“You can’t trust anyone in this world,” the gravelly voice declared from across the dimly lit room. The speaker, a shadowy figure with a scar running along his temple, leaned forward. His face remained obscured, but his words cut through the tension like a blade. “Not even your family.” Elias’s jaw clenched. “We already know that firsthand. Just give us the evidence.” The man slid a thick envelope across the table. “These are copies of financial transactions linking Selene Westbrook to off-shore accounts and illegal dealings. You’ll also find correspondence with a shadow organization. It’s all there—enough to bury her.” My breath hitched. Selene’s betrayal ran deeper than I had ever imagined. Seeing the proof in front of us made the nightmare we’d lived through feel even more real. “Why are you helping us?” I asked, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. He smirked. “Let’s just say I have my reasons. But I’m not doing this out of charity. There’s a price.” El
"Have you seen the news?" Elias's voice was sharp as he entered my office without knocking.I looked up from my laptop, confusion tightening my brow. "No, why?"He tossed a sleek tablet onto my desk; the screen already lit up with a breaking news headline: Victoria Lancaster: The True Mastermind Behind Westbrook Scandal? Beneath it was a grainy photo of me, taken during one of my rare outings, looking haggard and far from the poised image I once projected.I sucked in a breath. "This... this is ridiculous.""Read the article." His jaw was clenched, and I could see the barely contained fury in his eyes.My fingers trembled as I scrolled through the text. It was a hatchet job, filled with fabricated accusations and twisted half-truths. According to the so-called investigative piece, I had not only embezzled millions but had also orchestrated a plot to ruin Elias's reputation. It painted me as a vindictive mastermind who had used love as a weapon."This is Selene, isn't it?" My voice cra
"Elias, this is madness," I said, pacing the length of his office. "You're walking straight into her trap."He leaned back in his leather chair, a flicker of defiance in his eyes. "You underestimate me, Victoria. Selene's been playing chess, but I’m about to checkmate her.""With what? That secret ledger?" I stopped pacing and glared at him. "You think waltzing into the board meeting with some book of illegal transactions will magically take her down?"Elias stood, his powerful presence filling the room. "It's not just any ledger. It has everything—offshore accounts, fraudulent deals, and even bribes to certain officials. Once the board sees it, Selene's reign is over.""You're too confident." My voice trembled with frustration. "Selene's not some rookie who got lucky. She's cunning and ruthless. What if she already knows about the ledger? What if she has a backup plan?"His jaw clenched. "That's a risk I'm willing to take."I crossed my arms. "Well, I'm not. I can't watch you destroy
"Victoria, you should sit down," Selene said, her voice dripping with an unsettling calm. She stood at the edge of my living room, dressed in a sleek black dress that screamed power and danger. The woman had always been elegant, but tonight, there was something venomous about her presence."I’m fine standing," I replied, my arms folded tightly across my chest. "Say what you came to say and leave."She let out a soft laugh. "Always so bold. That’s what I admire about you. And what made you such a threat."I clenched my jaw. "Get to the point, Selene."Her lips curled into a smile. "Do you really think Elias has changed? That he’s this nobleman now, ready to play house with you and the baby?"My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my face neutral. "I don’t need your opinions on Elias or my life.""Oh, but you do," she said, stepping closer. "Because there are things about Elias you don’t know. Things he didn’t want you to find out."I narrowed my eyes. "Like what?"She pulled out a sleek t
"Victoria," a familiar voice called, freezing me in place.I spun around, my breath catching in my throat. Daniel Langston. The man I hadn't seen in years. The man whose sudden departure once left a void I had convinced myself was never truly there. His blue eyes gleamed with a mixture of nostalgia and something far more dangerous—curiosity."Daniel?" I stammered, my voice faltering. "What are you doing here?"He flashed that same charming smile that used to weaken my knees. "Business in the city. But seeing you? Pure fate." His gaze flickered to my stomach, his brows furrowing slightly before he masked his reaction. "Looks like life has been...eventful."I instinctively placed a hand over my growing belly. "You could say that."His expression softened. "I heard about everything. The scandal, the divorce... I'm sorry, Victoria. You deserved better."The weight of his words pressed against my chest. Hearing sympathy from someone who once held a piece of my heart stirred emotions I wasn
"Are you sure about this?" Elias’s voice was taut with tension as he guided me down the dimly lit alley. His protective arm hovered just near my back, ready to pull me behind him at any sign of trouble."I don't have a choice," I replied, keeping my voice low. "If Daniel really has the information to take Selene down, we need to hear him out."Elias’s jaw tightened. "I still don't trust him."We reached the iron door at the end of the alley. A faint, rhythmic knock was followed by the creak of rusty hinges as Daniel appeared, his sharp blue eyes gleaming in the faint light. He looked every bit the polished executive, but there was a shadow of danger about him that set my nerves on edge."You're late," Daniel said smoothly, stepping aside to let us in."Traffic," Elias muttered, his tone icy.Daniel’s lips curled into a smirk. "Or maybe you just didn’t want to come." His eyes flicked to me. "But Victoria convinced you. Smart woman.""Cut the pleasantries," I interrupted, trying to defu
