"I'll come with you," Sandy said, looping her arm tighter around Daniel's, "just so I can watch you win and beat down the Orion group. Ever since my sister started working there, I've hated it with a passion."
Daniel smirked, brushing his thumb over her hand. "Don't worry. You'll have a front-row seat to their downfall."
The D-Day
The grand hall was alive with tension. Business tycoons, government officials, and industrial lords filled the vast space, their voices blending into a low hum. Electricity was more than power; it was the backbone of the nation's economy. Whoever won the contract would hold influence across every sector, a prize worth more than gold.
And everyone was here to witness who will walk away with this prestigious contract.
Two names dominated the air: Helios Group and Orion Corporation.
Elara walked in alongside Edward Monroe, her posture straight though her heart raced. Madeline was across the room with the Ranveer Cooperative, while Maxwell Ranveer himself stood like an immovable mountain, Bianca Monroe clinging proudly to his arm.
"I hope you guys get this for sure," Madeline whispered, her eyes burning with quiet fire. "I just want to see Daniel brought to his knees."
Before Elara could answer, a familiar voice cut through the crowd.
"Oh, you two!" Sandy's tone was dripping with mockery as she approached, Daniel at her side. "Poor sister of the late Charles. My deepest sympathies, really. And Elara, so sorry for your… loss of a lover."
Elara's throat tightened. "Sandy… you came?"
"Surprise! Surprise…" Sandy waved her hand before coming to a stop before them.
"To help my fiancé celebrate his victory, of course." Sandy's smile was sugar-coated venom. "Daniel is brilliant, and you know he'll crush that loser company you work for. In fact, he told me he had an idea of offering you a job after his win. I can put in a good word or the two of you so you can stop being desperate…"
"Maddie… do we look desperate?" Elara asked with a frown, her eyes settling on Madeline. But there was a sudden calmness in her voice.
Madeline tilted her head, her lips curving with amusement. "Mmh? You sound so certain."
"I am," Sandy replied, chin high. "He's good at what he does."
Daniel stroked Sandy's back with gentleness. "Honey, give me a moment with Elara."
She obeyed, heading toward the seating area, her smile never fading.
Elara's frown deepened. "What do you want, Dannie? I don't think we should even be speaking."
Daniel leaned in, his voice low and smooth like poison. "Take this as a gift, a sign of luck finding you. Helios is going to win. You know it. You don't have to go down with Orion. Your place here is still waiting. Leave them, join me. You'll thank yourself."
Elara's jaw tightened. "It's generous," she said flatly, "but I don't care. I'm fine where I am. Just leave me alone."
"And for the record, Sandy said something like that just now. Seriously? You two deserve each other."
He chuckled, the sound cruel. "I envy any man who dares to be with you. But I know you'll always be single and desperate. That comforts me."
The words sliced deep, recalling the night he had as good as admitted his hand in Charles' death. Elara drew a sharp breath, forcing herself to keep her composure.
"Make yourself comfortable, Daniel Storm," she whispered coldly. "A greater storm is coming. You'll need that composure."
…
On the Balcony
Needing air, Elara slipped out to the balcony. The cool breeze carried the weight of her grief, and at last she let her tears fall. A few quiet drops, stolen moments of weakness.
When she turned back, someone was there.
A tall man stood by the doorway, watching her silently. His presence was steady, not invasive, but his eyes… they seemed to read her soul.
Flustered, Elara wiped at her face and moved to leave. But as they both turned toward the narrow doorway, they collided.
Her breath caught. Their eyes locked.
For a moment, her seemed world stopped. His gaze was intense, and something inside her rose, a sudden warmth rushing through her veins.
"Umm… sorry, sir." She stepped back quickly, giving him space.
The man said nothing. He only walked past, his broad shoulders cutting an imposing figure as he disappeared back inside.
Elara lingered, her heart pounding hard. That face. That presence. She should have recognized him.
Moments later, Madeline appeared, smirking knowingly.
"And Mr. Tall and Silent is…?" Elara asked, trying to sound casual.
Madeline nearly laughed. "Don't tell me you don't know him. That's Maxwell Ranveer. The Maxwell Ranveer. You've seen him on magazine covers, seriously?"
Elara blinked, nearly choking. "That's him? The top business elite in the world? I should have connected the dots, but seeing him up close…"
"He keeps a low profile. Dates Bianca Monroe, your boss's sister. He's not the kind to pop into Orion's offices casually," Madeline explained.
Elara exhaled, shaking her head. "My boss speaks of him often. Maybe, if Orion secures this contract, he'll take the Monroe partnership seriously… and I'll get to see him again."
Madeline gave her a sly look. "Wait. Are you… into my boss?"
"Me? Don't be ridiculous," Elara protested. "I haven't even seen him in person until now. Besides, I wouldn't want a relationship, not now. Not after Charles. And Daniel's threats still hang over me. I won't put another man in danger."
Madeline's smile faded into a scowl. "Screw Daniel. You can't live your life chained to his bitterness."
Elara's voice softened. "I'll find a way around it. But for now, I'm better off single."
"Don't you want to be spoiled, though?" Madeline teased, her tone lightening.
"With you?" Elara chuckled. "Of course. Spoil me all you want."
"Go to hell!" Madeline laughed. "I'm broke."
Before Elara could respond, the speakers crackled to life.
"Testing… testing…"
"Ladies and gentlemen, the presentation begins in five minutes. Please take your seats."
The most awaited moment was here.