Elara’s phone buzzed, the name Mr. Thornfield flashing on the screen. Her jaw tightened as she picked up the call. “You have two minutes to talk to me,” she said curtly, her tone void of emotion.
Damien Thornfield’s voice was sharp, almost cutting through her composure. “Two minutes? Elara, are you out of your mind? Do you think you can dictate how I speak to you? What if you were in Tessa’s place? Would you still be this cold?” Elara exhaled sharply, forcing herself to remain calm. “Look, Mr. Thornfield, I have a lot on my plate right now. Please, leave this matter to me. Focus on the safety of your family, especially Mrs. Thornfield.” Damien’s tone shifted, suspicion lacing his words. “Why Blair, specifically? What are you implying?” Elara’s lips curved into a faint, sarcastic smile. “A wife always needs her husband’s attention. Don’t you agree, Mister?” He didn’t let her deflect. “Don’t play games with me, Elara. Answer the question.” She hesitated for a moment, then relented. “Fine. According to my sources, this mess was orchestrated by Zane Ryker. He’s bold enough to create distractions, but subtle enough to stay in the shadows. Make sure Mrs.Thronefield safety isn’t compromised this time.” Damien paused before responding, his voice steady but doubtful. “I don’t think it’s him.” Elara’s eyes darkened. “Neither do I,” she admitted. “But until I know who’s really behind this, I want all of you safe. That’s non-negotiable.” Switching the topic, she added briskly, “And, send me the designs for the new rooms and living spaces. I need to finalize them. Construction starts soon.” “You’re referring to the house? I’ll send them right away,” Damien confirmed. “I’m the only one who has those files anyway.” “Good,” Elara replied, her tone softening slightly. “And... we’ve gone over two minutes. Take care of yourself and the others. I’ll call you when I need more.” “Take care too, Elara, my dear,” Damien said with uncharacteristic warmth. She didn’t respond, ending the call abruptly. Tossing her phone onto the passenger seat, she leaned back and sighed. Her voice was barely a whisper as she muttered, “I wish things could go back to the way they were, Dad. But if you refuse to open up, I’ll match your stubbornness step for step.” Elara shook off the emotions creeping in and stepped out of the car. Entering the hospital, she made her way to Tessa’s VIP ward. Inside, she found James standing by the bedside, his tall frame rigid and alert. Tessa, pale but awake, stared silently out of the window. “What’s the update, James?” Elara asked, her voice crisp and businesslike. James bowed his head slightly. “Everything has been handled as per your instructions, ma’am. There’s nothing to worry about.” Elara’s eyes softened slightly as she shifted her gaze to Tessa. Her tone lost its edge as she spoke. “I’m sorry, Tessa. I shouldn’t have doubted you. If I’d thought clearly, I’d have known you’d never let something like this happen intentionally.” Tessa turned, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “No, ma’am, please don’t apologize. It was my fault. I wasn’t careful enough, and now you’re dealing with the fallout. I... I’ve created this mess. I’m so sorry.” She began rambling, her guilt pouring out uncontrollably. “James just told me that someone might know your real identity. That was my responsibility, ma’am. I failed to...” “Tessa,” Elara interrupted firmly but kindly, raising a hand to silence her. “Stop. Take a breath. None of this is solely your fault. It’s not about you or me. It’s their cleverness, their planning. You need rest. James and I will manage everything in the meantime. Just focus on recovering. That’s an order.” Tessa nodded reluctantly, tears slipping down her cheeks. James, standing behind her, gave Elara a respectful nod, silently acknowledging her command. Without another word, Elara turned and left the ward, the weight of her responsibilities pressing heavier with every step. The evening air greeted her as she exited the hospital and slid into her car. The city lights blurred as she drove toward her apartment, her mind already spinning with strategies for the battles ahead. As Elara stepped into her dimly lit apartment, the silence was broken by a sudden presence behind her. Two arms wrapped around her waist, firm and deliberate, freezing her in place. She turned slowly, her breath caught in her throat, and her eyes widened in shock. The familiar face staring back at her and the person said., "We have unfinished business," the figure said softly, their voice sending a chill down her spine.Elara’s initial shock quickly transformed into disbelief as she noticed Alex's familiar smirk soften into something more tender. Before she could utter a word, he pulled her closer, his arms tightening around her."I’ve missed you, Elara," Alex murmured, his voice low and warm. "You didn’t think I’d stay away forever, did you?"She blinked, her emotions swirling inside her. "Alex… What are you doing here? You can’t just—"He interrupted her by brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I can’t just show up uninvited? Maybe not. But you look like you’ve been carrying the weight of the world, and I figured you could use some company."Before she could protest further, Alex gently took her hand and led her out of the apartment. "Come on. Let me take you somewhere that doesn’t feel so heavy," he said, his tone balancing teasing and sincerity.A short while later, they arrived at Elara's apartment. The cozy warmth of the space was a stark contrast to the tension she had felt all day. Alex g
