It's Not Him....

Elara’s phone buzzed, the name Mr. Thornfield flashing on the screen. Her jaw tightened as she picked up the call. “You have two minutes to talk to me,” she said curtly, her tone void of emotion.

Damien Thornfield’s voice was sharp, almost cutting through her composure. “Two minutes? Elara, are you out of your mind? Do you think you can dictate how I speak to you? What if you were in Tessa’s place? Would you still be this cold?”

Elara exhaled sharply, forcing herself to remain calm. “Look, Mr. Thornfield, I have a lot on my plate right now. Please, leave this matter to me. Focus on the safety of your family, especially Mrs. Thornfield.”

Damien’s tone shifted, suspicion lacing his words. “Why Blair, specifically? What are you implying?”

Elara’s lips curved into a faint, sarcastic smile. “A wife always needs her husband’s attention. Don’t you agree, Mister?”

He didn’t let her deflect. “Don’t play games with me, Elara. Answer the question.”

She hesitated for a moment, then relented. “Fine. According to my sources, this mess was orchestrated by Zane Ryker. He’s bold enough to create distractions, but subtle enough to stay in the shadows. Make sure Mrs.Thronefield safety isn’t compromised this time.”

Damien paused before responding, his voice steady but doubtful. “I don’t think it’s him.”

Elara’s eyes darkened. “Neither do I,” she admitted. “But until I know who’s really behind this, I want all of you safe. That’s non-negotiable.”

Switching the topic, she added briskly, “And, send me the designs for the new rooms and living spaces. I need to finalize them. Construction starts soon.”

“You’re referring to the house? I’ll send them right away,” Damien confirmed. “I’m the only one who has those files anyway.”

“Good,” Elara replied, her tone softening slightly. “And... we’ve gone over two minutes. Take care of yourself and the others. I’ll call you when I need more.”

“Take care too, Elara, my dear,” Damien said with uncharacteristic warmth.

She didn’t respond, ending the call abruptly. Tossing her phone onto the passenger seat, she leaned back and sighed. Her voice was barely a whisper as she muttered, “I wish things could go back to the way they were, Dad. But if you refuse to open up, I’ll match your stubbornness step for step.”

Elara shook off the emotions creeping in and stepped out of the car. Entering the hospital, she made her way to Tessa’s VIP ward.

Inside, she found James standing by the bedside, his tall frame rigid and alert. Tessa, pale but awake, stared silently out of the window.

“What’s the update, James?” Elara asked, her voice crisp and businesslike.

James bowed his head slightly. “Everything has been handled as per your instructions, ma’am. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Elara’s eyes softened slightly as she shifted her gaze to Tessa. Her tone lost its edge as she spoke. “I’m sorry, Tessa. I shouldn’t have doubted you. If I’d thought clearly, I’d have known you’d never let something like this happen intentionally.”

Tessa turned, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “No, ma’am, please don’t apologize. It was my fault. I wasn’t careful enough, and now you’re dealing with the fallout. I... I’ve created this mess. I’m so sorry.”

She began rambling, her guilt pouring out uncontrollably. “James just told me that someone might know your real identity. That was my responsibility, ma’am. I failed to...”

“Tessa,” Elara interrupted firmly but kindly, raising a hand to silence her. “Stop. Take a breath. None of this is solely your fault. It’s not about you or me. It’s their cleverness, their planning. You need rest. James and I will manage everything in the meantime. Just focus on recovering. That’s an order.”

Tessa nodded reluctantly, tears slipping down her cheeks. James, standing behind her, gave Elara a respectful nod, silently acknowledging her command.

Without another word, Elara turned and left the ward, the weight of her responsibilities pressing heavier with every step. The evening air greeted her as she exited the hospital and slid into her car. The city lights blurred as she drove toward her apartment, her mind already spinning with strategies for the battles ahead.

As Elara stepped into her dimly lit apartment, the silence was broken by a sudden presence behind her. Two arms wrapped around her waist, firm and deliberate, freezing her in place. She turned slowly, her breath caught in her throat, and her eyes widened in shock.

The familiar face staring back at her and the person said., "We have unfinished business," the figure said softly, their voice sending a chill down her spine.