His Forgotten Heir

Chapter 1 The sharp click of Elena Carter's heels echoed through the gleaming marble floors of Blackwood Tower, each step pounding like a warning in her chest as she adjusted her glasses. Her palms slick with sweat. She had spent the last five years building walls _around her heart, her identity, and most of all, around her son. Yet here she was walking into the very empire owned by the man who unknowingly fathered her child. The man who had ruined her life without even remembering her name. She gripped the handle of her leather portfolio tighter, her fingers trembling. You are here for the job. Not for him," she whispered. "Emily Matthews "?, a sleek woman with a headset approached her in the lobby. "Mr. Blackwood will see you now ". Elena took a breath. Deep and Shaky. Okay, she muttered. This way please," the woman said, taking the elevator leading her to his office. The elevator ride to the top floor felt like a count down to disaster. Her reflection in the mirrored walls stared back_composed, professional, nothing like the trembling girl who had once stood in a hotel suite, wrapped in his sheets, too breathless to speak. The elevator door opened with a chime. Now standing in front of his office door. You may go in," the woman said, leaving. Elena nodded. She opened the door and walked in. And there he was. Damien Blackwood. Seated elegantly on his chair, sharp jawline, dark suit, colder eyes. Just as devastatingly handsome as he'd been that night, only now.....Harder. More ruthless. Have a seat," he said, without looking up. Thank you," Elena replied quietly. Emily Matthews. Master's in international finance. Five years in investment banking. Quite a resume," Damien said, still reading her file. She looked at him carefully." I'm confident i can handle the work load, Mr.Blackwood." He finally looked up but no flicker of recognition. Nothing. "You look nervous." I'm not," she replied. He arches his brow." Lying is a bad start." Maybe I'm just intimidated. You're.....kind of a big deal,"Elena said. He chuckled dryly,"flattery's worse". Elena stiffened. His voice hadn't changed. Smooth, deep, clipped like he was always two seconds from ending the conversation. But his face...... The same sharp jaw. Storm-gray eyes. The same lips that once kissed her like she was the only woman on earth. He didn't remember her. Why work here?, he asked. It's the best. And i don't settle for less," Elena replied. That made him pause. just for a second. We are not a daycare. This isn't a training job,"Damien said. I didn't ask for hand_holding. Just a desk and a login," she replied briskly. Damien smirked slightly,"You have got attitude." She gave a smile,"Confidence. Not attitude." Same thing in the wrong hands," he replied. He flipped her file shut. "HR likes you. I trust them. You start Monday." She startled, "That's it?" You want more ceremony?, he asked, staring at her. "No, just.... thank you." "One more thing." She tensed, "Yes?" Don't lie to me," he uttered calmly. I wouldn't,'' she replied, her heart hammering. He gave a cold smile. "Everyone does. Just don't get caught." Mm," she nodded. Alright then, thank you for coming," he said smoothly, stretching forth his hand to shake her hand. Elena reached out, hiding the tremor in her fingers. "Thank you, Mr Blackwood." As his hand closed around hers, something flickered in his eyes. A flash. A pause. Then gone. He released her hand. I'll take my leave now," she said, her voice calm. Stood up, turned and walked out. **** Maya, Elena's best friend and only ally, was waiting in the lobby pretending to text. As soon as she saw Elena coming towards her, she stood up grabbed Elena's arm. "Did he recognize you?" "No." You are sure?, Maya asked again. He looked right at me nothing," Elena replied. "Damn. That is cold." Elena gave a small smile, "It's perfect." Perfect?! Girl, what if he finds out? about Noah?, Maya asked. He won't. Not until I'm ready," she replied, her voice low. **** "Mommy, look! I drew a rocket ship!" That is amazing, sweetheart," Elena replied smiling. That's me! I'm flying to the moon!, Noah said, his voice laced with excitement. She smiled warmly,"Of course you are." He beamed up at her, his storm_gray eyes twinkling. It's freaky. He looks just like him," Maya said from the kitchen. I know," Elena replied softly. Maya wiped her hands on the apron leaving the kitchen to the living room. "What is the plan, L?" Work hard. Stay invisible. Get what i need," Elena replied. Maya raised a brow, "Which is?" Proof. That he knew. That he abandoned me," Elena said. What if he didn't?, Maya asked. She sighed,"Then I'll find out why. And then?" Then what?, Maya said, not fully understanding Elena. "Then maybe I'll tell him about his son." **** So HR hired a new consultant today," Vanessa asked, setting down wine. Damien still