CHAPTER 5: Fear and confusion

The penthouse was quiet.

George had walked Elena to the guest room himself. No words. Just stood in the doorway with his hands in his pockets, grey eyes scanning her like he was memorizing every inch of her.

This is your room, he said finally. For now.

“For now”.

The way he said it made her stomach flip.

She nodded and closed the door. The silk sheets were cold. The view of the city was beautiful. None of it mattered.

At around 10:30pm there was a soft knock on her door and it was George. He had brought her tea. Chamomile.

Drink it, he said, setting it on the nightstand. You look like you are about to pass out.

I’m fine, Elena replied softly.

He didn’t believe her. He never did.

George sat at the bed side as he watched Elena take the chamomile tea; the room was quite until Elena spoke: i used to paint, she said softly. Before my mom got sick; watercolours, landscape, and all of it.

Where? George asked as he leaned back. At the Garden park that is why the text…… she stopped herself.

George's eyes narrowed; what about it?? He asked her.

“Nothing” she lied.

Why did u stop painting? George pressed on. Because of my mom's sickness, Elena answered calmly. She needed someone to take care of her as her health keeps deteriorating and I was the only one she has; Elena continued..so I couldn't handle my painting skills which i sell to make some ends meet and also taking care of her as i can't be in both places at the same time; so I stopped my painting.

Get some sleep, Elena, he said, voice low. Then he stood up from the bed and walked towards the door, then he paused in the doorway; “And don’t leave this Room”. The contract has been amended, he said as he walked out.

She didn’t answer. She just watched him walk away.

At 11:03pm, a message buzzed into her phone. It was an unknown number and it read: Change of plans. Come now. East gate. A Car is waiting to pick u; i will be expecting you in 40 minutes.

Elena stared at the ceiling for 10 full minutes.

Then she got up from her bed.

She didn’t pack. She didn’t leave a note. She slipped out in jeans and a hoodie, bare feet in sneakers, her heart hammering. The hall was dark. The elevator was empty.

What she didn’t know was that George was in his office down the hall watching the security feed.

He saw her get into the elevator, He saw her exit the east gate, and He saw her get into a black car that wasn’t his.

His jaw clenched.

Track her, he told his security guard. And don’t let them see you.

Garden Park Road was empty. The Fog was over the fountain. One flickering lamppost. She was 5 minutes early and was frightened as she stood there waiting for the unknown person.

Looking for someone?

Elena spun around.

Vanessa!!! Elena screamed softly as she saw Venessa.

In black. Dangerous. No more like fake innocent daugh, and next to her: Marcus Hale.

CEO of Hale Industries. George’s biggest business rival. The man trying to do a hostile takeover of Litdom Corp.

Elena’s stomach dropped. What do you want?

What do we want? Vanessa laughed, stepping closer with Marcus next to her towards Elena.

We want George, we want him to lose everything. And you, sweet Elena, you are going to help us.

Marcus held up his phone. The photo of George kissing her temple.

This goes to the board tomorrow morning, he said calmly. Along with the original marriage contract between you and George. Unless…

Unless what? Elena whispered.

Unless you feed us information, Vanessa cut in, smiling sweetly. Board meetings. Contract details. George’s schedule. The little things that will help Marcus destroy him.

Elena took a step back. “No. I would never”

You will, Marcus said. Because if you don’t, we send this to the board. And to every news outlet in the city. Let’s see how long your mother’s hospital bills stays covered when George Herbert is exposed as a fraud.

The threat hung in the cold air.

Elena’s eyes filled with tears. “You’re monsters.”

We’re businessmen, Marcus corrected. And you have 24 hours to decide.

Vanessa reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind Elena’s ear. Mocking. Copying George.

Don’t look so scared, Mrs. Herbert, Vanessa whispered. It doesn't suit you.

Then they turned and walked away, leaving Elena alone in the fog.

She didn’t hear the footsteps behind her.

She didn’t hear it until a large hand covered her mouth and an arm wrapped around her waist.

Elena tried to scream.

A voice, low and furious in her ear, stopped her.

Don’t. It’s me.

George.

He pulled her against his chest and dragged her behind a large oak tree, out of sight. His heart was pounding against her back as he had been there the whole time.

How long were you there? Elena whispered, shaking.

“Long enough,” George said. His voice was ice. Long enough to see you meet my enemy. Long enough to see you talk to my ex. To see you sneak out of my house at 11pm Elena.

He turned her in his arms. His grey eyes were dark, searching her face.

Were you going to do it, Elena? Were u going to sell me out?

Elena was cold and speechless, only hot tears dropping from her eyes.

Some distance away from them, a car engine started as Venessa and Marcus drove away.

George's grip tightened around her. Tell me the truth, he demanded. Right now.

Tell me the truth Elena Or i will assume the worst.