Emma sat in the quiet hallway
The air around her felt heavy
Like something dark had entered their world and refused to leave
Damon stared at the phone screen again
His eyes were not angry
They were calm
Too calm
I know who did this
He finally said
Who
Lucas
Lucas
Your cousin
He always hated that I took over the company
He believed the inheritance was his by blood
But the board chose me
Because I worked for it
Emma stood slowly
What does he want
Everything
He wants me ruined
He wants you gone
He wants my name destroyed
Then what will you do
Fight back
But this time
I am not playing nice
He placed the phone in his pocket
We leave for Paris tonight
Paris
That is where Lucas is hiding
That is where this war begins
Emma did not argue
She knew now
This was no longer about marriage
Or pretending
This was about loyalty
Love
And survival
They packed quickly
Damon made a few calls
A private jet was arranged
Security was tightened
At the airport
Emma held his hand tightly
This feels bigger than both of us
She whispered
It is
But I will never let anyone take you away from me
On the jet
Emma leaned against him
Her heart restless
What if he tries something dangerous
Then I will be ten steps ahead
Always
When they landed in Paris
The city looked cold
Even the lights seemed dimmer
They arrived at a tall building near the heart of the city
It belonged to Damon
But he had not visited in years
Inside
Everything was spotless
But it felt hollow
Emma sat on the couch
Damon stood by the window
Looking at the skyline
I have to meet the board tomorrow
He said
Do you trust them
Some of them
But power makes people blind
Greed makes them dangerous
Emma walked to him
Then let me come with you
No
He said firmly
This part is not for you
I am not fragile Damon
I can stand beside you
I know
But this war
It will get dirty
She touched his cheek
Then let me get dirty too
He stared at her
Eyes deep
Soft
You are the bravest woman I have ever met
And you are the most stubborn man I have ever loved
They stayed silent after that
But the silence was not empty
It was full of understanding
The next morning Damon left early
Emma stayed behind
But she was not idle
She called Sophie
Her old friend from school
Who now worked in international media
I need a favor
Emma said
What kind
I need dirt on a man named Lucas Hale
Quietly
Sophie paused
That name is everywhere in Paris right now
Big investor
But shady past
Exactly why I need to know everything
Emma waited for hours
Damon did not return till late evening
He looked tired
But undefeated
They are turning
He said
Turning
The board
Lucas has promised them shares
Power
He is buying loyalty
So what now
Now
We expose him
I asked Sophie to look into him
Emma said
Damon looked surprised
You did
I am your wife
Not a shadow
He smiled slightly
You are more than that
Sophie messaged later that night
With photos
Documents
Video clips
Lucas had been involved in illegal trade
Hidden under company names
Emma handed everything to Damon
This is what you need
He stared at the screen
Jaw tightening
He has no idea what is coming
The next day
Damon called for an emergency meeting with the board
Emma waited outside again
But she felt stronger this time
More useful
More involved
After hours
He walked out
It is done
He said
They believed you
They had no choice
And Lucas
He disappeared
But he will surface again
People like him always do
Then we deal with him when he does
Yes
They returned to the penthouse
Paris felt warmer now
That night
Damon sat on the balcony
Emma joined him
You know
She said
I never imagined this life
Neither did I
But I do not regret any of it
Not even the pain
He looked at her
Then took her hand
Not even that
Because it led me to you
She smiled softly
Do you think this will last
This
Us
Yes
I want it to
With all I have
Then make it last
He leaned forward
Kissed her gently
Then I will