focused on his laptop reading emails, "And?" A woman. Pretty. Sharp mouth," she said, watching him. He glanced up at her, "Your point?" I don't like her," she said, not hiding her disgust for Elena. You don't like anyone who is smarter than you," Damien said as he looked at her. Vanessa frowned. "Don't underestimate a woman with secrets." Neither should she," he replied firmly. **** Noah slept peacefully beside Elena, his tiny hand curled against her chest. I'm not here for revenge. I just want the truth, Elena whispered to herself. But truth comes at a cost, And Damien had always been expensive. She exhaled, closing her eyes and allowing nature to take it's place. **** Next morning, Elena arrived at the Blackwood Tower wrapped in a navy blue office suit. Beautiful and professional. Alright everyone, this is Emily Matthews. She is joining us as a junior discreet consultant," said Mark, the team leader. Hi, I'm excited to be here," Elena said with a smile."please treat me well." Chapter 2 Mark tilted his head to Elena. "Emily, you will be reporting directly to me for now, but you will also assist the CEO's office on special projects when needed." You must be something special. Blackwood never lets newbies near his floor," Jenna, Elena's colleague whispered to her. Elena chuckled lightly, "Maybe I'm just lucky." Luck doesn't get you in the devil's den, honey. Not unless you are sleeping with it," Jenna replied. Later at the office pantry, Elena was seated having some snacks when Maya's text message popped in_on her phone. She unlocked her phone to read it. "How is day 1? Has tall, dark and dangerous growled at you yet?" Elena smiled before texting back. "Not yet. But i got assigned to his floor for a project. I think I'm going to throw up." Immediately Maya texted again. "Stay calm. you have faced worse. Like childbirth. Without meds." You are not helping," Elena texted, shaking her head amusely. **** Elena stepped into the silent executive level, her heels clicking like bullets on polished marble. Damien's assistant, Julian, glanced up from his desk. Emily Matthews?, he whispered. "Yes. I was told to meet with Mr Blackwood." "He is expecting you. Go straight in." Here goes nothing," she murmured. **** You are late," Damien said, as soon as Elena entered his office without glancing up. It's 11:59," Elena replied calmly. Damien tilted his head up, gazing at her. "So you are punctual and argumentative. Good. Sit." She sat stiffly, keeping her expression unreadable. I reviewed your numbers on the pegasus case. Not bad," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Thank you," she replied, her voice soft. He continued, "You spotted a margin discrepancy others missed." It stood out," she cuts in quickly. "You always notice things others don't?" Only when i care," she replied. Damien leaned back in his chair amused by her words. A smile tugged on his lips. "Interesting answer." I don't say things i don't mean," she said firmly but soft. Neither do i," he replied. A beat passed. He leaned forward in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly. "Have we before?" Elena's heart stuttered. "No. I don't think so." "You look familiar." A lot of people say that," she whispered, not blinking an eye. Hmm,"he mumbled. **** Still alive?, Julian teased Elena who was now outside Damien's office. Elena exhaled, "Barely." Julian gave a smile, "Don't worry. He only bites if you screw up." Comforting,"she whispered. You did good. He didn't throw anything," he said. That is......a win?, she asked perplexed. He nodded. "A big one." **** You were in his office for thirty minutes?, Jenna asked, looking surprised as they got to the HR lounge to have lunch since it's break period. Yes," Elena replied. "Girl, you better be careful." "Why?" Because Vanessa Hale doesn't share. And you are exactly the type she hates," Jenna replied. Elena raised a brow. "Smart?" Jenna smiled. "Pretty, young, and unbothered." I don't want her fiance," Elena whispered softly. Doesn't matter. Vanessa's motto is" burn first, ask questions later." **** She is on his floor again?, Vanessa asked, through the phone. Yes, ma'am. New consultant. HR file's clean," her Driver replied. No one is clean," she muttered. Want me to dig?, the Driver asked. "Find out everything. Blood type, shoe size, pet's name, and what she is hiding." Understood," the Driver replied. Vanessa hanged up. Damien might not remember, but i don't forget faces. And i have seen hers before," she muttered to herself, smiling coldly. **** "Mommy, how was your work?" It was good, baby. A little scary," Elena replied, kissing his forehead. Did you see the mean man?, Noah asked. She paused. "What do you mean?" The one in the photo. He looked mad," he said in his little voice. Elena froze. Noah had seen Damien's picture once__she hadn't realized he remembered