rebirth of Betrayals

First Steps Toward Power

Lena entered her office with a confidence born from years of experience—experience no one else could possibly understand. Her assistant, Natalie, looked up from her desk, surprised to see her boss so early.

"Miss Ashton, I wasn't expecting you this morning. There's an investor meeting in an hour, and—"

"I'm aware," Lena interrupted, her voice calm but authoritative. "But I need you to clear my schedule for the rest of the day. There are matters I need to handle personally."

Natalie blinked, clearly confused but too professional to question her boss. Lena noted the surprise on her face. In her past life, she had been a workaholic, always rushing between meetings, never stopping to think strategically. Not this time. This time, Lena would play smarter.

Once in her office, Lena sat at her sleek glass desk and began pulling up files on her computer. The most crucial task now was to map out the betrayals she remembered—who would strike, when they would do it, and how she could prevent them before they had the chance.

She reviewed her corporate accounts and investments, scanning for familiar patterns. The first betrayal had come from someone close. Someone who had worked beside her, pretending to be an ally while feeding critical information to competitors.

Rachel Ward.

Lena's heart hardened at the thought of the woman who had once been her closest confidante. Rachel was her right-hand, a trusted advisor, and ultimately the one who had sold her out to their biggest rival, Blackridge Industries. Lena had never seen it coming—until it was too late.

Not this time.

Rachel wasn't due to betray her for another two years. But Lena couldn't afford to wait that long. She needed to build new alliances now, with people loyal only to her.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. It was Natalie again, looking nervous. "Miss Ashton, Mr. King is here for the meeting."

Lena's pulse quickened at the mention of his name, but she forced herself to remain composed. She had to face Damien and remember that no matter how much she once loved him, he was not to be trusted.

She smoothed her dress, stood tall, and walked out of her office toward the conference room.