LOGINPatrick halt directly in front of the Pierce Corporate Headquarters. Elara didn't even wait, she threw the car door open, speed walked past the security turnstiles with Patrick hot on her tail.But the moment they burst into the lobby, her breath hitched.The bustling corporate energy was completely dead. Instead, the space was occupied by a dozen stern faced federal agents in dark suits, tagging equipments and locking down the elevators."W-what is going on here?" Elara asked, her voice cracking as she forced her trembling legs forward.One of the men leading the operation, a high ranking official holding a tablet, turned at the sound of her voice.He stepped forward."Good afternoon, Miss Pierce." he greeted sternly."What are you doing?" Elara demanded. "Why are your people inside my family’s building? My father’s release papers were finalized this morning!""Ma'am, your father's physical release from detention does not absolve the corporation." the official stated flatly. "As of 1
"Take it slow, Dad." Elara murmured, her arm securely around her father, guiding him through the doors of their mansion.Behind them, Patrick stepped across the threshold, shutting the door.She carefully settled her father into his favorite leather armchair in the main sitting room.Almost instantly, one of their household maids came out, her expression tight with anxiety."Welcome home, Mr. Pierce." she said quickly.Her father merely offered adistant nod, his eyes fixed on the empty floorboards.Elara looked at the maid. "Please, fetch him a glass of water." The maid nodded and hurried off toward the kitchen.Elara knelt beside his chair, her heart aching at how diminished he looked."Dad, the doctor was very specific. You need to rest. No phones, no business talk, just quiet."Her father didn't look at her; his gaze remained entirely trapped in his own thoughts."Rest is a something I can no longer afford, Elara." he whispered, "Not with his shadow hanging over this family."Elar
Elara let out a heavy sigh. She had expected her father to be worried, but as she looked closely at his face, she realized this went far deeper than basic anxiety.His eyes weren't just wide with fear, they were entirely wide from horror."Tell me, Elara..." he choked out, his fingers digging into her arms. "Please... please tell me you didn't–"He never finished the sentence. His words catch into a harsh gasp, and his hand instantly flew to his chest, clenching it.His breathing turned shallow, his complexion turning pale as a full blown panic attack seized his chest."Dad! Dad, look at me!" Elara freaked out, as she grabbed his shoulders to keep his trembling frame upright. "Take a breath, please!"Killian didn't hesitate, he tilt of his head and caught the eyes of the two officers standing by the secure doors.The officers immediately rushed forward, expertly taking her father from her arms and guiding him quickly out of the lobby, Elara and Killian followed."Dad!" Elara cried..S
The next morning, Elara walked down the staircase, still wearing the same gown from yesterday.She felt completely out of place, but she had no other choice.The moment her foot hit the last stairs, the same maid from last night rushed to her. This time, the woman's face was in a polite smile."Good morning, Miss Pierce.." she greeted softly.Elara offered an exhausted nod, her eyes scanning the space.Where is he?"This way, please. Breakfast has been prepared for you.." the maid said, gesturing toward the dining hall.Before Elara could even step forward. The maid’s eyes drifting past Elara’s shoulder toward the upper stairs."Good morning, Sir."Elara turned.Killian was descending the stairs.He wore a flawless, custom tailored charcoal suit, his frame covered in a long black overcoat.His eyes were already locked onto her, unblinking.Elara averted her gaze fast and quickly followed the maid into the dining hall.Watching her retreat, Killian stopped on the final step. His throat
The moment they stepped out of the hotel and into the night air, a breeze hit them. Despite the long sleeves of her new gown, Elara couldn't suppress a shiver.Killian walked toward a midnight black Rolls-Royce idling at the curb. His driver had already pulled the door open, waiting with a bowed head.Killian stopped, giving a subtle nod that dismissed the man, who immediately stepped back.Holding the door open himself, Killian turned his gaze onto Elara, who was standing a few feet away, hesitant."Get in." he commanded softly."A-actually, I brought my own car. I can just drive my–""For God's sake.." Killian muttered under his breath.Before she could finish her sentence, his hand wrapped around her wrist. With a firm tug, he hauled her into the plush leather of the backseat."You talk entirely too much.." he mumbled, sliding into the seat right beside her and slamming the door shut.The driver immediately put the car in drive, and the Rolls-Royce drove into the city traffic."Hey
Elara gulped as she too, took a step backward."No. I don't need Roman's help either. I told you–I will handle this myself.""Handle it yourself?" Killian’s dark chuckle was devoid of humor. He took another step forward, "Every second you waste standing here playing the proud martyr, the Feds are freezing your assets. Time is a luxury you don't possess, Elara. By morning, you won't even have a roof over your head, let alone a battle strategy."Elara kept retreating until the wall behind her halted her.. She was trapped.Killian closed the remaining distance instantly, looming over her so closely.He leaned down, tilting his head until his face were inches from hers.Elara’s breath caught, her chest heaving... He was too close, his scent completely intoxicating and terrifying all at once."So..." Killian whispered, "Let me help you, Elara."She forced her mind to stay firm. She knew how the elite operated. No one did favors for free, especially not a man like him."What do you want in







