A Partnership of Revenge

Scarlet stood in front of the immense glass building of Titan Holdings, its modern façade sparkling in the midday sun. The name alone held significance: a representation of force and influence, an empire constructed of steel and ambition.

Titan Holdings was known for reshaping cities, and its enigmatic owner, Grayson, was rumored to wield the kind of power that could topple or resurrect nations. 

Scarlet's fingers tightened around the black card Grayson gave her as she looked up at the massive skyscraper.

She had done her research. 

Grayson of Titan Holdings. 

That’s what he was known as. 

No last name, no personal details. 

Just Grayson. 

A billionaire so private and elusive that even the most prying tabloids could only speculate about his life. 

Yet, last night, that same man had found her, offered her a lifeline cloaked in mystery. 

Now, standing at the edge of this monumental decision, Scarlet wondered if she had lost her mind.

But she couldn’t walk away. Not after what they did to her.

Scarlet pulled her cap lower, adjusting her oversized sunglasses. 

She couldn’t risk being recognized. Opting for a loose sweater and jeans, she had diligently avoided the paparazzi hot spots.

Taking one last deep breath, she pushed her way through the revolving doors and into the chill of the marble lobby of Titan Holdings.

She crossed the polished floor to the slick reception desk, where a cool woman with high cheekbones and perfectly manicured nails looked up from a computer.

Her name tag read "Vanessa."

“Excuse me?” 

Scarlet began, her voice low and uncertain.

Vanessa’s gaze swept over her, evaluating, and then she spoke in a crisp voice. “Yes, how may I assist you?”

“I… I need to see Grayson of Titan Holdings,” Scarlet said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Vanessa arched a brow, her professional demeanor faltering for a moment. 

“Do you have an appointment, Miss...?”

Scarlet hesitated. 

Revealing her name felt like peeling back a layer of armor, exposing herself to judgment and recognition. But she had no choice.

“Tell him Scarlet Sinclair,” she said, her voice firmer this time.

Vanessa’s eyes widened slightly, the name clearly ringing a bell.

After a brief pause, she nodded. “One moment.” 

She picked up the telephone and murmured something. 

Vanessa stood and gestured for Scarlet to follow. “This way, Miss Sinclair. You can go up to his office on the top floor. Take the private elevator.”

Scarlet nodded and headed for the elevator, her stomach twisting.

The silent trip upward was only disturbed by the soft hum of the machinery. 

Stepping through the doors, she was met by the sight of a vast, minimalist office with floor-to-ceiling windows that faced out over the skyline.

“You took the wise path,” he said, still not looking back, his deep voice traversing space.

Scarlet entered, shutting the door behind her.

“Grayson,” she said, her voice steadier than her nerves.

He faced her, and his cold icy blue eyes met hers. He appeared effortlessly put together, his black hair slicked back, his shirt caught on the elbows to reveal veined, muscular forearms.

His toned chest was partially revealed through two undone buttons.

“You did some research, I see,” he said, the corners of his mouth twisting into a slight smirk.

“Enough to know you’re not the kind of man that does things for no purpose,” Scarlet said.

Grayson chuckled darkly.

“Fair point.”

He pointed to the chair opposite his desk. “Have a seat, Ms. Sinclair.”

Scarlet sat, her posture tense but poised.

“You look horrible,” Grayson remarked, his tone blunt.

Scarlet’s lips curved into a sardonic smile. 

“And you look like someone who rehearses in the mirror before saying something snide.”

Grayson’s dark chuckle returned, his eyes glinting with amusement. 

“Touché.”

His eyes focused on her, keen and calculating. “Let’s get to it, then. You want to go all in?”

Scarlet inclined her head forward.

“I have questions first. Why did you approach me? What are your intentions? And what do you want in exchange for your assistance?”

Grayson reclined against his chair, incomprehensible. 

“Such questions,” he said, wearing a slight smirk. “I told you, Sinclair, we have something in common. That’s your answer.”

He paused, then added, “As for what I want in return... a partnership.”

Scarlet frowned, her brows knitting together. 

“A partnership?”

Grayson pulled a sleek folder from a drawer and slid it across the desk to her. "Read."

Scarlet wavered, opening the folder to scan whatever document was inside.

As she read, her confusion only deepened.

“You need a partner?” she asked, looking up at him.

Grayson shrugged. “Call it a business arrangement. A fake wife, to be exact. I’m involved in something that requires me to present a certain image, and you fit the role.”

Scarlet’s mouth opened slightly, but no words came out.

“Don’t worry,” he continued, his tone casual. “It’s strictly professional. You can set your own terms.”

Scarlet closed the folder, her gaze narrowing. 

“Do you realize this would be a legal marriage? I’d have to wear your ring, live your life—”

“And stir the media into a frenzy,” Grayson interrupted, leaning forward. 

“Think about it. What better way to kickstart your comeback than by becoming the wife of the man everyone’s dying to know more about? The headlines alone would send your name skyrocketing again.”

Scarlet’s mind raced. 

The idea was outrageous, yet… tempting. 

She was about to ask another question when Grayson interrupted.

“Why hesitate?” he asked, leaning back with a glint of confidence in his eyes. 

“We’re both getting what we want. Revenge, redemption, and a partnership that benefits us both. You’ll have access to my connections, my resources, and everything you need to destroy the ones who wronged you. Lawyers, media control, influence—you name it. You want to take them down? I’ll make sure the ground beneath them crumbles.”

Scarlet studied him for a long moment. 

There was no going back to her old life. 

That much was certain.

“I’m in,” she said finally, her voice resolute.

Grayson tilted his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “Good.” 

He gestured to the folder. “Then sign.”

Scarlet picked up the pen, pausing to meet his gaze. “You promise to help me take them down?”

Grayson leaned closer, his smirk deepening. “You have no idea, Sinclair. I’m all in on this revenge with you.”

After weeks without any hope, Scarlet finally felt a little spark inside her. She signed her name with a flourish.

Grayson handed her a sleek black phone, a plane ticket, and a set of keys. 

“Disappear,” he instructed. “No socials, no public appearances. You’ll be off the grid until we’re ready. Use this phone to contact me and no one else.”

Scarlet nodded, standing as he extended a hand.

“Nice doing business with you, Sinclair,” he said, his voice smooth.

She had made a deal, and there was no turning back.

Scarlet stepped out of the building, the weight of her decision pressing heavily on her shoulders. The phone, the keys, and the ticket in her pocket felt like anchors tying her to this new reality. 

She wasn’t the same woman who’d walked in, that much became clear as she cast one last glance at the gleaming Titan Holdings logo above.

This wasn’t merely the formation of a partnership; it was the beginning of her reclaiming her life, and reclaiming power that had been taken from her.

She walked away knowing her life was about to change.

For better or worse.