it. He's not mean. Just busy. And tired," she whispered. He has the same eyes as me," Noah added. She nodded. "Yes. He does." Later late at night, Elena was on phone call with Maya. "So you were alone in a room with Damien Blackwood, and he didn't recognize you?" Not fully. But.... something clicked. I saw it in his eyes," Elena said. Maya gasped. "That is dangerous,L." I know," Elena muttered. You still want to go through with this?, Maya asked, her voice laced with concern. He needs to know. But i want him to find out on my terms," she replied. And if he digs first?, Maya asked again. "Then i pray he doesn't destroy me." **** The board meeting is at ten, your aunt's calling for the third time, and Vanessa sent croissants again," Julian said. Throw the croissants away. Ignore the call. Prepare the report,"Damien said, signing his signature on a document. Julian noticed Damien's face was bright and said" you are in a mood". She was in my dream," Damien replied, voice calm. "Vanessa?" No. The new consultant. Emily," Damien replied. Julian smirked,"you dreaming about junior staff now? That's new." Damien frowned, "it wasn't like that. It was..... familiar." Deja Vu?, Julian asked. Maybe. Or maybe my brain is playing tricks," he replied. Still no memories before the accident?, Julian asked serious. "No. Just a five month black hole." **** You okay? You have been staring at that spreadsheet for ten minutes," Jenna asked. Elena snapped out. "Sorry. Didn't sleep much." Thinking about the boss?, Jenna asked smirking. Elena forced a smile. "Not in the way you think." "Girl, please. The way he looks at you....whew." He doesn't look at me," she whispered. He studies you," Jenna said, hand on her chin. Maybe i remind him of someone,"she shrugged. Dangerous territory,"Jenna mumbled. **** You sure her ID checks out?, Vanessa asked in a low voice. Yes, ma'am. Passport, academic records, reference__all clean," the HR manager said. Too clean,"Vanessa whispered. Do you want us to investigate further?, the HR manager asked. Vanessa nodded. "Quietly. And discreetly". Understood, HR manager muttered. Chapter 3 Inside the conference room, Damien sat elegantly with his legs crossed, arms folded. His face expression unreadable, listening to the management consulting department presentation. Emily, can you summarize the forecast Q3?, Mark said. Elena stood up, "Yes. Based on our revised projections, revenue is expected to increase by 6.2%, with a margin improvement of___" What about risk factors," Damien interrupted. Elena without hesitation replied "Supply chain instability and rising production costs, especially in our Asia division." "You did your homework." Her gaze fixed on Damien, "I don't like being unprepared." Neither do i," he replied. A tense silence followed as the room glanced between them. Five minutes later, the presentation was over, they stood up leaving. Damien stepped closer to Elena preventing her from going. "You're not afraid of me, are you?" Should i be?, Elena asked, voice firm. Most people are," he said smirking. I'm not most people," she whispered. "Clearly." Is that a compliment or a warning?, she asked. Maybe both," he replied. **** You have been distracted," Vanessa said, as she got inside Damien's car. "Work." Is it work or her?, she asked. Who?, he asked coolly. She frowned. "Don't play dumb. The new girl, Emily." She is efficient. That's all," he said casually. You are not the type to notice efficient," she replied, not believing him. He looked at her, "What are you accusing me of?" Nothing yet. But i see the way you watch her," she said. Don't over step," he said curtly. Don't make me your enemy," she said, voice sharp. **** You are playing a dangerous game,L," Maya said on the phone. He asked me if i was afraid of him," Elena said. "Are you?" No. I should be..... but I'm not," she replied. That man broke you once," Maya said. "He doesn't even remember me." Worse. What happens when he does?, Maya said. Sorry, it's Noah's bedtime. Gotta hang up now, bye," she said and ended the call then went to his room. Mommy?, Noah whispered. "Yes, baby?" Do i have a daddy?, he asked. Elena's heart dropped. Why do you ask?, she said carefully. At school, everyone talks about their daddies. Mine is in the sky, i told them," he replied. That is okay," she said softly. "Is he in the sky?" No. He is... somewhere. Maybe looking for us," she said, stroking his hair. Will he find us?, he asked, yawning. Elena choked. "Maybe. Someday." **** Damien sat alone with a drink, flipping through his old phone, the one they'd recovered after his accident. No texts. No photos. Nothing from the missing months. He scrolled past contacts, paused on a name he didn't recognize. He frowned. "C.....? No saved number? He dialed it, straight to voicemail. Hi, you've reached_Elena's voice distorted on the voicemail. He