Chapter 5

Julian stood near the edge of the low lit terrace of a luxurious bar, his gaze fixed on the skyline. The city energized with life below, its lights flickering like stars in an endless ocean of ambition and chaos. 

He sipped his drink thoughtfully, waiting for his guest. His plan was unfolding perfectly—or so he believed. The sound of approaching heels made him glance over his shoulder. Victoria Sinclair, the picture of elegance with her raven-black hair and piercing green eyes, walked toward him. Her presence commanded attention, but tonight there was a touch of desperation in her manner.

“You’re late,” Julian said calmly, shaking his drink.

Victoria smiled scornfully, as she leaned against the railing. “Some things are worth waiting for, Julian.”

“Are they?” he replied, raising an eyebrow. His tone was friendly, but his sharp gaze was examining her. “Let’s not waste time. You wanted to meet me. Here I am. Talk.”

Victoria’s confidence quivered for a moment before she braced herself. “It’s about Alexander.”

Julian’s lips twitched, his amusement evident. “Of course, it’s about Alexander. What else would it be?”

Victoria’s jaw tightened. “Don’t mock me. You know how things ended between us. I made a mistake, and I want a second chance.”

Julian amused, his voice laced with mockery. “A mistake? Is that what you call getting caught in a hotel room with another man?”

Victoria drew back, but she quickly recovered. “I didn’t love him, Julian. Not the way I thought I did. I was young, foolish—”

“You’re still foolish if you think Alexander will forgive you,” Julian interrupted, his tone commanding. “That man doesn’t give second chances. He is rigid, don't you see it?”

Victoria crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “You sound bitter, Julian. Did he steal something from you too?”

Julian’s expression darkened. He stepped closer to her, his voice dropping to a low growl. “He took everything, Victoria. He merged my father’s company with his. My dignity. My future. All because I dared to challenge him. Alexander Blackwood doesn’t play fair, and neither will I. I won't rest until I place him on my footstool” He vows.

The tension between them was perceived. For a moment, neither spoke, the weight of their shared animosity toward Alexander filling the silence.

“What’s your plan?” Victoria finally asked, her voice softer now, almost suspicious.

Julian smirked, the cold calculation in his eyes sending a shiver down her spine. “I’m going to destroy him. But I can’t do it alone.”

Victoria tilted her head, intrigued. “And what do you need me for?”

Julian took another sip of his drink before replying. “You still have access to his inner circle. People trust you, despite your... history. I need information. Weaknesses. And you’re going to help me find them.”

Victoria hesitated. “And what do I get out of this?”

Julian’s smirk deepened. “Revenge. And maybe, just maybe, a chance to win him back.

Victoria’s eyes widened with interest. “You think I can win him back?”

“I think Alexander is too arrogant to believe someone like you could hurt him again. Use that to your advantage,” Julian said, his tone persuasive.

Victoria considered his words, her mind racing with possibilities. “Fine,” she said after a long pause. “But I want to know everything. What’s your real end game?”

Julian’s gaze turned cold. “The end game is simple: I want to ruin him. Take everything he values and leave him with nothing. And you’re going to help me do it.”

Victoria, shocked, nodded in disapproval “You intend to ruin him to nothing. The man I planned to be with.”

“No, Sophia,no. I mean I want to take away some resources that he prided himself about. If we can subdue his power, perhaps you could claim him back to yours and my possession will be mine “

Victoria nodded slowly, a twisted sense of purpose taking ground in her mind. “And what about the Carters? They’re tied to Alexander now, aren’t they?”

Julian stiffened slightly at the mention of Sophia. His mind involuntarily drifted to her: her quiet perseverance, her attractive eyes, the way she carried herself despite her situation. He shook the thought away, unwilling to let emotions overshadow his judgement.

“Yes,” he said, his voice colder now. “And they’ll be collateral damage.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow, noticing the change in his tone. “Collateral damage? That’s all they are to you?”

Julian avoided her gaze, looking out at the city again. “What else would they be?”

The question hung in the air. Victoria recalled when Alexander caught her cheating with a man. The event flashed through her mind. 

____

Two years ago, Alexander had walked into a five-star hotel, his mind engrossed with a lucrative business deal. He’d been meeting an investor, a man whose approval could stabilize a major merger for Blackwood Enterprises.

The meeting had gone well, and Alexander had been feeling unusually generous. On his way out, he decided to pay Victoria a surprise visit, his fiancée at the time, who had mentioned she’d be at the same hotel for a spa appointment.

He made his way to her suite, luxurious building. But as he approached the door, he heard suppressed voices and laughter. Curious, he knocked.

The door opened slightly, revealing Victoria in a silk robe. Her smile weakened when she saw him.

“Alexander,” she said, her voice high-pitched and nervous. “What are you doing here?”

Alexander frowned, his sharp instincts picking up on her uneasiness. “I was nearby. Thought I’d surprise you. Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

Before she could respond, a man’s voice called out from inside the suite. “Victoria, who’s at the door?”

She looked shocked, shaking immediately.

Alexander developed a sense of impatience toward her, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene: a man jumping on the bed, shirtless, a bottle of champagne on the nightstand.

The betrayal hit him like a punch to the gut. “Is this some kind of joke?” he asked, his voice freezing.

Victoria tried to explain, but her words were disorganized,her excuses hollow. Alexander didn’t stay to listen. He walked out, leaving her behind without a second look.

That night, he ended their engagement.