As I stepped into Mr. Langley's office, his piercing gaze fixed on me. It was unnerving, not because he looked surprised—he didn't—but because it seemed as though he had anticipated my arrival.
"Don't get me wrong, I came to—"
I was cut off when he slid my car keys across the desk, his expression unreadable.
"I...uh...thanks, Mr. Langley. I'll be taking my leave now," I said, forcing a polite smile to mask my discomfort.
"You overheard everything, didn't you?" he asked, his voice sharp but steady.
I froze mid-step, my back turned to him. Slowly, I turned to face him, trying to suppress the flutter of anxiety in my chest. "What? I—I don't know what you're talking about," I stammered, my voice shaky. "Why would I do that? It would be rude to eavesdrop on someone's conversation."
His lips curled into a knowing smirk. "I suppose that confirms it. My receptionist told me you arrived a while ago. It didn't take much to figure out the car key on my desk belonged to you."
I swallowed hard, feeling cornered. "Okay, great. Thanks for returning it. I'll be leaving now," I said, attempting to walk away.
But his voice stopped me again. "You heard everything, Elena. Whether you admit it or not, I hope you'll consider what you've learned in any decisions you're about to make."
"I really don't know what you're talking about," I lied, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. I turned again and muttered under my breath, "I'll be leaving...again."
As I exited the office, my confidence crumbled like a house of cards. The weight of everything I'd overheard bore down on me, making it hard to think straight. A peaceful evening had spiraled into chaos, leaving me questioning everything. My uncle's life was in danger, my cousins seemed to despise me, and the company—a world I knew nothing about—was at the center of it all. Shouldn't Alden be more concerned about his father than the company? But then again, perhaps that's just how businessmen operated.
I couldn't afford to wallow in uncertainty. My uncle's wife needed me now. If anyone could help me make sense of this mess, it was her.
Reaching my car, I unlocked it and slipped into the driver's seat, gripping the wheel tightly before driving off toward my uncle's villa.
******
Robert Langley's Office
Robert leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as tension weighed heavily on him. He'd deliberately hidden Elena's car key before Alden arrived. It was a calculated move, one made to ensure her safety.
Elena's life was in danger, and Robert knew it. Very few were aware that Ellison Enterprises legally belonged to Elena, with her uncle acting only as her guardian. If the truth came to light, it would trigger chaos. Shareholders who once supported the family would turn against them, and enemies would emerge from the shadows. For now, only Robert, Elena, her uncle, and a select few trusted individuals knew the full extent of the situation.
But the storm brewing on the horizon couldn't be avoided forever.
********
Elena's Car
I arrived at my uncle's villa and stopped at the gate. Swiping my access card against the electronic device, I waited for the gates to swing open before driving in. My uncle had given me this card years ago, calling me "the most precious family member of all." His words echoed in my mind, bringing an ache to my chest.
He was now battling a life-threatening illness, and I felt powerless. I needed answers, and I hoped my aunt could help. Together, we might be able to find a way to save him.
I parked in front of the villa, unbuckled my seatbelt, and stepped out of the car. Standing before the grand entrance, I took a deep breath to steady myself before pressing the doorbell. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing an unfamiliar face.
********
Back to the Present
Elena's lips curled into a playful smile as she looked at Damien. "Let's go with the flow, Mr. Blackwood. Look on the bright side—you'll have yourself a beautiful bride who also happens to be a hottie."
Damien arched a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Really?" he drawled. A smirk tugged at his lips. "Elena, you never fail to amuse me."
"Do I, Mr. Blackwood?" she teased, emphasizing his name with a mischievous lilt.
But his playful demeanor shifted. His smirk faded, replaced by a calm yet resolute expression. "Thank you for considering me, Elena, but I must decline. Like I said before, my world is too dangerous for you, and I don't think you'd be able to handle it."
His rejection hit me like a cold slap to the face. My confidence wavered, but I refused to show it. "Dangerous? You think I can't survive it? Do you think my world is some kind of joke?" I challenged, my tone as steady as I could make it.
"Elena, your world isn't as perilous as mine," he replied, his voice soft but firm. "You're a naive, beautiful woman who deserves the best in life. If you want, I could introduce you to a list of eligible bachelors—CEOs with connections who can guarantee you success and a peaceful, loving marriage."
I blinked, trying to process his words. "You're saying you can find me a list of CEOs who'll guarantee success and love?"
He nodded, his gaze unwavering.
"Well, Mr. Blackwood," I said, my voice tinged with defiance, "what if I don't want them? What if I want you?"
For a fleeting moment, something flickered in his eyes—something raw and unguarded. But just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, replaced by a smirk.
"Elena," he said, his tone final, "I'll send you the portfolios for the bachelors. You'll find someone better suited for you."
He stood, checked his phone, and looked back at me briefly. "It was nice of you to consider me. Thank you."
Before I could respond, he walked away, leaving me alone in the restaurant alone.
I wasn't ready to give up—not yet. Whether it was personal or practical, I had no idea. All I knew was that this wasn't over.