All Chapters of Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback : Chapter 21 - Chapter 25

Lord Mendez turned his back to her, each step toward the mahogany desk deliberate, as though weighed down by the gravity of what was about to be revealed. The room was silent save for the distant ticking of an antique clock on the wall. Mendez opened a drawer with a quiet click and drew out a thin, black folder—unmarked and bound tightly with a red string that gleamed faintly in the warm, amber light of the study.He placed it gently on the desk, like a relic or a weapon, and then looked over his shoulder at Avyanna. His gaze was sharp, calculating.“What I’m about to show you is confidential,” he said, his voice low and precise. “Only three people in this entire organization know about this operation. Now, you’ll be the fourth.”Avyanna didn’t flinch. Her boots clicked softly against the tiled floor as she walked forward. She untied the red string with the careful precision of someone who’d handled classified intel before—but her hands, usually steady, lingered for a second too long.

Later That Evening – Gates Estate, Guest QuartersThe guest room assigned to her was elegant but cold—whitewashed walls, heavy antique furniture, no personal touches. A place meant to impress but not comfort. She unpacked only what she needed, laying out the black dress Valerie had requested.Simple. Sleek. Unmarked by brand or embellishment.Avyanna stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the neckline, making sure every detail was just right. Her dark hair was pulled back in a low chignon, elegant and unfussy. Gold studs in her ears. A thin chain around her neck. Minimalist makeup, just enough to frame her eyes and harden her cheekbones.She didn’t want to be remembered for her beauty. She wanted to be seen as someone you’d never question.As she slipped the forged Spanish ID card into her small clutch, she whispered the details of her cover one last time.“Hanna Motoguez. Born in Valencia. Studied architecture. Lost both parents in a car accident. Close with a maternal aunt who pass

The door clicked shut behind Dorian, his footsteps fading down the marble corridor.Avyanna stood still, barely breathing. The air suddenly felt too thick.Then it hit her—like the echo of a tremor. Her knees softened beneath her, just for a second. She reached out, one hand bracing against the cold edge of the bookshelf.She closed her eyes.Don’t be disheartened, she whispered silently to herself.Her pulse was high. Not from fear—she’d long taught herself to override that. No, this was something else. That encounter had rattled something loose. Not because she was caught off guard—but because he wasn’t. Dorian hadn’t taken the bait. Not fully. Not yet.She straightened, inhaling slowly through her nose. Let the warmth of the scotch and fire settle in her chest. She rolled her shoulders back. Reset her posture. Let the calm wash over her like ritual.Then she smiled.A small, defiant thing.This is the first night. He doesn’t know it yet—but I’m already under his skin.She placed t