CHAPTER 4

Four years later…

“Mummy, Mummy!” Eulalia’s tiny voice echoed through the hallway as she burst into her mother’s office, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Elowen looked up from her desk, her heart melting at the sight of her daughter’s distress. She rushed to scoop Eulalia into her arms. “What’s wrong, my little angel? Why are you crying?”

Eulalia sniffled, clinging tightly to her mother. “Leander took my toy and won’t give it back!”

At that moment, Leander appeared in the doorway, arms crossed and brow furrowed. “Mum, she’s going to break it! I told her she can’t just throw it around. You bought it for her, but she’s being childish!” he muttered, glaring at his sister.

Elowen gently set Eulalia down and crouched to Leander’s level, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Leander, she’s your little sister. You have to teach her with love, not force. Can you do that for me?”

Leander’s stern expression faltered, replaced by guilt. He glanced at Eulalia, whose teary eyes watched him expectantly. “I’m sorry, Eulalia,” he said, his voice softening. “Here, take your toy.”

Eulalia’s face brightened, and she hugged the toy tightly.

Before the moment could stretch further, Seraphina, Elowen’s lifelong friend, strolled into the office. Eulalia dashed to hug her godmother. “I want to come home with you!”

Seraphina laughed, lifting the girl into her arms. “Of course, I’d take you home. But I have plans today. I’m taking you both out! Leander, don’t I get a hug too?”

Leander sat stiffly on the sofa, barely looking up. “Welcome, godmother,” he mumbled, avoiding her affectionate gesture.

Surprised, Seraphina glanced at Elowen, who shook her head, equally bewildered. Elowen quickly called her assistant, instructing them to take the kids out for ice cream.

Once the children were gone, Seraphina exhaled dramatically and sank into a chair. “That boy is starting to sound more like his father, Elowen. He has that same commanding tone. You might not see it yet, but it’s in him.”

Elowen raised an eyebrow, feigning indifference as she ran her fingers through her hair. “You mean like the man I don’t know? Please, Seraphina. Don’t start.”

Crossing her arms tightly, Seraphina pressed her lips into a thin line, fixing her friend with a pointed stare. “I’m just saying, don’t act surprised when he starts taking charge around here.”

Elowen narrowed her eyes, her tone sharp. “So, he’s not like me?”

Seraphina sighed, her gaze softening but still wary. “Babe, he’s nothing like you. He looks familiar, like someone I’ve seen in Apex Grove, but I can’t quite place him.”

Elowen shook her head, dismissing the subject. She straightened, leaning back in her chair, then leaned forward, elbows on the table. “I called you here because I need to tell you something. I’m heading to Apex Grove tomorrow for a wedding event. I’ll be gone for two months.”

Seraphina’s eyes widened. “Apex Grove? Are you out of your mind? What if Caspian finds out? Elowen, he’ll come after you! Think this through!”

Elowen stood, the wooden floor creaking beneath her. She walked toward the window, fingers brushing the glass. “I’m not that fragile girl anymore. He can’t intimidate me now. I’ve spent the last five years in Alphacrest, growing stronger every day. And for the past year, Caspian hasn’t even known I bought 50% of my father’s company.” A small smile formed on her lips. “Thanks to you, it’s been hidden. But now... it’s time to face him.”

Seraphina remained frozen, concern etched on her face. “And what’s your plan? You think you can just waltz in there, and he’ll let you take everything?”

Elowen chuckled softly, a dark edge creeping into her voice. “I’ll use his own lawyer against him. The man Caspian trusts has already been discarded for some younger attorney his wife is fooling around with. I’ve sent an agent to watch, and Caspian is blind to the betrayal right in front of him.”

Seraphina frowned, doubt creasing her brow. “Can you trust this lawyer?”

Elowen’s eyes darkened as she turned back to the window, her reflection a hardened version of herself. “I won’t trust him. I’ll manipulate him use him to bring down Caspian and reclaim what’s mine.”

Her grip tightened on the window frame, knuckles white. “I’ll never forget what Caspian did to my parents. I won’t forgive him for tricking me into signing over their property.” Her voice faltered before hardening again. “From my investigation, I’ve learned he’s involved in some shady dealings. I need someone on the inside someone he’s manipulating just like he did with me, someone who can get that file. That’s why I’m going.” She smiled then, but it wasn’t one of joy it was quiet, dangerous satisfaction.

Seraphina couldn’t help but smile back. “My baby girl has grown up. You’ve got this, Elowen. Just remember, my money is yours if you need it. Are you leaving the kids with me?”

Elowen shook her head. “No, I need to bond with them. I’ve been neglecting them because of work. Besides, you need time with Zephyr,” she teased.

Seraphina laughed, throwing a cushion at her. “You’re leaving tomorrow, huh?”

Elowen nodded. “Yes, I’ll be attending Mr. Lysander’s wedding. He owns the biggest company in Apex Grove.”

Seraphina gasped. “Wait… the Lysander? The richest man in the city?”

Elowen grinned. “The very same. He reached out to our baking company, and the offer was too tempting to refuse. It’s the perfect opportunity to start my plan.”

Seraphina shook her head in amazement. “You’ve really thought this through. Where are you staying?”

“They’ve arranged a hotel for me. I’ll be taking two of my staff. Everything is set,” Elowen said confidently. “I’m leaving our company in your hands while I’m gone.”

Seraphina’s grin widened. “That’s my girl. Go get what’s yours.”

The next day, Elowen arrived in Apex Grove with Leander and Eulalia in tow. As they stepped off the plane, cameras flashed, and whispers followed them through the airport.

“Mom, why is everyone staring at us?” Eulalia whispered, clinging to her mother’s leg.

Elowen quickly slipped on her sunglasses and adjusted her mask, shielding her children from the attention. “It’s nothing, sweetheart. They just think you two are special,” she said, squeezing their hands.

A woman passing by whispered, “Aren’t those the cutest twins you’ve ever seen?”

“I’m so jealous of their mother,” another added. “She’s so lucky to have them.”

Just then, a man approached. “Welcome, ma’am. I’m Soren, Mr. Lysander’s assistant. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Elowen nodded, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you too.”

Soren’s eyes drifted to the twins, lingering on Leander. He cleared his throat awkwardly. “You have lovely children,” he said, though his voice wavered.

Elowen tilted her head, sensing his unease. “Are you alright?”

Soren blinked, snapping out of his daze. “Yes, sorry. Please, this way. I’ll take you to your hotel.”

As they drove through the city, Elowen gazed out at the skyline that once symbolized her downfall. Now, it was the battleground for her comeback.

That night, as her children slept peacefully beside her, Elowen’s phone buzzed. She checked a message from her private detective: G Group is about to sell 3% of their shares.

Staring at the screen, her mind whirred with plans. Soon, she thought, glancing at her sleeping children. Very soon, you’ll know who your mother truly is.

Slipping out of bed, Elowen quietly left the hotel, driving straight to the house her father once owned now claimed by Caspian. As she approached, her heart pounded. The house stood unchanged, frozen in time.

On the balcony, she spotted Mrs. Thalassa, lounging with a glass of wine. A bitter smile curled on Elowen’s lips. Enjoy it while it lasts, she thought, turning to leave when a voice called out behind her.

“Who are you, and what are you doing on my property?” Caspian’s familiar voice commanded as he approached, his steps growing closer. “Turn around,” he demanded, his tone sharp.

Elowen froze, her pulse quickening as she slowly turned to face him.