Twice Burned, Unyielding Heart

Chapter Three: Secrets in the Shadows

Elena couldn’t shake the chill that had settled over her ever since she’d read that cryptic message. Be careful who you trust. It felt like a warning—one she couldn’t afford to ignore. But who could she trust in a place like this? Certainly not Leonardo, who had made it clear from the start that he viewed her as nothing more than a tool for his corporate games. And certainly not Marcus Hale, whose charming exterior hid something darker.

She rubbed her temples as she walked through the sleek, glass corridors of Vance Enterprises, the sharp glass and steel reflecting her unease. She desperately wanted to contact the number again, but she knew better. It must have been sent by someone with a personal goal, someone who had a stake in her.

There had been meetings all morning, each one more exhausting than the last. Numbers, predictions, and boardroom conversations that meant little to her compared to the one thing she had come here for: the truth. The truth about her father’s mysterious disappearance. The real story of how Lorenzo Vance destroyed his life and how he had destroyed hers.

The door to Leonardo's office suddenly sprang open, interrupting her thoughts as he stood in the doorway, staring into her eyes. A chill went down her spine as she froze. Her heart raced because of something she couldn't quite read in his eyes.

"Elena," he murmured, his voice clipped as usual. "We must speak."

Elena stood in front of his desk with her arms folded securely across her chest as the door to his office softly clicked shut behind her. He folded his hands behind his head and sat back in his chair, his icy eyes staring into her.

"What is this about?" Elena asked, attempting to sound less cautious.

Leonardo remarked, "You're not as dumb as you look," in a harsh, low voice. “I know you’re digging into the Lanson deal. But isn't it more than that?

A beat skipped in Elena's heart. She had much more suspicions, but she couldn't tell him. She was too close to the truth to let him see it.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about," she answered, attempting to seem assured.

She felt her skin tingle as Leonardo eyed her intently. He was no fool. He had a greater sense of people than everyone else in the room. Elena was also unsure of how long she could maintain this front.

"You don't belong here," he stated abruptly in a cold tone. “You never did. So tell me, Elena, what is your true plan?”

Her throat tightened each breath. He was on to her. It was palpable in her bones.

"I told you," she murmured, her voice shaking a little in spite of herself. "I'm here to carry out my job. The Lanson acquisition needs to be handled carefully.”

It was not a pleasant smile that curved Leonardo's face. You don't think I'm aware of that? You are here for more than simply your job, though. You obviously have your own goals in mind. What is it, Elena? Do you think I won't find out?

She opened her mouth to say something, but her words fell flat. She simply stared at him instead, her thoughts whirling. She was aware of his expectations and what he wanted to hear. But could she lie to his face one more time?

“Leonardo,” she finally said, her voice steady but firm, “I don’t owe you an explanation. I came back for the truth. And that’s all I’m after.”

They both remained silent for a moment. She felt her heart rush when Leonardo finally leaned closer and fixed her with intense eyes.

“You want the truth?” he asked softly, his voice dangerous. "It will require effort on your part. And don't for a moment believe that I'll make things simple for you.

The remainder of the day was a haze. Elena was unable to concentrate on the task at hand. She tried, but her thoughts kept going back to what Leonardo had said. He was aware that she was investigating her father's disappearance. He was aware that she was searching for some explanation for what had transpired. But was he aware of how close to the truth she was?

Her mind was racing as she gazed at the documents on her desk. Continued progress was the only way to get closer to the answers she sought. To keep playing his game. But the danger of that game was beginning to sink in.

She was having trouble thinking, and the wall clock's steady ticking was almost hypnotic. She looked up in surprise as the door to her office opened with a soft squeak.

Isabella Vance was standing in the doorway, her arms folded across her chest.Her keen eyes swept the room, evaluating Elena as if she were a riddle to be solved.

“Elena,” Isabella said, her voice almost cordial. "May I speak with you for a minute?"

Elena's eyebrow went up. "What's the matter?"

Isabella shut the door behind her as she entered. "I am aware that you believe you are playing a game with my brother, but you are not.You can’t win, not against him.”

“I’m not playing games,” Elena said, her voice hard. "I'm looking for answers. And now is the moment to speak up if you have them.

Isabella's face wavered between astonishment and another emotion—perhaps regret? "You don't understand, do you? Everything he does is for the family, Elena. Everything he has created or destroyed has been done so for the Vance empire. And you are mistaken if you believe that you can waltz in here and make that change.”

Elena shook her head. “I don’t care about the empire. I care about the truth. My father’s truth.”

For the smallest of seconds, Isabella's eyes softened. "Your father wasn't who you believe him to be. And neither is Leonardo.”

Isabella turned and left the room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Elena was alone later that evening, staring at the flickering screen of her computer after everyone had left the workplace. The message from the unknown number still burned in her mind. Be careful who you trust.

She was beginning to realize how serious those statements were.

Her phone buzzed abruptly. Although it was a fresh message, the unknown number wasn't the sender this time.It was from a familiar one.

I have information that might make all the difference. Come see me at the old warehouse at midnight.

She stared at the message, her breath stuck in her throat. She was aware that it was dangerous. But she felt a strong inner yearning to leave. She kept thinking that this was the respite she needed. But why did they wish to meet in secret, and who was this person?

Elena reached the deserted warehouse on the city's outskirts at midnight. The shadows were lengthy in the gloomy light, and the air was heavy with anxiety. Her heart thumping in her chest, she hesitantly entered.

“Anyone here?” she called softly, her voice echoing in the empty space.

Then, from the darkness, a figure stepped forward, and Elena’s breath caught.

It was Nathaniel Greer.

“Why are you here?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Nathaniel’s expression was unreadable. “Because you’re closer to the truth than you think, Elena. And I think it’s time we talk about your father.”