Chapter 5: The Best Friend's Shadow

Adrian sat in the boardroom, his attention divided between the ongoing discussion and the lingering tension from his conversation with Elena. The meeting droned on, executives discussing financial projections and market strategies, but his mind remained elsewhere.

Elena’s words haunted him.

"If you would just listen, you’d know the truth."

What truth?

He had convinced himself that her betrayal was undeniable. That she had sold him out, played him for a fool. But for the first time, doubt was creeping in, and he hated it.

A sharp nudge on his arm pulled him back to reality.

“Adrian,” a voice whispered beside him.

He turned to see Lucas Hayes, his best friend and the company’s chief operations officer, leaning in with a knowing look.

“You good?” Lucas asked under his breath.

Adrian straightened in his chair. “Fine.”

Lucas didn’t look convinced, but before he could push further, the meeting wrapped up. One by one, the executives stood, gathering their documents and making their way out of the boardroom.

Adrian was just about to leave when Lucas grabbed his arm.

“We need to talk,” Lucas said, his voice low.

Adrian raised an eyebrow. “About what?”

Lucas’s eyes flickered toward the hallway. “Not here.”

Minutes later, they were in Adrian’s office, the door locked behind them.

Lucas ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “I saw her.”

Adrian knew exactly who he meant. “And?”

Lucas narrowed his eyes. “And what the hell is she still doing here?”

Adrian leaned against his desk, arms crossed. “She works here.”

“She shouldn’t.” Lucas’s voice was tight with frustration. “You should have fired her the second you found out what she did.”

Adrian felt his jaw tighten. “You think I haven’t thought about that?”

Lucas scoffed. “Then why haven’t you?”

Silence hung between them.

Adrian didn’t have an answer—at least not one he was willing to admit.

Instead, he deflected. “I don’t need to explain myself to you.”

Lucas let out a humorless chuckle. “Oh, come on. We both know why you let her stay. You still have feelings for her.”

Adrian’s expression darkened. “That’s not true.”

“Really?” Lucas challenged. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re keeping her around for reasons that have nothing to do with business.”

Adrian’s patience was wearing thin. “I don’t owe you an explanation.”

Lucas stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “You do when it affects you like this. I saw the way you looked at her just now. The way you hesitated.” He shook his head. “Adrian, she played you. Lied to you. And now you’re what? Giving her a second chance?”

Adrian exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I don’t know. I want revenge.”

Lucas stared at him. “You don’t know?”

Adrian dropped his hand, looking at his best friend. “What if she didn’t do it?”

Lucas froze. “What?”

“What if she’s telling the truth?” Adrian asked, his voice quieter now. “What if I was wrong?”

Lucas’s face darkened. “You can’t be serious.”

Adrian swallowed hard. “Something doesn’t add up. When I confronted her today, she didn’t act like someone caught in a lie. She acted like someone... hurt.”

Lucas let out a harsh breath. “That’s what she wants you to think.”

Adrian shook his head. “I’m not saying I believe her, but what if—”

“No.” Lucas’s voice was firm. “There’s no what if. She betrayed you, Adrian. She fed information to your competitors. She cost you billions.”

Adrian’s fingers curled into fists. “I know what happened, Lucas.”

“Then stop second-guessing it.” Lucas ran a hand through his hair. “Listen, man, I get it. She meant something to you. But don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment.”

Adrian’s jaw clenched. “That’s not what’s happening.”

Lucas sighed. “You always think you see the good in people. That’s your problem.”

Adrian’s eyes narrowed. “And your problem is that you don’t trust anyone.”

Lucas’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I trust the people who earn it.”

Adrian exhaled, the weight of the conversation pressing on him. “I need time to think.”

Lucas crossed his arms. “Think about what? Whether or not you should let a snake stay in your company?”

Adrian didn’t respond.

Lucas let out a bitter chuckle. “Wow. She really got to you.”

Adrian’s stomach twisted, but he was silent.

Lucas took a step back, shaking his head. “You know what? Do whatever you want. But don’t come crying to me when she stabs you in the back again.”

He turned toward the door, his hand gripping the handle.

But just as he was about to leave, he hesitated. Then, in a quieter voice, he said, “You’re my best friend, Adrian. I don’t want to see you get hurt again. If you want revenge as you said, then go for it now that you can.”

Adrian felt a pang of guilt.

Before he could respond, Lucas pulled the door open and walked out.

Adrian stared after him, a heavy silence filling the room.

His eyes drifted to the reports on his desk, but his thoughts were consumed by something else entirely.

Was Lucas right?

Had Elena manipulated him again?

Or was she really innocent?

He rubbed his temples, frustration building. Nothing about this situation sat right with him. He had spent few days hating Elena, convinced she was the enemy. But that moment in his office—the way she looked at him, the way she defended herself—it didn't match the picture he had painted of her.

Adrian grabbed a pen, tapping it restlessly against the desk. He needed answers, and he needed them now.

I think I know what to do. I really do know what to do and it's time I take actions. Yes! It's time. I'll show them who the boss is. Of course, I am the boss.

Let the show begin.