Chapter 3: Reflections and Resolve

As I stepped out of Blackwood Manor, I held my head high, maintaining the confident facade I had mastered over the years. The heavy front doors clicked shut behind me, and only then did the shiver I'd been suppressing finally ripple through me.

 

Seeing Ethan again—hearing his voice—had stirred up memories I had spent years trying to bury. They were memories of a time when I was young, naive, and utterly unprepared for the cruelty of the world.

 

My heels echoed against the cobblestones as I made my way to my car, parked at the edge of the circular driveway. I knew Ethan was watching me, probably from one of the manor’s tall, imposing windows. But I didn’t turn back. There was no point in giving him the satisfaction of seeing even a flicker of doubt or hesitation. 

 

I had accomplished what I needed to. Now it was time to regroup, to prepare for the next phase of my plan.

 

The engine roared to life with the turn of the key, and I steered the car down the long driveway. The towering trees on either side cast long shadows in the fading light, adding to the sense of foreboding that lingered after our encounter.

 

This merger was just the beginning—an entry point into Ethan’s world. I had meticulously positioned myself within the corporate landscape, ensuring that my involvement in the deal would grant me access to the Blackwood empire's inner workings. It was a strategic move, a calculated risk that would allow me to dismantle everything Ethan held dear, piece by piece.

 

But no matter how hard I tried to focus on my plan, Ethan’s words kept echoing in my mind.

 

“Be careful,” he had said. “This path you’re on—it’s dangerous.”

 

There had been something in his voice, a mix of warning and something else I couldn’t quite place. Concern, maybe? Regret? I frowned, tightening my grip on the steering wheel. I didn’t need his concern, and I certainly didn’t need his advice. I had been on this path for a long time, and I knew exactly where it led.

 

The city lights gradually came into view as I approached the outskirts of town. I had rebuilt my life from the ashes of my family’s downfall, climbing the corporate ladder with ruthless determination. I had forged myself into a weapon—sharp, unyielding, and deadly. I wouldn’t let anyone—especially not Ethan Blackwood—derail me now.

 

By the time I reached my apartment, the sky had darkened completely, the city illuminated by the glow of streetlights and neon signs. The familiar hum of the city was oddly comforting as I stepped inside, kicking off my heels and dropping my bag on the kitchen counter. I poured myself a glass of wine, needing something to steady my nerves.

 

As I sipped the deep red liquid, I wandered to the windows, gazing out at the sprawling cityscape. The memory of Ethan’s gaze haunted me. Had he truly recognized me? Had he seen through the mask I wore so carefully?

 

We were different people back then—two young adults whose lives had been irrevocably altered by the actions of others. Ethan had been a pawn in his stepmother’s schemes, but that didn’t absolve him of his complicity. He had stood by as my family was destroyed, as my sister’s life was shattered. And for that, he would pay.

 

But as much as I hated him, as much as I blamed him for what had happened, something about Ethan made me hesitate. The guilt in his eyes, the regret in his voice—it wasn’t what I had expected. I had prepared myself to face a cold, unfeeling man, someone who had moved on without a second thought. But the Ethan I met tonight was different. He was burdened by something, haunted by the same past that had driven me to seek revenge.

 

I took another sip of wine, my thoughts drifting back to my sister, Lily. I hadn’t seen her in weeks, our lives too busy, too complicated for regular visits. But the thought of her sweet, fragile smile filled me with a renewed sense of purpose. Lily had been the true victim, the one who had suffered the most. I had promised myself I would protect her, that I would make things right, no matter what it took.

 

Setting my glass down, I pulled out my phone and dialed a familiar number. The line rang a few times before a soft, sleepy voice answered.

 

“Sophia?” Lily’s voice was warm and comforting, though tinged with the grogginess of someone who had just been woken from a deep sleep.

 

“Hey, Lily. I’m sorry, did I wake you?” I asked, guilt stabbing through me. I hadn’t meant to disturb her so late at night.

 

“It’s okay,” Lily replied, her voice perking up slightly. “I was just dozing off. Is everything alright?”

 

I hesitated, unsure of how much I wanted to share. I had always tried to shield Lily from the darker aspects of my life, from the plans I had been putting into motion. But she had a right to know. I couldn’t keep everything hidden forever.

 

“I went to see Ethan Blackwood today,” I said finally, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

 

There was a brief silence on the other end, and I could almost hear Lily’s breath hitch in surprise. “Ethan Blackwood?” she echoed, her tone cautious. “Why would you—”

 

“It’s about the merger,” I interjected, trying to keep my voice calm and reassuring. “It’s just business, Lily. Nothing more.”

