All Chapters of HEIRESS OF RUIN: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

ELISE"Hurry," Natasha urges in a low voice. "You will soon be called to give your anniversary speech and she'll come looking for us soon."I freeze outside my office door, my hand hovering above the handle. Natasha 's voice stops me from entering."Almost done," Alexander mutters. "That's the last of the safety reports. What about the offshore accounts?"My husband. And my stepsister. In my office. Discussing... what exactly?"Already taken care of. Father signed the transfer papers this morning. The Singapore branch is fully independent now, no CASSOVILE oversight."I hear movement, then Alexander's voice again. "You're brilliant, you know that? Elise never suspected a thing."My name in his mouth feels like a betrayal already. I pull out my phone and start recording."Poor Elise," Natasha 's tone is mocking. "Always so worried about doing the right thing. She never understood that the right thing is whatever makes the most money."My chest tightens as Alexander responds. "Her obses

ELISESilence hangs in the study.My father stands before me expressionlessly.He moves toward his desk, fingers hovering over something beneath the mahogany surface."I've only ever tried to keep you safe, Elise," he mutters.His gaze fixes on a point beyond my shoulder, unwilling to meet my eyes. "Even from yourself."A cold sensation creeps up my spine, settling between my shoulder blades. The hair on my arms rises despite the warmth of the room."What do you mean?" My voice comes out smaller than intended, betraying the fear building inside me."It means I've decided." His finger presses down with a quiet click.The heavy oak door swings open almost immediately.Two men enter. They are company security, their dark suits immaculate and their expressions professionally blank. I recognize Mathew, the head of security and his deputy whose name escapes me. Their presence transforms the study from sanctuary to trap in an instant."Dad?" I step backward instinctively, bumping against a l

ELISEDays at Pinewood Wellness Center blend together into one long, blurry mess. I can't tell if I've been here for weeks or months anymore.The rooms have no windows, and the strict schedule wipes out any sense of time passing. Only the different nurses coming and going remind me that the world outside still exists."Good morning, Mrs. Westfield." A nurse I don't recognize puts a small cup of pills on the table next to my bed. "Time for your medicine."I look at the pills. There seem to be more than yesterday, or maybe the day before. They keep changing the doses, adding new ones, until my thoughts feel like they're moving through molasses."What are these?" My voice sounds strange, weak from barely using it."Just your regular treatment." The nurse's smile is polite yet empty. "Dr. Mercer added something to help you sleep better."Sleep better. A nice way to describe the nightmares that make me wake up screaming. The visions of Alexander and Natasha laughing while I sink into dark

ELISESunlight fills my small room at Pinewood Wellness Center.Two months in, I've learned how to pretend. The sad, angry version of me is gone. Now, I smile softly, act polite, and play the role they want.I brush my hair slowly, preparing for group therapy. Eye contact has to be just right. My words have to sound real yet not too detailed. Show feelings, but never too much.I walk to the mirror and study my reflection. Pale. Tired. But my fire hasn't dimmed.A knock on the door. Nurse Wagner enters with my morning pills."Good morning, Elise. Sleep well?" She places the small paper cup on my table."Better than I have in weeks." I smile. "Dr. Mercer's breathing exercises help a lot."She nods. "That's great to hear. Your reports have been positive.""I'm trying." I look into the cup and find three pills instead of four. "Another reduction?""Dr. Mercer thinks you're ready." She taps her tablet. "He's pleased with your progress in group sessions."I lift the cup to my lips. The tric

ELISENight has fallen by the time I finally move from the chair.My family left hours ago, yet I stayed frozen in place. The room feels colder now. Shadows stretch across the walls, creeping closer.I drag myself to the tiny bathroom and splash water on my face.The cold barely touches the numbness inside me. When I look up, my reflection stares back. pale skin, hollow eyes… a stranger.Once, I stood in boardrooms, made deals worth millions. Now, six months in this place has drained me, dulled everything sharp inside me."Forever." The word slips from my lips. Heavy. Final. "They're keeping me here forever."A knock at the door startles me. It's not Nurse Wagner’s usual sharp tap. This one's softer. Hesitant.I dry my face with a thin towel, then step back into the room. "Come in."The door opens, revealing Natasha. She stands alone, no longer in her crisp pantsuit. Now, she wears a simple black dress with her hair loose around her shoulders.A tray rests in her hand, holding a small