Chapter 5 - Ethan Vance

Lianne's POV

The black sedan came to a halt in front of my apartment building which I had secured in advance with a separate identity before flying down to this city.

It is a two room apartment located in the heart of the city on the third floor of the building where I would be able to mobilize myself easily.

I looked around at the familiar city, nothing has changed.

I have come to execute my revenge plans and although I don't know how or where to start from I know I'll be able to carry it out with a proper plan and the right resources.

I paid off the driver and took the elevator that will take me to the third floor.

The elevator door opened with a ding and I got out, my apartment in front of me. I walked into my apartment, dragging my suitcase along with me.

From where I am standing I can see the sitting room, kitchen with a countertop, and a corridor that lead to the two rooms.

The sitting room is slightly big with plush white sofas arranged neatly and aesthetically, flower vases placed on small, short stools in four corners of the room. A fireplace made from beautiful marble stone sat beside the wall in the center of the room. Looking to the side, there is a floor to ceiling door that opens to the balcony which is currently covered with a thick velvet curtain.

I drew the curtain apart and it revealed a sight that took my breath away. From where I'm standing I can see the city in all its beauty, towering skyscrapers separated by long winding roads, shops, apartments and buildings.

I smiled, this has surely become my favourite spot in the apartment. Even though I have seen the picture of the apartment before renting it, it is simply breathtaking now that I'm seeing it physically.

I walked back into the sitting room, kicked off my shoes, removed my trench coat and collapsed onto the sofa sighing softly. Now that I'm back it's time to start planning how I will execute my revenge plans. I will take back everything that was taken away from me with interest.

But to start with I need to know everything about Adrian and Celeste, their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Everything concerning them.

I took out my laptop and began my search, noting down every single flaw that I could find on them. Then I saw it, although Adrian has a lot of business rivals he has been able to suppress them all except one –Ethan Vance – twenty six year old, the ruthless and most feared billionaire in the city. Adrian's biggest competitor and rival.

He has been the one suppressing Adrian's company for years now, even before I and Adrian got engaged taking away every big opportunity that might go over to Adrian.

Perfect. I said and clapped my hands. This is exactly what I need, the weakness I have been looking for.

Even though Ethan Vance has been competing vehemently with Adrian he has been unable to land him a fatal blow, one that will cripple him completely. I know what to do now because I know of all the dirty linens that Adrian has been keeping a secret from the public.

After that I arranged a meeting with Ethan Vance which will take place tomorrow and went to sleep.

The next day I woke up and prepared to meet with Ethan Vance. I slipped on a coral business suit paired with burgundy stiletto and matching bag. I packed my hair in a ponytail, leaving some strands to frame my face.

I took my phone and ordered my ride which arrived in less than 5 minutes. I arrived in front of the magnificent building and got out of the car. I stood outside the company and looked at the name written in bold and elegant calligraphy – Vance corporation.

I walked into the company and glanced around. The entire space is quiet, organized and clean. Every staff is working with practised efficiency, sharp and precise.

Impressive. I moved towards the receptionist desk and greeted her.

“Hello”

The receptionist looked up and smiled

“Welcome to Vance corporation, how may I be of help to you?”

“I want to meet with Ethan Vance” I replied in a firm voice.

“Do you have an appointment with him beforehand?” she said as she typed into the laptop in front of her.

“Yes I do”

“What's your name ma'am?”

“Elara Vale” I answered using my new identity. The receptionist nodded and then said

“Take the elevator on your right and go to the seventh floor. You'll be directed to his office from there” She said and I nodded

“Alright thank you”

I followed her directions and got to the seventh floor, where I met another receptionist who took me to his office. I knocked on the door, and a rich baritone voice replied to me from behind the doors.

I pushed open the door and saw him, Ethan Vance seated behind the desk, his shirt rolled up to the elbows on each hand signing some documents with black curly locks of hair falling on his forehead, and for a moment my hand itched to push them back.

He lifted his head and what I saw made me stunned for a moment. If I were to describe him, I would say God really took his time while creating him. He has dark brown eyes, high cheekbones and firm supple lips with black curly locks.

“Do have a seat Miss Elara” he said and motioned to the chair before him. I snapped out of my reverie and sat down, his eyes trailing me from where I stood until I sat down.

“I'm here to give you a business proposal Mr. Vance”;I said in a clear voice going straight to the point.

“I know you have been trying several methods to bring down Adrian's corporate firm. I have evidence that can help you to bring them down in an instant” I said in one breath.

“What makes you think that I'll accept your business proposal” he said with his eyebrow raised slightly and with an amused tone.

“Because I know that you don't want to lose this ongoing project to Adrian. I can also make sure that you win the current project.”

Interesting, he nods slowly while scrutinizing me from head to toe.

I continue taking his nod as a positive sign “In exchange you will give me every resource and connection I need to execute my plans”.

“What plans if I may ask” he asked while leaning forward slightly and staring at me intensely with an unwavering gaze.

I leaned forward too, staring at him in the eye matching his intensity “I'll like to keep my plans personal Mr. Vance”

He chuckled, leaned back on his chair and swerved it right and left with his head tilted slightly considering my proposal. My eyes followed his every move

“I'll agree” he said and I released a breath I didn't even realize I was holding. “But on one condition” he continued “you'll be my wife on paper for the entire duration of our contract, you will belong to me in public and in private”. And without giving me a chance to negotiate, he picked up a pen and signed the contract.

My eyes snapped up to him wide “ your wife” I repeated and he nodded.

I thought quickly if I decline his offer now, I'll lose the only powerful ally that can help me to bring down Adrian.

What's there to lose? Nothing, afterall I no longer have a family of my own. It won't hurt to have one with this man even if it's for a specific duration of time.

I broke my gaze, picked up the pen to sign the contract when his baritone voice boomed again

“Know this Miss Elara, once you sign that contract there's no going back..”