Chapter 2: The Thought Of Revenge.

The morning sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting streaks of golden light across the bedroom.

A piercing headache throbbed in Adrian’s skull, a lingering effect of last night’s emotional breakdown and the bottles of wine he had downed in a futile attempt to numb his pain.

With a low groan, he sat up, rubbing his temples as flashes of the previous night stormed through his mind. The betrayal. The anger. The humiliation. 

His fists clenched as he remembered her face—Elena’s face—the woman he had trusted, the woman he had given a position close to him, Elena that he has helped in so many ways, only for her to stab him in the back, and stood there like she wasn't aware of what was happening or what she'd done. 

Dragging himself out of bed, Adrian strode toward the bathroom, turning on the cold water to jolt himself awake. He braced his hands on the sink, staring at his reflection. 

His dark eyes held a storm of emotions, his jaw set in unyielding resolve. He had allowed himself to break down last night, but today? Today, he would reclaim his control.

He quickly showered, dressed in a tailored black suit, and adjusted his cufflinks. His movements were rigid, his mind replaying every detail of Elena’s betrayal.

“I won’t let her get away with this.”

He checked his watch—he was running late, something that rarely happened. The realization only fueled his irritation as he grabbed his car keys and stormed out.

The moment Adrian stepped into the company building, tension thickened in the air. His presence alone commanded attention, but today, his aura was different—darker, heavier.

His employees stole nervous glances as he strode through the entrance, his face set in an icy mask. Unlike his usual routine of acknowledging greetings, today, he didn’t look at anyone. His steps were sharp and deliberate, his energy warning everyone to stay out of his way.

From the door to the elevator, down to the corridor leading to his office, he didn’t glance right or left. Silence followed him like a shadow.

When he entered his office, he threw his briefcase onto the desk and sank into his chair, exhaling a sharp breath. But just as he was about to immerse himself in work, a knock sounded at the door.

He stiffened. Not now.

The door creaked open, and then he saw her.

Elena.

The moment their eyes met, something inside him ignited. Anger. Betrayal. A twisted mixture of emotions that burned hotter than before.

She stepped in cautiously, her gaze lowered, her fingers trembling slightly. He could tell she was nervous, but that did nothing to soften the fire raging in his chest.

His jaw tightened as he leaned forward. “What are you doing here?” His voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. “Haven’t you done enough?”

Elena flinched but didn’t raise her eyes.

Adrian scoffed, shaking his head. “What more do you want, Elena? Are you here to gloat? To see how much damage you’ve done? Or maybe—” his voice dripped with venom, “—you want to kill me, too? Would that make you happy?”

She remained still, inhaling deeply before finally speaking. “Good morning, sir.”

Her voice was quiet, but steady.

“I came to resume work because, last time I checked, I was still employed here. My contract hasn’t expired, nor has it been terminated. This job, it means something to me. My salary means something to me.”

Adrian’s eyes darkened, disbelief flashing through him.

“Oh… wow.” He let out a short, humorless laugh. “They mean something to you?” He scoffed. “And yet, you did what you did. You betrayed me, but you still have the audacity to come back here like nothing happened?”

Elena clenched her fists by her sides but remained silent.

Adrian’s gaze sharpened. “Fine. You want to work here? You think you still deserve this job?” He leaned back, crossing his arms. “Then bring me your contract file. I’ll terminate it myself.”

Her breath hitched. “Please, sir. Don’t do this.”

Her voice was softer this time, almost desperate.

Adrian let out another bitter laugh. “Don’t do what? Did you just say I shouldn’t do what?” His eyes bore into hers. “So I should allow you to keep working in my company? After what you’ve done?”

Elena swallowed hard, her fingers curling into her palms. “Please, sir.”

Adrian narrowed his eyes, watching her intently. "Make her pay for it," his mind whispered. He could see the fear in her eyes, the vulnerability she was trying to hide. She wanted to stay. That meant she had something to lose.

“You really want to continue working here?” His voice was dangerously calm.

She nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Silence filled the room.

Then, unexpectedly, he smirked.

“Alright. Go and continue your work.”

"Fill me in with what I have for the day."

Elena hesitated, as if unsure whether to believe him.

"Thank you, sir," she said softly before bowing slightly and turning toward the door.

Adrian watched her leave, his fingers tapping against the desk rhythmically.

"I will make you pay for this," he thought to himself. "I will make sure you regret ever betraying me. It’s payback time."

As she walked out of his office, Elena kept her head down, gripping the files in her hands tightly. She had known this moment would come, had known it wouldn’t be easy. But she hadn’t expected the level of venom in Adrian’s voice, the way his words felt like knives cutting into her skin.

She exhaled shakily. "What happened has happened," she told herself. "If I open up to him now, he won’t listen. He won’t believe me. He’ll think I made it all up."

Her heart clenched.

But how?

Adrian isn’t the kind of man to listen to excuses. He is ruthless in business—and now, in revenge. He wouldn’t even give her the chance to explain.

"What happened has already happened," she whispered under her breath. "Only if he knew the truth. I need to act fast."