Patricia stood before her floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the city. Alex entered, cautious.
"Patricia, is this plan worth the risk?" Alex asked.
Patricia turned, eyes glinting. "You question my methods, Alex?"
Alex measured his words. "I question the cost. Charles loves Elizabeth."
Patricia's laughter sent shivers down Alex's spine. "Love is a weakness. Power matters."
Alex narrowed his eyes. "What's the ultimate prize?"
Patricia's twisted smile revealed her intentions. "Charles' empire. Influence. Heart."
Alex's voice dropped. "You're using Charles to hurt Elizabeth."
Patricia's gaze locked on his. "Elizabeth's transformation threatened my plans. This is retaliation."
Alex's expression turned grim. "You'll destroy everyone."
Patricia's eyes flashed. "I'll do whatever it takes to reign supreme."
Alex's expression hardened. "I won't be part of this, Patricia."
Patricia's eyes flashed. "You'll do as I say, Alex. Loyalty, remember?"
Alex's hesitation spoke volumes. "I never thought loyalty meant betraying others."
Patricia's smile chilled. "Betrayal is a small price for success."
Rachel, the PR specialist, arrived, notebook in hand.
Patricia's focus shifted. "Rachel, I want Elizabeth's reputation destroyed."
Rachel's eyes widened. "What's the strategy?"
Patricia's voice dripped venom. "Fabricate scandals, rumors—whatever it takes."
Rachel nodded, uneasy. "Understood."
As Rachel left, Alex spoke up.
"Patricia, reconsider. This will destroy lives."
Patricia's gaze locked on Alex. "You're still with me, aren't you?"
Alex's silence answered.
Patricia's smile grew. "I thought so."
Just then, Patricia's phone buzzed.
"Charles," Patricia purred, answering.
Charles' voice echoed through the speaker. "Patricia, I've reconsidered the merger."
Patricia's eyes sparkled. "Excellent news, Charles. I'll send over the documents."
Charles hesitated. "Actually, I want to discuss some concerns."
Patricia's tone remained confident. "Of course, Charles. What's on your mind?"
"I've been thinking about Elizabeth's feelings," Charles said.
Patricia's smile faltered for a moment before she regained composure.
"I understand," Patricia said. "But this merger will benefit everyone, including Elizabeth."
Charles' voice remained uncertain. "I'm not sure she sees it that way."
Patricia's laughter was low and reassuring. "Leave Elizabeth to me, Charles. I'll handle her."
Alex's eyes narrowed, disapproving of Patricia's manipulation.
As Patricia wrapped up the call, Alex spoke up.
"Patricia, stop this. You're using Charles' vulnerability."
Patricia's gaze locked on Alex. "You're still questioning my methods?"
Alex's voice remained firm. "I won't stand by while you destroy lives."
Patricia's smile turned icy. "You'll do as I say, Alex. Or suffer the consequences."
The tension between them escalated.
Just then, Rachel re-entered the room.
"Patricia, the smear campaign is underway," Rachel announced.
Patricia's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Excellent. Let's bring Elizabeth down."
Alex's expression turned grim. "You'll regret this, Patricia."
Patricia's laughter sent chills. "I always get what I want."
Elizabeth stormed into Charles' office, her eyes blazing.
"Charles, have you seen the news?" Elizabeth demanded.
Charles looked up, concerned. "What's wrong?"
"Patricia's smear campaign is all over the tabloids," Elizabeth spat.
Charles' expression darkened. "I'll handle it."
Elizabeth's voice rose. "You need to end this merger. Now."
Charles hesitated. "I've already invested too much."
Elizabeth's eyes narrowed. "You're choosing Patricia over me?"
Charles stood, his voice firm. "No, Elizabeth. I'm choosing our future."