CHAPTER 4: WHEN THE PAST COMES CALLING

BLACKWOOD GROUP

The Headquarters stood proudly among Manhattan's towering skyscrapers, its sleek glass exterior reflecting the morning sun. Inside the executive floor, silence reigned.

Every employee straightened as Adrian walked through the corridor.

"Good morning, Mr. Blackwood."

"Morning, sir."

He acknowledged them with a brief nod before entering his private office.

The room was spacious yet minimalist. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked Manhattan, while a large desk dominated the center. Awards and architectural models lined one wall, each representing another Blackwood success.

His assistant, Ethan, entered moments later.

"Good morning, sir. The board members are waiting."

Adrian loosened the cuff of his sleeve.

"Of course. Let's begin."

*****

The conference room buzzed with anticipation.

Directors, legal advisers, and financial executives filled every seat.

As Adrian entered, everyone rose. He gestured for them to sit.

Ethan activated a projector and the Aurelia Capital logo illuminated the screen.

"Mr Blackwood, our research confirms Aurelia Capital is currently the fastest-growing investment company in the United States." One of the directors spoke up.

"Within twelve years, they've acquired assets worth billions." An executive said. "They rarely partner with companies. They choose them."

Another executive added, "If we secure this partnership, our luxury development project will become the largest in New York."

"But there's a problem." A director frowned. "They've rejected four multinational corporations already."

Silence settled over the room. Everyone looked toward Adrian. He leaned back calmly.

"Then let's give them a reason not to reject us."

The confidence in his voice immediately reassured the board.

The meeting continued with discussions of investment forecasts, construction timelines, and projected profits.

Yet despite all the figures, Adrian found his thoughts wandering.

His fingers unconsciously touched the hand that had shaken Seraphina's.

"What is it about you...?" He murmured to himself.

AURELIA CAPITAL

Across Midtown Manhattan, the top two floors of Aurelia Capital belonged entirely to its executive team.

The reception area overlooked the city skyline. Modern artwork decorated the walls.

Employees moved with quiet efficiency. The moment Seraphina entered, everyone greeted her.

"Good morning, Ms. Vale."

"Morning, ma'am."

She smiled politely. Her confidence alone commanded respect.

Vivienne followed behind carrying several folders.

Inside the CEO's office, sunlight streamed through enormous windows.

The office was elegant, minimalist, powerful. Exactly like its owner.

A large portrait of New York's skyline hung behind her desk.

She took her seat. Then Vivienne placed a thick stack of files before her.

"Blackwood Group. Everything we could obtain."

Seraphina slowly opened the first file. She looked at it for several long seconds. Then quietly closed the file.

Silence filled the office.

Vivienne finally broke it.

"Blackwood Group is requesting for a partnership agreement."

"I expected such." Seraphina said.

"Will you accept?"

"Of course, it's part of the plan."

"You're really going through with this?" Vivienne said.

"I didn't spend twelve years preparing to stop now," Seraphina said.

"That reminds me, I saw the way Adrian looked at you yesterday. You don't think he recognize you," Vivienne said.

"He doesn't. And if he does, I know he's going to come back begging. But by then, it'll be too late."

"I must say, you've changed so much over these past few years."

Seraphina stood and walked toward the window.

"I didn't change Vivi, life just happened. Whatever I'm doing, I'm doing it to let go of the pain. Only then will I be at peace."

Her eyes got filled up, so she wiped them away immediately and sniffled.

"So about the Blackwood request?" Vivienne asked.

"Set up a formal meeting with the Blackwoods. Tomorrow, by 10."

Vivienne sighed.

"Alright."

With that, she walked to the door. Before leaving, she looked back concernigly at Seraphina who was still standing by the window. Then she left.

Looking down at Manhattan, Seraphina spoke to herself, "Twelve years ago, I stood before him with nothing. This time, I'll stand before him with everything."

BLACKWOOD MANOR

**Evening**

The building was unusually quiet.

The front door opened, and Roxanne stepped inside carrying several shopping bags.

Margaret is sitted in the living room.

"Good evening, Mother." Roxanne forced a polite smile.

The woman didn't reply.

Before Roxanne could climb the staircase, Margaret's voice stopped her.

"So..." Her eyes drifted toward the bags. "Buying children's clothes again?"

Roxanne looked down.

"They're donations for the children's foundation."

"How generous." Margaret gave a dry laugh.

A heavy silence settled between them. Then Margaret spoke again.

"It's unfortunate, you'll never buy them for your own child."

Roxanne looked up. Those words tore through her chest.

"Mother..." She tried to speak but Margaret continued.

"A woman with everything, except the one thing that truly matters."

Roxanne's fingers tightened around the shopping bags.

Margaret slowly approached.

"A family like ours needs an heir. Beauty alone doesn't continue a bloodline."

Roxanne struggled to hold back her tears.

"I'm trying my best mother. Why can't you see that? Why are you treating me like this?"

