“I can’t believe this is finally over,” I murmured as I leaned against Elias, the crisp afternoon breeze brushing against my face. We stood on the terrace of his estate, overlooking the vast expanse of green hills. It had been a long, grueling fight, but Selene was behind bars, and the syndicate had been dismantled. For the first time in years, peace felt within reach.Elias wrapped his arm around my waist, his voice low and steady. “Neither can I. But I swear, Victoria, nothing will ever come between us again.”I glanced up at him, searching his face for the man I had loved and lost. He looked different now—humbled by pain, matured by redemption. The coldness that once defined him had melted away, replaced by an unwavering warmth I hadn’t seen in years.“Do you think it’s really over?” I asked, my voice tinged with doubt. “We’ve been through so much, Elias. I’m afraid to believe in happily ever after.”He turned me toward him, his hands firm on my shoulders. “We write our own ending
"Open it," Elias said, his voice tight with unease as he held the thick envelope.My pulse quickened. "Shouldn't we have security check it first?"He shook his head. "I need to know now."The atmosphere in his study was tense. It was late, the dim lighting casting long shadows across the room. The only sound was the steady crackling of the fireplace.I watched as Elias tore the envelope open with a sharp motion. A folded letter, thick and formal-looking, slipped out. He unfolded it and began to read. His brows furrowed, and his lips pressed into a grim line."What does it say?" I asked, my anxiety growing by the second.He read aloud:"Elias Westbrook,You thought the storm was over, but it had only just begun.Enemies linger in the shadows, and their plans are already in motion. Be careful whom you trust—even those closest to you are not what they seem.Your empire, your family, your future—it’s all at risk.But perhaps the greatest threat isn't what lies in the shadows but what you
"Do you recognize this name?" I asked, sliding the letter across the desk to Elias.He lifted the paper, his brow furrowing. "Warren Cade..." He read the name aloud, his voice thick with disbelief. "This can't be right. Cade is dead.""Are you sure?" I pressed my heart racing. "Because that letter came with his signature and enough information to suggest he's very much alive."Elias stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the hardwood floor. He paced across the room, tension radiating from him. "I buried him in business years ago. His company collapsed after a series of bad investments. There's no way he could've survived in the corporate world, let alone resurfaced like this.""Well, he's back," I said firmly. "And it sounds like he's got a score to settle."Elias stopped pacing and locked eyes with me. "If Warren Cade is alive, that changes everything. He was ruthless, Victoria—an expert at manipulating people and playing dirty. If he's involved with Selene... God help us both."
"Are you sure this is safe?" Victoria's voice trembled as she glanced out the tinted window of Elias's black SUV. The city lights blurred into streaks as they drove toward the secluded meeting point.Elias's jaw clenched. "No, but we don't have a choice. If this informant has what we need to expose Selene, then we have to take the risk." He reached for her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "I won’t let anything happen to you. Or the baby."A flutter of warmth mixed with apprehension filled me. Despite everything, Elias’s protective instincts had always been unwavering. But tonight, danger lurked in every shadow.The car slowed to a stop at a desolate warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The driver, a stern-faced security agent, scanned the perimeter. "Clear so far, Mr. Westbrook. Stay close, and we’ll cover you."Elias helped me out of the car, his hand firm on the small of my back. The cold night air bit through my coat, and I shivered. Inside, the warehouse was dimly lit, the air
"Do you think the informant survived?" I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation.Elias kept his eyes on the road, his knuckles whitening against the steering wheel. "He was breathing when the paramedics arrived. That's all I know."Silence filled the car as we sped through the dark streets toward the private airstrip. My mind raced with unanswered questions, and the image of the informant collapsing to the ground after being shot was replayed on a loop in my head. We had been so close to unraveling Selene's twisted scheme, but now everything felt more precarious than ever."I don’t understand how she’s always one step ahead," I muttered. "It's like she has eyes everywhere."Elias's jaw clenched. "Not for long. We have the briefcase, and that’s our key to ending this once and for all."The briefcase sat between us on the seat, a grim reminder of the danger we faced. It held encrypted files, offshore account numbers, and records of Selene’s bribes and illegal tran
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” I muttered, pacing the dimly lit office in Geneva. Rows of sleek computer monitors lined the room, their screens flickering with endless streams of code. Elias sat beside a man with salt-and-pepper hair and glasses, whose fingers moved furiously across a keyboard. This was Damien Shaw, one of the world’s best cybersecurity experts and our last hope of regaining control of Elias's frozen accounts.“We don’t have a choice,” Elias said, his voice low but firm. “Selene’s network is buried deep. If we don’t act fast, she’ll strip everything from my company—and us.”Damien didn’t glance up from his work. “I’m in the mainframe now. Whoever this hacker is, they’re good. Real good.”A cold knot formed in my stomach. “Better than you?”Damien snorted. “Please. I’ve cracked government servers in under ten minutes. This joker won’t hold me up for long.”Elias leaned forward, his jaw clenched. “How long until we regain access?”“Depends,” Damien replied, typing
"Are you absolutely sure?" Elias’s voice was sharp, cutting through the tension in the room. His fists clenched on the sleek oak table in the Westbrook headquarters' war room.I watched him with a mix of admiration and concern. His steely resolve was back, the same intensity that had built an empire—but this time, it was fueled by justice, not pride."I triple-checked," Logan, the cybersecurity expert Elias hired, said grimly. "Selene’s contingency plan is already in motion. Her allies on the board are preparing to force a hostile takeover. They’ve got legal muscle, media influence, and offshore funds ready to move."Elias cursed under his breath. "How long do we have?"Logan shook his head. "Not long. Maybe hours before the first public announcement.""Elias," I interjected, placing a hand on his arm. "We can't let this happen. The company represents more than just your name. Think of all the people who depend on it—your employees, their families."His eyes softened for a moment. "I
"Have you seen this?" Victoria's voice trembled as she thrust the tablet in front of me.I blinked, barely registering the screen at first, but then the headline burned into my brain like a branding iron. Selene Westbrook spotted at elite business summit under alias Selena Wyatt."What the hell?" My voice came out low and dangerous. I grabbed the tablet, scrolling through the article. The accompanying photo was unmistakable—Selene, dressed in an elegant black suit, her signature icy smile intact."How is this possible?" Victoria's panic was palpable. "She was supposed to be in prison."I clenched my jaw, my grip tightening on the tablet. "Apparently, she's not anymore.""But how?" Victoria’s eyes darted between me and the screen. "She was convicted. You made sure of it.""Looks like someone pulled some serious strings." My voice was taut with rage. "I swear, if she's back in the game, she's up to something."Victoria crossed her arms, her lips pressed into a thin line. "She's not just
“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