Schemes and Invitations
At an upscale private lounge hidden away in Oakridge's west district, Julia Moore sat across from Vance, her expression one of grim determination. Vance, a tall man with angular features and an unsettling calmness, sipped from his glass, casually outlining their next moves.
"Madam Moore, the only way to unseat Elena is to ruin both her image and credibility. We'll plant fabricated scandal—leaked files suggesting financial fraud within Stratus Innovations. Enough to raise suspicion, even if untrue."
Julia's eyes gleamed. "And Elena will have to spend months clearing her name, giving me time to reclaim my position."
Vance nodded, his tone silkily menacing. "And for an additional fee, we can stir some trouble during the upcoming Oakridge Business Gala. An embarrassing public spectacle would destabilize her standing among the elite."
Julia smiled for the first time in days. "Do it. S my reputation is destroyed ...now I'll burn hers."
---
Meanwhile, across the city in Hart Mansion, Elena sat in the little study, reviewing updates from Stratus Innovations. The upcoming gala loomed in her schedule, a necessary appearance to consolidate her influence. Her peace was interrupted by Sebastian, who entered the room with his usual commanding stride, but this time with an unusual lightness in his expression.
"Elena," he began, his voice composed but softer than usual, "I've decided something."
She looked up, arching a brow. "Oh?"
"I want you to accompany me to the Oakridge Business Gala," he said directly. "As my wife."
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then Elena's lips curved into a sly smile. "That's the first time you've extended such an invitation."
Sebastian adjusted his cufflinks, his eyes glinting with something close to amusement. "Perhaps because you've proven you can ."
From the doorway, Mason froze, wide-eyed. He had just entered to deliver a report but forgot his own purpose. Sebastian Hart, the man infamous for attending events solo, was willingly inviting Elena to the gala.
"Is there a problem, Mason?" Sebastian asked, catching the assistant's stunned reaction.
"Ah—no, sir," Mason replied quickly, stepping back while muttering, "This will be a shock to Oakridge."
Elena laughed lightly, already mentally planning her gown. "Then I suppose we'll give Oakridge something to talk about."
Unbeknownst to them, shadows moved in the city's corners, plots thickened, and rivals prepared to strike. But Elena was no longer a passive player. She was ready to face them all—beside Sebastian, as his equal, or perhaps… even more.
---
The Hart mansion buzzed with activity as preparations for the prestigious Oakridge Business Gala commenced. Elena stood before her walk-in closet, surveying a collection of dresses that screamed wealth but lacked soul. She waved Mina over. "We need something sharper—regal, commanding, yet feminine."
"Yes, Madam," Mina responded with a bright smile. "I already scheduled a private fitting. The best designers from Milan are sending their selections."
Elena's phone lit up with notifications—interview requests, collaboration proposals, and whispers from the social scene all hinting at curiosity about her upcoming gala appearance. For years, Elena had been dismissed as a decorative wife, but now the tides had shifted. She was no longer an accessory; she was the headline.
---
Downstairs, Mason shuffled through schedules with Sebastian. "Sir, I've arranged for the company fleet to be showcased, security doubled, and your entrance planned precisely. But… there's an unusual amount of attention focused on Mrs. Hart this year."
Sebastian leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Let them talk. It's time they see exactly who Elena Hart has become."
Mason hesitated, then grinned. "The media's calling it the most anticipated appearance since your corporate takeover five years ago."
Sebastian gave a rare, approving nod. "Good. Let's make sure Elena's arrival outshines every other headline."
---
Later, Elena met with Carmen at a luxury penthouse suite. Swatches of fabric, sketches, and jewel options were spread out before them. Carmen briefed her on the latest from Stratus Innovations and the Moore family's recent desperate antics.
"Madam, Julia Moore tried initiating a whisper campaign about your company's sudden rise. Our counter strategy is in place—publicly silent but privately ruthless. She won't know where the pressure's coming from."
Elena's eyes sparkled. "Perfect. For the gala, I want dominance without appearing forced. We'll present success and grace, and let their insecurities eat them alive."
---
Two days before the gala, Elena's final gown fitting took place. An exquisite custom design—a midnight-blue gown with intricate silver embroidery, off-shoulder with a flowing train—wrapped around her like royalty.
When Sebastian saw her during the fitting, his gaze lingered longer than usual. "You'll silence the room the moment you enter," he said, voice deep and sincere.
"Not silence," Elena replied with a smirk. "I intend to stir chaos… beautifully."
And as the countdown to the gala ticked on, Oakridge's elite prepared for an event that promised glamour, rivalry, and subtle warfare beneath polished smiles.
But Elena? She prepared for her most public conquest yet.