Chapter 4
The Unseen Betrayal
The evening air was crisp as Elena Carter-Stone stepped out
of the towering headquarters of Lancaster Industries, her
fingers curling around the leather strap of her designer
handbag. The city skyline stretched before her, glittering
with life, but her mind was already on the next move.
The battle had begun, and she knew Ryan wouldn’t go down
without a fight. But neither would she.
Her driver, Marcus, a broad-shouldered man with a sharp
gaze, opened the car door for her. “Where to, ma’am?”
Elena hesitated for a fraction of a second before responding.
“Take me to the penthouse.”
The car slid into the heavy traffic of downtown, the steady
hum of the city buzzing around her. She pulled out her
phone, scrolling through the notifications. As expected,
messages from board members had already started pouring
in some congratulating her on her bold move, others
cautious, unsure whether to pledge loyalty to her or Ryan.
She expected this. Power shifts always created uncertainty.
She was about to put her phone away when a single message
caught her attention.
Unknown Number: You think you’ve won, but the game is
just beginning.
Elena’s grip on the phone tightened. The words were simple,
but there was an underlying threat beneath them.
She exhaled slowly. She had made enemies before. This was
nothing new.
When the car finally pulled into the underground parking of
her penthouse, she stepped out, her heels clicking against the
marble floors as she entered the private elevator. As the
doors slid shut, she allowed herself a brief moment to lean
against the wall, eyes closing.
She had come so far. And yet, the battle was only beginning.
Across the City – Ryan’s Office
Ryan Lancaster was livid.
The expensive glass of scotch in his hand trembled as he
stared at the documents in front of him. The board wasn’t
just considering Elena’s offer, they were leaning toward it.
His father’s company. His company. And she thought she
could just waltz in and take it?
“Sir?” a voice interrupted.
Ryan looked up to see Nathan Sterling, his most trusted
advisor. A man who had been by his side for years, helping
him navigate the corporate world.
“I take it you saw the numbers,” Ryan said bitterly.
Nathan nodded, stepping forward. “It’s bad. But not
unsalvageable.”
Ryan scoffed. “You don’t understand. She has them eating
out of the palm of her hand. They see her as the savior of
Lancaster Industries. If we don’t act fast, she’s going to own
this company by the end of the quarter.”
Nathan studied him for a long moment before speaking.
“Then perhaps it’s time we start playing dirty.”
Ryan’s eyes narrowed. “What are you suggesting?”
Nathan leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “Elena’s
empire, it wasn’t built overnight. And no one rises that fast
without leaving a few cracks behind.”
Ryan leaned back in his chair, considering the words
carefully. He knew what Nathan was implying. Dig into her
past. Find weaknesses. Exploit them.
A slow, cold smile stretched across Ryan’s lips. “Find me
something I can use. Something that will ruin her.”
Nathan gave a sharp nod before turning and walking out of
the office, leaving Ryan alone with his thoughts.
If Elena thought she could just take what was his, she was
about to learn the hard way that he wasn’t a man who played
fair.
Elena’s Penthouse – The Unexpected Visitor
Elena had just stepped out of her heels when the chime of
the intercom echoed through her penthouse.
She frowned. It was past midnight. Who would be visiting
her at this hour?
Padding barefoot across the sleek floors, she pressed the
screen to check the security cameras.
Her stomach clenched when she saw the familiar figure
standing at her front door.
Daniel Vaughn.
Elena hesitated for a second before unlocking the door. The
moment it swung open, Daniel stepped inside, his sharp gaze
sweeping over her.
“We need to talk,” he said without preamble.
Elena shut the door behind him, folding her arms. “This must
be important if you’re showing up unannounced.”
Daniel ran a hand through his dark hair, his expression
unreadable. “I just came from a meeting with one of my
sources.”
“And?” Elena prompted, her patience wearing thin.
Daniel met her gaze, his voice quiet but firm. “Ryan’s
planning something. Something big.
Elena’s lips pressed together. “I figured as much. He’s never
been one to go down without a fight.”
Daniel shook his head. “This is different. He’s not just trying
to block you from taking the company he’s digging into your
past.”
Elena’s fingers curled slightly. “Let him dig. He won’t find
anything.”
Daniel exhaled, giving her a pointed look. “Are you sure
about that?”
For the first time that night, doubt flickered across her face.
She had been meticulous. Careful. But everyone had secrets.
Even her.
Ryan’s Office – The Beginning of the End
Ryan leaned back in his chair as Nathan returned, a file in
hand.
“Tell me you found something,” Ryan said.
Nathan placed the folder in front of him. “You’re going to
want to see this.”
Ryan opened the file, scanning the contents. As his eyes
moved across the page, a slow, wicked grin spread across his
face.
“Well, well, well,” he murmured. “Looks like our dear Elena
isn’t as untouchable as she thinks.”
Nathan nodded. “This will destroy her.”
Ryan chuckled, closing the file with satisfaction.
“Then let’s get to work.”