hung up. Why do i know that voice?, he thought to himself. **** Elena followed Jenna to the coffee area to get one for themselves. You have got mail, star girl," Jenna said. Elena looked at her surprised, "Mail?" Looks fancy. Probably from the big man," Jenna said, handing a sleek envelope. Elena opened it cautiously, "It's an invitation". Jenna peeked at it. "Blackwood foundation gala? Girl, what?!" I__I wasn't expecting this," Elena said, looking surprised. It's not a request. It's a test. You are officially on his radar," Jenna whispered. Too soon..... Elena mumbled to herself. **** Julian found it so hard to believe that Damien of all people invited a staff to the gala for the first time. So he came to Damien's office to verify. You are inviting staff to the gala now?, Julian asked. Damien nodded. "Just one." Why her?, Julian asked. Because i want to see how she fits in my world," he replied. "You sure this isn't about your missing memory?" I don't know what this is about. But she triggers something," he said, his expression thoughtful. You think she knows you?, Julian said softly. His jaw tightened. "She knows something. And I'm going to find out what." **** Later in the evening, Maya visited Elena in her apartment. A gala? Are you insane? That's enemy territory,'' Maya scolded. Elena sighed. "I can't refuse. That would raise suspicion." Then wear a mask and carry pepper spray," Maya suggested, after a seconds thought. He invited me personally, Maya. What if he remembers something?, she whispered. Then you do what you came to do__get answers. But don't get lost in those eyes again," she advised. Too late," she replied softly. **** At Blackwood mansion ballroom, it screamed luxury, walls painted white. Floor tiled with crystal marbles. Chandeliers light at the center sparkling. Elena stepped in looking very gorgeous. Breathe taken. Clutching her silver purse tight afraid it might fall off from her if held loosen. Her heart beat pounding fast with each step she took. Spotting Jenna there, she exhaled, masking her nervousness with a calm smile as she walks towards Jenna. I didn't even recognize you. Where'd you get that dress?, Jenna whispered the moment Elena was closer. Borrowed," Elena replied. Jenna laughed. "Stunning he won't know what hit him." That is what I'm afraid of," she replied nervously. Vanessa who is with Damien noticed Elena was also in the ballroom. Her expression changed. Who let the junior staff into our event?, she asked, her voice laced with disgust. I invited her," Damien replied. "Why?" Observation," he said calmly. Careful Damien. You are playing with fire," she said, her voice low. Maybe i want to get burned," he replied, his gaze fixed on Elena with an unreadable expression. Minutes later, Elena stepped out to the balcony of the ballroom to take in some fresh air as she couldn't stand the way some men were staring at her lustfully. Like they want to eat her up with their eyes. Damien who saw her stepped out, approached her immediately in big strides catching up with her. His hands in pant pocket. You clean up well," he said, voice calm. Chapter 4 Didn't think you noticed," Elena said, forcing a smile. "I noticed everything." Including your date glaring at me from across the room?, she replied, turned around to face him. Her back leaned on the iron rail. Ignore Vanessa. She likes to stake her territory," he replied smirking. She raised an eyebrow, "And what am i? A trespasser?" Maybe something i lost. And I'm trying to remember," he said, stepping more closer. Her breathe hitched. His gaze locked on hers with intensity. Why do i feel like I've known you before?, he asked quietly. Elena paused. Maybe you're confusing me with someone else, she replied. No. It's your eyes. They pull at something in me. He held her face. Her heart leapt into her throat. Like there's something about you, the way you speak. The way you smell. I keep seeing..... flashes A woman. A night. I can't place it. But when i look at you___" You are mistaken," she said quickly, cutting him off. "We have never met before this week. Maybe you just want to see something that's not there," she added, avoiding his eyes. He removed his hand from her face, stepping back a bit. Do i scare you?, he asked. "No". That is either very brave.....or very stupid, he said softly. Or maybe I'm just too tired of being afraid," she replied. There was a beat silence. You sound like someone who is been through hell," he said. Haven't we all?, she replied. ** Vanessa who was watching them from inside, balled her fist. Jealous. Eyes burning with anger. That girl is more than she seems," she mumbled to herself. We traced her ID to a real Emily Matthews.... but the photo doesn't match," the driver said, quietly behind her. So who the hell is she?, Vanessa questioned. Want me to confront her?, Driver asked. Vanessa