 

“But Sophia… are you sure this is a good idea?” Lily’s voice was laced with concern, the worry she had always carried for me evident in every word. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

 

I closed my eyes, leaning my forehead against the cool glass of the window. “I won’t, Lily,” I promised softly. “I know what I’m doing.”

 

There was another pause, and when Lily spoke again, her voice was quieter, more tentative. “I trust you, Sophia. I always have. But please… just be careful.”

 

“I will,” I said, a lump forming in my throat. “I promise.”

 

We exchanged a few more words, the conversation shifting to lighter topics—Lily’s new job at the art gallery, the latest book she was reading—before we said our goodbyes. 

 

As I hung up, I felt a renewed sense of determination. This wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about Lily, about our family, and the justice we both deserved.

 

The Next Morning,

 

When I woke the next morning, the sun was streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow over the city. Today marked the beginning of the next phase of my plan. I would attend the merger meetings, play the role of the sharp, ambitious corporate strategist, and slowly, methodically, begin to unravel Ethan’s empire from within.

 

As I dressed for the day, I chose a sleek black suit that exuded power and confidence. My mind was already calculating my next move, planning my strategy down to the smallest detail. I would be careful, just as Ethan had warned. But when the time was right, I wouldn’t hesitate to strike.

 

I moved through my morning routine with the efficiency of someone who had spent years perfecting every detail. I was a creature of habit, every action deliberate and controlled.

 

Standing in front of the mirror, I took a moment to assess my reflection. The woman staring back at me was polished, composed, and completely in control. My hair was pulled back into a sleek chignon, my makeup flawless and understated. The black suit I had chosen was tailored to perfection, emphasizing my slender figure while exuding authority. I looked every bit the part of a powerful corporate strategist—someone not to be underestimated.

 

Satisfied, I turned away from the mirror and grabbed my leather briefcase from the chair by the door. Inside, my laptop and documents were neatly organized, ready for the day’s meetings.

 

As I made my way to the elevator, my thoughts turned to the day ahead. The merger talks were scheduled to take place at Blackwood Enterprises’ headquarters—a towering glass-and-steel structure that dominated the skyline. It was a building I had avoided for years, a symbol of everything I despised about the Blackwoods and their empire. But today, I would walk through its doors with my head held high, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

 

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and I stepped inside, pressing the button for the underground garage.

 

The drive to Blackwood Enterprises was short, but it felt longer than usual as my thoughts swirled around the upcoming meeting. I knew Ethan would be there, along with Oliver Hale and the other key executives. It would be my first time facing them all since I had set my plan in motion, and I needed to be prepared for anything.

 

As I stepped out of the car and made my way to the building’s entrance, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. The scent of oil and concrete filled my nostrils, grounding me as I approached the elevator.

 

“Good morning, Ms. Grey. The boardroom is ready for your meeting,” the receptionist said, gesturing toward a set of double doors at the end of the hallway.

 

“Thank you,” I replied, my voice calm and professional as I made my way down the hall. Each step echoed in the quiet corridor, a reminder of the power and influence that permeated every inch of this building.

 

When I arrived at the boardroom, the doors were already open, revealing a large, elegant space dominated by a long conference table. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city below, but my attention was focused on the people seated around the table.

 

Ethan Blackwood was at the head of the table, his presence commanding even in a room full of powerful men and women. His gaze met mine as I entered, and for a brief moment, the rest of the world seemed to fade away. There was something in his eyes—something unreadable yet intense—that sent a shiver down my spine.

 

“Sophia, welcome,” Ethan said, his voice smooth and controlled. He gestured to an empty chair near him. “Please, have a seat. We were just about to begin.”

 

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral as I moved to take my seat. I could feel the weight of the eyes on me—the executives, the lawyers, even Oliver Hale, who was watching me with his trademark charming smile.

 

“Thank you,” I said, my tone as professional as his. I placed my briefcase on the table and began to remove my materials, aware of the scrutiny I was under. Every move I made, every word I spoke, would be analyzed, judged. But that was exactly how I liked it. Control, after all, was something I had mastered.

 

The meeting began with the usual pleasantries—introductions, updates on the merger’s progress, and a review of the day’s agenda. I participated in the discussion, my voice steady and confident as I outlined my team’s findings and proposals. I could feel Ethan’s gaze on me throughout, but I refused to let it distract me.

 

As the conversation turned to more detailed negotiations, I leaned forward slightly, my attention focused on the documents spread out before me. I knew the numbers, the projections, the legal implications inside and out. But as I spoke, my mind kept returning to Ethan’s words from the night before: “This path you’re on—it’s dangerous.”

 

But I was ready. I would walk this path to the very end, no matter the cost.