“I didn’t invite him,” Elias muttered under his breath, eyes narrowing at the man in the tailored charcoal suit standing by the entryway.I followed his gaze, heart pounding. The atmosphere had been perfect—a night filled with joy, laughter, and dancing under the stars. Now, everything froze under the weight of this intruder’s presence.“Elias Westbrook?” the man called out smoothly as he approached. His voice was slick, the kind lawyers use when they think they have the upper hand.Elias straightened, his hand tightening around mine. “Who’s asking?” he demanded.“Michael Hale, representing Selene Westbrook,” the man introduced himself, extending a hand that Elias completely ignored.The mere mention of Selene’s name was like a cold blade slicing through the warmth of the evening. The guests around us began to murmur, sensing the sudden tension.“What the hell does Selene want now?” Elias’s tone was sharp.Michael’s smile didn’t waver. “I’m not here on her behalf, per se. I’m here to
“You should sit down for this,” my father said, his voice low and somber.I crossed my arms, refusing to move from where I stood. The tension in the room was palpable. Elias stood beside me, his hand brushing mine in silent support.“Whatever you have to say, just say it,” I demanded.My father sighed, running a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. His eyes, filled with guilt and desperation, met mine. “I’ve kept this from you for far too long. But now... I can’t stay silent anymore.”“You’ve been silent my whole life. Why change now?” The bitterness in my tone was undeniable.Elias placed a gentle hand on my back. “Victoria, maybe hearing him out is worth it.”I shot him a glance but held my tongue. Despite my anger, curiosity gnawed at me. What was so important that my father had tracked me down after years of estrangement?“I was involved in Selene’s dealings,” my father admitted, his voice cracking.My heart skipped a beat. “What are you talking about?”“I handled some of her of
“You’re not going to believe this,” Elias said, his voice tight with urgency as he leaned over the glowing laptop screen.“What is it?” I demanded, moving closer. My heart raced as I saw a string of encrypted transactions displayed on the screen.Elias tapped the monitor. “These offshore transfers—they match the pattern your father described. Selene has been funneling money through shell corporations for years.”I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “How much are we talking?”“Billions,” Elias confirmed grimly. “And that’s just what we can see so far.”The gravity of the situation pressed down on me. Selene’s betrayal was deeper than I had ever imagined. I clenched my fists, anger, and determination surging through me. "We need to shut her down."“I already have a team working on freezing the accounts,” Elias assured me. “But we need something concrete to tie her to this mess legally.”I frowned. “My father’s information got us this far. Maybe he knows more.”Elias hesitated, his jaw tight
“Do you hear that?” Elias’s voice was low but sharp, cutting through the tense air.I froze, straining my ears. The faint hum of machinery echoed through the narrow corridor. My pulse quickened. “That’s definitely not normal.”“No, it’s not,” Elias agreed, his eyes scanning the dimly lit hallway. The old warehouse on the outskirts of the city had seen better days, but hidden beneath it was the vault we had traced from Selene's transactions. Getting past the guards had been nerve-wracking enough; now, we were venturing deeper into enemy territory.“I hope you’re good at cracking codes,” I whispered, my voice tight with anxiety.He smirked, the faintest hint of mischief returning to his face despite the danger. “I built security systems before I built empires.”“Show-off,” I muttered, but deep down, I was grateful for his expertise.We reached a steel door at the end of the corridor. A keypad glowed ominously in the dark. Elias knelt down, inspecting it. “This isn’t just a keypad. There
"Three minutes left," I gasped, staring at the ominous red numbers flashing on the vault's control panel. My heart raced, each pulse thundering in my ears. "Elias, what do we do?"Elias's jaw clenched as he scanned the complicated wiring beneath the timer. "It’s a security fail-safe. If we cut the wrong wire, we trigger the detonation.""How reassuring," I muttered, trying to suppress the rising panic. My fingers trembled as I wiped the sweat from my brow. "Can’t we just turn it off?""No switch," he said grimly. "Selene must have planned this perfectly."The mention of his sister sent a surge of anger through me. She had orchestrated years of heartache, and now she was willing to destroy everything, even her own family’s legacy, just to cover her tracks."Two minutes, Elias!" I pointed to the timer. The numbers blinked down relentlessly. "We don’t have time to think.""I know," he said through gritted teeth. "Just stay calm."I swallowed hard, my gaze darting between the tangled wire
“Do you think she knew we were coming?” I asked breathlessly, my hand trembling as I clung to the edge of the conference table.Elias paced the room, his jaw clenched tight. His shirt was torn from the chaotic escape earlier, and soot smudged his cheek. The vault had detonated just seconds after we got out, taking the vital evidence we barely retrieved along with it. We were lucky to be alive.“I wouldn't put anything past Selene,” he muttered, his voice low and dangerous.Across the room, Evan, Elias’s head of security, was on a call, barking orders to his team to track Selene's whereabouts. Our legal advisor, Janet Parker, flipped through the files we'd managed to save, her expression grim.“Most of it’s gone,” Janet announced, her voice taut with frustration. “Without the full set of documents, proving Selene's involvement will be nearly impossible.”“Nearly isn't the same as impossible,” I said firmly, refusing to let defeat settle in.Elias stopped pacing and looked directly at m
“You think you’ve won, Victoria?” Selene’s voice crackled through the screen, smooth and venomous. Her image flickered, but her steely gaze remained fixed. “Enjoy your little victory while it lasts. Because this time, when you fall, it’ll be for good.”I clenched my fists as her words hung in the air like a noose tightening around my neck.Elias leaned forward, his face dark with fury. “What is she trying to pull now?”“Nothing good,” I muttered, my stomach twisting.Selene's voice continued, chillingly composed. "You see, I’ve left breadcrumbs for the media. By now, they should be uncovering your connection to that offshore account, Victoria. You remember, don’t you? The one I oh-so-kindly framed you for years ago. But this time, there's more."My breath caught. “She’s planting evidence again,” I said, my voice trembling.Elias slammed his fist on the table. "That account was cleared—no one believed it was yours."“Doesn’t matter,” I said bitterly. “Once the media catches wind of a s
"I don't know if I trust him," I whispered to Elias as we approached the grand entrance of the dimly lit estate. The heavy iron gates creaked behind us as they shut with a thud, trapping us in a world far from the glossy skyscrapers we were used to. "This is a mistake.""He has the information we need," Elias said firmly, his hand resting protectively on my back. "If there's a chance he can expose Selene’s network, we can’t walk away."My chest tightened at the mention of her name. Selene had already ruined my life once, and now she was trying to destroy everything Elias and I were rebuilding. The stakes were higher now—not just for us, but for our unborn child.The door creaked open, revealing a tall, lean man with slicked-back hair and sharp eyes that gleamed with cunning. Vincent Carver. Former head of security at Westbrook Industries and Selene’s one-time confidant."Well, well," Vincent drawled, leaning against the doorframe. "The Westbrooks have graced my humble abode. What an h
“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