The glass doors of Hale Corporation slid open with a soft hiss, just as they had five years ago. But this time, Elena Hale didn't walk in as the heir's fiancée or the naive daughter of the chairman. She walked in as a representative of Blackwood Corp, a rival, a threat, a woman reborn.
Her heels clicked against the polished marble, a deliberate rhythm that echoed through the lobby. Eyes turned. Whispers followed. She welcomed them.
Wearing a sleek navy pantsuit and a crimson silk blouse, Elena looked every bit the poised, polished professional she had trained herself to become. There was no trace of the girl who once waited meekly in the background while Ava soaked up the spotlight and Nathan delivered empty promises.
She headed straight to the executive conference room, where the merger team from Blackwood Corp was expected. But before she could enter, a familiar voice sliced through the air behind her.
"Elena?"
Nathan Hale stood at the end of the corridor, his brows furrowed, his expression caught somewhere between confusion and disbelief. "What… what are you doing here?"
Elena turned slowly, giving him a once-over. He looked exactly as she remembered, tailored suit, handsome smirk, and that same arrogant glint in his eyes. But she no longer felt that aching twist in her stomach when she looked at him. Only fire. Only control.
"I'm representing Blackwood Corp," she said smoothly. "We're interested in the merger."
Nathan blinked. "You work for Damian Blackwood now?"
"I work with him," she corrected, flashing a cool smile. "Try to keep up."
Before he could respond, a pair of stilettos clacked toward them, Ava. Dressed in an overly tight designer dress and painted in false confidence, she latched onto Nathan's arm as if claiming territory.
Her gaze flicked to Elena, then narrowed.
"Well, this is a surprise," Ava said with a laugh that didn't reach her eyes. "Still chasing after your ex, Elena? Some habits die hard, I guess."
Elena tilted her head, unfazed. "I'm not chasing anyone, Ava. I'm just here to close a deal."