The moment Alex’s patience snapped, his hands were on her. He grabbed Elara by the wrist, his grip firm but not harsh, and pulled her into the bedroom with a sense of urgency that made her pulse race. She didn’t resist—couldn’t resist. There was something in his dark, determined eyes that silenced any doubts she might have had.As soon as the door slammed shut, Alex spun her around, pinning her against it. His body pressed into hers, and she could feel the heat radiating off him. His lips crashed onto hers, claiming her in a kiss that was both demanding and possessive. Her hands instinctively reached up, clutching at his shoulders as if to steady herself.His hands weren’t gentle. They roamed her body with purpose, sliding down her sides and gripping her hips, pulling her against him. “Do you know what you’ve been doing to me?” he growled against her lips, his voice low and filled with restrained hunger. “All night, I’ve been thinking about this.”“Then don’t just think,” Elara whispe
Next Morning…Elara and Alex lay wrapped in the warmth of their blankets. The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow on Alex’s face. Elara stirred first, her eyes landing on him. He looked peaceful, his chest rising and falling in steady breaths. A soft smile played on her lips as she gently shielded his face from the sunlight with her hand. She watched him for a few moments, memorizing the way he looked—so calm, so perfect.After a while, she carefully slipped out of bed, wrapped a towel around herself, and headed for the shower. The warm water refreshed her, washing away the drowsiness of the night. By the time she returned, Alex was awake. His messy hair and lazy smile made him look even more handsome.“Good morning, baby,” he murmured, pulling her into his arms from behind.Elara chuckled, turning to face him. “A very good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?”Alex smirked. “Of course. After last night’s hard work, how could I not?”Elara blushed and playfu
As Elara stepped into the hotel, a hush fell over the room. The dimly lit bar area, buzzing with murmured conversations, suddenly turned its attention to the woman who had just entered. The soft click of her heels echoed through the space, her coat draping elegantly around her shoulders. Eyes followed her, admiration and curiosity mixing in their gazes. But Elara wasn’t here to impress; she had one target—Sandy.Sitting in a secluded booth at the back, the town’s most wanted criminal, Sandy, leaned lazily against the plush seat, a smirk playing on his lips. His dark, piercing eyes locked onto her the moment she walked in. The interest in his expression was unmistakable.“Well, well,” he drawled, swirling the drink in his glass. “What brings such a beauty to my humble den?”Elara approached, keeping her expression cool, calculated. “I was looking for you,” she said smoothly, sliding into the seat opposite him.Sandy chuckled, his eyes roaming over her shamelessly. “Lucky me.” He leaned
The dim glow of a single bulb illuminated the warehouse’s cold interior. Chains clanked as Sandy groaned, his wrists bound to a steel chair. Blood dripped from a cut on his temple, a grim reminder of Elara’s earlier fury.She stood before him, arms crossed, her gaze like a blade slicing through the tension in the room. Sophia leaned against the metal table nearby, her sharp eyes scanning Sandy’s every move.“Elara,” Sandy spat, his voice hoarse. “You think this changes anything?” He let out a bitter chuckle. “You have no idea what you’re up against.”Elara’s lips curled into a smirk. “I know exactly what I’m up against. What I don’t know is who you’ve been working with.” She stepped closer, her heels clicking against the concrete. “And that’s the only thing keeping you alive right now.”Sandy scoffed but flinched when she grabbed his jaw, forcing him to meet her cold gaze. “I don’t have time for your games,” she murmured. “So, I’ll ask once—who’s feeding you information about Thornfie
The office was silent except for the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall. The storm outside cast flickering shadows through the vast glass windows, mirroring the chaos brewing in Elara’s mind.Sandy’s words echoed relentlessly—“They’re already inside your walls.”Someone inside Thornfield Industries was betraying her.Her fingers tapped against the mahogany desk as she scanned the file in front of her. A list of everyone who had access to restricted company data stared back at her. Too many names. Too many possibilities. Too many cracks forming in the empire she built.Sophia stood across from her, arms crossed. “We checked security logs. No unauthorized access, no external breach.” She hesitated before adding, “That means the leak is someone close.”Elara exhaled slowly. The weight of betrayal was heavier than any threat from the outside. Thornfield Industries was impenetrable by design. If someone had managed to slip ins