eyes narrowed, "Not yet. Let her dig her own grave". It was time to dance, Damien left Vanessa and walked to Elena offering his hand. "Dance with me." Elena hesitated. That is not a good idea," she replied. Why not," he asked. Because i don't know how to be around you.... without falling apart," she replied quietly. Damien smiled softly. "Then let's fall together." She sighed, placed her hand in his. Damien led her to the dance floor. All eyes turned to them. Curious. Murmuring. As they dance, he whispered to her in a low voice, "There's something about you.... like a ghost i can't forget." Maybe some ghosts should stay buried," she replied, struggling to stay composed. Even if they hold the truth?, he asked. She stiffened. Especially then," she replied. Suddenly she pulled away from him. I need air," she said and started to leave. Elena___" he called. Her body tensed. She tilted her head back, "It's Emily." No. It's not," he said, watching her go. **** You disappeared fast last night. Damien looked.... thrown off," Jenna said, voice barely above a whisper. I shouldn't have gone," Elena said, voice laced with regret. Are you kidding? You had every woman there ready to commit murder by heels," Jenna said. Elena sighed. "That wasn't the goal". Then what was?, Jenna asked, puzzled. Survival," she whispered. **** You didn't sleep, did you?, Julian asked, staring at Damien__whose face looks tired. She called herself Emily again," Damien said. That's her name, isn't it?, Julian said. He shook his head. "It's not. I know it's not". Julian looked at him perplexed. "You are not making sense." She flinched when i called her Elena," he replied. You called her that out loud?, Julian asked. Slip of the tongue," he replied. Freudian, more like," Julian whispered. **** Vanessa walked inside the HR department like she owned it. Did you find anything?, she asked. No. We checked everything, still nothing concrete," HR manager said. You are telling me a woman just walked into Blackwood Corp with a fake identity and no one noticed?, she snapped. Her documents pass. Whoever she is..... she is good," HR manager replied. Her eyes darkened. "Then we will just have to be better." **** While Elena was preparing dinner in the kitchen her phone rang, she picked it up from the slab. Tapping the green button to answer. "Hello, Maya." Tell me you didn't let him dance with you", Maya's voice echoed. Elena smiled. "It was just a moment." A moment that could undo everything. You are not just some ex_girlfriend, Elena. You are the mother of his child," Maya replied, voice laced with a hint of annoyance. I know. Believe me, i live that secret everyday," she said. "Then stop letting him get close." He is already close, Maya. Closer than i ever let him be before," she replied. **** Why can't i remember her face?, Damien asked, staring at old photos. What if she is not from your past at all?, Julian asked. He sighed deeply, "Then why do i feel like I'm chasing a ghost that already belongs to me?" **** Next day, just as the elevator was about to close Damien entered to see Elena there. Good morning, Elena," he greeted calmly. Elena tensed. It's Emily," she corrected. He chuckled lightly, "Funny. You don't flinch when Jenna calls you that." What do you want?, she asked coldly. The truth," he replied in a low voice. Careful, Mr. Blackwood. Some truths come with blood," she warned. ", I'm not afraid of a little blood". You should be," she said, stepping out first as the elevator door opened. **** You keep looking over your shoulder," Jenna said as they sat down at the cafeteria to eat. Do i?, Elena asked. You and the boss have some.... unresolved history?, Jenna asked curious. Elena forced a laugh, "Just a few awkward encounters." Girl, awkward doesn't make a man stare like you are the last page of a mystery novel," Jenna said smiling. **** At the executive lounge, Vanessa's mind wasn't relaxed. She couldn't shake off the feeling that Damien..... Chapter 5 That Damien might feel something for Elena. So, what is your real connection with her?, Vanessa asked. There is no connection," he replied flatly. You are lying," she said, voice rising. Watch your tone," he warned. You can't replace a memory with a stranger," she said. His eyes flick to her. Who said she is a stranger?, he questioned, sipping his wine. So you do know her," she said sharply. I know her better every time she lies to my face," he replied. **** Elena went to Brain field Academy to pick up Noah after closing from work. Noah drew something interesting today," the teacher said. He always does," Elena said smiling. He drew a tall man in a suit....he labeled it Daddy," the teacher said. Elena froze. "What?" The teacher continued, "Said he saw him on your phone." He must have imagined it," she said stammering. The teacher smiled, "Kids don't always