“Selene, I need a moment with you,” I said, stepping into her corner office.
She didn’t flinch. Selene always had an air of unshakable confidence, her tailored blazer and perfectly coiffed hair adding to her polished facade. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit?” she asked, folding her arms and leaning against the desk. “I’ve been reviewing the financial records from three years ago,” I said, closing the door behind me. “There are discrepancies. Large sums moved to an offshore account that doesn’t match any authorized transactions.” Her smile faltered, just for a moment. “And you’re coming to me because…?” “Because these accounts were linked to a project you personally oversaw,” I said, locking my gaze on her. “I want answers, Selene.” She laughed lightly, a forced sound that grated on my nerves. “Elias, I run dozens of projects. You’ll have to be more specific.” “Don’t play coy with me,” I snapped. “The Westbrook tech deal in Paris. The one Victoria was overseeing before—” I stopped myself, the weight of the name hanging in the air like a bomb waiting to explode. “Before you threw her to the wolves?” she said, her tone sharp and cutting. “Yes, I remember it well. What about it?” I stepped closer, my jaw tightening. “The funds that disappeared? They were funneled through dummy accounts under your department.” Her eyes narrowed, and for a moment, something flickered across her face. Fear? Guilt? I couldn’t tell. “You’re accusing me?” she said, her voice rising. “Your own sister?” “I’m asking you for the truth,” I said, my voice low but firm. “Because if you had nothing to do with it, you won’t mind explaining why your signature is on the approval forms.” Selene’s face paled, but she quickly recovered, straightening her shoulders. “You’ve always been so quick to point fingers, Elias. Maybe if you’d spent less time doubting me and more time managing your marriage, none of this would’ve happened.” Her words hit me like a slap, but I refused to let her see it. “This isn’t about my marriage. It’s about the truth. Did you frame Victoria?” She laughed again, this time more bitterly. “You’re still obsessed with her, aren’t you? Even after everything she supposedly did, you can’t let her go.” “Because she didn’t do it!” I roared, slamming my fist on the desk. “I know she was innocent, Selene. And I’m going to prove it, with or without your help.” Selene’s eyes darted to the door, and for the first time, I saw something crack in her composed exterior. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into, Elias,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Then enlighten me,” I said, stepping closer. But she shook her head, her lips pressing into a thin line. “You think you’re chasing the truth, but all you’re going to find is more betrayal. Be careful, Elias. Some secrets are better left buried.” I stared at her, my chest heaving. “This isn’t over,” I said, turning on my heel and storming out of the office. --- Back in my private study, I poured over the files again. Every document, every transaction, every email thread—there was a pattern, one I couldn’t ignore. And it all pointed to Selene. I picked up my phone and dialed. “James, I need you to dig deeper into those accounts I sent you. Focus on any connections to Selene Westbrook.” There was a pause on the other end. “Elias, are you sure about this?” “Yes,” I said firmly. “And I want answers by tomorrow.” “Understood.” I hung up and leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. The guilt gnawed at me. How had I been so blind? How had I let my own sister manipulate me into destroying the woman I loved? The thought of Victoria made my chest tighten. I couldn’t shake the image of her face when she read that text message earlier. The way her eyes had widened, the color draining from her cheeks. Someone was still playing games, and I had a sinking feeling I knew who it was. --- The next morning, James called. “Elias, I’ve found something,” he said, his voice tense. “You’re going to want to see this in person.” “Send it to me,” I said, already pulling on my jacket. “No. Not over the phone. Meet me at the office in an hour.” I hung up, my mind racing. --- James was waiting for me in the conference room, a stack of files spread out across the table. “What is it?” I asked, stepping inside. He gestured to the documents. “These are the records you asked for. The dummy accounts, the offshore transfers—it all checks out. But there’s more.” He slid a folder across the table. “These emails were buried deep in the archives. They’re correspondence between Selene and a man named Marcus Langley. Ring any bells?” “Marcus was one of my business partners,” I said, frowning. “He retired two years ago.” “Not exactly,” James said. “He was forced out after a scandal involving misappropriated funds. And guess who orchestrated the buyout?” I stared at him, my heart sinking. “Selene.” James nodded. “She’s been working with Langley for years, Elias. They’ve been funneling money out of the company and pinning the blame on others—Victoria included.” I sank into a chair, the weight of the revelation crushing me. “This can’t be happening,” I muttered. “There’s more,” James said, pulling out another folder. “I found this in Selene’s personal files. It’s a contract—one that names her as the primary beneficiary of the Westbrook estate if you were to step down.” I stared at the papers, my blood running cold. “She’s been planning this all along,” I said. “The scandal, the betrayal—it was all to position herself as the heir.” James nodded. “And she’s not done. There’s evidence she’s been in contact with the board, trying to undermine your authority.” I clenched my fists, anger boiling inside me. “I need to confront her.” James hesitated. “Elias, this is bigger than just Selene. If you go after her without solid proof, she’ll bury you.” “I don’t care,” I said, standing up. “She’s already taken too much from me. It’s time to fight back.” --- As I left the office, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen and saw an unknown number. “We need to talk about Selene. It’s worse than you think.” I stared at the message, my heart pounding. Who was this? And how did they know about Selene? My grip tightened on the phone as I dialed the number. The line rang once, twice, and then a voice answered. “You’re in danger, Elias,” the voice said. “Selene isn’t who you think she is.”