"We can't stay here," Elias said, gripping the steering wheel as we sped down the dark, empty highway. His jaw was clenched, tension radiating from every muscle in his body. The windshield wipers beat furiously against the rain, but it did little to clear the chaos outside—or inside. "They'll come after us again."I pressed a trembling hand against my stomach, where my heart raced faster than the storm around us. "You think Selene is behind this?"His silence was answer enough."I don't understand," I said, my voice cracking. "She’s your sister, Elias. Why would she—""Greed," he cut me off sharply. "Jealousy. Selene always wanted control. And if she’s aligned with the syndicate Daniel mentioned, we’re dealing with more than just family drama. This is war."The weight of his words hung between us, suffocating. I glanced at the rearview mirror, half-expecting headlights to appear, hunting us down. The memory of the sniper's bullet shattering the window replayed in my mind, vivid and te
"Are you sure this is the right combination?" I asked, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. The encrypted file on Elias’s laptop pulsed ominously on the screen, a digital wall standing between us and whatever secrets Selene had buried."It has to be," Elias said, leaning closer, his voice low but intense. "I recognize the sequence—my father used a similar code system for years to protect sensitive information."I glanced at him, suspicion flickering in my chest. "Sensitive or illegal?"His jaw tightened. "Does it matter? Right now, it’s our only lead."I wanted to press him further, but time wasn’t on our side. The sun had long since set, and the shadows creeping into the room made me uneasy. Selene wasn’t the type to sit idly by while we unraveled her schemes."Fine," I muttered, entering the final digits Elias had suggested. The screen flickered, then loaded a series of documents. Rows of numbers, account details, and cryptic notes filled the screen. One file stood out—Westbrook O
“Are you sure about this?” I asked Elias as I adjusted the elegant satin gown, hugging my body. The grand hall was already filled with the city’s elite, all gathered to celebrate the official resurgence of Westbrook Industries. Chandeliers sparkled above us, and the orchestra played softly in the background.Elias turned to me, his blue eyes intense. “I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life.” His voice was low, but the sincerity hit me deep.I smoothed my dress nervously. “It’s just... after everything we've been through—”He placed his hand over mine, steadying me. “That’s exactly why tonight is important. You’ve always been the heart of this company, Victoria. It’s time the world knows it.”Before I could respond, the announcer’s voice boomed across the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Elias Westbrook and Victoria Lancaster to the stage."The applause was thunderous. My heart raced as Elias led me to the center stage. Cameras flashed, capturing
"I still can’t believe you're doing this," Victoria said, her voice edged with disbelief as we rode the elevator to the top floor of Westbrook Industries. "Announcing a philanthropic initiative in our son's name? Elias, the board won't take this lightly."I straightened my tie, a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. "They'll take it because it's the right move. And because you're going to help me make them see that."She shook her head with a soft laugh. "You're impossible.""Yet you married me."Her laughter faded, and for a moment, we stood in silence. The weight of everything we’d been through hung between us like a fragile truce. The scars from betrayal and heartbreak hadn’t fully healed, but standing beside her now, I felt stronger—more determined than ever to make things right.When the elevator doors opened, a wave of tension swept over me. The boardroom was already packed. Selene’s former allies sat at the long mahogany table, their faces taut with apprehension and skeptic
"Are you sure about this?" Elias asked as he pulled the car into the long, winding driveway. The towering oak trees on either side seemed to close in on us. "We can turn back if you're not ready."I swallowed the lump in my throat, my fingers twisting nervously in my lap. "No. I need to do this."He reached over, his hand warm and steady on mine. "I'm right here with you."I gave him a grateful smile, though my heart felt like it was doing backflips. The last time I saw my father, we had exchanged harsh words that cut deeper than any wound. Years had passed, and I had told myself I didn't need closure—but now, with a child of my own, everything felt different.Elias parked the car in front of the large, weathered farmhouse. The sight of the familiar porch with its peeling paint and creaky swing tugged at memories I had long buried.The front door opened before we even stepped out of the car. My father stood there, his once-strong frame slightly stooped, but his eyes were still sharp a
“It’s a boy!” the doctor announced with a broad smile as the room filled with the sound of a baby’s strong cry.My breath hitched as tears blurred my vision. Relief, joy, and overwhelming love crashed through me in waves. Elias stood beside me, his hand gripping mine as though it was the only thing grounding him to this earth.“We have a son, Victoria,” he whispered, his voice breaking.I looked up at him, barely able to form words. “He’s here... we did it.”The nurse approached, gently placing the swaddled baby in my arms. His face was red and scrunched, his tiny fingers curled into fists. I couldn't stop staring. He was perfect.“He’s beautiful,” Elias said, his voice thick with emotion.I managed a shaky laugh. “He looks just like you.”Elias let out a breathless chuckle. “Poor kid.”I smiled despite the tears streaming down my face. “He’s lucky, just like I am.”Elias leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. “No, Victoria. I’m the lucky one. You gave me a second chance.