Elara sat in her office, the city skyline stretching beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. The aftermath of Sandy’s capture lingered in her mind, his words playing on repeat: *They’re already inside your walls.* Thornfield Industries had been compromised, but by whom?A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.“Come in,” she called.The door opened, and a familiar presence filled the room—Victor Lancaster, her late aunt’s husband. Though not a blood relative, Victor had always been like an uncle to her. His warm, steady presence was a rarity in her world of shadows and deception.“Elara,” he greeted, his voice smooth and comforting. “It’s been too long.”She allowed herself a small smile as she stood to embrace him. “Victor. It has.”He stepped back, studying her with knowing eyes. “You look exhausted. And before you deny it, remember I’ve known you since you were a child.”Elara smirked. “I suppose lying to you wo
The city lights shimmered through the penthouse windows, casting soft shadows across the sleek marble floor. The air carried a faint hint of jasmine—Elara’s signature scent—mingling with the crisp night breeze slipping through the slightly open balcony doors.Elara stood by the window, a glass of wine in her hand, staring at the skyline. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—Victor’s visit, the hidden threats within Thornfield Industries, and the war she was waging both in the corporate world and the underworld.She barely noticed when the door clicked open behind her.“Elara,” Axel’s deep voice cut through the quiet.She turned, watching as he stepped inside, his tie already loosened and his sleeves rolled up. He looked tired, but his eyes softened the moment they met hers.“You should be asleep,” he murmured as he walked closer.She smirked, swirling the wine in her glass. “So should you.”Axel sighed, stopping just inc
The city lights shimmered through the penthouse windows, casting soft shadows across the sleek marble floor. The air carried a faint hint of jasmine—Elara’s signature scent—mingling with the crisp night breeze slipping through the slightly open balcony doors.Elara stood by the window, a glass of wine in her hand, staring at the skyline. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—Victor’s visit, the hidden threats within Thornfield Industries, and the war she was waging both in the corporate world and the underworld.She barely noticed when the door clicked open behind her.“Elara,” Axel’s deep voice cut through the quiet.She turned, watching as he stepped inside, his tie already loosened and his sleeves rolled up. He looked tired, but his eyes softened the moment they met hers.“You should be asleep,” he murmured as he walked closer.She smirked, swirling the wine in her glass. “So should you.”Axel sighed, stopping just inc
Elara sat in her office, the city skyline stretching beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. The aftermath of Sandy’s capture lingered in her mind, his words playing on repeat: *They’re already inside your walls.* Thornfield Industries had been compromised, but by whom?A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.“Come in,” she called.The door opened, and a familiar presence filled the room—Victor Lancaster, her late aunt’s husband. Though not a blood relative, Victor had always been like an uncle to her. His warm, steady presence was a rarity in her world of shadows and deception.“Elara,” he greeted, his voice smooth and comforting. “It’s been too long.”She allowed herself a small smile as she stood to embrace him. “Victor. It has.”He stepped back, studying her with knowing eyes. “You look exhausted. And before you deny it, remember I’ve known you since you were a child.”Elara smirked. “I suppose lying to you wo
The office was silent except for the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall. The storm outside cast flickering shadows through the vast glass windows, mirroring the chaos brewing in Elara’s mind.Sandy’s words echoed relentlessly—“They’re already inside your walls.”Someone inside Thornfield Industries was betraying her.Her fingers tapped against the mahogany desk as she scanned the file in front of her. A list of everyone who had access to restricted company data stared back at her. Too many names. Too many possibilities. Too many cracks forming in the empire she built.Sophia stood across from her, arms crossed. “We checked security logs. No unauthorized access, no external breach.” She hesitated before adding, “That means the leak is someone close.”Elara exhaled slowly. The weight of betrayal was heavier than any threat from the outside. Thornfield Industries was impenetrable by design. If someone had managed to slip ins
The dim glow of a single bulb illuminated the warehouse’s cold interior. Chains clanked as Sandy groaned, his wrists bound to a steel chair. Blood dripped from a cut on his temple, a grim reminder of Elara’s earlier fury.She stood before him, arms crossed, her gaze like a blade slicing through the tension in the room. Sophia leaned against the metal table nearby, her sharp eyes scanning Sandy’s every move.“Elara,” Sandy spat, his voice hoarse. “You think this changes anything?” He let out a bitter chuckle. “You have no idea what you’re up against.”Elara’s lips curled into a smirk. “I know exactly what I’m up against. What I don’t know is who you’ve been working with.” She stepped closer, her heels clicking against the concrete. “And that’s the only thing keeping you alive right now.”Sandy scoffed but flinched when she grabbed his jaw, forcing him to meet her cold gaze. “I don’t have time for your games,” she murmured. “So, I’ll ask once—who’s feeding you information about Thornfie
