She Came to Conquer

Chapter Nine: Daniel Returns

The sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my high-rise apartment, casting a warm glow over the sleek furniture Patricia had helped me pick out. The view of the city below always reminded me how far I’d come.

Years had passed since I’d left home, and in that time, my life had transformed completely. The shy, awkward girl with the long skirts and oversized glasses was gone, replaced by someone I barely recognized but had fought hard to become.

Elizabeth Carter, international supermodel.

My career had taken off in ways I never imagined. Runway shows in New York, magazine covers in Paris, endorsements from top luxury brands—I was living the dream. My parents, though still conservative and wary of the modern world, believed the lie I’d carefully crafted. They thought my success stemmed from entrepreneurship and networking in the business world. I kept up the charade, sending them money regularly and calling them often, ensuring they knew I hadn’t forgotten my roots.

“God has truly blessed you,” Mother would say, her voice filled with pride.

I smiled every time, grateful for their love even if it was built on half-truths.

One quiet afternoon, my phone buzzed with a notification. I glanced at the screen and froze.

>>> Hi, Elizabeth. I hope this message finds you well. It’s been a long time, but I’ve seen your success and heard great things about you. I’m working with Blackstonne Estates and Housing now. Real estate is where the real money is, and I’d love to discuss some exciting investment opportunities with you.

Daniel.

I stared at the message, memories flooding back in an instant. His charming smile. His careless laugh. The way he had manipulated me, dismissed me, betrayed me.

“Earth to Elizabeth,” Patricia called, walking into the room with a bag of groceries.

I put the phone down, my mind racing.

“What’s with the face?” she asked, setting the bag on the counter.

“Daniel just messaged me.”

Patricia’s eyes widened. “Daniel? As in high school 'Daniel'?”

“The same,” I said, holding up my phone to show her the message.

She skimmed it quickly, then rolled her eyes. “Let me guess. He wants something.”

“Apparently, he’s working in real estate now and thinks I’d be interested in investing.”

Patricia snorted. “Of course. He hears you’re doing well and immediately thinks, ‘How can I cash in on this?’ Classic.”

I hesitated, torn between ignoring him and agreeing to meet. Every instinct screamed at me to leave him in the past where he belonged. But another part of me—the part that had built this new life brick by brick—wanted him to see the woman he’d underestimated.

“I think I’ll meet him,” I said finally.

Patricia raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? What for?”

“To remind him that I’m not the girl he used to know.”

.

.

.

A week later, I found myself walking into a trendy downtown café, dressed to perfection. My tailored blazer and trousers exuded sophistication, and my heels clicked confidently against the polished floor.

Daniel was already there, sitting at a table near the window. His tailored suit looked sharp, but something about him felt different. Less confident, maybe, or less polished than he used to be.

“Elizabeth,” he said, standing as I approached.

“Daniel,” I replied, offering a polite smile as I sat down.

He gestured for the waiter, ordering coffee for both of us before settling back into his seat. “I have to say, you look amazing. Life seems to be treating you well.”

“Thank you,” I said coolly. “And you? What have you been up to?”

He leaned back, flashing a practiced smile. “I’ve been working for Blackstonne Estates and Housing for the past few years. It’s one of the biggest real estate companies in the country. Very competitive, but rewarding.”

I nodded, silently wondering how much of this was true and how much was for show.

“I’ve seen your name everywhere,” he continued. “Covers, campaigns, billboards—you’re killing it.”

“I’ve worked hard for it,” I said simply.

“Well, I’m not surprised,” he said, leaning forward slightly. “Which brings me to why I reached out. Real estate is where the big opportunities are right now. At Blackstonne, we’ve got some incredible projects lined up, and I immediately thought of you. Your name, your brand—it could open doors. If you’re willing to invest, I could help you grow your portfolio exponentially.”

I raised an eyebrow, my lips curving into a faint smile. “Invest? That’s why you wanted to meet?”

He hesitated, clearly sensing my skepticism. “Well, yes. But also to catch up, of course. It’s been years, Elizabeth. I wanted to see how you’re doing.”

I sipped my coffee, keeping my expression neutral. “I’m doing fine.”

The conversation continued, polite and professional, but every word he said felt calculated. Daniel wasn’t here because he cared about me or my success. He was here because he saw an opportunity, and I was the gateway to it.

As we wrapped up, he smiled that same charming smile that used to make my heart race. “It was really good to see you, Elizabeth. Let’s keep in touch.”

I smiled back, though mine didn’t reach my eyes. “Of course.”

As I walked out of the café, heels clicking against the pavement, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph. The girl Daniel had once used and dismissed was gone.

Now, I was the one holding the cards.

And I intended to play them wisely.