"Stay with me, Victoria!" Elias's voice cracked as he clutched my hand, his knuckles white with tension.The pain was relentless, like waves crashing through me, each stronger than the last. My breath came in shallow gasps as the paramedics maneuvered the stretcher down the hallway toward the ambulance. Everything was a blur—the flashing red lights, the wail of the siren, and Elias’s voice, fierce and determined, cutting through the chaos."I can't—" I choked, unable to finish as a sharp contraction gripped me."You can," Elias urged, his eyes wild with fear. "You're the strongest person I know. Just hold on."The ambulance doors slammed shut, sealing us inside. The paramedics worked quickly, their voices urgent but steady."Blood pressure's dropping," one of them announced. "We need to stabilize her."Elias's grip on my hand tightened. "Do whatever it takes. Just save them—both of them."I squeezed his hand weakly, trying to reassure him, though I wasn’t sure if I was reassuring myse
"Open it already, Elias," I urged, unable to mask the tension in my voice.Elias’s fingers trembled as he tore open the mysterious envelope that had been left at our doorstep. The elegant black seal on the back hinted at something sinister, and my instincts screamed that whatever was inside would only bring chaos.He pulled out a neatly folded letter. As he read silently, his face darkened, his jaw clenching so tightly I thought he might snap."What does it say?" I demanded.His voice was low, filled with disbelief. "It’s from Selene."I froze. "Selene? What could she possibly have to say after everything she did?"Elias's knuckles turned white as he gripped the letter. "She claims there’s another conspiracy brewing within Westbrook Industries—something even bigger than her betrayal."My heart raced. "Bigger? How is that possible?"He handed me the letter, and I scanned the words quickly. Selene's handwriting was precise, almost too neat for the venomous confession she had penned."El
"Do you think we made the right move?" Elias’s voice was low, almost uncertain—a rare sound coming from a man who always exuded confidence.I glanced at him, my fingers trembling slightly as I adjusted the microphone in front of me. The press conference room was filled with journalists, cameras clicking furiously as they captured every expression on our faces. The Westbrook family name was plastered all over the headlines, and not in a flattering way."You know we had no choice," I said firmly. "Transparency is the only way out of this mess."Elias’s jaw clenched as he scanned the restless crowd. "I just don't want you dragged through this chaos again, Victoria. You've been through enough because of me."I met his gaze, holding it steady. "I'm not going anywhere, Elias. We face this together."Before he could respond, the moderator signaled that it was time to start. Elias nodded, his shoulders squaring as he stood beside me."Ladies and gentlemen," Elias began, his deep voice cutting
"Selene, think this through!" I shouted, my voice trembling despite my best efforts to stay calm. The papers in her hand fluttered as she paced near the fireplace, her eyes wild with desperation. "Burning those documents won't fix anything."Her lips curled into a twisted smile. "You think I care about fixing this mess, Victoria? All I want is to make sure no one wins if I can't have it all."Elias stepped forward, his voice steady and commanding. "Selene, drop the papers. We can fix this without anyone else getting hurt."Selene laughed bitterly, waving the documents in the air like a victory flag. "Oh, brother, always the hero. But you're too late." Her gaze flickered between us, calculating. "You've already ruined me by siding with her."I clenched my fists. "This isn't about sides—it's about the truth. You've manipulated Elias, destroyed our marriage, and nearly took down Westbrook Industries. Enough is enough."Her expression darkened. "You don't know the half of it." She jabbed
"Stay close to me," Elias whispered, his voice low and urgent as we crept through the dimly lit hallway. The faint scent of damp concrete clung to the air, and the tension was palpable. Armed security agents moved ahead of us, their steps swift and calculated. My heart raced, the adrenaline making every sound sharper, every shadow more ominous."I'm not going anywhere without you," I whispered back, gripping his hand tightly. The thought of losing him in this chaos was unbearable.We reached the main door to the vast underground lair Selene had been using to conduct her schemes. The lead agent gave a silent signal, and two men moved to flank the entrance. The rest of us stood ready, nerves stretched taut.Elias's jaw was clenched, his eyes cold and focused. "We end this tonight."The door burst open with a deafening crash. Chaos erupted as armed men on Selene's side fired shots. We ducked behind a thick metal barrier as bullets ricocheted off the walls."Stay down!" Elias ordered, shi