lie, Ms. Carter." **** Noah, honey. Can i see the picture you drew today?, Elena said. That is him! He had angry eyes but a nice voice," Noah said, showing her the drawing. "Where did you see him?" On your computer. You were watching a video, and he was talking," he replied. That was just a news clip, baby," she said, her eyes welling up with tears. "Is he my daddy?" Silence. Go wash up for dinner, okay?," she said. You didn't say no," he said softly. **** Just as Damien ended his phone call, Julian walked in. His expression serious. The PI found something," Julian said. Damien looked up sharply, "What?" Elena Carter. Graduate of Hudson Business School. Records end five years ago," Julian replied. And?, Damien asked. "There is no Emily Matthews in the same graduating class." So she is Elena," Damien said, his voice deadly. Want me to confront her?, Julian asked. "No. i will do it myself." **** So..... when were you going to tell me the CEO is obsessed with you?, Jenna asked. He is not," Elena muttered as she stirred sugar into her coffee. And he is staring at you during meetings like you are a math problem he can't solve," Jenna snorted. Then he should stop trying," Elena replied. Careful. You're starting to sound like someone with secrets," Jenna grinned, voice barely above a whisper. Elena paused. Maybe i am," she replied. **** Detective Claire Monroe walked inside Damien's office, placing a file on his desk. We confirmed it. Emily Matthews is a fake identity," Claire said. How fake?, Julian asked. The real Emily died three years ago in Idaho. Car crash," Claire replied. Damien who has been quiet for a while finally spoke up. "And our Emily." No finger prints on record. But there is a match with a woman who vanished five years ago after giving birth in a private clinic___under the name Elena Carter," Claire explained. She had a baby?, Julian asked looking surprised. Claire nodded. "The child disappeared from the system at age two." Find the child," Damien said coldly, his expression hardened. Alright i will," Claire replied before leaving. **** Elena sat at the kitchen table across from Maya__who had visited with some groceries, wrapped in a silk head scarf, oversized sweater, and a look of fierce concern. You look like you haven't slept," Maya said. "Is everything alright?" He is digging, Maya. I can feel it. I'm scared. I don't know what to do," Elena replied. Then run. Now. Before he finds out about Noah," Maya suggested. Elena's eyes filled with tears. "No. I can't just pick up and run again, Maya. Noah's in school. We have a routine. And this job__this money_its our chance to finally stop living in fear." Not if you are working inside the lion's den," Maya snapped. "You're not safe there. And neither is your son." Elena covered her face with her hands. "Am confused, Aya. I don't really know what to do anymore." Maya's expression softened, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "Then be careful. And whatever you decide.... know I'm here and if you do stay__keep Noah far away from Damien". "He's a Blackwood. They don't forgive lies." Elena nodded. **** Damien stepped inside the company's general elevator instead of using his personal elevator. Good morning, Elena," he greeted. Elena gave a tight smile, "Emily." No. I don't think so," Damien replied, voice calm. Then maybe you are mistaking me for someone else," she said, as she avoids his eyes. You are a terrible liar," he said. And you're a dangerous man to be right around," she cuts in sharply. Damien stepped closer, "Tell me the truth." Why? So you can hurt me again?, she asked coldly, voice steady not flinching. He paused. What did i do to you?, he asked confused. Exactly what you are doing now.... making me believe you care," she replied. **** Meanwhile at Vanessa's private beauty spa, she sat with one of her socialite friends_Lila Worthington having a little chat. You look murderous. Didn't your billionaire behave?, Lila asked. He is distracted, by a woman," Vanessa said in a gritted teeth. Ah. So it is war," Lila laughed. She is using a fake name. He doesn't know it yet, but i do," she said. And you are going to expose her?, Lila asked, her curiosity piqued. Not yet. I'm going to play nice, get close... and then I'll destroy her from the inside," she said with a cold calculating smile. **** Hey. You've got a visitor," Jenna said as she approached Elena's desk. Elena looked up, "Who?" Jenna hesitated, "Some socialite named Vanessa Hale. She said you two met at the gala?" She froze. "Vanessa.....here?" Vanessa walked in on stiletto heels, dressed to kill in a cream designer dress and a smile too sharp to be sweet. Smelling like wealth and cruelty. Hello, Emily. right?, she extended a hand, her red nails gleaming like claws. "Vanessa Hale. Damien's fiancee." Elena kept her face smooth as she shook her hand. "Pleasure."