Elera's POV
The day had a certain stillness, a quiet before the storm. Outside, the city thrived with energy, yet inside the high-end boutique, everything seemed to slow to a crawl. I had a singular goal today: confront Leona Blake. The woman who had once been my rival was now living a life I could no longer bear to watch from the sidelines. She had waltzed into Soren Blackwood's world, and for a time, I had watched from afar as they built their empire on the lies and deceit they'd shared. But today, the game would change.
My attire reflected the woman I had become elegant, understated, but undeniably impactful. I had no intention of blending in; instead, I wore my confidence like armor. A crisp blouse, perfectly tailored pants, and a pair of heels that clicked with every deliberate step I took through the boutique's grand entrance. My goal was simple: send a message. Leona would learn that her days of easy victories were over.
Mila, my ever-loyal and brilliant friend, had helped me track Leona's movements. I couldn't have done it without her. Mila had once been the best agent in the field. Her unmatched hacking abilities had given me the leverage I needed. With her skills, we'd managed to find out where Leona was shopping, and it didn't take long before we confirmed her location. She was at one of the city's most prestigious boutiques, a place that catered exclusively to the wealthy and powerful. The opulence was beyond compare, and it was the perfect setting for a confrontation.
As I entered the boutique, I spotted Leona almost immediately. She was standing at the center of the room, surrounded by her entourage of bodyguards, the epitome of indulgence. The guards struggled to keep up as she loaded them down with bags full of extravagant purchases. She looked like a child playing at being important, completely unaware of the storm brewing just behind her.
I smirked, taking a moment to observe her. I knew she would never suspect I was standing right there, waiting to challenge her. Leona was too absorbed in her own self-importance, in her image of perfection, to notice the undercurrent of danger swirling in the air around her. But I was here, and it was time for her to realize that her grip on this world wasn't as secure as she believed.
I walked past her, making sure not to draw attention to myself, though I could feel her eyes lingering on my figure. My presence would be impossible to ignore for long. I wasn't interested in hiding or playing a secondary role any longer.
The boutique was an endless maze of sparkling displays, designer dresses, and flawless accessories. As I moved deeper into the store, my mind raced with plans. This wasn't just about confronting Leona—it was about making her realize that I could upend her carefully constructed world with a single move.
I approached the sales counter and requested the most expensive item in the store, my voice calm and commanding. "Show me the best dress you have."
Leona's gaze snapped up, her eyes narrowing as she took me in. Perfect. She recognized me, but I could see the confusion clouding her expression. She didn't know who I was now, but she would soon remember.
The sales assistant quickly led me to a section of the store where the most opulent pieces were displayed. One gown, in particular, caught my eye. A deep emerald green dress that shimmered with an almost magical glow under the boutique lights. It was a true masterpiece, unlike anything Leona would ever be able to possess. As the salesgirl began to pull it from the rack, I felt a surge of satisfaction. This was the first of many steps to dismantle Leona's confidence.
"This dress is from our exclusive collection," the salesgirl informed me. "It's priced at three million dollars."
I didn't flinch. Money was no longer a limitation; I was playing a different game now. "I'll take it," I said with complete assurance.
But before the transaction could be finalized, Leona stormed over, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. Her voice, dripping with arrogance, rang through the boutique. "I'll pay four million for that dress," she declared, raising her chin as she glared at me. "Make sure it's mine."
I glanced over at her, my expression neutral but my eyes betraying the hint of a smirk. "Five million," I responded smoothly, without hesitation. "Bring it to me."
Leona's face flushed with fury, her hands tightening into fists. "Who do you think you are, coming in here and trying to outbid me?" she spat.
I turned to her, meeting her glare without flinching. "Someone who doesn't feel the need to prove their worth," I replied, my tone cool. "It's a dress, Leona. You can't buy a class."
Her fury only seemed to grow. She marched closer, now standing directly in front of me. "You think you can just come here and throw money around like it's nothing? You'll never have what I have."
I took a slow breath, resisting the urge to laugh at her. "You don't have what I have, Leona. And you never will."
The salesgirl, clearly caught in the middle of the escalating situation, fidgeted nervously. "Ladies, please," she said in a shaky voice. "Let's not cause a scene. There's plenty of time for everyone to find something they love."
Leona ignored her, continuing to rant, her voice now louder, seeking to dominate the space around us. "You don't know who I am," she said, her tone laced with venom. "I'm Leona Blake, fiancée of Soren Blackwood. I'll have you thrown out of here in an instant if you don't back off."
I was tired of hearing her name, her connection to Soren hanging over everything like a shadow. "Soren Blackwood doesn't hold the power you think he does, Leona," I said, my voice low and deliberate. "And neither do you."
Leona's eyes flickered with uncertainty for a moment, but her pride quickly returned. "You're nothing," she snarled. "A forgotten shadow trying to step into my light."
I stepped closer, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "And yet, here I am. Undeniable. Remember, I can make you disappear without a trace if that's what I want."
The boutique manager, an elegant woman with sharp features, approached us, her eyes darting nervously between the two of us. "Ladies, please, let's remain civil," she said, her voice tense.
Leona's arrogance surged. "I'm paying top dollar for this dress. If you don't give it to me, I'll make sure this boutique suffers," she threatened, her eyes narrowing.
The manager nodded quickly, backing down. "Of course, Miss Blake. I didn't realize who you were." She turned to me, her tone now dripping with forced politeness. "Perhaps you'd prefer something else?"
I took a step closer, not bothering to hide the venom in my gaze. "Do you know who I am?" I whispered, leaning in so only she could hear.
The manager hesitated, her eyes widening as realization dawned on her.
"I'm Elera Winslow," I said softly, allowing the weight of my name to hang in the air. "And if you know what's good for your business, you'll stop favoring her." I can make your business crumble in seconds."