"Is she here?" I whispered, my pulse racing as I gripped Elias's arm tightly.His jaw clenched, eyes locked on the security feed. "Not yet."We were in a secured room overlooking the Westbrook estate, every inch of the property under heavy surveillance. After days of tense planning, tonight was the night. Selene would come. We had made sure of it.A chill ran down my spine at the thought of her. Elias's sister—my former friend—was capable of anything. She had already destroyed our marriage once. This time, she was after much more. And I wouldn’t let her near my child.Elias’s voice pulled me back. "Stay behind me, Victoria. No heroics."I shot him a glare. "If you think I'm going to cower in the corner, you don’t know me at all."He exhaled sharply. "I knew you'd say that."The tension in the room was palpable. Guards stood outside, armed and ready. Our plan was solid, but the unpredictability of Selene made my chest tighten with fear.The security monitor flickered, and then—"She's
“Drop the gun, Selene!” Elias’s voice was firm, cutting through the tension in the air.Selene's lips curled into a twisted smile as she aimed the weapon directly at us. "Why would I do that, brother? I've come too far to walk away empty-handed now."I felt Elias subtly shift in front of me, shielding me with his body. My breath caught in my throat as the weight of the situation hit me. This wasn’t just about revenge—it was life or death.“You’re cornered,” Elias said through gritted teeth. “There’s nowhere to run.”Selene let out a bitter laugh. “You really think this is over, don’t you? That you’ve won?” Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. “You don’t know me at all.”My pulse thundered in my ears as I scanned the room, searching for any chance to de-escalate the situation. The security team was waiting for a clear shot, but one wrong move and everything would spiral out of control.“Selene, think about what you’re doing,” I said, my voice steady despite the fear clawing at me.
“Elias, sit down,” I insisted, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. “You’re going to rip those stitches if you keep pacing like that.”“I can’t sit still, Victoria.” He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “Selene may be behind bars, but that woman always finds a way to cause chaos. What if—”“She’s not coming near us again,” I interrupted, my voice steady despite the lingering knot in my chest. “We’re safe. And you need to heal. The doctor said no stress.”Elias exhaled sharply, his shoulders sagging as he sank onto the couch. I knelt in front of him, gently unbuttoning his shirt to check the bandage on his side. The gash from Selene’s desperate attack was healing, but the sight of the angry wound still made my heart clench.“You’re lucky it wasn’t deeper,” I murmured, carefully peeling back the edge of the bandage. “Another inch and—”“I don’t want to think about that,” he cut me off, his hand covering mine. His touch was warm and grounding. “I only care that you and the baby are
“Victoria, you need to see this.” Elias’s voice was low and tense as he stood by his mahogany desk, papers scattered across its surface like remnants of a battle. His fingers gripped a document so tightly that his knuckles turned white.I crossed the room, my heart racing. “What is it?”He handed me the page, his jaw clenched. The header alone made my stomach twist: Confidential Contract Agreement – Westbrook Industries and Selene Westbrook.“Selene had a secret contract with the board?” I asked, disbelief coating my words.“Not just a contract,” Elias muttered. “It’s a power grab disguised as a legal agreement. She secured the right to make executive decisions in the event of my incapacitation or… permanent absence.”I froze. “Permanent absence?”He met my gaze, his dark eyes heavy with the weight of betrayal. “Death, Victoria. She planned for my death.”A cold shiver ran down my spine. The idea that Selene, his own sister, could stoop so low was almost too much to comprehend. But gi
"Your Honor, I object!" I stood, my voice firm and clear, cutting through the tense atmosphere of the packed courtroom.The opposing attorney, a smug man in a tailored gray suit, smirked as he leaned on the plaintiff's table. "Objection to what, Miss Lancaster? The truth?" His tone was laced with condescension.The judge, a stern woman with silver hair pulled into a tight bun, lifted her hand. "Overruled. Miss Lancaster, take your seat."I gritted my teeth and sat down, clenching my fists under the table. Elias, sitting beside me, reached over and squeezed my hand. His eyes, filled with quiet resolve, met mine."You've got this," he whispered.I drew in a breath, forcing myself to stay calm. This was more than a courtroom battle—it was a fight for our future and the legacy of Westbrook Industries. Selene's betrayal had pushed us to this point, but I refused to let her win.The opposing attorney cleared his throat, stepping closer to the jury box. "Ladies and gentlemen, let me remind y
"You did it, Victoria!" Elias’s voice trembled with raw emotion as he pulled me into a fierce embrace right outside the courtroom. "You proved them all wrong."My heart raced, not from the adrenaline of victory but from the overwhelming flood of emotions. The judge's gavel still echoed in my mind—a final, definitive declaration that nullified Selene’s fraudulent agreements and restored justice."I didn't do this alone," I whispered against his shoulder. "We did it together."Elias pulled back, his gaze fierce yet tender. "No, Victoria. This was all you. You stood up there, fearless, and dismantled their lies one by one. I've never been more proud of anyone in my life."Reporters swarmed us, their flashing cameras and shouted questions cutting through the euphoric atmosphere. Microphones were shoved in our faces as the media vultures circled, hungry for a statement."Mr. Westbrook, how does it feel to have your ex-wife save your family's empire?""Victoria, what are your thoughts on Se
"Victoria, we need to talk." The mysterious figure's voice was rough, familiar, yet unsettling.I narrowed my eyes, trying to place the face partially hidden under the brim of a dark hat. The courthouse crowd buzzed around us, oblivious to the sudden tension thickening the air. Elias tensed beside me, his hand protectively hovering near my back."Who are you?" Elias demanded, his voice sharp.The man took a step closer, his face catching the light. My breath caught in my throat. Silver strands streaked his dark hair, and deep lines creased his once-youthful face. But those piercing green eyes—my eyes—were unmistakable."Dad?" I whispered, disbelief clinging to every syllable.Elias’s gaze snapped to me, shock flashing across his face. "Your father?"I hadn’t seen him in over twenty years. The last time he walked out of our lives, he left nothing but shattered memories and unanswered questions. And now, here he was, standing in front of me like a ghost from a past I’d long buried."Vic
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I asked, smoothing the fabric of my emerald dress and glancing nervously around the grand terrace filled with elegantly dressed guests.Elias, looking devastatingly handsome in a tailored black suit, cupped my face gently. "Tonight is about us, Victoria. We've been through hell, and we deserve to celebrate." His thumb grazed my cheek. "No one, not even Selene, can take this victory from us."I sighed, allowing myself to relax against his touch. "You always know the right thing to say."He smirked. "One of my many talents."As the soft notes of a live orchestra filled the air, the tension in my chest loosened. String lights shimmered above us, casting a warm glow over the terrace. It was breathtaking, a stark contrast to the chaos we had faced over the past few months.Elias took my hand, leading me onto the dance floor. The crowd faded into the background as he pulled me close, his warmth enveloping me."You’re beautiful," he whispered against my ea
“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