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Chapter 5: Underestimated
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2026-07-23 23:45:00news of Elena Marchetti's return spread across the business world overnight.
Every major business newspaper carried the same headline.
"Marchetti Heiress Returns After Divorce, Takes Over as Vice President."
Inside Cross Group, the article lay on Damian's desk.
Vivian picked it up and scoffed.
"They're making her sound like some business queen."
Damian continued reading.
"They're not praising her because of the divorce."
Vivian frowned.
"Then why?"
"They're praising her because investors trust her."
Vivian's smile faded.
She hated hearing anyone compliment Elena.
Meanwhile...
Marchetti Group Headquarters.
Elena entered the conference room precisely at nine.
The executives were already waiting.
"Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning, Miss Marchetti."
She sat down and opened a file.
"Our overseas cosmetics project has been delayed for three months."
The marketing director lowered his head.
"We're still negotiating with the supplier."
Elena closed the file.
"No."
The room became silent.
"We're wasting time."
She looked at her assistant.
"Arrange a meeting with their CEO."
The assistant nodded.
"They're based in London, Miss Marchetti."
"Then book the earliest flight."
The executives exchanged surprised looks.
"So soon?"
Elena smiled.
"Opportunities don't wait."
"Neither do I."
Marco watched quietly from the end of the table.
His daughter had changed.
She no longer waited for life to happen.
She made things happen.
Across the city...
Damian received a phone call.
"Mr. Cross."
"This is Ethan from Sterling International."
Damian smiled.
"I was expecting your call."
"I'm afraid our partnership meeting has been cancelled."
Damian frowned.
"Cancelled?"
"Yes."
"We've decided to meet another company first."
"Which company?"
A brief silence followed.
"Marchetti Group."
The call ended.
Damian slowly lowered his phone.
His expression darkened.
That afternoon...
Vivian stormed into Damian's office.
"I just heard."
"They stole your client!"
Damian looked out the window.
"They didn't steal anything."
"They simply moved faster."
Vivian couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"So you're defending Elena now?"
Damian turned toward her.
"I'm stating a fact."
"If we lost the opportunity, it's because we hesitated."
Vivian clenched her fists.
She wasn't angry at Damian.
She was furious with Elena.
London.
The next morning...
Elena entered Sterling International's headquarters wearing a fitted navy suit.
The receptionist smiled politely.
"Miss Marchetti."
"Our CEO is expecting you."
Inside the meeting room, Mr. Harrison stood to greet her.
"I've heard impressive things about you."
Elena shook his hand confidently.
"I hope to give you even better reasons today."
For the next hour...
She explained her proposal.
Every question received a confident answer.
Every concern had a solution.
When the meeting ended...
Mr. Harrison smiled.
"I think we've made the right decision."
He extended his hand.
"Welcome to Sterling International's newest partner."
Elena smiled.
"It's a pleasure doing business with you."
The contract was signed.
Back in the city...
Cross Group.
The news arrived before Elena's plane even landed.
Priya hurried into Damian's office.
"Mr. Cross."
"The Sterling contract..."
Damian looked up.
"What about it?"
"They officially signed with Marchetti Group."
Silence.
Vivian slammed her hand on the desk.
"This is impossible!"
Damian slowly closed the file in front of him.
"No."
His voice remained calm.
"It's only the beginning."
That evening...
Elena returned home.
Marco was waiting with two cups of tea.
"I heard."
He smiled proudly.
"You won."
Elena sat beside him.
"This isn't about winning."
"It's about proving I never needed Damian to succeed."
Marco nodded.
"And today..."
"You proved it."
Just then...
Elena's phone vibrated.
An unknown number.
She answered.
"Hello?"
A deep male voice spoke calmly.
"Miss Marchetti."
"My name is Alexander Knight."
"I'm calling because I'd like to discuss a business proposal..."
He paused.
"...one that could change both our futures."
Elena's eyes narrowed.
"And why should I trust you?"
Alexander chuckled softly.
"Because unlike Damian Cross..."
"I know exactly how valuable you are."
Elena remained silent.
For the first time since her divorce...
Someone wasn't looking at her as Damian's ex-wife.
Someone was looking at her as Elena Marchetti.
She looked out the window at the city lights.
Perhaps...
This was the beginning of something much bigger than revenge.
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