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 ?"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 will 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 ?"Elena sat down in the leather chair, her eyes fixed on Alan as he sat across her.Mr.Johnson cleared his throat, his pen balanced over his notepad."So let's get started," his voice neutral."Alan, you wanted to discuss the settlement for Elena."Alan nodded, his jaw clenched."I will gi
Elena's eyelids opened and closed quickly. She was met with the familiar sight of her childhood bedroom. Its walls were painted a soft, creamy colour and the bed was giant. The flowery carpet was so soft. Big curtains hung from the windows like puffy white clouds.The room was filled with pretty things:shiny vases, and old books with fancy covers. Everything looked expensive and fancy. The grand castle-like mansion that was her family's home surrounded her in its warmth and comfort.As she sat up her gaze wandered around the room. Her eyes remained on the old portrait of her family. She couldn't reconcile the fact that she was back in her childhood bed, in her family's mansion, after all that had transpired.The memories of her marriage, her husband's betrayal, and the divorce that followed flooded her mind. It all felt like a dream, a nightmare that she couldn't wake up from.Just as she was lost in thought, a soft knock on the door broke the silence."Miss Elena, it's time for break
Oh my God! I can't believe Alan did this to me after divorcing me.Elena's eyes were still fixed on her palm top which she held in her hands. A news with the headline: "DIVORCED WIFE COMMITS FRAUD "with her picture posted along with it.Her hands were shaking terribly, and she could not help but wonder what she did to deserve all this.Elena picked up her phone, her hands trembling as she dialled Alan's number. The phone rang and Alan's deep voice answered."Hello love, missing me already.""Alan, you need to stop playing tricks on me, bring down that article or else..."Alan's laughter boomed through the phone, making Elena's heart sink."Come on, love you already signed them and we got caught. I will settle you for taking the fall."Elena's grip on the phone tightened."How dare you? After ruining my life, with your useless mistress. You still blackmailed me". Alan's chuckles continued, mocking and annoying."Take the fall, Elena."The line went dead, and Elena was left staring at her
Elena's eyelids opened slowly, groggily taking in her surroundings. She lay on a hospital bed, surrounded by the smell of antiseptics, drugs and the soft beeping of machines. As she tried to lift her hand, she felt a pain and a cold metal digging into her wrist. Her gaze followed the handcuff chained to the bed rail.Her father and brother stood beside her, their faces filled with concern."Elena, thank God you are awake!" her father exclaimed, his voice trembling.Her brother rushed to press the call button."Doctor, she's awake!"Elena began to wonder how she ended up here. The last place she was in her ex-husband's office." W... what happened?" she stammered."How is my baby?" her voice barely audible.The doctor burst in, a warm smile on his face."Welcome back, Elena."Elena's voice trembled as she asked, "My baby? How's my baby?"The room fell silent, her family's faces filled with sorrow. The doctor's eyes dropped, his expression sombre.Elena's heart raced, her mind pleading for a
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
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