As Elara stepped into the hotel, a hush fell over the room. The dimly lit bar area, buzzing with murmured conversations, suddenly turned its attention to the woman who had just entered. The soft click of her heels echoed through the space, her coat draping elegantly around her shoulders. Eyes followed her, admiration and curiosity mixing in their gazes. But Elara wasn’t here to impress; she had one target—Sandy.Sitting in a secluded booth at the back, the town’s most wanted criminal, Sandy, leaned lazily against the plush seat, a smirk playing on his lips. His dark, piercing eyes locked onto her the moment she walked in. The interest in his expression was unmistakable.“Well, well,” he drawled, swirling the drink in his glass. “What brings such a beauty to my humble den?”Elara approached, keeping her expression cool, calculated. “I was looking for you,” she said smoothly, sliding into the seat opposite him.Sandy chuckled, his eyes roaming over her shamelessly. “Lucky me.” He leaned
Next Morning…Elara and Alex lay wrapped in the warmth of their blankets. The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow on Alex’s face. Elara stirred first, her eyes landing on him. He looked peaceful, his chest rising and falling in steady breaths. A soft smile played on her lips as she gently shielded his face from the sunlight with her hand. She watched him for a few moments, memorizing the way he looked—so calm, so perfect.After a while, she carefully slipped out of bed, wrapped a towel around herself, and headed for the shower. The warm water refreshed her, washing away the drowsiness of the night. By the time she returned, Alex was awake. His messy hair and lazy smile made him look even more handsome.“Good morning, baby,” he murmured, pulling her into his arms from behind.Elara chuckled, turning to face him. “A very good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?”Alex smirked. “Of course. After last night’s hard work, how could I not?”Elara blushed and playfu
The moment Alex’s patience snapped, his hands were on her. He grabbed Elara by the wrist, his grip firm but not harsh, and pulled her into the bedroom with a sense of urgency that made her pulse race. She didn’t resist—couldn’t resist. There was something in his dark, determined eyes that silenced any doubts she might have had.As soon as the door slammed shut, Alex spun her around, pinning her against it. His body pressed into hers, and she could feel the heat radiating off him. His lips crashed onto hers, claiming her in a kiss that was both demanding and possessive. Her hands instinctively reached up, clutching at his shoulders as if to steady herself.His hands weren’t gentle. They roamed her body with purpose, sliding down her sides and gripping her hips, pulling her against him. “Do you know what you’ve been doing to me?” he growled against her lips, his voice low and filled with restrained hunger. “All night, I’ve been thinking about this.”“Then don’t just think,” Elara whispe
Elara’s initial shock quickly transformed into disbelief as she noticed Alex's familiar smirk soften into something more tender. Before she could utter a word, he pulled her closer, his arms tightening around her."I’ve missed you, Elara," Alex murmured, his voice low and warm. "You didn’t think I’d stay away forever, did you?"She blinked, her emotions swirling inside her. "Alex… What are you doing here? You can’t just—"He interrupted her by brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I can’t just show up uninvited? Maybe not. But you look like you’ve been carrying the weight of the world, and I figured you could use some company."Before she could protest further, Alex gently took her hand and led her out of the apartment. "Come on. Let me take you somewhere that doesn’t feel so heavy," he said, his tone balancing teasing and sincerity.A short while later, they arrived at Elara's apartment. The cozy warmth of the space was a stark contrast to the tension she had felt all day. Alex g
Elara’s phone buzzed, the name Mr. Thornfield flashing on the screen. Her jaw tightened as she picked up the call. “You have two minutes to talk to me,” she said curtly, her tone void of emotion. Damien Thornfield’s voice was sharp, almost cutting through her composure. “Two minutes? Elara, are you out of your mind? Do you think you can dictate how I speak to you? What if you were in Tessa’s place? Would you still be this cold?” Elara exhaled sharply, forcing herself to remain calm. “Look, Mr. Thornfield, I have a lot on my plate right now. Please, leave this matter to me. Focus on the safety of your family, especially Mrs. Thornfield.” Damien’s tone shifted, suspicion lacing his words. “Why Blair, specifically? What are you implying?” Elara’s lips curved into a faint, sarcastic smile. “A wife always needs her husband’s attention. Don’t you agree, Mister?” He didn’t let her deflect. “Don’t play games with me,