"You're quite brave to show your face here, Selene." My voice cut through the buzz of the room, drawing eyes from every corner of the lavish business summit. Selene's perfectly curated smile faltered, but only for a second before she regained her composure."Victoria, darling," she purred, stepping toward me with a confident sway. "What a surprise to see you here. I thought you'd retired to obscurity after that... unfortunate misunderstanding years ago."Elias’s hand brushed against mine, grounding me. His jaw was clenched, and I could feel the tension radiating off him. He was holding back, but I wasn't sure for how long.I didn't flinch. "Funny you call it a misunderstanding. I call it sabotage."The room fell into a tense silence, the power players of the business world hanging on every word. Cameras from the press circled like vultures, capturing the unfolding drama.Selene's eyes flickered with annoyance, but she kept her tone sweet. "Oh, Victoria. Always the dramatist." She turn
"She can't do that," I hissed, my voice shaking with disbelief as Selene smirked at the stunned authorities. "There has to be a mistake."Elias's jaw clenched. "Apparently, there's not," he muttered, his eyes darkening with fury as he watched the officer lower his handcuffs.The lead detective addressed us with a grim expression. "Her lawyers filed an injunction, citing a legal technicality. We can't proceed with the arrest until it’s reviewed by a judge.""Are you kidding me?" I exclaimed, my heart racing. "She just stood there and practically confessed in front of everyone!"Selene's lips curved into a triumphant smile as she adjusted the lapel of her designer blazer. "Oh, darling, the law is a beautiful thing when you know how to manipulate it.""You won't get away with this," Elias growled, his voice low and deadly. "I swear, Selene, this ends now."Selene's expression didn't waver. "Bold words, brother. But let's see how far your threats get you when your hands are tied by the ve
"Do you think she'll ever stop?" I asked quietly, staring at the horizon as the golden hues of sunset painted the sky. The wind carried a soft chill, rustling the leaves around us.Elias wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer. "Selene doesn't know how to stop. But I'm done letting her control our lives." His voice was steady, resolute.I wanted to believe him, but Selene's shadow loomed over us like an unrelenting storm cloud. "She’s cunning, Elias. She won't just disappear. Not after everything she's done."He tilted my chin up, his blue eyes locking onto mine. "We’ve fought too hard to be here, Victoria. I won’t let her ruin this—us." His thumb brushed across my cheek. "And I won’t let her take away our future. I swear it."I leaned into his touch, feeling the weight of his promise. "I want to believe that. I really do. But she's already hurt us so much."He cupped my face with both hands, his expression fierce. "Then let me prove it to you. From this day forward, I’
“She wants to meet us?” I asked, my voice sharp with disbelief.Elias paced across the living room, phone still in hand. "That's what she said. She claims she wants to turn herself in and make things right."I narrowed my eyes, skepticism burning in my chest. “And you believe her?”He stopped pacing, his gaze locking onto mine. “I don’t know what to believe, Victoria. But if there's a chance to put an end to all of this, I have to take it.”My heart raced as I processed his words. After everything Selene had done—framing me, destroying our marriage, and nearly tearing us apart again—why would she suddenly have a change of heart? It smelled like a trap.“I don’t trust her,” I said firmly. “What if she’s luring you into something dangerous?”Elias’s jaw tightened. “That’s why I’m not going alone. You’re coming with me.”“Me?” I blinked in shock.“You have a way of reading people, Victoria. I need your intuition on this. If Selene’s lying, you’ll know.”I hesitated. The thought of facing
“You're here early,” Selene's voice sliced through the tension as she entered the private lounge, flanked by two of her lawyers. Her designer dress clung to her frame like armor, but her smile was brittle, a mere facade for the chaos lurking beneath her composed exterior.Elias didn’t bother to greet her. His jaw clenched, and his hands curled into fists at his sides. I reached over, brushing my fingers against his knuckles, silently urging him to keep calm.“We’re not here to waste time, Selene,” I said firmly. “You asked for this meeting, so talk.”Selene arched a brow, seemingly amused by my newfound assertiveness. “Straight to the point as always, Victoria. I must say, I admire your resilience.”“I don’t need your admiration,” I snapped. “We want answers.”She sighed dramatically and sank into the plush chair opposite us. “Fine. Do you want the truth? Here it is: yes, I framed you, Victoria. But it wasn’t just about jealousy or control of the family fortune.” Her voice lowered, ca
“You won’t believe this,” Elias said, his voice tense as he stormed into the living room.I looked up from the book I was pretending to read. After Selene’s arrest, things had been a whirlwind of police interviews, media harassment, and tense boardroom meetings. All I wanted was a moment of peace, but that clearly wasn’t happening.“What is it now?” I asked, bracing myself.He tossed a thick manila folder onto the coffee table. “A report from a private investigator I hired.”My heart sank. “Please tell me it’s good news.”Elias rubbed the back of his neck, his expression grim. “Selene wasn’t working alone.”The words hung in the air like a dark cloud. My stomach churned. “What do you mean?”“There’s evidence that she had an accomplice—a hidden partner who helped orchestrate everything,” he explained. “We just don’t know who it is yet.”I clenched my fists. “Why can’t this nightmare just be over?”Elias sank onto the couch beside me, his jaw tight. “I thought putting Selene behind bars
"Mr. Westbrook, there's more," the investigator's voice was low but firm. "Selene didn’t act alone."My chest tightened as I leaned forward in my chair. "What are you talking about?"The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of my office lamp casting long shadows across the desk. Victoria sat beside me, her fingers intertwined with mine, grounding me even as a storm brewed in my chest.The investigator slid a file across the desk. "We've uncovered a list of names—people who may still be working against you within Westbrook Industries. These are high-level executives with access to sensitive information."I flipped through the pages, my eyes scanning the names. Each one was a dagger to my gut. Trusted colleagues. People I had shared boardroom strategies with."This can’t be true," I muttered, shaking my head.Victoria's voice was steady, but I could hear the edge of worry. "Is there proof?""Not concrete yet, but there's enough circumstantial evidence to warrant a deeper investigation
"Elias, there's another patrol outside the gates." I peered through the living room window, my nerves raw. "Is this necessary?"He stood behind me, his hand resting firmly on my shoulder. "After that letter, I'm not taking any chances. They’re here to protect you and the baby."I turned to face him, my heart heavy. "This is my fault, isn't it? Coming back into your life has put us in danger."His brow furrowed, and he cupped my face with both hands. "Don't ever say that. This isn't your fault, Victoria. It's mine—for not seeing the threats sooner. But I swear to you, I will protect you both."I wanted to believe him, but the weight of the threat lingered in the air, thick and suffocating. "Selene won't stop, will she?"His jaw clenched. "No, but neither will I. I've already doubled the security at the house and at Westbrook Industries. And Marcus is running a full investigation into that letter."A chill ran down my spine as I remembered the jagged handwriting and the chilling words:
“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