Xavier's relief from Thomas's suspension was short-lived. While the board had acted decisively, the fallout from Thomas's schemes continued to ripple through Cole Enterprises. Public relations worked tirelessly to repair the company's image, but whispers of instability circulated in the media. Xavier knew the fight wasn't over—Thomas's next move was inevitable.
But for now, he focused on strengthening his defenses, both within the company and at home.
Elizabeth watched Xavier from across their kitchen. He stood by the window, staring out at the city skyline, his shoulders tense. He had barely spoken since returning home that evening, the weight of the day pressing heavily on him.
"You're doing everything you can," she said softly, breaking the silence.
Xavier turned, his expression softening at the sight of her. "Sometimes it doesn't feel like enough. Thomas always finds a way to slither back in. Even with the suspension, he's not going to stop."
Elizabeth approached, placing her hand on his arm. "You're not fighting him alone. You have the board's support, the company's trust, and—" she paused, her voice softening further, "you have me."
Xavier let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "I don't deserve you, Elizabeth. Especially not after dragging you into all this."
"You didn't drag me into anything," she said firmly. "I chose to be here. And I'm not going anywhere."
Xavier cupped her face in his hands, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "What did I do to deserve you?"
"You loved me," she said simply, her gaze unwavering.
For a moment, the chaos of their world faded away as they stood together, the silence between them filled with understanding.
The next morning, Xavier arrived at the office earlier than usual, determined to get ahead of any surprises. His assistant, Karen, greeted him with a hesitant expression.
"Mr. Cole, you have a visitor waiting in your office."
Xavier frowned. "Who is it?"
"She wouldn't give her name, but she said it was urgent."
Nathan's heart sank. After Elena's appearance, he had grown wary of unannounced visitors. He strode to his office, pushing the door open to find a woman sitting calmly in one of the chairs opposite his desk.
She was striking, with sharp features and a composed demeanor that reminded him of Elena.
"Mr. Cole," she greeted, standing as he entered. "My name is Victoria Marcus. I believe we have a mutual problem."
Xavier's eyes narrowed. "And what problem might that be?"
She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Your brother."
Xavier gestured for her to sit as he took his place behind the desk. "I'm listening."
Victoria leaned forward, her tone professional yet laced with urgency. "I work for a private intelligence firm. Thomas approached us a few days ago, seeking assistance in gathering leverage against you."
Xavier's jaw tightened. "And why are you telling me this?"
"Because my firm has standards," Victoria said. "We don't align ourselves with clients who pose a liability, and Thomas is nothing if not a liability. However, his request gave us insight into his plans, and I thought you might find the information… useful."
Xavier studied her carefully. "What's your angle? Why come to me?"
Victoria's expression didn't waver. "Consider it a professional courtesy. My firm values discretion and long-term relationships. If we can prove our worth to you now, perhaps you'll think of us in the future."
Xavier nodded slowly. "What do you have?"
She slid a slim folder across the desk. "Details of Thomas's recent communications and financial transactions. He's trying to form alliances with several dissatisfied board members and a rival company—Crestfield Enterprises—to undermine your leadership and regain his position."
Xavier opened the folder, his eyes scanning the documents. Each page confirmed Victoria's claims. Crestfield had been a thorn in Cole Enterprises' side for years, and the idea of them conspiring with Thomas was infuriating.
"Why hasn't Crestfield moved on this already?" Xavier asked.
"Because they're cautious," Victoria said. "They want assurances Thomas can deliver. So far, he's all talk."
Xavier closed the folder, his mind racing. "Thank you, Ms. Marcus. This information is invaluable."
Victoria stood, smoothing her blazer. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill. But I suggest you act quickly. Thomas won't stay idle for long."
As she left, Xavier felt a renewed sense of urgency. He had to outmaneuver Thomas before the situation escalated further.
Later that day, Xavier called Elizabeth , his voice calm but determined.
"We need to meet," he said. "There's something I need to tell you."
They met at a small café away from prying eyes. Elizabeth listened attentively as Xavier explained Victoria's visit and the new evidence against Thomas.
"He's not just targeting me," Xavier said. "He's trying to destroy everything we've built."
Elizabeth's brow furrowed. "What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to meet with the board again and lay out Thomas's plans," Xavier said. "They need to understand the full scope of the threat he poses. And I need to reach out to Crestfield—if I can cut them off, Thomas loses a major ally."
Elizabeth reached across the table, taking his hand in hers. "You'll handle this, Xavier . You always do."
He smiled, squeezing her hand. "I hope you're right."
Across town, Thomas paced his penthouse, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. The message from his mysterious contact still lingered on the screen.
"We can help you get what you deserve. Let's meet."
Thomas had responded, and the meeting was set for that evening. He didn't know who the contact was or what their motives were, but at this point, he was willing to take any advantage he could get.
As he downed the last of his whiskey, his mind burned with a single thought: Xavier might have won the battle, but the war was far from over
The storm surrounding Cole Enterprises showed no signs of abating, but Xavier was ready. With Elizabeth by his side and new allies emerging, he felt more prepared than ever to face whatever Thomas threw at him next.
But in the shadows, forces were aligning, and the stakes were about to reach a level neither brother could have anticipated.