we need to crunch some numbers and access the risk-benefit ratio."

Mr.Alan's smile grew wider."I knew you'd see it my way, Mr.Nelson."

As they stood, Mr Alan extended his hand, sealing the deal with a firm handshake.

"That reminds me, how about dinner? Bring your wife too because I would love to meet her."

Mr.Alan's eyebrows rose, a hint of surprise."Ah, dinner? I'd like that Nelson."

Ethan smiled as he walked through the door leading to the hallway of the entrance to the company.

******

Elena pushed open the glass door, her heels clicking on the polished floor. As she entered the reception area heading towards the pathway leading to Alan's office, Stood close to the elevator was Leah, Alan's sister.A lady with piercing green eyes and a sharp jawline. Her raven hair cascaded down her back. A black dress hugged her curves, its lace and satin shimmering in the light. Her feet were covered in black stiletto heels.

Leah's eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with venom."Look who we have here, my brother's ex-wife finally showed up."

Elena's face remained calm but her eyes flashed with hurt.

Leah continued, her tone mocking "I am so happy that my brother is finally leaving you. Come on, what is Alan doing with a girl picked from the streets? You know, you look shabby, I think luck has never smiled on you."

Elena's jaw tightened, her words careful."Leah, that's enough."

But Leah pressed on, her words laced with malice.", I'm just getting started, love. You see, you are just a barren disappointment, you could not give him a child. But Victoria is already pregnant."

Elena's eyes blazed with anger, her voice low ."That's not true."

Leah continued."It's not that like you are getting any younger. Just go in there, sign the divorce papers and get your settlement."

Elena's face reddened, "How dare you!"

Leah's laughter was like a knife."We both the truth. You were a convenient distraction to Alan. You know he never loved you. He married you because of Mom so that he could get his inheritance."

Elena's voice rose, "Oh really? You know, I think you should go find yourself a man than meddling in other people's marriage affairs. You can't stay away from Alan because you can't make it on your own."

Leah's voice dripped with venom, "At least I'm not a barren, useless wife like you."

Elena's hand rose and fell in rapid succession, her palms striking Leah's cheek with a loud crack, once, twice three times leaving Leah's face red and stinging.

Leah stumbled back, still in shock at the slap given to her. She was in pain and couldn't hide it as she fell to the ground.

Elena's anger poured out in a torrent of violence."This is a little of what will happen to any of your family members that cross part with Elena Wellington from today. Your brother hurt me and I promise, I am going to ruin his life. Get ready."

Elena's heels clicked on the floor as she strode past Leah, her eyes fixed on the door to Alan's office.

Leah's voice screamed behind her, "You think you've won, Elena? Wait till Alan divorces you, I'll deal with you, you traitorous bit***!"

Elena didn't turn back. She kept walking, her pace slow and intentional, as if she was enjoying the triumph.

"You 're dead meat, Elena!"Leah's voice grew louder. I hate you.

Just as Elena reached the door, it swung open, and Alan stepped out his eyes locked onto Elena's.

"What's going on here?"Alan's voice boomed.

A fierce smile spread across Elena's face."Hello Alan, it's nice to see you, you cheating bastard."

And with that, she stepped inside, the door closing behind her.

Their divorce lawyer,Mr.Johnson stood by the window,his briefcase at his Elena's heels clicked on the floor as she approached him,her hand extended."Mr.Johnson.I see you are already here."

Their hands shook in a firm handshake ,his eyes boring into hers."I be been expecting you Elena."

And with that, Elena released his hand,her eyes shifted to Alan,then back to him.

"Shall we get started ?"