Elias Vaughn had always been a patient man.
He sat in the dimly lit penthouse, his fingers tapping against the crystal glass in his hand. The city stretched beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, a glittering expanse of power and opportunity. Once, he had stood at the top of it all. Now, he was a ghost returned to claim what was his.
Damian Blackwood thought he had buried him.
A smirk curved Vaughn's lips as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass. How naïve.
The past was never truly dead. It waited, biding its time, sharpening its claws. And now, it was ready to strike.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Enter."
The door swung open, revealing a tall man in a tailored suit—Cole Mathis, his most trusted associate.
"It's done," Cole said, stepping inside. "The financial pressure on Blackwood Holdings has begun. A few of his key investors are… reconsidering their loyalties."
Vaughn took a slow sip of his drink, savoring the taste of control. "And the wife?"
Cole hesitated. "She's proving to be… unexpected. She's not just playing the role of a trophy wife. She's digging."
Vaughn chuckled, setting down his glass. "Good. Let her."
Cole frowned. "You're not concerned?"
"Oh, I'm counting on it." Vaughn's eyes gleamed with something dark and dangerous. "She wants the truth? Let's see how much she can handle."
He leaned forward, his voice turning to steel. "Send the message, Cole. It's time Damian Blackwood knows he never won."
Meanwhile, back at Blackwood Estate, Damian sat across from Lena, his expression unreadable.
"We need to be careful," he said, running a hand through his hair. "Vaughn isn't just after revenge. He wants to dismantle everything I've built."
Lena's pulse quickened. "Then let's stop him."
Damian's gaze locked onto hers, something fierce and unreadable behind his stormy eyes. "This isn't your fight, Lena."
She straightened. "I became your wife. That makes it my fight."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, to her surprise, Damian let out a dry chuckle. "You really don't know when to back down, do you?"
"No," she said, meeting his stare. "I don't."
A knock interrupted them. One of Damian's security men stepped in, his face grim. "Sir, there's something you need to see."
He handed Damian a sleek black envelope, the seal marked with an unfamiliar crest. Damian opened it, his fingers tightening as he read the contents.
Lena watched as his entire body tensed, his expression turning to stone.
"What is it?" she asked.
Damian looked up, his voice dark with warning.
"Vaughn just made his first move."