10. blurred lines...

ELOWEN

I stared at the flowers in a daze. At first it was confusion only, but then, rage boiled within me in a full flare.

How dare he!? What does he want to do!?

I was so upset and frustrated that I, without thinking much, changed into a tracksuit, covered my face with a mask and a cap and stormed out of the apartment, ignoring Serena's direction.

— 30 minutes later —

The towering glass building of V.D Corporation — the Veyrek Dominion Tower, loomed before me.

I inhaled deeply, steeling myself. I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to see him right away. Perhaps never? He might have blocked me, who knew, but the boiling lava within me wouldn't cool down until I face him and vent.

I pushed through the heavy glass doors and stepped into the lobby. I marched toward the reception area, and removed my mask, "excuse me, I'm here to see Mr Alexander Veyrek.” I said, suppressing down my anger.

The receptionist in the front desk—a well-dressed woman in her late twenties— looked up from her computer screen, she didn’t even blink. She looked at me and her words followed. “Ms. Corvella. The Vice Chairman is expecting you. Please, right this way.” She said with a pure professional smile.

I blinked. Shocked and dazed.

My heart almost stopped. What? Expecting me? Wait—he knew I would be here?

I stared at her, my pulse hammering in my ears. How did he… anticipated my arrival? No. That wasn’t possible. How would he know that I would show up!?

My hands curled into fists, my heartbeat racing. The receptionist smiled and handed me a key card. “Take the elevator to the twenty-ninth floor. He’s expecting you.”

My lips parted, I didn't know what to say though. I pressed my lips again and nodded slowly, forcing myself to act normal as I took the card and walked toward the elevator.

My mind was spiraling. Was this just a coincidence? Had he expected me to come? Or… had he known all along that this day would come? No…that didn’t make sense. How would he know that I would be in trouble and full of rumours and seeing his stupid bouquet and provocative text rush here to give him a piece of my mind?

There was another more plausible reason that swirled in my mind…was he somehow

Stalking me?—like having a camera attached to me or my home somehow?

I swallowed hard, shaking off the thought as I stepped into the empty elevator. That was ridiculous though. Why would someone like him have a need to do that? He wouldn't gain anything from me. Even if I flashed my identity, it still wouldn't give him anything because he has his own name.

The moment the doors slid shut, I let out a shaky breath and pressed my back against the cold metal wall.

“Calm down. Keep it together.” I muttered to myself. “You’re here to snap at him, to warn him not to bother you again, and not get confused by his movements!”

I tapped the key card against the panel. The elevator hummed to life, carrying me higher and higher. Maybe it was just my imagination or nervousness but the air felt thinner the closer I got. Twenty-ninth floor came and with a soft chime the doors glided open.

There was only one office here. A massive, double-door entrance at the end of the luxurious hallway. And sitting just outside it, a man—his posture straight as he typed away at his laptop.

I had seen him before. If I am not wrong, he is Alexander’s Secretary.

As soon as he saw me, he stood up and gestured toward the doors. “Sir is waiting for you, Miss Corvella.” He smiled and moved to open the door for me.

I nodded, thanking him as I stepped inside, my gaze immediately landing on the man behind the desk.

Alexander Veyrek sat in his massive leather chair, flipping through a file as if he hadn’t just called me here before I even made the decision to come.

His frosted emerald eyes flicked up from his papers, locking onto me. And damn! The man was unfairly attractive.

He looked unbothered, composed even. His expensive suit was perfectly fitted, the top button of his shirt undone, revealing a glimpse of tattoos peeking from his collar.

The picture-perfect Vice Chairman...

A faint smirk playing on his lips. The city glowed behind him — his empire stretching across the skyline.

“Elowen,” he drawled, leaning back in his chair. “You’re early.”

And that was it. It was enough to bring back the ferocity I slightly lost beneath the confusion.

Marching toward his desk, I slammed the card on it. “What is this!?” I almost snarled.

“Tell me Veyrek, did you leak it?” I asked, something that didn’t cross me but the moment his face came before me it did.

He glanced at the card and then looked up at me, his one brow lifted. “If I wanted to ruin you, I wouldn’t need to leak anything.” He rose, slow and deliberate. “You do it perfectly well on your own.”

My pulse thundered. “Don’t play games with me.” I hissed.

“I never play unnecessary games,” he said smoothly, circling his desk like a predator. “Adrian’s PR team is tearing you apart. Your investors have fled. And your dream project?—” He stopped inches from me. “—On the brink of collapse.”

I almost gasped out loud. He stated the facts and it felt he knew too much, even perhaps more than I do!

My fists clenched tightly. “Stop talking like you enjoy this,” I snapped.

“Oh, but I do,” he murmured, his voice low, yet dangerous. “Watching someone fight a losing battle— it’s almost poetic. Unworthy, but fun.”

I wanted to punch his damn face. Scream, and perhaps scratch his face, but didn't do anything.

Instead, “You think you can buy me because I’m cornered?”

“No.” His emerald eyes darkened, sharp as a blade. “I think I can help you win.” And before I could even prepare a response, he pulled a folder across the desk.

“Here, the offer's still open.” He added.

I gulped hard. I wanted to decline immediately, but— on a second thought, I picked it up and went through it roughly…

It was a clear arrangement where he would invest into my business and will hold 49% share of the entire business, and in exchange, I must show up everywhere beside him, as his official partner.

I looked up at him. “You want to turn me into your prop?” The bitterness that rolled out within me was unmatched.

“They want a scandal?” His voice hardened. “Let’s give them one that pays. And what could be more specific that you appear beside me?”

“You’re insane.” I hissed.

“I’m pragmatic.” He denied.

I stared at him and then shook my head. “Look, I didn't come here to accept your nonsense. I'm here to warn you to stay away from me and my matters, that's all.” Saying, I turned around, when—my phone rang.

It was Serena.

I wanted to ignore it here, before him and receive it outside, when—

“You should receive it before walking out, Miss Corvella.” His words came from behind, halting my steps.

I spun around, my eyes landed on him in both confusion and dread. What did he mean?

I didn't ask, but somehow, I accepted the call…

“Elowen—” came Serena's panicked tone, “where the hell are you!? Why are you not home!? Damn! What are you trying to do!? Give me a heart attack!?”

“I—” my eyes were on Alexander. “I came out, don't worry I am fine. I was…”

“Fine!? No! You're not!” Her tone shook and then followed a heavy sigh. “He’s suing you… Adrian, he's suing you for brand defamation.”

And I froze, my eyes widened and I felt numb.

“Wha-at!?”

“Yeah,” Serena sighed. “He’s saying you used his company’s money to fund your perfume line. You could lose everything, Elowen.”

My breath stiffened. My world tilted, as I stood in the middle of Alexander Veyrek's office, puzzled and dumbfounded.

“N-no…” I muttered shakily.

“I wish it was true, Elowen. But don't worry, I'll take care of it, okay?” She spoke, “and you should come home…” She continued, but I couldn't listen to anything more, all of her words started jamming in my head.

Black fogs started forming in my mind, and soon, everything started fading within me. And before I knew it, darkness completely covered my eyes, tilting the world beneath me, and before everything darkened completely, I felt a warm touch around me and faded whispers of my name.

However, at the moment I didn't know what was true and what was an illusion; the line had completely blurred, and so did my fate…