“Are you sure about this?” I asked Elias as I adjusted the elegant satin gown, hugging my body. The grand hall was already filled with the city’s elite, all gathered to celebrate the official resurgence of Westbrook Industries. Chandeliers sparkled above us, and the orchestra played softly in the background.Elias turned to me, his blue eyes intense. “I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life.” His voice was low, but the sincerity hit me deep.I smoothed my dress nervously. “It’s just... after everything we've been through—”He placed his hand over mine, steadying me. “That’s exactly why tonight is important. You’ve always been the heart of this company, Victoria. It’s time the world knows it.”Before I could respond, the announcer’s voice boomed across the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Elias Westbrook and Victoria Lancaster to the stage."The applause was thunderous. My heart raced as Elias led me to the center stage. Cameras flashed, capturing
"I still can’t believe you're doing this," Victoria said, her voice edged with disbelief as we rode the elevator to the top floor of Westbrook Industries. "Announcing a philanthropic initiative in our son's name? Elias, the board won't take this lightly."I straightened my tie, a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. "They'll take it because it's the right move. And because you're going to help me make them see that."She shook her head with a soft laugh. "You're impossible.""Yet you married me."Her laughter faded, and for a moment, we stood in silence. The weight of everything we’d been through hung between us like a fragile truce. The scars from betrayal and heartbreak hadn’t fully healed, but standing beside her now, I felt stronger—more determined than ever to make things right.When the elevator doors opened, a wave of tension swept over me. The boardroom was already packed. Selene’s former allies sat at the long mahogany table, their faces taut with apprehension and skeptic
"Are you sure about this?" Elias asked as he pulled the car into the long, winding driveway. The towering oak trees on either side seemed to close in on us. "We can turn back if you're not ready."I swallowed the lump in my throat, my fingers twisting nervously in my lap. "No. I need to do this."He reached over, his hand warm and steady on mine. "I'm right here with you."I gave him a grateful smile, though my heart felt like it was doing backflips. The last time I saw my father, we had exchanged harsh words that cut deeper than any wound. Years had passed, and I had told myself I didn't need closure—but now, with a child of my own, everything felt different.Elias parked the car in front of the large, weathered farmhouse. The sight of the familiar porch with its peeling paint and creaky swing tugged at memories I had long buried.The front door opened before we even stepped out of the car. My father stood there, his once-strong frame slightly stooped, but his eyes were still sharp a
“It’s a boy!” the doctor announced with a broad smile as the room filled with the sound of a baby’s strong cry.My breath hitched as tears blurred my vision. Relief, joy, and overwhelming love crashed through me in waves. Elias stood beside me, his hand gripping mine as though it was the only thing grounding him to this earth.“We have a son, Victoria,” he whispered, his voice breaking.I looked up at him, barely able to form words. “He’s here... we did it.”The nurse approached, gently placing the swaddled baby in my arms. His face was red and scrunched, his tiny fingers curled into fists. I couldn't stop staring. He was perfect.“He’s beautiful,” Elias said, his voice thick with emotion.I managed a shaky laugh. “He looks just like you.”Elias let out a breathless chuckle. “Poor kid.”I smiled despite the tears streaming down my face. “He’s lucky, just like I am.”Elias leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. “No, Victoria. I’m the lucky one. You gave me a second chance.
"Stay with me, Victoria!" Elias's voice cracked as he clutched my hand, his knuckles white with tension.The pain was relentless, like waves crashing through me, each stronger than the last. My breath came in shallow gasps as the paramedics maneuvered the stretcher down the hallway toward the ambulance. Everything was a blur—the flashing red lights, the wail of the siren, and Elias’s voice, fierce and determined, cutting through the chaos."I can't—" I choked, unable to finish as a sharp contraction gripped me."You can," Elias urged, his eyes wild with fear. "You're the strongest person I know. Just hold on."The ambulance doors slammed shut, sealing us inside. The paramedics worked quickly, their voices urgent but steady."Blood pressure's dropping," one of them announced. "We need to stabilize her."Elias's grip on my hand tightened. "Do whatever it takes. Just save them—both of them."I squeezed his hand weakly, trying to reassure him, though I wasn’t sure if I was reassuring myse
"Open it already, Elias," I urged, unable to mask the tension in my voice.Elias’s fingers trembled as he tore open the mysterious envelope that had been left at our doorstep. The elegant black seal on the back hinted at something sinister, and my instincts screamed that whatever was inside would only bring chaos.He pulled out a neatly folded letter. As he read silently, his face darkened, his jaw clenching so tightly I thought he might snap."What does it say?" I demanded.His voice was low, filled with disbelief. "It’s from Selene."I froze. "Selene? What could she possibly have to say after everything she did?"Elias's knuckles turned white as he gripped the letter. "She claims there’s another conspiracy brewing within Westbrook Industries—something even bigger than her betrayal."My heart raced. "Bigger? How is that possible?"He handed me the letter, and I scanned the words quickly. Selene's handwriting was precise, almost too neat for the venomous confession she had penned."El