Chapter Two: The Devil’s Game
1269 Words
Elena’s heels clicked against the polished floors of Vance Enterprises as she strode through the open-plan office space, each step a mix of resolve and simmering anxiety. The faint hum of conversation around her buzzed in her ears, and every glance from the employees felt like a judgment, a reminder that she didn’t belong here. Not anymore.
Determined not to let anyone see her stumble, she gripped the iPad tighter. She had an opportunity to prove herself, not just to Leonardo but also to herself. She had survived worse, and she wasn’t about to let his arrogance or this environment break her.
“Elena,” a voice called sharply, halting her progress.
She turned to find a tall woman in a sharp outfit coming toward her. Her sleek outfit radiated professionalism, and her auburn hair was perfectly styled. Elena recognized her immediately: Isabella Vance, Leonardo’s younger sister. The woman who had once been her confidante.
"Elena Hartman," Isabella replied, her voice brimming with astonishment and contempt. "I had heard whispers, but I didn't believe you would return. Why are you here?
Elena forced a smile, though it felt hollow. “I’m here for a job. Leonardo offered me a position.”
Isabella's lips formed a grin as she arched an eyebrow. “Interesting. And what strings did you pull for that?”
“No strings,” Elena said evenly. “Just hard work and desperation.”
“Hmm,” Isabella mused, crossing her arms. “Well, good luck. You'll require it. My brother is a hard-to-forgive person who never forgets. Whatever game he's playing, I hope you're ready for it.”
Elena’s jaw tightened, but she nodded curtly. “Thanks for the warning.”
Elena was filled with anxiety as she made her way to the conference room for her first official assignment. The room was enormous and had windows from floor to ceiling that provided a broad perspective of the city. Executives were already seated around the big glass table in the room, their conversations coming to a standstill as she walked in.
Leonardo was seated at the head of the table, his intimidating presence emphasized by his smart suit. His demeanor was enigmatic, but his eyes shifted to her as she entered."Elena," he continued, pointing to a vacant chair close to the center of the table. "You're running late."
She looked at the wall-mounted clock. She wasn't even a second late.
“Elena,” he said, gesturing to an empty seat near the middle of the table. “You’re late.”
She glanced at the clock on the wall. She wasn’t late—not even by a second. But she bit back the retort that bubbled up in her chest and took her seat. “Apologies. It won’t happen again.”
Leonardo didn’t respond, his focus already shifting to the papers in front of him. “Let’s begin. Marcus Hale’s firm has submitted their proposal for the Lanson acquisition. Elena, while you are here, could you please look over the finances and let me know what you think?”
Unprepared, Elena blinked. “Now?”
“Yes,” Leonardo said sharply. “Unless you need more time to prepare?”
Elena's cheeks flushed as a mocking mutter echoed around the room. Determined not to let him see her falter, she straightened. “I’ll review them and provide my analysis.”
“Good,” Leonardo said, his tone clipped. “You’ll present your findings at the next board meeting.”
Elena tightened her hold on the iPad as she nodded. She was aware that this was a test rather than merely an assignment. And failure wasn’t an option.
After the meeting, Elena stayed in the hallway and used her iPad to go over the financial documents. She tried to concentrate by pressing a hand to her temple as the numbers flashed before her eyes. Despite the task's enormous weight, she resisted giving in to it.
"Are you already feeling the pressure?" A voice behind her drawled.
She turned to find a man leaning comfortably against the wall, his expression cocky and his suit spotless. Marcus Hale. She recognized him from the meeting—and from the business world’s countless headlines about his ruthless tactics.
“What do you want?” Elena asked, her voice wary.
Marcus pushed off the wall, his gaze sliding over her appraisingly. “Just wanted to see how the infamous Elena Hartman was holding up. Working under Leonardo can’t be easy, especially given your… history.”
Elena bristled."Mr. Hale, I'm here to perform my job. You won't find gossip with me if that's what you're looking for.
Marcus laughed, his voice low and eerie. "Oh, gossip is not what I'm searching for. I'm trying to find opportunities. And I think you might be one.”
Elena squinted her eyes. “Whatever game you’re playing doesn’t interest me.”
"Ms. Hartman, everyone is playing a game," Marcus remarked, his smile growing. "You should ask yourself if you're playing to win."
The tension followed her all the way to Leonardo’s office. She had to find out what was expected of her task, or at least understand what he was really looking for.
Seated at his desk, Leonardo was looking over a stack of papers. He motioned for her to seat and didn't look up as she walked in.
"I need to discuss the Lanson acquisition with you," Elena said firmly. "The figures are not consistent. There’s something off about their valuation.”
“Then fix it,” Leonardo said without missing a beat.
Elena frowned. “It’s not that simple. If this goes through, it could destabilize the entire deal.”
Leonardo finally looked up, his eyes locking onto hers. “And what do you propose?”
“I propose we dig deeper,” she said, leaning forward. “We need more information before making a decision. If we rush into this, it could cost the company millions.”
She was unable to determine whether Leonardo's lips were moving with pleasure or disapproval. "You have only been here for a day, and already you are doubting my judgment?"
Elena said, "I don't doubt your judgment," while maintaining eye contact with him. "I have doubts about the data."
They were separated by a moment of tension that crackled like electricity. She was startled to see Leonardo lean back in his seat and smile a little.
"All right," he replied. “You want to dig deeper? Do it. But if you’re wrong, you’ll answer to me.”
“Understood,” Elena said, her voice steady.
As she left his office, her mind raced with possibilities. The Lanson acquisition was more than just a business deal—it was a battleground. She was also unsure of whom to believe.
The doors swung open and she stepped onto the elevator, her thoughts racing. She did not notice the man who had moved in behind her until he spoke.
"You're courageous to confront Leonardo in that manner," the man stated in a silky, quiet voice.
Elena turned, startled. The man's broad shoulders and tall build threw shadows over his sharp features in the weak elevator light. There was something familiar about him, but she couldn't place it.
"Do I know you?" she inquired warily.
The man's smile fell short of his eyes. “Not yet.”
The elevator dinged, and he stepped off, leaving her with a sinking feeling in her stomach.
As Elena returned to her desk, her phone buzzed with a notification. It was a message from an unknown number.
Be careful who you trust.
Her blood ran cold.
- Writer
