UNSEEN THREATS
775 Words
Xander
Xander Reed did not have any use for coincidences.
When he saw Lena Hayes leaving Lancaster Enterprises in a rage, her jaw set in anger, he knew something had gone seriously wrong.
Lena was intelligent, diligent, and infuriatingly stubborn—but not foolish. If she had been in Damien Lancaster's office, it wasn't to make small talk.
And that meant trouble.
For her.
For Ava Sinclair.
And most importantly, for him.
Xander had avoided family power struggles for years, but this was different. Lancaster was not safe. If Lena and Ava were getting drawn into his world, he needed to know why.
Which is why, instead of heading to his car, he found himself tracking her.
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Lena
Lena's heels clicked on the sidewalk as she walked away from the skyscraper of secrets she had just left behind.
Damien Lancaster had told Ava to "be careful who she trusted."
What did that even mean?
And why on earth was he so certain that Ava was in danger?
Lena reached for her phone, prepared to text Ava, when she felt it—the feeling of someone watching her.
Her steps slowed.
She glanced at a glass window to her side and saw a reflection behind her.
Xander.
Her heart stumbled, but she forced herself to keep going.
She took a turn into a less populated avenue, fully aware that he would follow her.
And follow her he did.
When she spun to confront him, he was already standing there, blank cold blue eyes. "You shouldn't be here."
Lena arched an eyebrow. "And you shouldn't?"
Xander never wavered. "What were you doing in Lancaster's building?"
Lena crossed her arms. "What concern is it of yours?"
He moved closer, his presence oddly intense. "Because Ava isn't the only one in this position."
Lena's breath stumbled. There was something in how he said it—as if he were suggesting more than he was telling.
She fought to keep her voice even. "Then tell me."
Xander didn't move for a long time, and then he decided.
He rummaged through his coat and pulled out a crumpled paper. "Want answers? Read that."
Lena braked, but the urgency in his voice made her take it from his hand.
Her gaze read the words—and her stomach dropped.
This wasn't about Ava.
This was about something else.
And if this letter was real…
Then Damien Lancaster wasn't Ava's biggest threat.
Her own father was.
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Ava
Ava's hand hovered over her phone, weighing the decision to call Lena a second time.
Something about the call with Damien had irked her. The way he'd looked at her—all judging.
As if he knew something she did.
His words echoed in her mind.
"Be careful who you trust."
What did that even mean?
Ava was used to power moves, but this was not the same. Darker.
Her father had always called the shots—her life, her choices, and now, apparently, her wedding. But why Damien?
Before she could dissect it to death, her phone rang.
Lena: Where are you?
Ava: Home. Why?
Lena: I'm coming over. We have to talk.
Ava frowned. That bad?
Lena: Worse.
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Lena & Ava – The Truth Revealed
Lena burst into Ava's room, panting, clutching the paper Xander had given her.
Ava arched an eyebrow. "Did you run here?"
"Shut up and read this," Lena snapped, shoving the papers into her hands.
Ava blinked, surprised by her tone. Lena never lost control.
That alone warned her something was seriously wrong.
Her eyes dropped to the document. At first, the words blurred together—corporate jargon, financial statements—but then she saw the names.
Her father's.
And beside it, a mafia organization she'd only ever heard rumors of.
Ava's blood chilled. "What the hell is this?"
Lena crossed her arms. "Proof that your father's deal with Damien is not just business. It's about control. And power."
Ava's head shook. "That doesn't make sense. My father wouldn't—"
But even as she spoke, a seed of doubt took root.
Wouldn't he?
He had controlled her life since birth. Made choices for her. Handled her like a pawn and not a daughter.
And now he was trying to marry her off to an underworld affiliated man.
She swallowed hard. "Damien was aware of this."
Lena nodded. "And he tried to warn you."
Ava clenched her teeth. She hated this. Hated feeling helpless.
She breathed slowly. "What do we do?"
Lena's face clouded. "We find the truth. All of it."
Ava glanced at her, determination burning in her breast. "Then let's start with Damien Lancaster."
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- Writer
