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Chapter 3: What Remains
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2026-07-23 20:51:26Morning sunlight spilled through the curtains, but it brought no warmth.
Elena stood on the balcony of the Marchetti Mansion, a cup of untouched coffee in her hands. The city stretched before her, alive as always, while her own world had fallen apart only a day earlier.
Behind her, the balcony door slid open.
Marco walked out quietly.
"You didn't sleep, did you?"
Elena smiled faintly.
"I tried."
Marco stood beside her.
"For three years, I watched you fight to save that marriage. You gave Damian everything."
She lowered her eyes.
"It still wasn't enough."
"No."
Marco's voice hardened.
"It never would have been enough for a man who never deserved you."
Silence settled between them.
Finally, Marco spoke again.
"I've already instructed the lawyers to begin separating every business connection between the Marchetti Group and Cross Group."
Elena looked at him.
"So soon?"
"The moment he threw my daughter away, he stopped being family."
Across the city...
Damian walked into the boardroom.
Executives immediately stood.
"Good morning, Mr. Cross."
He nodded once before taking his seat.
"Let's begin."
The meeting had barely started when the finance director cleared his throat.
"Mr. Cross... we've received an official notice from the Marchetti Group."
Damian looked up.
"What notice?"
"They've suspended all ongoing collaborations effective immediately."
The room fell silent.
Vivian frowned.
"They're bluffing."
The finance director swallowed.
"I don't think so."
He slid a file across the table.
"They've also requested immediate repayment of the emergency funding they provided two years ago."
Damian opened the document.
His expression didn't change.
"They can't pressure me with this."
"They're legally allowed to," the legal advisor replied carefully. "The agreement includes an early repayment clause if the family relationship ends."
For the first time...
The room felt unusually quiet.
Meanwhile...
Elena sat inside her father's study.
Stacks of files covered the large wooden desk.
Marco pushed one file toward her.
"Open it."
She frowned.
"What is this?"
"Our company."
She looked confused.
"I don't understand."
Marco smiled.
"I've spent three years letting you live your own life."
He leaned back.
"But it's time you came home."
Elena slowly opened the file.
Inside were financial reports, future projects, and one document resting on top.
Appointment of Vice President – Elena Marchetti.
She looked up in surprise.
"Dad..."
"You've always belonged here."
"I've been away too long."
"You built half this company's overseas partnerships before you got married."
Marco smiled proudly.
"You've forgotten how capable you are."
Elena stared at the appointment letter.
For the first time since the divorce...
She felt something she hadn't felt in years.
Purpose.
Back at Cross Group...
Vivian entered Damian's office carrying two cups of coffee.
"Still thinking about the Marchettis?"
"They'll calm down."
She placed a cup in front of him.
"They're only emotional because of Elena."
Damian remained silent.
His assistant knocked.
"Mr. Cross."
"What?"
"The courier delivered another envelope."
"Leave it."
Priya placed the envelope on his desk before leaving.
Damian opened it.
Inside was only one document.
A certified copy of the divorce certificate.
Attached to it was a single handwritten sentence.
From today onward... Elena Cross no longer exists.
Regards,
Elena Marchetti.
Damian stared at the words.
Something about seeing her maiden name again...
Felt strangely unfamiliar.
Vivian laughed.
"She's trying to act strong."
Damian folded the paper.
"Ignore it."
Yet...
Instead of throwing it away...
He quietly placed it inside his drawer.
Even he didn't know why.
That evening...
Elena stood inside the Marchetti Group headquarters.
Employees stopped working the moment they saw her.
For three years...
The former heiress had disappeared.
Now...
She had returned.
Whispers spread through every department.
"Miss Marchetti is back."
"I heard she divorced Damian Cross."
"Does that mean she's taking over the company again?"
Marco stepped forward and smiled.
"Ladies and gentlemen..."
"I'd like to welcome back the future Vice President of the Marchetti Group."
The room erupted into applause.
Elena looked around.
Three years ago...
She had left this company for love.
Today...
She was back because love had failed her.
She took a deep breath.
"No."
She corrected herself silently.
"Love didn't fail."
"I trusted the wrong man."
Her eyes filled with determination.
This time...
She would never make that mistake again.
Far away...
Damian stood before his office window.
For reasons he couldn't explain...
He suddenly remembered Elena's last words.
One day, you'll regret every word you said today.
He frowned.
Then dismissed the thought.
"That day will never come."
Outside...
Dark clouds gathered over the city.
Neither of them knew it yet.
Their real battle...
Had only just begun.
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