Chapter 6
1166 Words
Three Years Later
The camera flashes were blinding.
"Ms. Santos, could you elaborate on how Nova Empire managed to secure the Westbrook merger when industry giants were competing for the same deal?"
I adjusted myself in the plush leather chair, the pristine white pantsuit I wore contrasting sharply with my auburn hair, now styled in an elegant bob that framed my face perfectly. The transformation from the broken woman who had walked out of Crimsonveil pack three years ago was complete.
Three years ago, I had nothing.
Luca Vincenzo had chosen another woman, leaving me discarded like a meaningless afterthought. I still remembered the hollow ache in my chest as I gathered the last of my savings, boarding a bus with no destination, just the desperate need to escape. I had barely made it through the night before my body gave out, collapsing from exhaustion and hunger. When I woke, I found myself in a hospital bed, the sterile white walls were unfamiliar.
Kade had saved me. A man with no reason to help, yet he did. I later learned I was in another city, one where wolves remained hidden, blending into society rather than ruling it. It was there that I built Nova Empire from the ground up—with Kade by my side. Every deal, every victory, every empire I crushed was fueled by the fire of vengeance still burning inside me.
And then there was Betty. My daughter. The beautiful child who bore the same golden-brown eyes as the man who had once broken me.
I straightened my posture, the weight of the past settling behind me like a shadow I had long learned to live with.
"It's quite simple," I replied, my voice smooth and confident. "While others relied on their reputation, we offered innovation. Nova doesn't just acquire businesses; we revolutionize them."
Beside me, Kade Pierce nodded, his ash-blond hair immaculately styled, green eyes gleaming with pride as he watched me command the room. His hand rested casually on the armrest next to mine, close but not touching—a united front.
"And what would you say to critics who claim your meteoric rise is too good to be true?" The journalist leaned forward, hungry for controversy.
My lips curved into a practiced smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "I'd say they should examine our track record. Success leaves clues, and we've left plenty."
The interviewer turned to Kade. "Mr. Pierce, many call you the backbone of Nova Empire's strategic division. What's your secret to outmaneuvering competitors who've been in the game for decades?"
Kade's deep laugh filled the studio. "There's no secret. Just relentless work and having a partner who refuses to accept failure as an option." His gaze lingered on me with undisguised admiration. "Ms. Santos has redefined what it means to be unstoppable."
"Speaking of partnerships," the journalist pressed, "rumors have circulated about your personal relationship—"
"We're here to discuss Nova Empire's business ventures," I cut in smoothly, my tone pleasant but leaving no room for argument. "Our personal lives remain exactly that—personal."
The rest of the interview continued with practiced ease, a dance I had perfected over the years. Questions about market dominance, future acquisitions, the growing unease among competitors—all answered with calculated precision.
When the cameras finally stopped rolling, I exhaled slowly.
"I think that went well," Kade said, standing and offering his hand to help me up.
I ignored it, rising on my own. "The Westbrook question was unexpected. Someone leaked information."
Kade's expression darkened. "I'll look into it."
We walked through the studio's corridors, my assistant Maya falling into step beside us, tablet in hand.
"Your schedule for the afternoon includes a conference call with Tokyo at two, final review of the Blackstone proposal at four, and—" Maya's voice lowered, "—Betty's school called. There was an incident during recess."
I stopped abruptly. "What kind of incident?"
"Nothing serious," Maya assured me quickly. "Apparently she got into an argument with another child about... wolves."
Something cold settled in my stomach. I exchanged a glance with Kade, whose face remained carefully neutral.
"I'll handle it," I said, checking my watch. "Reschedule Tokyo for tomorrow morning."
"Already done," Maya confirmed, handing me a sealed envelope. "This was left at reception earlier. No sender information."
I took the plain white envelope, turning it over in my hands. No markings, no name—just a sealed message that somehow felt heavier than it should.
"Thank you, Maya. That will be all for now."
The assistant nodded and retreated, leaving me alone with Kade in the corridor.
"Aren't you going to open it?" Kade asked, his eyes fixed on the envelope.
With a single fluid motion, I broke the seal and withdrew a single sheet of paper. Seven words were printed in stark black text:
*"Everything that ascends is prone to a decline. Be Careful."*
Kade's expression hardened as he read over my shoulder. "Another threat?"
My jaw tightened almost imperceptibly before I folded the paper and slipped it into my jacket pocket. "Just jealousy. It comes with success."
"This is the third one this month, Aria. We should increase security."
"And give credibility to some coward sending anonymous notes?" I shook my head. "No. We continue as planned."
We exited the building, sunlight washing over us as we approached the sleek black car waiting at the curb. My mind was already shifting gears, calculating next moves, potential threats, opportunities to seize.
"The Mayfair acquisition is our priority now," I said as we settled into the back seat. "Once we secure their technology patents, we'll control sixty percent of the market."
Kade nodded, but his attention seemed divided. "I've been watching some unusual market movements. Three companies we outbid last quarter are suddenly aggressive again."
"Coincidence."
"You don't believe in coincidences," he reminded me.
I stared out the window, watching the city blur past. "What I believe is that we've worked too hard to let paranoia dictate our strategy."
The car pulled up to the towering glass building that housed Nova Empire's headquarters. Fifty-two floors of power and influence, with the top floor belonging exclusively to me. From broken secretary to CEO of an empire that rivaled—no, surpassed—Luca Vincenzo's.
The thought of his name still brought a phantom pain, one I had learned to ignore over the years. I hadn't heard from him since that day in his office, hadn't allowed myself to wonder what had become of him. The Crimsonveil Pack and its Alpha were part of a past I had buried along with my broken heart.
"I'm heading to Betty's school," I announced as we entered the lobby. "Handle the preliminary meeting with the Mayfair team."
Kade hesitated. "Want me to come with you? Betty loves when Uncle Kade shows up."
"No, this is something I need to handle myself."
"Of course." His smile was warm, reassuring. "Give the little warrior my love."
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