"Your best is not enough. Give my son a child! The Blackwood name cannot end with Adrian. If you can't do that, then nothing you do will ever be good enough for me!"

Roxanne's eyes got filled up. Her hands were beginning to loosen from the bags.

Margaret's gaze lingered on her.

"If you cannot give him a child, perhaps another woman should. The only reason I'm keeping you is because we had a business deal. Otherwise my son would have divorced you a long time ago!"

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.

The sound of her heels echoed through the hallway long after she had disappeared.

Roxanne finally let go of her tears. The bags slipped from her hands.

Rita, one of their housekeepers saw her.

"Ma'am what's wrong?" She rushed forward.

Roxanne, immediately covered her lips. Sobbing, she ran upstairs.

"What happened?" Rita murmured.

THE VELVET RESERVE

The soft melody of a jazz saxophone drifted through place, one of Manhattan's most exclusive bars. Bathed in warm amber lighting. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead while wealthy businessmen and socialites mingled over expensive whiskey and vintage wine.

In a secluded VIP booth near the window, Adrian sat with a glass of beer untouched before him.

His gaze remained fixed on the city beyond the glass. He hadn't taken a single sip.

Across from him sat his longtime friend, Damien Carter, a successful architect who had known Adrian since their university days. Unlike Adrian's reserved personality, Damien was outgoing, witty, and never hesitated to say what was on his mind.

He studied Adrian for a moment before breaking the silence.

"You were the one who insisted we meet tonight." He leaned back in his chair, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "Yet you've barely said a word since we got here."

Adrian finally looked at him.

"It's... complicated."

"When has anything in your life ever been uncomplicated?" Damien chuckled.

Receiving no response, he sighed and set his glass on the table.

"Adrian, we've been friends for years. Whatever it is, you can tell me."

For several moments, Adrian remained silent. His fingers absentmindedly traced the rim of his glass before he finally spoke, "I attended Aurelia Capital's launch event last night."

"I heard about it." Damien nodded immediately. "The whole business world is talking about it. The mysterious founder of Aurelia Capital finally made a public appearance after keeping such a low profile all these years."

"From what I've heard, Seraphina Vale is unlike any CEO in the industry. Young, brilliant, and already one of the most influential investors in the country. Every major corporation wants to partner with her, but she's keeping everyone waiting."

"We submitted our request as well." Adrian took a slow sip of his beer.

"And?"

"We're waiting for her response."

"You're the CEO of Blackwood Group." Damien shrugged casually. "One of the biggest real estate companies in the country. If anyone has a chance of securing that partnership, it's you. So why are you worrying?"

Adrian lowered his glass onto the table.

"That's not what's bothering me."

"Then what is?" Damien frowned.

Adrian hesitated before answering.

"It's her. Seraphina Vale. There was something about her...She felt familiar."

Damien raised an eyebrow before bursting into laughter.

"Familiar?"

He pointed playfully at Adrian.

"My friend, I think you've finally met a woman capable of turning your head."

"It's not like that." Adrian frowned.

"Come on. She's beautiful. Intelligent. Rich. Elegant. Any sane man would be fascinated." Damien said.

"No." Adrian shook his head firmly. "You don't understand. It wasn't attraction. It was..."

He exhaled slowly.

"A feeling. When I looked into her eyes, it was as if I'd known her before."

"Known her?" Damien's smile gradually faded.

Adrian nodded.

"I can't explain it. It felt like...she reminded me of someone."

"Who?" Damien leaned forward.

Adrian stared into his beer for several long seconds.

When he finally spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper.

"Sarah."

Silence settled between them. Damien blinked. Then he let out a nervous laugh.

"That's impossible." He shook his head. "Sarah died twelve years ago."

Adrian's grip around the glass tightened.

"I know. But then why...Why do I feel this way?"

Damien searched for an explanation. After a moment, he snapped his fingers.

"Maybe it's because their names sound alike. Sarah, Seraphina. Sometimes the mind plays tricks."

He smiled reassuringly.

"You're connecting things that aren't connected. Sarah is gone, Adrian. You need to accept that."

"I still can't accept it," Adrian looked away. "If I'd stood by her...If I'd believed her...Maybe she'd still be alive."

Damien sighed before placing a comforting hand on Adrian's shoulder.

"It's been twelve years. You're married now. You've built an empire. You can't keep punishing yourself over something you can't change."

Trying to lighten the mood, he reached for Adrian's untouched beer and pushed it closer.

"Drink."

Adrian looked at him and Damien grinned.

"I think you've been working too hard. Either that or your brain has finally decided to rebel."

A reluctant smile tugged at Adrian's lips.

"You really are impossible."

"I've been told."

The two men shared a quiet laugh.

Adrian finally lifted his glass and took a long drink.

He appeared calmer. But deep inside, his thoughts remained trapped on one woman, on a pair of haunting eyes. And on a question that refused to leave him.

Why did meeting Seraphina Vale feel like reopening a wound that had never truly healed?