6

CASINO

Elena's POV

The casino was alive, lights flashing and music blaring so loud it was nearly impossible to think. I pushed my way through the crowd alongside my cousin, who loved gambling here. We found a quieter spot to sit and watch, his focus already on the tables where men were staking serious money. I sipped my drink, content to let him enjoy his games.

Then, a familiar voice cut through the noise, casual yet taunting. “Hey man, seems like you’ve won a lot here,” the voice said. “Let me give you the shock of your life—mind if I join you?”

I glanced up, and there was Lucas, strolling in with Aurora holding hands. The sight of the two of them together didn’t surprise me, but the smug looks on their faces did. They looked like they were here to flaunt something, or someone. Guess they are married now.

Lucas’s gaze landed on me, and a smirk twisted his lips. “Well, well, Elena! What a surprise. I’m amazed someone like you could afford a place like this.”

Aurora’s mocking laugh followed his words, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, Elena! A ‘riffraff’ like you, in an expensive place like this? Really, what are you trying to prove?”

I forced a calm smile, even though their sneering tones tested every ounce of my patience. “Watch your mouth, Aurora,” I replied, my voice steady. “I’m not here for a chit-chat.”

She rolled her eyes and smirked.her sneer made me boil in anger. “Oh, and I see you’ve moved on to this guy now,” she said, feigning pity. “Hope he knows he’s stuck with a broke little leech.”

She doesn't know yet that Vincent is not my boyfriend…

Vincent’s jaw tightened, his gaze hard as he glared at her. “Watch it,” he said, his voice low but filled with warning. Aurora just lifted her chin defiantly but kept quiet.

Then Lucas chuckled, giving me that arrogant look he always had. “Elena, you don’t belong here. You know that. This place is out of your league, and I don’t think your boyfriend can afford it either.”

I felt a rush of satisfaction as I met his gaze, I kept a straight face. “As far as I recall, Lucas, I didn’t take a penny from you while I lived under your roof. And mind how you talk to me—I’m not your pushover ex-girlfriend, and I can sue you for harassment if you keep this up.”

His face twisted, but I could tell he hadn’t expected me to fire back. Good. He could keep underestimating me; it would only make what came next all the more satisfying.

The game continued, and my cousin placed a staggering $50 million bet. I watched Lucas’s face tighten with barely-concealed panic. He couldn’t match it, and I knew it.

Then, the announcement rang out loud and clear. “The winner of the game is Mr. Vincent and Miss Elena!”

Aurora scoffed, her laugh cold and bitter as if unable to believe what had just happened. Lucas’s face fell, but he tried to cover it with a sneer as Vincent and I rose to leave, ignoring their glares as we made our way out of the casino.

But Lucas followed us, Aurora at his side, his voice was filled with jealousy “Impressive, Elena,” he sneered. “You wasted no time finding yourself a new ‘ Mark. To suck out his money’”

I stopped, turning to face him. “Really? That’s impressive to you?” I replied, my tone sharper than a blade. “How about the fact that I was Aurora’s personal blood donor for three years?” My gaze flicked to Aurora, who was doing her best to look innocent.

Aurora pressed her hand to her chest, eyes wide with mock sincerity. “Don’t blame me, Elena. Blame my poor health if you must.”

I gave her a withering stare, my voice cold. “Keep your fake sympathy, Aurora. Don’t act innocent here.”

She stepped closer, reaching out as if to pat my shoulder in some show of ‘friendliness.’ “We don’t have to be enemies, you know.”

I jerked my shoulder back, knocking her hand away. “Get your filthy hands off me,” I snapped. To my surprise, Aurora’s face paled, and in a sudden, dramatic motion, she slumped to the floor, fainting like a fragile doll.

Lucas’s expression shifted from smugness to panic as he dropped down beside her. “Aurora!” He whipped his head toward me, eyes frantic. “Quick! Come with me—she needs your blood right now!”

A bitter laugh bubbled up in my chest. “Really, Lucas? You jerk. What do you take me for?” I scoffed, shaking my head. “That’s not happening. She can find someone else to be her donor or… she can die for all I care. To hell with you vampire girlfriend!” I gave him one last icy glare and turned to leave.

Vincent stepped between Lucas and me, his gaze cold as steel. “Back off, Lucas. Elena has nothing to do with you anymore.”

Lucas glared, his face twisting in rage, but he didn’t stop us as Vincent took my hand, leading me away. Behind us, I could still hear Lucas’s frantic shouts as he tried to revive Aurora who was obviously faking it.

“Come on, Elena. Let’s go,” Vincent murmured, his voice warm and steady beside me. I smiled mischievously in satisfaction. This time, I’d walked away, fully in control, and there was nothing they could do to pull me back.

I will make sure they pay, one by one. It's still the beginning!

BROOK’S COMPANY

As my Lamborghini rolled to a stop in front of Edwards Corp, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement and a bit of nerves. Walking into that towering skyscraper was different today, knowing I’d be shadowing Samantha and, more importantly, stepping deeper into my family’s legacy. With a deep breath, I slipped out of the car, my heels clicking against the marble as I strode through the front doors.

“Good morning, ma’am Elena!” The employees and security guards greeted me with respectful nods and smiles, some even bowing slightly. I offered a polite smile in return, my posture straight and confident as I moved toward the elevator.

The short red dress hugged my figure just right, and the black heels gave me that extra boost of confidence. With my red purse in hand and my hair falling over my shoulders, I felt confident,

powerful and ready. I pulled out my phone, dialing Samantha’s number as I stepped into the elevator.

“Hey, I’m here,” I said, keeping my voice casual but feeling that mix of excitement and anticipation building up. “Grandpa said I should shadow you for a few days. Guess I’m going to be your ‘apprentice’ for a bit.” I chuckled, imagining the look on Sam’s face.

“Yeah, give me a minute. I’ll meet you upstairs,” Sam replied with a warm laugh of her own.

“Alright, see you soon,” I said, ending the call and leaning back as the elevator doors started to close. Just as they were about to shut, someone pressed the button to stop them.

The doors slid open, and there he was. Jason.

My heart gave an unexpected jolt, and I blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Jason?” I asked, surprised. It felt like the last place I’d see him, especially first thing in the morning, and definitely not in a place that now felt so…personal.

He looked just as taken aback, though a grin spread across his face quickly, his eyes lighting up as they met mine. “Oh, hey, Elena! Good to see you again.” He let out a warm smile, my heart skipped a beat. But why?