A DANGEROUS GAME
Elara barely slept that night.
Every little sound made her flinch. The creak of the floor. The hum of the refrigerator. Even her own breathing felt too loud.
Lucien lay beside her, awake too.
"You're shaking," he murmured softly, pulling her closer.
"She was here, Lucien," Elara whispered. "In our home. What if next time I'm alone?"
His arms tightened around her protectively.
"Then there won't be a next time."
---
The Trap Begins
The next morning at Wynn Media Group, Elara tried to focus on work, but something felt… off.
Employees whispered in corners. Her assistant Maria rushed in, pale.
"Elara… you need to see this."
She handed her a tablet.
A trending article flashed across the screen:
BREAKING: WYNN MEDIA GROUP BUILT ON LIES?
Her stomach dropped.
The article accused Elara of fraud, claiming she used Lucien's money illegally to start her company. There were fake documents attached—fabricated bank transfers, forged signatures.
"This isn't true," Elara breathed. "She did this. Serena."
Maria nodded.
"The board is already asking questions."
---
Lucien's Rage
Lucien stormed into her office minutes later, eyes blazing.
"I just saw the article," he said. "This is her move. She wants to ruin you publicly."
Elara clenched her fists.
"She won't win."
Lucien cupped her face.
"I won't let them touch you. I'll call my lawyers, my security team—"
"No," she stopped him.
"This is my company. My fight."
He hesitated… then nodded.
"Then I'm right here beside you."
---
Serena's Smile
In her prison cell, Serena laughed as she watched the news coverage.
"Look at her," she sneered.
"Strong, confident… about to fall."
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown: "The board is panicking. They're considering removing her."
Serena's grin widened.
"Good. Push harder. Make them doubt everything."
She leaned back, satisfied.
"Lucien thinks he's protecting her… but I'm playing chess while he's playing checkers."
---
A Public Attack
Later that day, reporters swarmed outside Wynn Media Group.
"Elara! Are you a fraud?"
"Did Lucien fund your company illegally?"
"Is your marriage fake too?!"
Elara froze.
Lucien stepped in front of her instantly, shielding her with his body.
"No more questions," he said coldly.
"Get out of our way."
They pushed through the crowd, cameras flashing like lightning.
Inside the building, Elara finally broke down.
"This is exactly what she wanted," she cried.
"To humiliate me."
Lucien pulled her into his arms.
"Let them talk," he whispered.
"The truth will destroy her lies."
---
A Promise
That night, Lucien knelt in front of her, holding her hands.
"I failed once," he said quietly.
"I won't fail again."
Tears filled Elara's eyes.
"We'll fight this together."
He pressed his forehead to hers.
"Always."