"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
“I can't believe we’re actually doing this,” I whispered, my breath visible in the cold night air. My pulse raced as we crouched behind a shipping container at the abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Shadows danced under dim industrial lights, casting eerie shapes across the cracked concrete.“Neither can I,” Elias murmured, his voice low and tense. He pulled me closer, his eyes scanning the area. “Stay close to me, Victoria. If things go wrong, we run—got it?”I nodded, though my legs felt like jelly. We’d uncovered enough evidence in the coded documents to lead us here—a clandestine meeting involving Selene and a group of shadowy figures who seemed intent on draining Westbrook Industries dry. It was risky, but this was our chance to gather concrete evidence against her.“Elias, are you sure about this?” I whispered. “We could have just gone straight to the authorities.”He shook his head, his jaw tightening. “We need undeniable proof. The kind that will bury Selene onc
"Run!" Elias's voice was sharp, filled with urgency as the echo of heavy boots thundered behind us.I gripped his hand tightly, my breath coming in ragged gasps as we sprinted down the dimly lit corridor. The stale scent of rust and oil clung to the air of the warehouse. My heart pounded, fear clawing at my throat.“Through there!” I pointed to a side passage barely wide enough for two people.Elias didn’t argue. We veered sharply, my boots slipping on the concrete floor. Behind us, Selene’s guards shouted orders, their voices growing louder. The adrenaline surging through my veins kept me moving despite the ache in my legs.“We’re not going to outrun them forever,” Elias muttered, his voice strained.“We just need to find a way out.”We darted past rows of towering crates, their shadows stretching like sinister hands across the floor. I could hear the metallic clatter of weapons and the thudding boots gaining on us.A sudden burst of gunfire echoed through the warehouse, and I ducked
“You’ve always underestimated me, Elias,” Selene’s voice echoed through the dim warehouse as she stepped forward, her heels clicking ominously against the concrete floor. Her dark eyes gleamed with triumph. “But tonight, that ends.”I tightened my grip on Elias’s arm, my heart racing. The armed guards flanking Selene stood like shadows, their faces cold and unyielding. Escape wasn’t an option—not without a miracle.“Selene,” Elias’s voice was low but commanding. “Whatever you think you’ve won, it’s temporary. You’ll never get away with this.”Her lips curled into a sinister smile. “You’re wrong, brother. I already have.” She pulled out a sleek tablet from her handbag and tapped the screen. An image popped up—a damning document with Elias’s signature at the bottom.My breath hitched.“What is that?” I demanded, stepping forward.“Proof,” Selene declared smugly, “that Elias has been laundering money through offshore accounts. Illegal activities, embezzlement—the works. The authorities w
“I never thought I'd see the day you’d stoop this low, Selene,” Elias said, his voice sharp as steel. He stepped protectively in front of me, his fists clenched at his sides.Selene’s lips curled into a venomous smile. “Stoop low? I simply rose to the position you were too blind to hold on to.” She flicked her wrist, signaling her guards forward.The air was thick with tension, every second a silent countdown to disaster. I gripped Elias’s arm, my heart pounding. “We need to get out of here,” I whispered urgently.Before Elias could respond, the unexpected happened. One of his most loyal bodyguards, Marcus, stepped out from the shadows and positioned himself beside Selene.“Marcus?” Elias's voice was filled with disbelief. “What the hell are you doing?”“I’m sorry, sir,” Marcus said, his expression hard. “But loyalty doesn’t pay the bills. Selene made me a better offer.”Elias's face darkened. “You betrayed me for money?”“You really shouldn't be surprised,” Selene purred. “Everyone h
“Do you trust me?” Elias’s voice was low but urgent, cutting through the tense silence of the car as we sped down a deserted country road.I stared at him, heart racing. "I want to say yes, but I’m not sure I know you anymore."His knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. "I’ll earn it back. But right now, I need you to trust that I’ll keep you and our baby safe."I swallowed hard, my mind a whirlwind of doubts and fears. The events of the past twenty-four hours had been a blur of betrayal, violence, and narrow escapes. Now, Elias was taking me to an abandoned family estate—a place he claimed no one, not even Selene, knew about.As the car skidded to a halt in front of wrought iron gates tangled with ivy, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were stepping deeper into danger.“Are you sure this place is secure?” I asked, glancing around the overgrown grounds. The towering trees and thick bushes provided plenty of hiding spots for anyone who might be following us.“It’s the only place w
“Do you trust him?” Victoria's voice was steady, but her eyes carried a weight of doubt as she glanced toward the grand fireplace. The flames flickered, casting restless shadows across the room.Elias rubbed a hand down his face, his expression grim. “I don’t know anymore,” he admitted. “I’ve known Carter for years. He was the best man at our wedding, for God’s sake. But this letter…” He tapped the ominous envelope lying on the table between them.The anonymous warning had been blunt: There’s a spy among you. Don’t trust anyone close.“You think Selene planted it to mess with your head?” Victoria leaned forward, her brows furrowing.“Maybe.” He exhaled sharply. “But if there really is someone feeding her information, we’re in more danger than I realized.”I swallowed, the knot in my stomach tightening. “Then we need to figure out who it is before they sabotage everything.”Elias’s eyes met mine, fierce and unwavering. “We will. And when we do, I’ll make sure they pay for every ounce o
"Elias, you need to hear me out," a gravelly voice crackled through the speakerphone.I stiffened at the sound, my grip tightening around the phone. "Why would I? You lost that right years ago, Father." My tone was sharp, laced with a bitterness I couldn’t hide.Victoria, seated across from me, placed her hand on mine, her eyes steady with quiet encouragement. "Maybe this is the key we've been looking for," she whispered.I glanced at her, conflicted. She always saw hope where I saw ruin.My father's voice persisted, undeterred by my cold reception. "I know I made mistakes. But this isn’t about us—it's about Selene. She's gone too far, and I have the proof you need to stop her."I scoffed. "Proof? What proof could you possibly have that I don’t already know?"A pause hung heavy in the air before he spoke again, his voice low. "A location. One she thinks no one knows about. It's where she's been hiding everything—documents, recordings, and more. It's the smoking gun you need."Victoria
“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